[Elecraft] Noise Canceling Headsets

[Jim Brown]

On Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:34:17 -0400, Paul Christensen wrote:

>Anyone know of a noise-canceling (NC) boom mic headset (NC in the 
>headphones, not mic)?  

Not noise cancelling, but the Etymotic Research in-ear earphones have a very 
good acoustic seal, especially with custom earmolds made to fit your ears. I 
have a pair of the ER4S and the ER4P. The only difference is the impedance, 
which provides a bit more level from a voltage-limited output stage. 
Depending on your own ears, the stock ear-fittings may work well enough that 
you don't need anything custom. That's the way it works for me, although I 
suspect that custom molds would give a bit more attenuation. As it is, the 
isolation is good enough that I can mix a live jazz band in the same room 
with the band. I did that a lot at the Jazz Showcase (the old club on Grand 
Av).   

>Or, perhaps a clamp-on mic boom with electret mic element?  This would allow 
>for attaching a mic boom on to the NC headphones of one's choice.  The mic 
>cabling could be run in parallel with, or inserted into, the coiling of 
>headphone cable.

There are a lot of headworn mics made primarily for use with wireless mics by 
companies like Shure, AKG, and Countryman. They're used in churches, live 
theater, and even by aerobics instructors. They will work very well with a 
ham rig. You want the pigtail version, which also happens to be the least 
expensive. Their response will probably be pretty flat, but the eq in the K3 
will handle it just fine. Another option are clamp-on mics that are used by 
sportscasters. I don't know brands and models, but vendors that cater to 
broadcasters like Broadcast Supply West and Markertek might be a good place 
to look. 

73, Jim K9YC