Best sound cancelling communcations headphones

[adornato]

Now that I have poked fun for years at the stereotypical old couples with headphones and microphones talking to each
other 20 feet away while docking their trawlers, I am one. As Mel Brooks said "We mock the things we are to be", usually referring to his,
children.

Now that wifey and I are planning to do some serious cruising in our outboard powered Eastern 248 next month, I think some of the motor fatigue would be seriously attenuated with sound cancelling headphones. Also want the microphones so we can talk about our grandkids while navigating the rocky shoal infested shores of Maine

I have Bose sound cancelling headphones now but can't stomach the ridiculous price. Looking for experience.

 

[ranger58sb]

I can tell you SENA SPH10 headset do not do noise cancelling. For us, that's a useful feature, 'cause it means we can each hear other crew and dockhands and so forth talking too, when necessary.

I've read where Eartec users have complained about not being able to hear other stuff going on around them, so maybe those do some attenuation. Not sure whether Eartec systems cover one ear or both, or whether there are options...

-Chris

 

[mvweebles]

@slowgoesit - what do chopper pilots use to communicate? I think Bose makes pilots' headsets (guessing they are incredibly expensive).

For what it's worth, I listen to podcasts using earbuds that have noise cancelling (Sound core P40i - not very expensive). I was surprised at how well they attenuate airplane noise when I'm flying. Not quite as well as the Bose I used to use, but a significant reduction. Won't help with chatting with the person next to you on the open outboard boat, but definitely helps with noise reduction.

Peter

 

[tiltrider1]

@slowgoesit - what do chopper pilots use to communicate? I think Bose makes pilots' headsets (guessing they are incredibly expensive).

For what it's worth, I listen to podcasts using earbuds that have noise cancelling (Sound core P40i - not very expensive). I was surprised at how well they attenuate airplane noise when I'm flying. Not quite as well as the Bose I used to use, but a significant reduction. Won't help with chatting with the person next to you on the open outboard boat, but definitely helps with noise reduction.

Peter

I always used David Clark headsets when flying.

 

[Nordlund Xpress]

We've used both EarTech and Sena. The Sena units are better made, but the process for turning them on and off and pairing is more complicated, causing some frustration. The Eartech battery door assembly is a weak point. Eartech's come in two versions, covering both ears or a single ear. We think its important to hear the ambient sounds (like the fuel dock worker yelling instructions), and therefore use the single ear solution. They are clear, easy to use - but you need to put a neck lanyard on them so you do not lose them into the drink. Replacement parts are easy to order. The 'fake leather ear pads are crap and the top layer flakes off. The fabric ear pads are much nicer. I've seen 3rd party testing of multiple systems (just can't remember where) including both EarTech and Sena, and EarTech won for distance, sound quality and wind noise. We've used EarTech on 2 boats over 15 years and my wife would not leave the dock with out them. On the afraid you look funny angle - dock workers, fuel dock folks, etc. say the crews wearing headsets are usually more competent and they worry less about them!

 

[Jeff F]

I keep thinking there should be an app that would just pair any two headsets. I wear and love my Sony ANC headphones most of the time, and they're great for phone calls, internet chat, etc. it seems silly having a different headset to do local two-way.

 

[Nordlund Xpress]

Found the comparison article. Here you go. Tested: Wireless Headsets for Boaters

 

[rgano]

As I have previously written, I stuck the guts of a Sena SPH10 system into a pair of shooter's earmuffs to avoid the roar of the boat and wake (a hardtop MS 30 Pilot at 15 knots). They are superb in that function with best VOX ever and no noise-induced fatigue after eight hours underway. Not so good when messing about with mooring functions because without one muff lifted off an ear you cannot hear the dockhands etc plus I have not installed a behind-the-head strap to prevent loss overboard while looking down. Maybe I'll add that strap if I ever find the need because practiced and known hand signals are faster than voice.

 

[ranger58sb]

The Sena units are better made, but the process for turning them on and off and pairing is more complicated, causing some frustration.

I've read comments about a complicated SENA pairing process... and sometimes it leads me to wonder what headsets are being called out. Ours (SPH10) are apparently not the model described in that article you linked, and we only have the two... But turning on is easy: hold both buttons until the nice SENA lady says "Hello." Syncing afterwards is easy: each user simultaneously holds a button for two beeps. One user touches the button again for one beep. Done.

Battery replacement is a PITA, but doable with eyeglasses-size Torx drivers.

For OP, the Eartec double ear models might be about as much noise-cancelling as is easily available... especially since users complain they can't hear squat (except through the headsets) when the muffs are on. Maybe semi-ideally a user could temporarily lift one muff to hear dockhands???

I have not installed a behind-the-head strap to prevent loss overboard while looking down.

Our SENA units are behind-the-neck models, no real issues with looking down... I'm guessing design was developed with the idea of a motorcycle helmet bringing it's additional issues...

-Chris

 

[guy with a boat]

Does anyone make a noise-cancelling headset that allows use of the VHF and stereo, as well as 2-way comms with other crew? I think an aviation headset does all that but don’t know if it can be linked up with marine systems.

 

[twistedtree]

Does anyone make a noise-cancelling headset that allows use of the VHF and stereo, as well as 2-way comms with other crew? I think an aviation headset does all that but don’t know if it can be linked up with marine systems.

I searched for years for such a system and never found anything suitable. I also searched for a phone app like Jeff F describes. I found one, but it was half baked and didn't really do what was needed.

So far the EarTec units work the best. On the boat I have the version with a hub. You can centrally locate the hub which increases range/sound quality between headsets. And with the hub which acts as the "master", all headsets are "slaves" so they all work the same way. Just grab one, turn it on, and you are talking with others.

For the reasons discussed, we picked headsets with a single ear piece so you can talk over the headsets, but also still hear and talk to anyone who doesn't have a headset like dock hands or other crew/passengers.

I have a second set of EarTecs that I use on my side-by-side UTV. UTVs are all really loud, and even if I'm alone and not using the headphones, I wear ear plugs. The headsets make a huge difference between passengers when I have company. In this application I picked the dual ear cup versions so they block out the noise, yet everyone can talk in a relaxed manner.

I agree that the battery doors are a weak point. I haven't broken one yet, but suspect it's just a matter of time. The good thing is that EarTec support is good and they can supply replacement parts (I needed them for something else I broke). One other thing that's annoying about EarTec is that when you install a battery, the headset turns on. That's fine if you are about to use it, but if you are replacing a battery at the end of use, you need to remember to then turn it off or you will find yourself with another dead battery.

 

[ranger58sb]

Would it be possible to take a wired output from the Eartec hub, and run that into a PA mixing board?

Is vocal quality up the live music mic standards that we'd typically see from Shure, Sennheiser, AKG, etc.?

-Chris

 

[twistedtree]

Would it be possible to take a wired output from the Eartec hub, and run that into a PA mixing board?

Is vocal quality up the live music mic standards that we'd typically see from Shure, Sennheiser, AKG, etc.?

-Chris

Possibly. I 'think' the hub has a connection for a wired headset, but it's not something I use so I'm not certain. But I suppose you could also feed the wired input with the output from a VHF or other audio source, with appropriate signal level conversion.

 

[ranger58sb]

Possibly. I 'think' the hub has a connection for a wired headset, but it's not something I use so I'm not certain. But I suppose you could also feed the wired input with the output from a VHF or other audio source, with appropriate signal level conversion.

I was also wondering about taking a signal OUT from the hub... and into some other device (like a PA mixing board)... So maybe all headset users could hear everything but also all mic users would be amplified through the PA...

??

-Chris

 

[twistedtree]

I was also wondering about taking a signal OUT from the hub... and into some other device (like a PA mixing board)... So maybe all headset users could hear everything but also all mic users would be amplified through the PA...

??

-Chris

Can you say more? I noticed the "out" reference before, and don't understand what you are trying to do? I had a Back Cover 29 many years ago and it was very loud. On that boat I really wanted headsets like eartec so the occupants could talk to each other, but also have the VHF break in so we didn't miss anything. Pretty much like crew on an aircraft. Or a PA announcement interrupting music in a PA system.

I'm not understanding what you would do with the output from the headsets? Regardless of the direction, I was looking at this before the EarTec hub existed, or at least before I knew it existed. But with a wired connection that presumably includes mic-in and merged audio-out, it opens up some interesting possibilities.

 

[ranger58sb]

Can you say more? I noticed the "out" reference before, and don't understand what you are trying to do?

We sometimes do live music. In my brother's case, he prefers wearing headsets as monitors... so no big power amps required. (In our own situation here, I just turn the PA volume down.) So far, his best options have been wired versions... and I suspect they're a PITA while moving around on stage. A wireless version could speak to that. A hub would need an input from the PA mixer.

I sometimes use a wireless headmic. Adding to his plan, I was thinking a wireless headmic might add some additional flexibility for his situation. The hub would need an output to the PA mixer.

A combo of wireless headset as monitors, and wireless headmic would seem nifty... but haven't found one made by the typical leaders in the live music industry (AKG, Sennheiser, Shure, etc.). Usually about the best mix possible is an individual wireless mic plus an individual wireless headset or in-ear monitors for all vocalists. Each system is relatively expensive, and then multiplied by number of vocalists...

So I was wondering if the Eartec double-ear system could become an "inexpensive" combo for both monitoring and projecting...

-Chris

 

[Blue Yonder]

[Official] Hollyland Solidcom C1 Pro - Wireless Intercom Headset System with Noise Cancellation - Hollyland

Hollyland Solidcom C1 Pro is a wireless intercom headset system that adopts the advanced DECT technology and features unparalleled dual-mic Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology that delivers clear sound in noisy environments. The system operates in the 1.9GHz band, providing a...

www.hollyland.com

Does anyone have experience with these?

I have the SENA SPH10 but find the battery life pretty ordinary, they don't do well when it is windy due to no noise cancelling, and I seem to have to pair them every single time I use them which I find a bit finicky. Plus they feel a bit "plasticky" and not very robust.

 

[Wdeertz]

Does anyone make a noise-cancelling headset that allows use of the VHF and stereo, as well as 2-way comms with other crew? I think an aviation headset does all that but don’t know if it can be linked up with marine systems.

We use the Sena Nautitalk Bosun headsets which my wife and I like. Sena describes their proprietary noise cancellation as “advanced noise control”. Seems to work very well in windy situations.

As to your question on connecting a VHF radio their Nautitalk N2R model (The Best Motorcycle & Action Sport Bluetooth Devices | Sena) seems to support this. I don’t have this model so can’t comment on the radio connection effectiveness. These headsets have an airplane headset look to them.

 

[ranger58sb]

I seem to have to pair them every single time I use them which I find a bit finicky.

Near as I can tell, that's a "feature." IOW, designed that way.

-Chris

 

[ranger58sb]

Resurrecting this... 'cause I've discovered we've been a bit behind the times when it comes to SENA... and I guess our SPH-10s are considered ancient, these days. See post #18 by @Wdeertz

I see now that SENA has marine-specific products, in a family named Nautitalk. Three models. One, very small, clips onto ball caps. Second (Bosun) looks like ours; behind the neck mounting, and small ear pads so dock hands are likely hearable too. Third is over the head mounting, full-on ear covers, and they say noise cancelling. Latter would seem maybe useful for engine room, underway.

APPARENTLY NOT BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE WITH (at least some of) THEIR EARLIER BT PRODUCTS (including the SPH-10s).

-Chris

 

[Wdeertz]

Chris, we’ve used the Sena Bosun headsets the last few years and they work very well.

 

[O C Diver]

I'm curious why ear buds/ cellphone for line handler and the pilots cellphone on speaker setting wouldn't work. I've use that when doing bow thruster hydraulic repair testing. Keep the cellphone in your pocket for hands free line handling. Maybe only use one ear bud if needing to talk to a dock attendant.

Ted

 

[Wdeertz]

I'm curious why ear buds/ cellphone for line handler and the pilots cellphone on speaker setting wouldn't work. I've use that when doing bow thruster hydraulic repair testing. Keep the cellphone in your pocket for hands free line handling. Maybe only use one ear bud if needing to talk to a dock attendant.

Ted

Sure that works if you have cell signal. We use our headsets while anchoring/retrieving in remote places with no cell signal. We have starlink and can use WiFi calling but sometimes there a lag. For me the headsets are so much more convenient.

 

[Nordlund Xpress]

Wow, looks like Sena did a deep dive on marine industry needs and gave a product development executive full reign to meet them and leap frog the current feature set offered by the alternatives. They have 3 products launched, 2 more announced, including what looks like a fixed base intercom. Look like they have full cell phone Blue Tooth integration for calls and music, etc. And everything at least looks to be well designed, engineered and built. The Boson model is water proof and floats. All big improvements and cool features but at a cost about 33%+ higher that EarTech. Still you can build a very flexible system with unlimited users - looks like they have great options for Super Yachts and professional mariners, and a worthwhile consideration for cruisers. Nicely done.

 

[ranger58sb]

Chris, we’ve used the Sena Bosun headsets the last few years and they work very well.

Thanks, good info. They look pretty much like the way our SPH-10s fit, around the back of the neck.

I don't see anything in the Bosun manual about battery replacement. Even the N2K manual doesn't say much about battery replacement, although it's at least apparently something users can do so without too much grief. Didn't find any info about the actual battery number, or replacements, on their "store" site.

Changing batteries on the SPH-10s is possible, but a PITA. And I think this last time I changed, I must have gotten a dud battery, 'cause it dies quickly, about as fast as the old original battery I replaced.

Hard to believe the Nautitalk systems aren't backward compatible with the older plain ol' Bluetooth models. Would have though Bluetooth is Bluetooth, and a no-brainer to make the new systems deal with the old, at least at a semi-basic level...

-Chris

 

[ranger58sb]

I'm curious why ear buds/ cellphone for line handler and the pilots cellphone on speaker setting wouldn't work. I've use that when doing bow thruster hydraulic repair testing. Keep the cellphone in your pocket for hands free line handling. Maybe only use one ear bud if needing to talk to a dock attendant.

Yep, what he said. Works great as long as cell signal is available. In our case, we even have two different providers, following our early days here where usually one or the other, but not necessarily both, had signal... so at least we could make/receive calls from whomever... even if not ourselves.

Even those days, that seems to happen sometimes. Just the other day, we were in an area around home with no signal on mine, emergency only.

-Chris

 

[rgano]

Changing batteries on the SPH-10s is possible, but a PITA. And I think this last time I changed, I must have gotten a dud battery, 'cause it dies quickly, about as fast as the old original battery I replaced.



-Chris

I have never changed the rechargeable batteries that came installed in my Sena SPH-10s, and they seem to last quite a long time on a full charge. A coiled cord changing cable with cigarette plug on one end is easily used at least at the helm station if batteries get tired. They also seem to store well because when I turn them on for a maintenance charge after a couple of months in storage, I never get the low battery voice warning.

 

[ranger58sb]

I have never changed the rechargeable batteries that came installed in my Sena SPH-10s, and they seem to last quite a long time on a full charge. A coiled cord changing cable with cigarette plug on one end is easily used at least at the helm station if batteries get tired. They also seem to store well because when I turn them on for a maintenance charge after a couple of months in storage, I never get the low battery voice warning.

We got our headsets in May 2018, and the batteries worked fine... until they didn't. Last season they started to crap out faster than usual, so we finally replaced them last Sept. with these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYSLLXDS?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2

Wifey's seems to be holding charge OK, but mine goes south about as fast as the original was doing...

-Chris

 

[rgano]

Sounds like some fault within the Sena.

 

[tiltrider1]

More likely just a bad battery. Quality control on cheap Chinese products are not the best. I always order 1 more than I need because the failure rate is in the 20%.