News
Sennheiser introduces new headset for pro pilots

May 30, 2013, Old Lyme, Conn. – Audio specialist Sennheiser has unveiled
the HMEC 26-2, the optimized successor to the successful HMEC 26
pilot’s headset. Improved wearing comfort, optimum protection against
handling noise and a higher sound pressure level are just some of the
features of the new NoiseGard headset for commercial aviation pilots.

“The HMEC 26 with active noise cancellation is our most popular headset for airline and business pilots,” explained Jörg Buchberger, Business Segment Manager Aviation at Sennheiser. “The improvements made in the 26-2 are based on feedback we requested and received from professional pilots and airlines from all over the world.”
 
Wearing comfort and stability
The HMEC 26-2 with its anthracite finish now offers improved wearing comfort. The headband has been lengthened overall and the end pieces have been designed with a different angle to ensure that the headset sits even more comfortably with a more evenly distributed contact pressure. The new wider and softer cushions are securely held to the headband with a special fastener.
 
To enable the headset to fit perfectly on every pilot, the two-piece automatic headband can now be opened by a further 20 degrees. At the same time, the ear cups can be folded back only to a 45-degree angle, thus considerably improving wearing stability.
 
There is also greater stability for the microphone boom, which is made of a new steel material that keeps the microphone securely in its set position.
 
Protected against interference
During the product optimisation process, particular attention was paid to sources of interference that the headset might be exposed to. “There are many such interference sources on board,” said Jörg Buchberger. “They range from the on-board power generators to the windscreen heating system. All of these can generate audible interference in a headset. For that reason, we have now provided the electronics and acoustics of the new HMEC 26-2 with even more effective protection against interference from other devices.”
 
Special cable against handling noise
As a special extra, the HMEC 26-2 has a new cable that makes it particularly insensitive to handling noise. Four coils in the otherwise straight cable isolate the headset acoustically from noise normally produced when the cable is moved in contact with the pilot’s clothing.
 
Higher sound pressure level
The European Aviation Safety Agency has approved higher sound pressure levels for the CS-ETSO certification of headsets, thus complying with the requests of many pilots. The new HMEC 26-2 therefore has a 6dB higher sound pressure level than its predecessor. “Pilots can now increase the volume in critical situations – a major contribution to intelligibility and safety,” said Jörg Buchberger. “The HMEC 26-2 fulfils the wishes that our aviation customers have expressed to us. As a manufacturer, we are always very pleased to get feedback from the users of our products. The new headset is therefore actually a successful cooperation – between our ideas and input from our customers.”
 
The ETSO-certified HMEC 26-2 headset is available immediately.