bose qc2

[Hootie9750]

is this setup going to provide enough hearing protection in the crj? my old headclamps wont fit in my flightcase anymore because of the 40 lbs of jepps, so Im looking for something that'll fit in my flightcase and that will provide some protection. Thanks! and yes I have researched every thread on this already.

 

[purduej]

I've had about four captains who use them, one on the ERJ and three on the CRJ. They all swear by them and say the QC2's give about the same noise reduction as a DC 13.4. Hope this helps.

 

[Crizz]

I use them in the brasilia... not ideal but adequate. I'd imagine the RJ would be great with them. They are extremely comfortable too.

 

[wickedpilot]

Is there an adapter to enable the QC2's to hear ATC/Tx or are you just talking about deadheading

 

[Rogue5]

I saw this a while ago on my company forum:

I've got some first hand experience to report on the UFlyMike/QuietComfort2 combo vs. the Bose X:

I've had the Bose X for 5 years. Lightweight, great customer service, awesome noise cancelling. They've served me well from the days of Cessnas to Brasilias and then onto long legs in the CRJ.

I saw the ad for the UFlyMike adapter in the SFO crew lounge and it about stopped me in my tracks: half the price ($200 for the mike boom adapter and $300 for the Bose QC2) and the ability to route an audio line directly into the headset. Plus, an awesome quality headset with noise cancelling to listen to music while deadheading, or just generally rocking out. I figured if I could sell my old Bose X for even half the price I bought them for it'd would be a wash financially and I'd have a new headset with the bonus of the audio input.

I spoke with the really nice people at UFlyMike (Southwest pilot husband designed the product and wife handles all the sales and marketing) and the lady told me if I was used to the Bose X to expect about 80% of the noise cancelling but a lighter headset overall.

I got the Bose QC2 in the mail and was blown away by the audio quality, especially the clarity of the bass with no distortion. I was very excited. One strange thing I noticed was when I turned on the QC2 noise cancelling I did not get the same level of quiet I would if I wore my Bose X just sitting in a room. I figured I had to try them out in flight. The UFlyMike adapter came and I set everything up and I was ready to rock, er... I mean, "Go to work."

Long story short (well, not really): after one round trip with the new headset I was ready to send it back. The UFlyMike/QC2 combo had a really noticable high-pitch hiss in the background, but my main issue was that the noise cancelling was nowhere near that of the Bose X. I was told 80%, I would say it would be generous to rate it 60% of the Bose X's performance. I think the problem there stems from the fact that the QC2s were designed for excellent bass production, and the sound quality while hooked up to my mp3 was second to none, but this in many ways defeats the whole purpose of noise cancelling, as the worst range of background noise is in that lower level. The Bose X was designed specifically to mute out and cancel those low end frequencies and does a great job at it. Anyone who has attempted to hook up the Bose X to their home stereo can attest to this: the bass is almost non-existant (bad for stereo headphones, great for aviation).

Anyway, maybe I've just been spoiled all these years with the Bose X. I've had them for so long and have gotten so used to them that I really have a hard time trading down to any degree. Is it worth the extra $500? Maybe not if I had never tried them before, but as they say, "Once you go Bose..."

 

[AirBear8]

We've got a thread about the QC2/Uflymike on the NetJets message board. I'd say the vast majority love it and strongly recommend it. I ordered the UFlyMike and I cashed in some Hilton points to get the QC2. It should be fine for me since I've never used a NR headset before.

AirBear

 

[sweptback]

For $500 you can buy a set of the Sennheiser HMEC-25-KA headsets that will work great, plus they're TSO'd so if you get an overzealous Fed on your jumpseat that part will check out.

 

[FishandFly]

For $500 you can buy a set of the Sennheiser HMEC-25-KA headsets that will work great, plus they're TSO'd so if you get an overzealous Fed on your jumpseat that part will check out.

I have both the qc2 and the sennheiser. The bose fits around the ear instead of on it. It feels more comfortable for long periods of time.

The sennheiser feels much more supported on the head than the bose, which will slide out of place if you move much.

The qc2 dies if the batteries run out. With the sennheiser I just keep 2 extra AA's, and swap them out.

The sennheiser provides plenty of passive noise reduction. Often times I'll forget to turn the ANR on, or to bring in new batteries.

The audio of the qc2's is better as the senn's are not designed to produce much bass.

The bose are much more delicate than the sennheiser. I've been using the senn's for 3 years and they are still flawless.

Sennheiser is a great company - 5 year warranty
Bose has a 1 year warranty I believe.

--

I purchased them directly through sennheiser for $450 and they offered a payment plan where they just deducted my checking account each month for a year. I'm sure the price has gone up.

Unless my line was 50% deadheading there is no way that I would choose the bose over the sennheiser. To me durability, quality, reliability and warranty far outweigh the increased sound quality and minimally increased comfort.

 

[captain dad]

I have talked to at least ten buddies that absolutely swear by the QC2 and UFlymike boom.

Light, no battery pack, Use them in the cockpit (ATC/intercom/music), in the cabin, on the phone, on the computer, or by themself to kill the babies screams. Do that with any other aviation headset and only spend $500.

I spoke to a fed and asked about them. He said if it works and you have a backup such as another headset or speaker, then he could care less what you use.

I ordered mine a few days ago.

 

[wmuflyguy]

TSO'd don't matter. Only thing that means is the manufacturer has met minimum performance standards issued by the FAA for specified materials, parts, processes, and appliances used on civil aircraft. If it isn't TSO's that means the manufacturer never applied for it.

Please point to a FAR that says I have to have one that is TSO'd

The QC2+Uflymike is great, I love mine.

 

[⌐⌐⌐⌐⌐]

I spoke to a fed and asked about them. He said if it works and you have a backup such as another headset or speaker, then he could care less what you use. I ordered mine a few days ago.

Hmm, I heard something totally different. Several months ago, I talked to a friend of mine who flies MD11s for FedEx. He said that not too long ago he had an FAA inspector on his flight (routine observation I think?) and they ended up having a conversation about ANR headsets. (My friend is using Telex 850 which I believe is the reason the conversation on the subject started)

The inspector said that “there are pilots out there who’re using unauthorized headsets and we know about it!” Apparently, a crew for some airline really screwed up not too long ago (he never said which airline except that it was a B737NG flight). The captain on that flight was using an ANR headset that was modified and “unauthorized” by the FAA. He said it was a Bose headset that’s actually made for the passengers so I’m assuming it’s the QC2 with the UflyMike conversion.

Basically, the captain’s batteries died and since the other guy was either in the bathroom or not paying attention, they ended up flying without talking to anyone for some time and had to fill out some paperwork afterwards. The fed said that had it been a TSO’d headset it would’ve never happened because when the batteries in a regular ANR headset die, you can still hear the ATC.

With the Bose QC2 + Ufly2Mike conversion, if the batteries die – you’ll have no idea that you cannot hear the ATC unless the speaker is on or the other pilot happens to see the little light go out on the side of your headset.

Anyway, I was seriously looking into the QC2 conversion but frankly I’m not willing to risk a violation just so I can save a few bucks; I have heard from numerous people that the UflyMike conversion is great and I wish there was a TSO’d version because I’d get it in a heart beat. I’ll probably end up with a Sennheiser or a Telex.

If only Bose would recreate a QC2 with a mic that’s ALWAYS hot whether batteries are in or not (Aviation X headset is too big and TOO expensive.

 

[Poahi]

Good point. Also, some airlines require TSO'd headsets in their operations manuals.

Sooner or later, this is going to come to a head......

Here's a crazy thought, use a legit ANR headset for flying and a QC 2 or 3 for commuting or deadheading. If you fly a lot, it's worth the investment. Anything you wear for 70-100 hours per month is worth doing right. Cutting corners is what gets us into trouble.

 

[AV80R]

Also, some airlines require TSO'd headsets in their operations manuals.

Some??? I would like to know how ANY airline can get away with using headsets that aren't approved (TSO'd)? It's like using parts from AutoZone, many shady FBO's do it all the time but that doesn't make it legal!

 

[Poahi]

Also, some airlines require TSO'd headsets in their operations manuals.

Some??? I would like to know how ANY airline can get away with using headsets that aren't approved (TSO'd)? It's like using parts from AutoZone, many shady FBO's do it all the time but that doesn't make it legal!

You'd be surprised.

BTW, AutoZone is using our shirts!

 

[captain dad]

I have heard this arguement before. Each his own, but TSO doesn't matter. TSO is FAA authorization to manufacture parts. There is no reg that says you can't use a non TSO headset. Yes you need to monitor the battery life of your QC2. Some of us also have to make sure there is enough fuel, that the generators are working, and the pressurization system is functioning properly. I don't consider the QC2 unsafe nor do I consider it breaking the rules. I consider it taking advantage of the rules.

For those of you that need to live in a perfectly ordered world, live a sterile existence, and probably double bag their trash to avoid offending the garbageman...you do your thing. I hope that "book" you're reading and must have to function has all the answers. I just hope you can read fast, so you won't have to think for yourself.

 

[CA1900]

For those of you that need to live in a perfectly ordered world, live a sterile existence, and probably double bag their trash to avoid offending the garbageman...

You mean like This Guy?

 

[Snapperhead]

Basically, the captain’s batteries died and since the other guy was either in the bathroom or not paying attention, they ended up flying without talking to anyone for some time and had to fill out some paperwork afterwards. The fed said that had it been a TSO’d headset it would’ve never happened because when the batteries in a regular ANR headset die, you can still hear the ATC.

With the Bose QC2 + Ufly2Mike conversion, if the batteries die – you’ll have no idea that you cannot hear the ATC unless the speaker is on or the other pilot happens to see the little light go out on the side of your headset.

Anyway, I was seriously looking into the QC2 conversion but frankly I’m not willing to risk a violation just so I can save a few bucks; I have heard from numerous people that the UflyMike conversion is great and I wish there was a TSO’d version because I’d get it in a heart beat. I’ll probably end up with a Sennheiser or a Telex.

If only Bose would recreate a QC2 with a mic that’s ALWAYS hot whether batteries are in or not (Aviation X headset is too big and TOO expensive.

I've had the QC2s for a few months now and I think they're grreeeaattttt! By the by, that story sounds suspect. If the other pilot has to take a leak, take your head off and turn up the speaker...or if you must, put your O2 mask on (like I'm sure everyone does).

 

[captain dad]

Got this from another thread.

UFlyMike Rumors & Facts
I'd like to help clear up a few items on the UFlyMike setup:

1. There is no FAA requirement for headsets to pass TSO standards. A pilot's personal headset is not part of the aircraft equipment. The TSOs (57 & 58) are published as guidelines for manufacturers. Air carriers may require a pilot to use a TSOd headset, but the FAA does not. We have six Feds, that we know of, that use our product doing line checks.

2. You lose audio but not the mike if the battery goes dead in the headset. If you follow Bose' directions and not use rechargeable batteries, the low battery warning system gives ample warning that the battery is getting low. To me, getting surprised with a dead battery is like being surprised if the airplane runs out of gas...

3. The Bose cord will NOT work with the UFlyMike adapter because it has a 3-conductor plug on one end. The funky sounds you hear when you try to use it is from the plug shorting out the ground and music channels. There's nothing magic about the cord we sell to play your mp3 player through the UFlyMike adapter. It has a 2-conductor mini-stereo plug (3.5mm) on each end. Radioshack's version is cheap and worthless. Recommend the one like we sell or you can get at Walmart made by Belkin.

4. There is no "FO" version with the boom on the right. The jack which the UFlyMike plugs into is one the left earpiece. We've looked at trying to make an "FO' version, but there doesn't appear to be a reasonable solution.

5. There is no ANR "hiss" in the QC2 because Bose makes an incredible ANR circuit. It is by far the leader in the industry.

6. The UFlyMike will NOT fit any other headset than the QuietComfort 2. We looked at making one for the QC3 but don't feel the "3" would make a good aviation headset: 1) fits on the ears = uncomfortable for extended wear, 2) special battery & charger required, 3) spare battery = $50+

Hope that helps.

Mike
UFlyMike LLC

 

[BLing]

I fly the CRJ and wear the Bose QC2 with the UflyMike Adapter. Best dang headset ever!

 

[Brasilia Flyer]

I fly the CRJ and wear the Bose QC2 with the UflyMike Adapter. Best dang headset ever!

Amen to that!