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A20 aviation headset

Sold from 2024 – present

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Poor sound quality from product

If you experience distortion, crackling, static, noise or unexpected poor sound quality from your product:

Be sure the headset is being worn properly.

Due to the angle of the earcups, proper left and right earcup placement is essential for the headset to fit around both ears. The headset's performance can be greatly reduced if the earcup fitment around the ears is poor. For more information, see Wearing and adjusting your product.

Check that the headset is set to Stereo or Mono to match the intercom type.

Remove the batteries from the control module to view the headset option switches: Set the AUDIO switch, the sixth switch, to Stereo (left position) if using a stereo intercom; if using a mono intercom, set the AUDIO switch to Mono (right position). Once set, replace the batteries.

Determine if any recent changes have been made to the headset or aircraft.

If any changes or modifications have been made to either the headset or the aircraft, look into whether or not those changes could have unexpectedly caused this issue.

Connect the headset to a different panel jack or, if possible, to another aircraft.

Non-TSO equipment, worn jacks/loose connections, or incorrectly wired jacks (i.e. reversed stereo or mic / ground wires) in the aircraft can cause issues. If available, try connecting the headset to another jack in the aircraft or to jacks in a separate aircraft. If the headset works fine when connected elsewhere, the panel jack or wiring to the jack is the issue.

Try connecting a different audio device.

If available, connect another audio device using the same cables and connections to determine if the issue is related to the first device or its settings.

Determine if the issue occurs with a connected auxiliary device.

Put the audio selector switch on the headset control module in either the middle or top position. (Be sure it is not in the down / Intercom Only position.) Then, disconnect the headset from the panel and connect an audio device to the 3.5 mm aux input on the headset control module. If you have a headset with Bluetooth®, you can connect a Bluetooth device instead: If the issue still occurs with the aux device, there is an issue with the headset; if the issue is not present with the aux device, the issue is related to the panel settings or connections.

Replace worn ear cushions.

The issue may be caused by the lack of a proper seal by the ear cushions around the ear. Also check to be sure the cushions are securely attached to the earcup. Replacing worn ear cushions will aid in comfort, the performance of the active noise reduction and battery life

Be sure the headset scrims are clean and free of debris.

Check for blockages in the scrim (the cloth grille inside earcup opening). Excessive debris can result in low audio or poor sound quality.

For 6-pin aircraft-powered installed connections, check the condition of the plug on the headset and the jack on the aircraft.

Check for any debris in the connector on the aircraft and check if any of the six pins are missing inside the headset plug.

Note: If the aircraft has a jack for an older model Bose AHX headset that was wired to provide mono audio to the right earcup, the jack will need to be rewired since the electronics in the newer A20 cable differ.

Clean the headset cable connectors with isopropyl alcohol.

The connectors at the end of the headset cable might have debris or corrosion on them. Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to a cloth, wipe the metal connectors, then dry them with a clean cloth. Once cleaned and dried, connect the headset and try again.

Check if the issue only occurrs during certain events.

It's possible unexpected noise might occur during certain events, like takeoff and landing. This is typically due to other electronics in the aircraft interfering with the electronics in the headset. While this isn't common, interference can occur with between electronics. If possible, determine the source of interference and if the source can be turned off, relocated or shielded from the headset.

Determine if the issue occurs when the mic is in use.

If the issue only occurs when speaking through the microphone, the Down Cable may be defective. Follow the link for more information on how to service your product. Depending on your product and region, you will be provided a contact number or the ability to setup service online.

Click here to start service

Disconnect all other headsets connected to the aircraft.

Unplug any other headsets connected to the aircraft intercom. If the issue goes away, it is related to another headset. Reconnect the headsets one-by-one to determine which, then check the settings for that headset.

Plug in a different headset.

If available, connect a different headset to the aircraft to determine if the issue is related to the aircraft panel or its settings.

Your product may need service.

If the steps provided do not resolve your issue, your product may need service. Follow the link below for more information on how to service your product. Depending on your product and region, you will be provided a contact number or the ability to setup service online.

Click here to start service