Headset recommendations

RadioPhil

Hamvention Day So I am sitting at home doing my Dayton Hamvention shopping with no one to ask on experiences/recommendations. I would like to buy a Top Quality headset - ideas are for active noise reduction as opposed to heavy headset with sound insulation, a profiled speech response like the Shure 444 - or do I accept a wideband mic and do it all In the Flex 6600 Maestro So ideas based on real experience please - I have just saved $1200 on airfares, car rental & hotel - so we have “available budget” - I need my “Dayton me Gift” Actually saved more than that - XYL usually goes shopping while I am away ! Phil G4UDU

Mike-VA3MW

Hi Phil

I have tried active noise reduction with my Aircraft headset on HF and I didn't like the audio and went back to my RadioSport headset.  Active Noise Reduction (ANR) will affect the audio you receive.  Also, I never operate in the same background noise as I would be when I am flying.

If you want to try light and active noise, I would have a look at the Bose series but you will have to manufacture your own adapters cables.  Not a big deal, but doable.  It will soak up most of your $1200 and you can look into Aircraft Spruce as a supplier.  https://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/av/headsets.html

Many use the Shure 444, but I do often ask if you need such a high quality mic if our TX audio is only 50hz to 3000hz (most of the time).  While the Flex does do ESSB, it can be considered a waste of bandwidth by some operators.  But, that is a personal preference.

I really like all the headsets that Radio Sport makes.  They are actually pretty comfortable.  Not light, but I don't seem to notice it.

Mike va3mw

Phil N3ZP

Craig_KØCF

Steven WA8Y

I have the big cushion Radiosport M360/EM56 headset. I don't notice the bulk just the comfort. While not noise cancelling like my Peltor M2RX7A2-01 ($99 Amazon, built-in car radio) headphones, the ear pillows block all external noises below 80dB (really). The EM56 (blue one) is a rag chew mic. It works great in contests but it's a rag chew mic. The Radiosport - Headset -to- Radio Cable -Flex Maestro, part number is; CS6-MAE And David Bottom, WI6R was a big help mic and cable selection. And he provides great support after the sale. Is this headset is worth it ($450)? Its my dream headset, whether you wear them all day in a contest or just an hour, they are comfortable and you can launder the ear covers (sox). Sorry I don't know the model number for the cable adapter I'm using with the 6600 but he'll know. I travel without the big headset, I actually have tried a handful of mics with the Maestro. I have a Heil Pro-Micro (electret mic version). Its comfortable but I had to make an adapter box to get the mic connected. I'm using a $25 headset (mic on cord design by Auvio) , best TX audio and good sound . The light weight Radiosport headset was not comfortable.

K0FLY