Well in my ever continuing quest to find the ultimate ERJ headset solution I decided to buy the Lightspeed Mach 1 headset.
In the past I have used the company supplied David Clarks, my Lightspeed 20XL ANR headset, and the Telex 5x5 with custom ear molds. I decided to drag my Telex, 20XL, and the Mach 1 on a long flight to compare. The best noise cancelling for me came from my Lightspeed ANR headset, the Telex 5x5 and Mach 1 were about the same. I would say the Mach 1 was slightly better and you don't have the earseal issue with a heaving mic boom like the Telex.
The Mach 1 does have an adjustable mic gain. The background noise from the Mach 1 and Telex 5x5 were about the same. On either headset you can make the appropriate adjustment to reduce the background noise.
The bottom line is if you want ultimate noise cancelling wear the clamps. I personally hate wearing the clamps so I will most likely keep the Mach 1. I would like to borrow someone Bose headset for a final comparison.
The biggest issue is the ERJ is just so dang noisy nothing works perfectly.
What I Like:
- Very lightweight
- Audio tone a better quality than Telex 5x5
- Built in volume control for easy adjustments. Telex you need to buy an additional volume control.
- Music interface is good but only lowers the music by 70% No COMPLETE mute!
- Very flexible mic boom. Better than Telex 5x5
- Plugs stay in place. Telex 5x5 tends to pull on the mold where the mic is attached.
What I Don't Like:
- Ear Wrap around for mike boom causes conflict with wearing sunglasses.
I wear Oakleys and it wasn't too bad but it may bug you after a while.
- Watch style battery to power cell/audio interface. Company doesn't say how long this battery will last nor how expensive to replace.
- Replacement plugs are expensive.
Trying to see if I can make my own replacements (http://store.yahoo.com/earplugstore/index.html)
- Provided case is Huge. I am looking for a smaller solution
Bottom line: If you already have a Telex 5x5 you may be good with what you have unless you are dying to have a audio interface. If the clamps don't bother you this headset most likely will not be more quiet than what you are currently using. If you haven't bought anything to date and are a rich FO like me (NOT!) the Lightspeed is worth a look. If you can find the headset at a local store to try that may be your best option.
Feel free to ask additional questions.
Blue Skies!
AZPilot
In the past I have used the company supplied David Clarks, my Lightspeed 20XL ANR headset, and the Telex 5x5 with custom ear molds. I decided to drag my Telex, 20XL, and the Mach 1 on a long flight to compare. The best noise cancelling for me came from my Lightspeed ANR headset, the Telex 5x5 and Mach 1 were about the same. I would say the Mach 1 was slightly better and you don't have the earseal issue with a heaving mic boom like the Telex.
The Mach 1 does have an adjustable mic gain. The background noise from the Mach 1 and Telex 5x5 were about the same. On either headset you can make the appropriate adjustment to reduce the background noise.
The bottom line is if you want ultimate noise cancelling wear the clamps. I personally hate wearing the clamps so I will most likely keep the Mach 1. I would like to borrow someone Bose headset for a final comparison.
The biggest issue is the ERJ is just so dang noisy nothing works perfectly.
What I Like:
- Very lightweight
- Audio tone a better quality than Telex 5x5
- Built in volume control for easy adjustments. Telex you need to buy an additional volume control.
- Music interface is good but only lowers the music by 70% No COMPLETE mute!
- Very flexible mic boom. Better than Telex 5x5
- Plugs stay in place. Telex 5x5 tends to pull on the mold where the mic is attached.
What I Don't Like:
- Ear Wrap around for mike boom causes conflict with wearing sunglasses.
I wear Oakleys and it wasn't too bad but it may bug you after a while.
- Watch style battery to power cell/audio interface. Company doesn't say how long this battery will last nor how expensive to replace.
- Replacement plugs are expensive.
Trying to see if I can make my own replacements (http://store.yahoo.com/earplugstore/index.html)
- Provided case is Huge. I am looking for a smaller solution
Bottom line: If you already have a Telex 5x5 you may be good with what you have unless you are dying to have a audio interface. If the clamps don't bother you this headset most likely will not be more quiet than what you are currently using. If you haven't bought anything to date and are a rich FO like me (NOT!) the Lightspeed is worth a look. If you can find the headset at a local store to try that may be your best option.
Feel free to ask additional questions.
Blue Skies!
AZPilot