Aviation Headsets
Choosing a headset is not that easy: You have to know exactly what you want from your new headset beforehand. Should it be an active headset or a passive one? And which plug is actually required?
Here we have summarized the most important information for you!
Active meets passive, form follows function and smartphone connectivity is becoming increasingly important!
Test your desired headset with our headset simulator through its paces:
In our store in Egelsbach you have the opportunity to test all aviation headsets from our range with a headset simulator. Here, aircraft sounds are simulated and you can try out which headset suits you best!
You should definitely pay attention to the following points when choosing a headset:
- comfort:Pressure points can quickly lead to headaches or discomfort. So test a headset very carefully in terms of wearing comfort!
- Voice quality: A headset also helps in the safe conduct of the flight and the associated communication with the German Air Traffic Control or other passengers. Therefore, the voice quality should be correspondingly good.
- Operation/Equipment The ease of use or the range of accessories can also be decisive for a good heaset.
Active versus passive
Headsets are designed to efficiently reduce noise in the cockpit, thus increasing not only comfort but also the ability to concentrate and consequently safety. Headsets do this on the basis of the "noise-canceling effect," which translates as "noise cancellation. Noise from the environment should therefore be suppressed. There are two types of noise cancellation: passive and active!
Passive headsets
Passive noise cancellation uses the principle of sound absorption. Acoustic waves (i.e. external noise) are attenuated by means of thick padding. In this type of headset, large ear cups provide isolation from external noise. However, this usually only attenuates the noise.
Active headsets
Headsets with active noise cancellation are also called ANR (Active Noise Reduction) or ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) headsets. How does it work? Inside the ear cup and in some models additionally outside microphones pick up the ambient noise, rotate its phase by 180 degrees and then emit a frequency via a second speaker in the ear cup that cancels out the ambient noise. The lower the frequency or the more uniform the noise, the better the noise cancellation works.
Looking for the right aviation headset? Our Customer Support will be happy to advise you and help you make the right choice!
Connector types
What types of connectors are there and what influence do they have on the power supply of the aviation headset?
1) PJ plug
This plug is also called twin plug, double jack plug, twin pug or general aviation plug. It is used with passive headsets and headsets where the ANR is battery powered. Although the plugs look similar, the microphone plug (also called PJ-068) is thinner and has a slightly different shape than the audio output plug (also called PJ-055). This helps to avoid confusion when connecting to the intercom. The PJ connector is one of the most common configurations and is used in many general and commercial aviation machines.
2) XLR5 connector
XLR connectors are considered the industry standard for electrical connections and are used in aviation with a 5-pin design. With this connector it is possible to supply the ANR of an aviation headset with power from the on-board power supply (provided that the XLR socket in the cockpit has power access).
3) LEMO connector
The 6-pin LEMO connector is becoming more and more popular. You only need one connector (space-saving), can supply the headset with power and the plug can not simply slip out due to its secure push-pull locking.
4) U174-Stecker
If you fly helicopters, you need a headset with a U174 plug. This plug is shorter and thicker than PJ plugs and transmits both signals: earphone and microphone. The diameter is 7.1 mm.
Headset accessories
You have found your dream headset and are now looking for the right accessories? Then you've come to the right place:
Adapter
With an adapter you can adapt the connection of your headset to the conditions on site in the cockpit: For example, from Lemo PJ to XLR5 or vice versa.
Sockets
If you want to attach multiple headsets to just one cockpit connector, you can easily do that with a so-called socket.
Extension cable
Even if you don't want a "cable tangle" in the cockpit, it's amazing how often the headset cables are too short. With an extension cable is hereby an end!
Two in the cockpit but only one headset connection? No problem with the right jack!
Our range of aviation headsets
We have the following brands of aviation headsets in our range. These can be ordered in our store in Egelsbach as well as in our online store:
