Press

06.10.2009 - Wedemark

Good connections: the HMEC pilot´s headset with a Redel connector

Audio specialist Sennheiser is extending its range of products for pilots. The new HMEC 466 is a pilot’s headset with active noise compensation and outstanding passive attenuation for use in propeller and turboprop aircraft. The most important feature: the new version of the HMEC 460 is now fitted with a Redel connector, allowing it to be used in almost all private aircraft.

Sometimes it is the small things that make a big difference. “The great advantage of the Redel connector is that it carries all of the signals,” explained Ralf Kärgel, Product Manager for Aviation and Professional Headsets at Sennheiser. “The Redel connector not only transmits the audio signals from the headphones and the microphone but also carries the power supply for the NoiseGard electronics. That greatly facilitates handling in the cockpit.”

User-friendliness is also enhanced by the control unit integrated into the cable. It allows all of the headset functions to be controlled simply and conveniently. These include activation of the NoiseGard and auto shut-off functions and the selection of a stereo or mono signal. What is more, each channel has its own volume control, which means that the volume for the right and left ear can be adjusted separately.

The control unit can also be used to connect a mobile phone and an audio source such as an MP3 player to the headset. “This feature allows pilots to receive phone calls while still on the ground and to listen to their favourite music while in the air,” said Ralf Kärgel describing the advantages of the new headset. Of course, safety is always the top priority: when a radio signal is received, the audio source is automatically interrupted and the ATC signal is transmitted.

Safe and reliable voice transmission and optimum hearing protection
The HMEC 466 headset is a genuine all-rounder. Its noise-compensating condenser microphone guarantees safe and reliable voice transmission. The sensitivity of the microphone is adjustable, allowing it to optimally cancel out differences in volume between voices and ambient noise. The flexible microphone boom can be easily adjusted with one hand and can be swivelled through 300 degrees. This allows the microphone to be worn either on the right or left-hand side.

Optimum hearing protection is provided by the combination of passive noise attenuation and active noise compensation. The closed design effectively shields against high-frequency noise, while continuous low-frequency noise is cancelled out by Sennheiser’s NoiseGardTM technology. “With a total noise attenuation of up to 40 dB, the HMEC 466 is absolutely at the top of its class in terms of hearing protection,” said Ralf Kärgel.

Even greater wearing comfort
The HMEC 466 is also one of the class leaders when it comes to wearing comfort. For example, the contact pressure of the ear pads has been reduced by around 20 percent, ensuring that the headset is always comfortable to wear even on longer flights. Wearing comfort is further enhanced by improved padding on the headband and extra soft leatherette ear pads.

The HMEC 466 with a Redel connector is available immediately and comes with a ten-year guarantee. The set includes a cable clip, a windshield for the microphone, an audio cable for connecting a mobile phone, an audio cable for connecting portable audio players and a carrying case for the headset and accessories.

Sennheiser Aviation: many years of experience in the cockpit and control tower
Ever since the mid-1980s, Sennheiser systems have been guaranteeing optimum speech intelligibility i n the cockpit of renowned airlines and control tower. Innovations such as the NoiseGard™ active noise compensation system and ActiveGard™ to protect against potentially harmful volume surges form the basis for the success of Sennheiser headsets. With their top-quality acoustics, high wearing comfort and hard-wearing design, Sennheiser’s aviation products are optimally suited to the needs of pilots and air traffic controllers. Safety and reliability are always the top priority.
  

The Sennheiser Group, with its headquarters in Wedemark near Hanover, Germany, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of microphones, headphones and wireless transmission systems. The family-owned company, which was established in 1945, recorded sales of over €385 million in 2008. Sennheiser employs more than 2,100 people worldwide, around 55% of whom are in Germany. Sennheiser has manufacturing plants in Germany, Ireland and the USA, and is represented worldwide by subsidiaries in France, Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark (Nordic), Russia, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Japan, China, Canada, Mexico and the USA, as well as by long-term trading partners in many other countries. Also part of the Sennheiser Group are Georg Neumann GmbH, Berlin (studio microphones), K + H Vertriebs- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH (Klein + Hummel studio monitors, installed sound) and the joint venture Sennheiser Communications A/S (headsets for PCs, offices and call centres). 
 
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