Active headphones: what it is, how it works and tips for choosing

Active headphones are a necessary piece of equipment for military men, hunters, fans of tactical sports, and shooters. Their principle of operation is based on damping external acoustic interference, while quiet sounds are amplified, helping to quickly navigate in a difficult situation. But what should be taken into account when the user chooses tactical military models and wireless protective active headphones for airsoft, it is worth talking in more detail.

Active headphones are a must-have item for professional shooters, military men, hunting enthusiasts or sports and tactical games. These protective devices help to protect the hearing organs from damage associated with loud sounds of gunshots, while increasing the capture of other external noise. They are indispensable for hunting, where you have to sit in ambush for a long time, tracking down a cautious animal. Besides, The built-in radio allows you to maintain wireless communication through a microphone - this option is preferred by fans of airsoft and other military tactical entertainment.

The principle of operation of active headphones is built on the use of special components that passive acoustics do not have... They have controls that allow you to vary the sensitivity of the device when picking up soft sounds. The built-in microphone allows you to communicate with other hunters or team members.

Quiet sounds are amplified by components similar to hearing aids. They include a scanner that works within a certain radius - the very best can pick up minor noise even at very great distances. Protective active headphones are required for use in tactical battles involving pyrotechnics, flash and noise equipment.

Active headphones for a shooting range, hunting, airsoft are produced today in a wide range. Depending on the purpose for which the model is purchased, its cost and performance may vary significantly. The most popular among hunters are active headphones of Russian production, airsoft players prefer tactical military, army devices from American brands. They are distinguished by the quality of workmanship, versatility of use, the level of moisture resistance - in some models, you can even submerge under water. The most popular options are worth considering in more detail.

When choosing the right active headphones for hunting, you should consider products focused specifically on solving these problems. These headphones include EarShield, first released to the market only in 2014.

In addition, the manufacturer has provided convenient adjustment for each model, and you can find headphones for indoor and outdoor shooting - with different sensitivity indicators.

The top best models are presented below.

• Peltor SPORTTAC HUNTING 478. A model of active headphones, positioned as universal - for tactical sports and hunting.Filtered sounds are detected only at a frequency of 25 dB, loud shots are absolutely inaudible, the shooter's hearing is completely safe. The model is equipped with stereo speakers, directional active microphones are located in the front and rear of the device. According to hunters, these are the best headphones for long-term continuous wearing, the most comfortable and ergonomic.

• Howard Leight Sport Bolt. A model of French-made active headphones with one of the best response rates and high microphone sensitivity, there are 8 of them in total, 4 for each ear. With it, you can distinguish a person's steps from the rustle of foliage from hundreds of meters away. The sounds of shots are completely extinguished, but positioning is possible only to the left or right side.

• Pro Ears Option Stereo. Quite an expensive model from a well-known American company. These headphones have good performance characteristics - loud sounds are attenuated to a comfortable 27 dB, ear pads have a snug and comfortable fit. The electronic components are highly sensitive, and the design of the active headphones is aimed at connoisseurs of classic performance.

• ALLEN RUGER... A model of American-made active headphones for hunting, presented in the middle price category. It is foldable, easy to transport and takes up little space in your luggage. The high response speed makes the headphones one of the best in the class, the sensitivity is also at an altitude - inside the sound will not exceed the volume of 27 dB. The model provides for the use of a comfortable headband, large ear pads with soft frames.

• VEBER "Bear" Camo. Active shooting range headphones, suitable for hunting in the dry season. The model is distinguished by a minimalistic design, there are no unnecessary protruding elements that interfere with rough terrain. The microphones are splash and wind resistant, provide clear sound, good voice transmission. Volume control is carried out with just one switch, instead of a rechargeable battery, 2 AAA batteries are used, their reserve is enough for 180 hours of continuous operation.

When choosing airsoft active headphones, you should pay special attention to the brand. The recognized leader here is Peltor. The domestic company produces accessories with double sinks, a special design that increases comfort. The brand's headphones have a high level of wind protection, the sound volume level set for filtering is 82 dB.

MSA Sordin is another manufacturer that deserves attention. The company produces active waterproof foldable headphones with good isolation and sound amplification. The microphones used have a windproof design and work 360 degrees when listening. The controls are conveniently located, quite sensitive even when touched with gloved hands, adapted for left-handed and right-handed people. The auto-off function will ensure that the headphones do not overuse their charge.

SportEar is a manufacturer that takes into account all the features of active sports. The brand's headphones have 4 microphones at once and demonstrate maximum sensitivity. The stereo effect extends to each ear, noise cancellation works at a level of over 85 dB, the amplification of quiet signals is eightfold. The manufacturer also cares about comfort: the SportEar active headphones have a soft headband and low-profile earcups.

There are models that deserve special attention.

• "GSSH-01 Ratnik". Tactical active headphones of Russian production, oriented specifically for wearing under a helmet. This is an army model with a mesh base. The headphones have an operating frequency of 25 dB, the sound of a shot is completely muffled.Their only drawback is the response delay - it can reach 10 milliseconds.

• Radians 430 EHP... Chinese headphones for shooting ranges and shooting ranges. The model provides suppression of sounds with a volume of more than 85 dB up to 27 dB, when the microphone is off, dense ear pads do not let the sounds of shots pass at all. The batteries are AA batteries, which last for 200 hours of operation.

• PMX-55 Tactical Pro. The stereo headphones produced by the domestic brand have earned good marks from fans of tactical shooting sports. They can be considered champions in compactness, they fold easily, have a soft fabric headband without a rigid frame, and are suitable for wearing under a helmet. The model is distinguished by the presence of separate volume controls on each ear, the amplifiers are independent, but the total number of microphones is not too large, there are only 4 of them for both ear pads.

There are a number of parameters to consider when choosing active headphones.

1. Size and weight. The lighter and more comfortable to wear the active headphones, the better. When buying, be sure to try them on to make sure they match the sizes. Sometimes even the adjustment does not save you from the fact that the headphones are too large or, conversely, do not completely cover the auricle.
2. Signal conversion rate. The delay with which it is processed is very important. You need to pay attention - this parameter should have minimum values.
3. Clarity of the acoustic signal... The degree of usefulness depends on how legibly the headphones amplify the sound. If the definition is low, it will be very difficult to make out the source of the external noise during the broadcast.
4. Control... In combat conditions, hunting or shooting range, this factor turns out to be the most important. The most simplified adjustment of operating parameters provides one-touch change in volume and headphone sensitivity. It will be a big advantage to have a separate sound setting for each ear.
5. Waterproof level... Since the use of headphones takes place in the open air, not in the most favorable conditions, such devices must be well insulated from contact with water, steam, condensation.
6. Mounting method and fixing reliability... The earbuds should fit snugly on your head, even when running or walking briskly. Well-chosen models easily adapt to different types of hats, do not require additional holding by hand.
7. The presence of a radio transmitter, microphone. They provide an opportunity for communication when playing a team game or during a group hunt. When choosing a model of a radio transmitter, you should pay attention to the range of reception and transmission of information.

In addition, you should take into account the individual characteristics and purpose of active headphones. Models for airsoft are chosen taking into account the peculiarities of their application. Low-profile cups and a tight-fitting headband are a must, as you have to wear the gear under the helmet.

For hunting, it is recommended to choose headphones with a high level of sensitivity. In addition to faster detection of the animal, this provides recognition of other noises - for example, if a random mushroom picker or a dog walking away from the city appears in the line of fire. In case of characteristic hearing impairment, which the shooter already has, headphones will help to improve the perception of external noise and act as an amplifier. It is worth considering that in winter, such accessories are almost useless - batteries are discharged in the cold much faster, and not every hunter is ready to wear them with a large supply.

For an overview of the Ztactical Z039 LIBERATOR II, see below.