Air Traffic Controller?

Question

Where can I buy a pair of headphones that air traffic controllers wear? I'm using them for music recording purposes. I need a good pair of noise-canceling headphones, and if any headphones can do the trick, it's the ones air traffic controllers use. Any help out there?

Answer 1

I'm somewhat confused by your question but I'll try and answer as best I can.

Air traffic control headphones aren't built to cancel noise.  Think about it, the headphones only cover one ear and are designed so you can talk to and hear other people in the facility.  

I'd suggest buying a pilot's headset.  http://www.sportys.com/acb/Category.cfm?...

The active noise caceling sets are good.  If you want one similar to what ATC wears Plantronics makes a single ear headset with ANR.  The other makers all pretty much make ANR headsets geared to louder prop planes that look something like what airport ground crew wear.  I'm just wondering why you want a mic attached to a headset for music recording.  I can't imagine the sound quality will match even a cheap music mic.  The input / output plugs are larger than anything I've seen that plugs in to music equipment.  Don't know if they make a conversion for that or not.  

Doesn't the music industry make something sepcifically like what you are talking about?  If you are looking for somethign that will plus in to a system, I'm at a loss.  If you are looking for essentially earplugs on steroids go to an electronics store and pick up a set of Bose ANR headphones.  It'll cost about 600 dollars less than the aviation rig.

Answer 2

Bose QC2

Answer 3

I know from personal experience that aviation headsets are not ideal for the use you propose. I suggest something made for broadcast or film sound studio work. Try Beyer Dynamic http://www.beyerdynamic.com/cms/Headsets... I bought a pair of DT-109's for use with my digital Portastudio and I'm very happy with them. You might also look at the broadcast quality headsets made by  David Clark at http://www.davidclark.com/ProAudio/ (they also make aviation headsets). Altec Lansing, Sony, Bose, Sennheiser and others also make ENC headsets.

Answer 4

I'm right there with the previous answerer.  If you don't need a microphone built in, I've used the Bose QC2 and QC3.  They are great for noise canceling and provide pretty incredible sound quality.