New Audio Panels Are A Cost-Effective Slide-In Upgrade To The Popular GMA 340

Garmin has rolled out the GMA 345 and GMA 342 all-digital audio panels designed for fixed-wing aircraft. The GMA 345 features Bluetooth audio connectivity and a front-mounted USB charging port, while the GMA 342 contains a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack that allows pilots to connect a mobile device directly to the audio panel.

These new panel-mount audio panels contain state-of-the-art sound quality and an impressive list of additional features, such as advanced auto squelch, music bass boost, advanced equalizer settings, 3D Audio processing and more, while also retaining a consistent user interface with the GMA 340. Contributing to an easy upgrade path, the GMA 345/342 are also pin-and-rack compatible1 and slide-in replaceable with the GMA 340 and select third-party audio panels, so it’s easy to incorporate modern audio panel technology and superior sound quality at a fraction of the price.

“With the GMA 345 and GMA 342, we’re excited to bring home theater sound quality, paired with 3D Audio, advanced auto squelch, connectivity with mobile devices and more to one of the most economical audio panels on the market,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “In addition to exclusive inflight audio, we’ve made the upgrade path seamless, allowing thousands of aircraft owners to easily upgrade and experience the workload-reducing benefits associated with a contemporary audio panel at an attractive price.”

The GMA 345/342 combine patented features alongside innovative sound quality to provide pilots with a cost-effective audio panel, rich with an exclusive feature set. Home theater-like music effects add to the rich audio characteristics provided by the GMA 345/342, allowing pilots to select bass boost levels, as well as equalizer effects, including rock, classical and pop. Advanced auto squelch automatically adapts to the noise level within the cockpit and allows for natural conversation through headsets. The GMA 345/342 includes a six-place stereo intercom and support for up to three stereo music inputs. Split-COMM mode also allows the pilot and co-pilot to broadcast independently on two separate frequencies. Additionally, a built-in digital clearance recorder can record up to 60 seconds of selected COMM radio transmissions so pilots can easily play back difficult clearances. The GMA 345/342 also feature dedicated pilot and co-pilot music and intercom volume control knobs.

As a standard feature of the GMA 345, pilots can connect a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth to easily make or receive phone calls, stream audio entertainment or wirelessly connect to select Garmin HD action cameras, like the VIRB Ultra 30, as well as select third-party cameras that support a Bluetooth microphone. In place of a headset cable, the GMA 345 and VIRB Ultra 30 connect wirelessly so pilots can overlay intercom audio and air traffic control communications on top of high definition video. When connected, a front-mounted USB charging port on the GMA 345 helps to keep mobile devices charged throughout flight. Alternatively, the GMA 342 contains a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack on the faceplate and allows pilots to connect cell phones or portable music devices to the audio panel for use during flight.

The first to introduce 3D Audio to general aviation, Garmin incorporates 3D Audio processing into the GMA 345/342 audio panels. With stereo headsets, incoming audio is spatially separated to reflect how people process sound and conversation by differentiating audio sources by their unique locations or seat position. For example, sound from COMM 1 will come from the left, whereas sound from COMM 2 will sound as though it’s coming from the right.

As a slide-in replacement for the popular GMA 340 audio panel, as well as a wide-range of select third-party audio panels, the GMA 345/342 offer aircraft owners an easy upgrade path so thousands can enjoy the benefits associated with a modern audio panel. The GMA 345/342 also incorporate a familiar user interface as it closely resembles that of the GMA 340 so transitioning to the new audio panel is seamless and straightforward.

Garmin is also introducing the GMA 345/342 Satisfaction Guarantee program, which is available to customers who purchase a GMA 345 or GMA 342 to replace their existing GMA 340 or third-party audio panel that is slide-in compatible. If upon completion of the initial flight test after installation of the GMA 345 or GMA 342, the customer is not satisfied with the new audio panel, the customer may elect to have the GMA 340 or third-party audio panel that was removed, re-installed and they may receive a complete refund of the purchase price (including installation) of the GMA 345 or GMA 342. Contact a participating Garmin authorized dealer for additional information.

The GMA 345 and GMA 342 are expected to be available in late April starting at $1,895 and $1,595 respectively.

(Images provided with Garmin media release)

FMI: www.garmin.com/aviation