Headset Parts & Accessories
6th Oct 2022
Headsets are critical in the aviation industry, especially for pilots. However, the accessories are only as good as their components. It helps to know the purpose of each part and what to do when they become damaged. Understanding headset parts and accessories can also help you decipher the quality when shopping for one. The information below can be your buying guide.
Headband – Headbands or head pads are critical for your comfort. The headset component can have various materials, such as foam, leather, pleather, or velour. It sits on top of the head directly. Each material has a different comfort level that is worth considering during purchase. Do not focus on the padding only, though that is also important. Check adjustability and the arch too.
Microphones – Headsets tend to have in-built microphones that come in handy whether you are listening or talking. Unidirectional and omnidirectional microphones are the two categories available. Unidirectional ones may be better for you because they do not allow external sound interference during communication. You can get a microphone muff to go with your headset.
Cables – Cables are wires that connect headsets to the jacks. The wires have nonconductive material covering them, and they help with signal transfer from a source to the headset speakers. Cable length determines your movement. They are also flexible and can bend, increasing the chances of weakening. Damaged cables prevent the proper transfer of signals, resulting in poor sound quality or none.
Cushions – Headset cushions or ear seals cover the speakers and protect the ears by creating a buffer between the two. The cushions also provide a grip that prevents the headset from moving sideways. They also sieve some external noise to help improve communication.
You can easily replace headset cushions that wear off due to prolonged usage. Some signs that a replacement is necessary are discomfort from thinning, unusual odor, and cracks.
Speaker – Speakers are the most critical components. They define the performance of the headsets by changing electrical energy into sound. Various speakers are available for your selection, including noise-canceling speakers that keep away outside sounds.
Speakers can wear out over time, but there are typical signs of potential dysfunctionality you can watch out for, like buzzing or distorted sounds.
Drivers – Speakers cannot work without drivers that dictate the sound transfer mechanism. They convert electrical signals into sounds that the speakers transmit. The size of the speakers determines driver size, with bigger ones creating more powerful sound outputs.
Headset drivers have magnets, voice coils, and diaphragms that determine the sound quality. Thinner diaphragms produce better sounds.
Jack – A jack is a small hard part at the end of the headset, responsible for completing the electrical circuit. Although they are strong, they can damage easily without proper care. In most cases, improper handling of the jack causes twisting of the adjacent wires (cable), disrupting transmission.
Not all the headset parts and accessories are replaceable. You may have to get a new headset if some components, like drivers, lose functionality. Fallon Pilot Shop has all the replaceable headset components and accessories you may need to enhance your headset performance and comfort, including headset bags and gel ear seals.
Headband – Headbands or head pads are critical for your comfort. The headset component can have various materials, such as foam, leather, pleather, or velour. It sits on top of the head directly. Each material has a different comfort level that is worth considering during purchase. Do not focus on the padding only, though that is also important. Check adjustability and the arch too.
Microphones – Headsets tend to have in-built microphones that come in handy whether you are listening or talking. Unidirectional and omnidirectional microphones are the two categories available. Unidirectional ones may be better for you because they do not allow external sound interference during communication. You can get a microphone muff to go with your headset.
Cables – Cables are wires that connect headsets to the jacks. The wires have nonconductive material covering them, and they help with signal transfer from a source to the headset speakers. Cable length determines your movement. They are also flexible and can bend, increasing the chances of weakening. Damaged cables prevent the proper transfer of signals, resulting in poor sound quality or none.
Cushions – Headset cushions or ear seals cover the speakers and protect the ears by creating a buffer between the two. The cushions also provide a grip that prevents the headset from moving sideways. They also sieve some external noise to help improve communication.
You can easily replace headset cushions that wear off due to prolonged usage. Some signs that a replacement is necessary are discomfort from thinning, unusual odor, and cracks.
Speaker – Speakers are the most critical components. They define the performance of the headsets by changing electrical energy into sound. Various speakers are available for your selection, including noise-canceling speakers that keep away outside sounds.
Speakers can wear out over time, but there are typical signs of potential dysfunctionality you can watch out for, like buzzing or distorted sounds.
Drivers – Speakers cannot work without drivers that dictate the sound transfer mechanism. They convert electrical signals into sounds that the speakers transmit. The size of the speakers determines driver size, with bigger ones creating more powerful sound outputs.
Headset drivers have magnets, voice coils, and diaphragms that determine the sound quality. Thinner diaphragms produce better sounds.
Jack – A jack is a small hard part at the end of the headset, responsible for completing the electrical circuit. Although they are strong, they can damage easily without proper care. In most cases, improper handling of the jack causes twisting of the adjacent wires (cable), disrupting transmission.
Not all the headset parts and accessories are replaceable. You may have to get a new headset if some components, like drivers, lose functionality. Fallon Pilot Shop has all the replaceable headset components and accessories you may need to enhance your headset performance and comfort, including headset bags and gel ear seals.