The second generation A450 ANR headset from AvShop Design adds new comfort and convenience features to the revolutionary A400 series, enhancing the appeal of a headset that took the market by storm just last summer. Instead of waiting for other vendors to catch up before pushing the limits of value and performance, the A450 adds auto-shutoff functionality and the convenience of a mobile phone interface to the high-value, high-performance formula that made the original A400 a runaway hit.

The A450 maximizes mission versatility with a combination of passive and active noise reduction technologies. Using a mini-microphone inside the ear cup to sense fatiguing low-frequency engine and wind noise, circuitry in the A450 instantly creates an opposing sound wave, neutralizing 10-12 dB of the offending roar before it reaches your ear.

An additional 25 dB of noise protection, spread more evenly across low and high-frequency sound, is provided by lightweight high-density sound-deadening materials in the ear cups. The resulting broad and deep protection profile makes the A450 an ideal choice for pilots who fly in a variety of aircraft.

In addition to providing protection against short and long-term hearing damage from the high noise levels in general aviation cockpits, the A450 enhances in-cockpit and air-to-ground communications by using high-fidelity stereo speakers in the ear cups and a premium electret mic on the flexible but stable and precise mic boom. The boom itself reverses for left or right side operation, and the adjustable gain pre-amp lets you boost or reduce the sensitivity of the mic in the field.

The A450 pulls in comfort innovations revealed in the development of the A200 series of headsets earlier this year. A semi-rigid, low-profile head pad features a smooth leatherette surface on the interior radius, maximizing stability while preventing the binding, itching and pinching found in less ergonomically-refined designs.

Upgraded ear seals accommodate larger ears, conform around glasses or sunglasses and remain cool and stable under all conditions thanks to perspiration-fighting non-slip surface properties.

While not revolutionary in scope, the benefits of the new mobile phone interface port are revealed as a series of inconveniences can now be averted. Current FCC rules prohibit using your regular mobile phone in flight, but a "back channel" connection to the ATC system comes in handy when you find yourself out of radio contact when trying to close your flight plan on the ground at an out-of-the-way airfield.

You will also save crucial time by advising business associates or family members of changing plans while you're still on the taxiway. Used with an increasingly economical satellite phone, your cockpit can even become an extension of your office in flight. The included cable will work with most non-Nokia phones.

In addition to the mobile phone capability, the auxiliary audio input can be used with MP3 players, a laptop, DVD players or even with audible checklists on a PDA.

Composite materials keep weight for the A450 around 14 ounces without sacrificing durability. While some headsets seem to need constant re-sizing in flight, the screw-less size adjustment system in the A450 easily provides for a wide window of head geometries while holding its size until you choose to change it.

Sliding right and left channel volume controls, power controls and a mono/stereo switch are on the small in-line battery control box. Inside the box, 2 "AA" batteries provide up to 25 hours of noise canceling power. An LED battery status indicator and new auto-shut-off functionality assist with power management while a failsafe design maintains primary operation with your radio, even with dead batteries. Note that mobile phone and personal audio devices will not operate properly without battery power.

The A450 ships with a custom-designed padded headset bag. With a handy inside pocket for your charts and logbook and a built-in retractable shoulder strap, this durable compact nylon bag may be the only bag you need to carry to the flight line.

Making the jump to ANR protection is a no-risk proposition - the A450 is covered by AvShop's 30-Day Guarantee and a 2-Year Warranty against manufacturing defects.

Specifications

General Data
  Connectors: .250" stereo plug; .206" stereo microphone plug
  Mobile Phone Connector: 2.5 mm plug
  Weight: 14.5 ounces
  Active Noise Cancellation Reduction: 10-12dB
  Passive Noise Attenuation: 24-26dB

Headphone Data
  Transducer: Dynamic
  Frequency Response: 24-17,000 Hz
  Nominal Impedance: 300 ohms stereo; 150 ohms mono

Microphone Data
  Transducer Principle: Noise canceling electret
  Frequency Response: 200-5000 Hz
  Maximum SPL: 114 dB
  Terminating Impedance: 470 ohms
  Operating Voltage: 8-16V DC Approx 5-12mA