If searching for a brand new headset is a part of your mission at EAA AirVenture this 12 months, be sure you go to the Lightspeed Aviation sales space. The corporate that introduced the favored Zulu 3 to market has launched the Zulu 4 simply in time for Oshkosh (July 21-27).
Firm officers describe the ANR Zulu 4 as a “bestseller made even higher.” That claims lots, as a result of since 2017 the Zulu 3 has continued to be one of the common headsets amongst pilots of all expertise ranges who need to stability consolation with audio readability.
Zulu 4 Is Examined
FLYING was given the chance to check the ANR Zulu 4.
The very first thing noticeable about it’s that the earcups have a special design than its predecessors as they’re extra lozenge-shaped with a taper on the backside. This conforms higher to the jaw, and there isn’t a spot or want to regulate the earcups, as typically occurs when utilizing a headset with the standard oval-shaped cups.
I examined the Zulu 4 with totally different combos of sun shades and baseball caps as a result of there’s a distinction in match when sporting glasses with bayonet-style earpieces or over-the-ear wires and caps with the button on high versus no button. The Zulu 4 earcups stayed in place, and constancy was not compromised even with vigorous head motion. There have been no “strain level scorching spots” when sporting the Zulu 4 with glasses.
Longer Mic Increase and Cable
Lightspeed paid particular consideration to bettering the microphone setup, as each the mic growth and cable are longer than the Zulu 3. The mic growth on the Zulu 4 was lengthened from 6.5 inches to 7 inches, and the cable from 42.5 inches to 51 inches.
As an teacher, I enormously admire these refinements, as I don’t need to be monkeying with the mic growth, making an attempt to get it to remain in place, or getting clotheslined by the cable as I attain throughout the cockpit.
Like different Lightspeed merchandise, the Zulu 4 comes with an easy-to-use clip that permits a pilot to rearrange and safe cables in a vogue that works finest.
The Sound
I’ve had extra coaching flights minimize brief due to audio issues within the cockpit, equivalent to a static or a high-pitched hissing noise that makes it troublesome to listen to the consumer or air site visitors management (ATC).
The Lightspeed 4 had glorious constancy for each cockpit communications and exterior communications. The sliders make it potential to regulate the headset for every ear individually. Make certain to learn the directions in regards to the manufacturing facility settings to get the perfect outcomes.
Bluetooth Enabled
For these pilots who depend on Bluetooth to maintain them in contact with the remainder of the world, the Zulu 4 permits two units to be paired concurrently. Nonetheless, only one will transmit audio by way of the headset.
This provides you the power to hearken to music through the flight whereas utilizing a flight app with alerts in your iPad. In keeping with Lightspeed, should you join your telephone as a secondary Bluetooth system, telephone calls will interrupt the iPad audio. Calls may be answered by urgent the Bluetooth button, which is able to pause the iPad. When the decision concludes, press play to revive the iPad.
The Zulu 4 has a function referred to as ComPriority, which, when enabled, mechanically reduces the amount of auxiliary units when radio communications are detected. ComPriority is mechanically enabled when the headset is powered up,- so it have to be disabled earlier than making cellphone calls, or the opposite social gathering might be muted.
The Zulu 4 makes use of two AA alkaline batteries. The battery compartment may be accessed with out particular instruments. The corporate doesn’t advocate utilizing rechargeable batteries or mixing manufacturers. It is usually famous that utilizing Bluetooth will improve battery consumption.
The Zulu 4 is supported with the Lightspeed Aviation App. Firm officers stress that it is a totally different app than what’s at the moment paired with the Lightspeed Delta Zulu, the Lightspeed design security wearable with the carbon monoxide detector audible warning. When paired with the app, the Zulu 4 has the choice of voice recording.
The Zulu 4 sells for $1,099. It comes with a pair of AA batteries and a hard-shell case that makes it simple to guard the system in your flight bag. The Zulu 4 additionally features a seven-year guarantee.
