Headset Communication - Flight Sound X Adapter - Review — Flaps 2 Approach

Occasionally you come across a device which really makes your simulation life simpler. I wanted to use the David Clark headset (model H10-13-S) I have owned for sometime in the simulator; however, the two plugs on the headset are the large style plugs suitable for insertion into an appropriate audio module in the real aircraft – not a computer sound card.

Real Headsets Verses PC Headset

Apart from the obvious difference, a real aviation headset is constructed to a very high standard, is robust, and provides a high fidelity sound rarely replicated by an inexpensive PC style headset. Unlike a PC headset, real aviation headsets are designed to produce excellent sound whilst providing maximum buffering of ambient sounds (aircraft engines, wind, etc). In the simulation world, ambient sound can be dogs barking, cars driving down the street or daughter's yelping...

Flight Sound X

The Flight Sound X adapter allows you to use a variety of real aviation headsets with your simulator, to filter out engine and ambient noise and hear and communicate with air traffic control (VATSIM, etc). It’s as easy as plugging in the two plugs from your headset into the device and flying – it is that easy!

The device does not require a separate power source, is small, and connects directly to the USB of your computer via a USB cable. WIN7 64 bit recognises the device on start-up and additional software and drivers are not required. A small LED light on the device indicates the unit is operational (red light).

Initial device set-up requires you open the sound module in Windows, navigate to the appropriate menu and change a few settings within your sound card to allow sound and microphone ability to be transferred to your headset. Instructions (with pictures) are supplied with the device, so you cannot make a mistake – even if you do not read English.

A benefit to using this device is that it’s small and can fit more or less anywhere within your flight deck. Another pleasant surprise is the device’s construction; it is made from aluminium (painted black) rather than plastic. As such, it looks quite attractive and is far more robust than plastic counterparts. Another benefit is the actual placement of the plugs which is at the side of the device rather than at the top of the device. This ensures that your headset cable and plug are not in a position where you may accidentally stand on them!

Technical Details:

USB 1.1 and 2.0 compatible
Plug and Play with Windows 7/Vista/XP and Mac OS X
Uses standard General Aviation headset connectors (PJ-068 and PJ-055B)
Supports headset impedance of 100 to 600 Ohms
Supports Mono and Stereo Headsets
Compatible with standard microphone types (electric, dynamic and powered dynamic)
Powers microphone bias (+9V) from USB port (no external power needed)
Zero delay voice feedback (side tone) feature
Output frequency response (20Hz-20KHz)
Weight: 100g
Size: 65 mm(L), 55 mm(W), 25 mm(D)
Compact, robust, anodised aluminium enclosure

Made in New Zealand

The device is made in New Zealand. The Kiwis usually make innovative and functional products – good work New Zealand…

This device would have to be the simplest item I have purchased, set-up and used with flight simulator. And it WORKS too!

My rating is 10/10

In a future post we will discuss how to separate sound, so you can hear engine sounds from one pair of speakers and ATC, call outs and navigational aids through the head set.