Headset recommendations?

gmohr · Post by **gmohr** » Fri Aug 05, 2011 4:36 pm

Jake,

The new Bose A20's that we just purchased fit more comfortably and do not
squeeze my head like my David Clark does. The ear cups are more
comfortable and the fit with my hat and glasses on is the most comfortable
of any headsets. We also like the fact that when we turn our heads looking
for traffic we do not have the cups pull away from our ears. While
expensive they will be worth what we paid at AirVenture for them.

dstclair · Post by **dstclair** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 9:20 am

I posted this on another forum and wanted to put my $0.02 in on headsets.

We all like our toys and acceptable noise level is subjective. ANR is certainly on the forefront of noise reduction but, of course, the algorthm employed needs to match the noise in your particular cabin or it has minimal effect. Lightspeed doesn't appear to make a passive set anymore. Too bad -- I've gone low-tech on headsets with a pair of LightSpeed Solo/c which have a passive attenuation of ~30db. This pales in comparison to the Bose and Zulu but at what cost? Keep in mind the Rotax puts out about 79db of noise (pulled this from the certification database in Europe for a Rotax powered DA20). Throw another 5db on top for the extra 20 horses of the ULS. This will attenuate a bit by the time it gets in the cabin. Call it 80db (max) when it hits your unshielded ears. Attenuate with my passive set and I'm down to around 50db. Take a look at the chart for comparison: http://www.industrialnoisecontrol.com/c ... amples.htm. My cabin is now a 'quiet suburb' which works for me -- and I don't need batteries (and I've saved a couple grand). YMMV.

Mark Gregor · Post by **Mark Gregor** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 8:49 pm

The noise level in a light sport plane with a rotax is more like 105db. That's in my p2008 which is one of the quieter LSAs. Noise level in a new certified plane is in the 95 range. Take a decibel meter along sometime if you don't believe me.

This is another example of how many of us do not know we are damaging our ears. I had no idea I was harming my hearing till it was too late. I am now careful not to do any more damage. My hearing loss comes from operating heavy machinery.

An hour here and there with avg headsets will likely be ok but if you regularly fly longer than that don't skimp on your headsets!

Jake

Mark Gregor · Post by **Mark Gregor** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 9:07 pm

I prefer the Zulu over the Bose X. I am going to purchase a new set of Zulu 2s or Bose 20s. Has anyone compared the compared the new Zulus to the Bose 20s behind a rotax?

Jake

cogito · Post by **cogito** » Tue Aug 09, 2011 10:00 am

The Bose A20s have been excellent in a SportCruiser, a Champ, and a Sting Sport. Sounds great, excellent noise canceling, and comfortable, even on six hour fights (in the Sting, not the Champ.~)

I had a problem with the mic cutting out when flying the Champ. I fly with the window open and there was just too much ambient noise. Bose replaced the electronics and mic on the headset (for free) and solved this problem.

The new headset, however, does not auto shut-off when connected to the airplane. In either the Sting or the Champ (haven't tried the SportCruiser yet.) Since it does auto shut-off when disconnected, Bose says they can't fix it.

I'm in the market for a second headset for my Sting and I'm likely to go for the Bose again and just add "turn off headsets" to my post-flight checklist.

theskunk · Post by **theskunk** » Tue Aug 09, 2011 2:17 pm

Anybody ever tried the Zulu 30 3G's -- I've got an opportunity to buy them at a great deal... just curious about everybodies impressions...

rsteele · Post by **rsteele** » Tue Aug 09, 2011 3:33 pm

I'm surprised no one has mentioned in-the-ear headsets.

I use Clarity Aloft and swear by it. The passive noise reduction is at least as good as the Bose X ANR. I've never had the opportunity to try Zulus or A20s.

I completely forget I have them on after a few minutes, to the extent that I've tried to exit the plane still connected.

I realize in-the-ear isn't for everyone, but if you hate the weight or clamping pressure or the battery issues, CA's can't be beat.

Ron

tadel001 · Post by **tadel001** » Tue Aug 09, 2011 7:44 pm

Having flown with all the headsets discussed. Clarity Aloft is by far my favorite. There isn't even a close second. I can fly 10 hours in a day with no residual effects from the Clarity. All the others, I have headaches after a while.

srhalter58 · Post by **srhalter58** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 9:21 am

I tried on the new Sennheiser at the EAA, While not in the plane, they were very comfortable, even with a Hat and Sunglasses. I get earaches after using plugs for sleeping so the in -the-ear units kinda scare me..

NismoRR · Post by **NismoRR** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 9:05 am

Passed my checkride last month and was using a cheap pair of ASA's for training. I just ordered a David Clark 10-13S yesterday. I can't justify $1000 for a headset just yet. Looking forward to checking them out next week.

dstclair · Post by **dstclair** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 10:55 am

From Jake

The noise level in a light sport plane with a rotax is more like 105db. That's in my p2008 which is one of the quieter LSAs. Noise level in a new certified plane is in the 95 range. Take a decibel meter along sometime if you don't believe me.

Had to take up the challenge

Went out with a noise meter that measures peak, average and max dBA. My Sting has no exposed carbon fiber in the cockpit with everything covered with thick, padded upholstery. The Rotax 912 ULS has a Woodcomp three bladed prop. The average and peak on the ground, including the run-up was 72/84 dBA. In flight including take-off was 88/94 dBA.

A NASA study had a C182 at 109 and C172 at 101.

So a passive headset at 30db noise attenuation would put me at 58 in cruise.
Which compares to:

Conversation in restaurant, office, background music, Air conditioning unit at 100 ft. Noise level: 60 dB. Half as loud as 70 dB. Fairly quiet

My point is that a lot of potential pilots read this forum and I don't want to leave the impression that one is required to drop $1K+ on headsets.

Mark Gregor · Post by **Mark Gregor** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 2:28 pm

Dave,

I am suprised at your number. Your plane is definitely quiet.
My Tecnam P2008 is loudest at 120kts max cruise where I regularly fly if I am going somewhere. Takeoff and climb are not as loud. If I back off to 110kts and 4900rpm it is about the same as climb/takeoff. I would guess the 88/94 db in your plane is at a lower rpm than max cruise?

Jake

dstclair · Post by **dstclair** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 3:51 pm

Hi Jake,

I was cruising at 5100 rpm which is my typical cruise setting and was generating 116 kts TAS at a DA of ~6500'. I'm sure I'd have added a few dBs if I'd gone up to 5500 rpm but i never cruise at that level. My max cruise is typically 5250 which seems to be my best speed vs fuel setting.

I also had more wind noise than normal since I had my three air scoops wide open to mitigate the Texas heat. Winter time should be a bit lower in dB without the wind, I'd guess.

If I recall, your plane has a 2 bladed prop. 3 blades are normally quieter. Made a big difference on my 300hp Bellanca.

Mark Gregor · Post by **Mark Gregor** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 8:02 pm

Dave

I have a three blade prop also. I will go up and check my plane at 5100 and see what the actual noise level is at that rpm.

My plane needed about 5250 to get to 120kts before the hot summer. now it seems it takes about 5700 to get 120kts and will easily redline the motor. Is this normal for the rotax? My plane is also noticebly louder with the vents open.

Jake