Which Aviation Headphones are Better? TakingOff Ep43 

When testing the Bose, Bryan actually covered the "Ombient" sensing mics of the headset with his fingers and decreased headset noise reduction performance. A20 has inside the earcup mics and outside ones to "listen" to the noise.

One thing I have noticed with my personal experience, they mic on the Bose is way better than any other headset I have tried.

Great video guys! I started with an ASA head set and this year I up graded to a Bose A 20 .. when I turned on the noise canceling feature it was a next level experience! I have posted the question many times about what head set people prefer and it always comes down to light speed and bose.

Very good effort and review guys!!

Cool test. It’s nice to see something a little different in the way they were tested. I noticed that you were pressing your fingers on the ear cup while taking some of the readings. There are microphones on the outside (at least on the Bose) where you were putting your fingers that are used to cancel the sound. Your fingers being over them or even nearby may have affected the ANR performance.

Finally some sound advice! And you guys are awesome! :-) "They are calling you right now" - - that is ringing in your ears :-)

Thanks for another great video. What mic did you use that's small enough to fit inside the ear cups?

One thing you failed to mention was the spectral frequency response of the mike used to measure attenuation of the headset. Various different materials and methods of noise reduction do not reduce noise uniformly across the audio frequency spectrum. In particular, active noise cancelling headsets are designed to provide most attenuation selectively, in the frequency band known to be most injurious to hearing. So if that is not what you are measuring, the results are compromised. Perhaps that is why some headsets which seem to be strong attenuators measure out to be much less so. Just sayin...

I fly 6-9 hrs in the Saab 340 wearing the Bose A20 wearing reasonably thick sunglasses all wrapped around a 61cm head. No complaints, ATC comms are crystal clear and I hear enough ambient noise to maintain good situational awareness of the engines, props and forward galley.

finally a decent aviation headset comparison of proper headsets ,, thank you Taking off. by the way wonder if you guys can do one of these top end noise cancelling headset Vs something like Sony 1000mx3 with nflightmic or avee.. maybe thats the way to go

Great video, guys. I rather suspect that the size of the Avcom child's headset caused high clamping forces, which lead to a better noise reduction, but beyond that, not something I would own.

I've been using the Faro G2 ANR for about 8 months. No complaints so far and the price is great compared to the others. Battery life has been really good as well. I'm going to try the decibel meter thing next time I'm up and see how they perform. This video has gotten me curious.

Great job, Dan and Bryan! I don't fly piston airplanes, but I fly a very loud jet...the Boeing 737. I'd say 90% of the people I fly with use some form of a noise cancelling headset and we have an intercom for communications between the two pilots. The 737 noise is generated by wind and not the engines (and of course, not the propeller). I've been on the airplane for just over a year and have a touch over 500 hours in it. I started off with the Bose A20s. They did a great job at noise cancelling, but they're very bulky and we do long legs/long days in it. It gets a bit much after a 6-8 hour day. I switched up to the David Clark DC Pro-X. It's a lightweight, on-ear model that was pretty much designed for the 737 to cancel out the wind noise. It's super comfortable and and gives me plenty of noise cancelling. I can definitely tell a reduction in fatigue at the end of the day. I know it probably wouldn't work in the Centurion (beautiful plane, by the way), but it works great in the 7-3! My favorite headset of all time is the molded earpiece with a boom mike hanging off of it, but this airplane is way too loud for that! Love the videos! Keep up the good work! -Fellow DFW aviator!

Hey you guys, Great video. What is also interesting: How do die ANR Headsets perform, when batteries are empty (passive noise canceling performance)? And you might add the DC One-x in whenever you do jour next check. Allways happy landings:-)😀

Nice test. One variable may be the hat. I saw a couple times where the eat piece was on the hat.

Try the Crazed Pilot ANR -- that is what I went with during my training -- now have the Zulu3 as I wanted the Bluetooth.

I actually do have that avcomm heaset in same color. I got it secondhand but my daughter never complained and we could hear each other fine. When I tried it on, only one ear was producing sound. Otherwise, it worked for short flights in a Cub.

I like the way you did these tests as you could also tell the difference in microphone tonality. Good Job. I also use the Zulu and Zulu 3.

What model David Clark headset did you test?

I use the David Clark’s and they seem to work great (I haven’t tried any higher end headsets before).. except after about 2 hours of flight I’ll start to get that head squeezed feeling around the ears.

I have to imagine that the outtakes from this video would be pretty funny!:-)

The Bose A20s are by far the best and reduce the most noise and are hyper comfortable given how light they are...they are expensive but they are worth it.

Thanks for the information

I'm a retired electronics engineer with some background in experimental psychology. To me, the demonstrations depicted in this film are not tests in any scientific sense of the word. There are so many uncontrolled variables as to make these comparisons fairly meaningless. Among the uncontrolled variables are leakage around hats and eyeglass frames, and the position and orientation of the so-called decibel meter mics within the earmuffs.

Awsome headset test only thing I would have like to seen was the ear buds, I'm not sure how you would test them.

Cool video!

thanks guys this is very helpful,,but i think the test is less accurate due to holding it against the ear...

i've been using my Sennheiser HD-25 for 25 years. It's wonderful.. I used it for years in the DC-3s I was flying. The company provided David Clark vises. I can't wear those for longer than an hour. The HD-25 is noise cancelling, but I rarely use that. Sometimes the first indication of engine trouble is something you hear. The Sennheiser HD-25 cuts the noise well enough without using the noise cancelling, besides I don't have to buy a lot of AA batteries. By the way, I'm also a professional photographer/videographer. If you want the prop to look like it should, don't use a shutter speed faster than 1/60th second, or turn off the shutter. You'll get better depth of field with the lens stopped down to compensate for the slow shutter speed. The default on video cameras should be 1/60th. At least, it was with the professional Betacam cameras I was using.

It would be good idea to check the passive headsets with the in-ear filters...

Goid enough, but placing mic cords under the seal does effect sound reduction. Also you were pushing with hands on ear cups. Yes clamping pressure helps.

When I bought my ANR headset I tested before buying (go to SNF or Oshkosh!). The ANR seemed about the same between Bose A20 & Zulu 3. I chose Lightspeed Zulu 3 because they were more comfortable for me. At that level you just have to decide what fits/sounds the best for your head and ears. As for passengers, they get my old ASA headset that does a pretty good job, but there is no beating ANR!

I have the SIERRA... BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK! the noise cancelling is good, intercom works perfectly and confortable enough for average (2hr) flights.

Thanks Brian and Dan. I think it's all about measured frequencies. I picked up a comment from Bryan saying the attenuation seemed better in perception than sometimes the drop in meter reading. A "human" index may be better % wise, using the ear as a sensor, and say, taking the mid range set as a baseline. Possibly? :)

Missed the CrazedPilot ANR1 at $197 for Active Noise Reduction.

I realize this is an old video, but I still use my 45 yr old Avcomm headsets...they still work...they cancel noise very well...they're comfortable ...and I'd buy them again.

#1 question on the forums - "How much does Bryan charge for flight lessons?" followed by "Does Bryan really use a Green Screen, or is it all real?"

Great comparisson and very useful. Would love to know, how come nobody ever compares the David Clark ANR options? Are they not even worth considering? I am renewing my PPL this year, and want to upgrade from my David Clark H10-13.4 passive (they were OK - comfortable, but never really considered them to be great at noise reduction in a DA20 or 172). I am looking at the Zulu 2 over Sierra mainly because of physical design features. I cant justify the Bose for a monthly VFR pilot as myself.

You didn't indicate what the max drop was in the zulu 3s. can you post your Zulu Siera vs Zulu 3 results please?

How did you record the voice and video at the same time without loud engine interference?

This finally came up on my suggested video list. I got a set of the green David Clamps.... not long after I started using them, they became a left ear only, so I upgraded my Pilot USA to a new set of gel ear muffs and a new cord. I just got a kit to upgrade my old David Clark’s to ANR from Active Headsets Inc. it’s a kit that replaces the original speakers with a pair of speakers, one for ANR and the second for sound. This plus new gel seals and a new pillow top to complete the refresh.

I'm new and getting my PPL, but didn't want to spend a lot on a headset just yet, so I bought the Rugged Air's for $85. Apparently they are cheaper than all those you have tested, but they worked great for me on my first flight. They seemed to have blocked out the noise and I could hear/transmit just fine with my CFI. They didn't get uncomfortable at all after 1.5hr. I'll need more seat time to determine if these are durable and won't fall apart on me. However, I could easily replace them every year or 2 and still come out ahead of the more expensive $1k sets. I haven't tried on a better set to compare, but until then I feel like these are the best bargain for me. Or can be spares should I win the lottery and want A20's.

Samsun mx4 with crystal mic attachment. Amazing

The Wright Brothers used 2 tin cans on a string.

I started with the Sigtronics ANR. Didn't like that they squeel like a stuck pig when the battery voltage drops, so I switched to Faro G2. Correction: I started flying when headsets (GA) didn't exist --- used the speaker above my left ear. Went into the miltary and used GI headsets (before they switched to DC headsets in the 90s). I like the Faro, but after 4 hours of continuous use, they become uncomfortable (hard to assess comfort on a 5 minute test --- need to go for multiple continuous hours) $0.02 I did transition training on my present aircraft and was provided with the A20s during the training. Didn't like them --- not comfortable for wear or for reception -- also didn't like the price. (another $0.02) -

ANR only reduces decibels at certain frequencies.

David Clark One-x?

I was so surprised by the gear I’m not kidding

love my Sierras. i also can't justify paying almost double for the Bose when i can get two Sierras.

David Clark ear clamps protect your ears just fine. I grew up on them before $1200 headsets were the norm. You also don’t want noise cancelling that’s so incredibly good you can’t hear the pitch changes in engine sound. Otherwise you’re going to be staring at your engine gauges continually during approach and landing. I can land my 767 on sound alone but if one ear isn’t uncovered during approach I have to keep looking at the EICAS.

A difference of 2 dB is almost not detectable by the human ear. 1 dB difference is not detectable. The decibel scale is logarithmic not linear. Between the Bose and Lightspeed the best metric will be comfort (weight and clamping pressure) and cost.

Speaking from a shooting sports background. 40% of hearing loss comes from outside the ear channel. So over the ear headsets offer much better hearing protection than inside the ear sets.

hahahahaha love that Brian guy

Which headsets feature voice recognition?

Qset aviator headset is the best value headset out there. Noise cancelling blue tooth. Highly recommended them over others. Small company great service.

3:17 That voice on the radio sounds just like the guy from Friend Skies Film.

My utmost focus on the video was when ice was picking up on the wings. The headsets came second.

Headset technology "secret" nowadays? No way. Bose is brand, we all know that. Lightspeed is doing a great job. I Love the fact that they have basically the same performance. But, price quite different. It would be nice to see you guys testing these headsets with two criteria: PNR and ANR on the same headset, it would be nice to see how much noise reduction difference between PNR and ANR. Anyways, thanks for doing the test and sharing it.

I currently have a David Clark H20-10 and have been happy with it. I bought a Clarity Aloft at Sun an Fun and while they are quieter the the DC they are not as comfortable. I will soon be upgrading to the Zulu 3. I tried the A-20 and the Zulu 3 and for me the Zulu 3 was more comfortable so that is what I will buy.

I'm a Zulu guy and I have 80 hours with my Zulu 2 and I absolutely love it. Last week I took a friend flying who has the A20 and we decided to swap for the trip to test the other's out because I wanted to try the A20 and he wanted to try the Lightspeed. Even though I love my Zulu, I can honestly say the A20 is more comfortable. The Zulu is still very comfortable but the A20 just barely beats it in comfort.

Love this channel. Come on subscribers get with the channel fan

What microphone did you use for the test?

Wish they tried the Faros.

I can't decide what to buy!! Anyone use the UFQ L2's?

I’m almost ready to go solo in my flight training to be a private pilot, is it a good idea to jump in and buy some earphones or wait until you pass your check ride?

Hello buddy, could you explain how you record headphone (ATC)/mic (both of you) audio at the same time with video? (I'm a student pilot, so I love to record audio conversation with ATC/Instructor with video) 🙂🙂🙂🛬🚁🛫✈️🛩️

My understanding is that active noise reduction does not protect your hearing, it just provides a perceived noise reduction And your ears are still subject to The higher noise level. In other words, noise canceling is not the same as noise reduction. Therefore, would really love to see an extra data point and see what reduction was achieved for each headset with passive only (anr off).

I have a Zulu 3 with blue tooth and won a set of a20’s at sun and fun . And imo i can’t tell the difference between them expect the way they ride on my head. The zulus seem to be more comfortable than the a20’s. But both are worth the money hands down.

Did you apply the A-weighted curve to your dB meters?

The Kid Knockoff looks like the Razer Blackshark Headset😂

Try a dummy head microphone next time it will be more accurate

About to start my pilot training , wish these weren’t so much money , even the low end of the light speed are costly

Hi everybody flying!!! I'm an Antonov 2 Russian pilot and I have to use soviet GSH-A-18 headsets)) I think, that it doesn't decrease the noise at all! Be stronger! 😂 Hopefully, I'll be an owner of Zulu 3 and enjoy my work)

Yeah, let’s test the kids Avcomm headset with no mic muff and call it a real experiment. These guys are geniuses! “Ombient noise”

Doesn't David Clark have a noise cancelling headset? Pro X2. Why wouldn't you compare those to the Zulu and the A20?

Great video guys! I bought two sets of Bose A-20 Blue Tooth headsets for my Cub when I finish it. 😁 I LOVE’EM!!! I have been restoring my late Grandfathers 1946 J-3C Cub that he bought in 1968. And it flew pretty much every year until major tear down in 2017 for this major restoration. Feel free to check out my videos. 😁👌🏼

Bose A20

You get what you pay for. If you fly professionally - multiple hours a day- get the Bose. The band is metal now, and if you have LEMO plugs, you don’t need to worry about the AA batteries. The sound quality and the mic performance are the best. They are also the most comfortable.

Ambience 🤔

Crazy pronunciation of "ambient" noise by the guest

At the end of the day you get what you pay for.if you want the best you’ll be looking at a large investment..I have used H10-30s for years these are medium priced..possibly discontinued now,but they were more than adequate for my needs. I use to hire light aircraft but I used my own headsets..you can have the best headsets in the world,but if the radio in your aircraft is poor like in many training/hire aircraft then this defeats the object of paying top money..retired now flew for 3o years..Happy landings all..

I would think that specific frequencies are more harmful than others. A decibel meter lumps all frequencies together. Talk to a specialist and bring in his or her knowledge would be helpful.. Thanks for the Vlog..

Was Daniel’s meter doing an average since the meter started, or a moving average over a recent short period of time? If the former, the results are skewed by the previously tested headsets.

No DC One X??? I dunno man...

Bose

The word is "ambient" like "I am"

I have tinnitus from going to rock concerts without hearing protection and shooting guns without hearing protection (just a few times).... its not fun, you don't want it

Ambiance 😂🤣

Dude wtf... Why doesn't anyone ever test the DC one-x?!

Hello gentlemen, I was looking forward to watching this video. But you were not clear with WHAT headset was what. I guess I was hoping at the end, you would have held up each seperare headset to talk about it. Unless a person or new pilot knows what is what...people aren't going to know what headset you are talking about. Thank you anyway. I'll keep watching.

How is this a “scientific” test? You are testing passive models against noise ANR models. Why not Test the less expensive brands’ noise cancelling models?

Im not paying 800 bills for a fucking head set!!!!

I like the sound of the mic on the Bose A20, but come on, $1,095! I smell unnatural “aviation” price increases. For me, a very poor pilot, I use the Faro G2 ANC that is priced at $224. And i suppose it’s fine because I don’t ever think about my headset during flight.

just buy the BOSE a20 buy nice or buy twice

Unfortunately for aviation, the safest (best) products are always WAY more expensive than anything else. Bose and Lightspeed are surely the best. And, hearing ATC is very important. But at $6 a gallon for fuel, what the heck are we supposed to do? The day is coming when the aviation industry will crater..... It's getting close.

So the cheap one works the best, but you figure out a way to throw it out.

That was a silly unscientific test. Totally bogus! The slightest leak in the ear seals will give you a 20 dB different reading. My David Clark DNR headsets make my 114 dB 200 mph homebuilt perfectly quiet. However what about the microphones? All brands have similar passive noise cancelling mics, that is a problem in my airplane; the noise opens the intercom squelch and makes it hard for ATC to hear me.

Am bee int

Wright bros used bose? Was bose even born then? Must be a joke i suppose.

does It bug anyone else that he can’t pronounce “ambient” correctly?

And you ignore the David Clark DC One-X? A Bose, three Lightspeeds and that all for the ANR's? Pathetic.