David Clark Co. has is offering a smaller take on the aviation headset, a departure from the company’s long tradition of full-ear-cup designs.
The DC Pro and DC Pro-X, an electronic noise canceling version of the same basic design, were introduced at the Sun ’n Fun International Fly-In & Expo. Weighing in at eight ounces (7.5 ounces for the DC Pro-X), the new headsets are built with a “supra-aural” design, riding on top of the ear rather than cupping it entirely. Both feature leatherette padding and an adjustable headband.
The DC Pro-X uses dual voice coil ear phone drivers to ensure the headset will continue to work if the batteries run out (the control module uses a pair of AA batteries, expected to deliver about 50-hours of operation for each battery set). Priced at $647, the DC Pro-X also enables Bluetooth connectivity with various phones and other mobile devices. Calls from air traffic control automatically reduce the volume of any other audio source.
The DC Pro, which relies on passive noise reduction, retails for $347.
The company is working on a helicopter version, along with panel-powered variants, according to details posted online.
The company is taking orders online with plans to ship (and bill) in mid-June, when the headsets are also expected to be TSO-approved.
Jim Moore
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