A New Generation Of Digital Headsets Is Coming To Aviation

There are few things we love more at ANN than a good game of "Gadget Patrol." Checking out the latest and greatest in aviation goodies is about as good a time as anything else -- while the variety and ingenuity we see in this market continues to blow us away.

At the 2008 AOPA Convention, "Gadget Patrol" was in full swing and it wasn't long until we took a look at the latest generation of digital headsets from beyerdynamic... and came away impressed.

Founded in 1924, in Berlin, beyerdynamic (the name is not capitalized) GmbH & Co. KG has become a powerhouse in all things audio. Throughout a number of industries with need for audio gear, this is a name that has some serious bearing and now they're setting their sights, with renewed interest, on aviation with the introduction of their HS 600 DANR (Digital Adaptive Noise Reduction).

The new HS 600 DANR is beyerdynamic's top aviation headset offering. According to the company, the new HS 600 DANR is the only Aviation headset worldwide that provides a processor-controlled active noise attenuation with an intelligent algorithm producing the counter sound. This feature results in a quick adaptation to changing noise levels and a good perception of audio warnings. While active headsets of the former generation are optimized for a limited frequency range, beyerdynamic claims that their DANR system can adapt more quickly to different noise levels and to recognized peaks of noise, such as engines with a high rotary speed, within a wide frequency range. This advantage of the DANR concept makes this new headset 'a benchmarking product.'

The DANR processor is integrated into an audio box to which a mobile phone or MP3 player can be connected. For the power supply two AA batteries can be inserted into the audio box or a 3-pin XLR cable can be connected to the on-board power supply system in the aircraft. When the headset is not in use, the audio box is switched off automatically. In addition to the new technology the HS 600 DANR also emphasizes comfort and design. The headband pad is covered with soft leather and the ear pads are viscoelastic. The ear caps accented with a unique "Carbon Look" and accented with brushed aluminum bezels.

The two AA batteries offer a minimum operating time of 25 hours, though an on-board power supply system (12 - 36 V DC) may be utilized instead. The system weighs less than 12 ounces (minus cables).

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FMI: www.beyerdynamic-usa.com/en/aviation/aviation.html, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews