Axis X1.1 User manual

Aviation Headset X1.1
HEADSET
March 2021
Version 1.0
Document number: AX4010
User’s Manual

Ensure that the headset cable does not conflict with the normal operation and freedom of
movement of the aircraft flight controls.
Do not wear the headset with ear tips inserted if you may need to hear noises outside the
aircraft. For example, when starting the engine in a general aviation aircraft, do not insert
both ear tips until after you have started the engine, so that you can hear noises such as
someone yelling to you from outside the aircraft.
Replace your ear tips if they appear to be soiled or contaminated. Do not share your ear tips
with other users.
Inspect the ends of your ear tips for any blockages prior to each flight. Ensure the ear tips
are firmly attached to the plastic couplers, and the plastic couplers are firmly attached to
the acoustic tubes, to prevent the ear tips from detaching in the ear canal. If this occurs,
seek medical attention.
Do not store the headset in direct sunlight, such as on the aircraft’s dashboard, especially
during hot weather.
Please carefully read all information in this manual prior to using the headset.
If you suspect a problem with the operation of your headset, follow standard lost
communications procedures. Always ensure a backup means of communication is available
(such as a cockpit handheld mic and speaker, or another spare headset).
Be prepared that some aircraft sounds (such as engine noise or aural warnings) may sound
different than they did with headsets you may have previously used.
Use caution to ensure that your volume controls are set to a safe listening volume. Ensure
the volume controls are set to the minimum setting prior to plugging in the headset.
The headset contains small parts (such as the foam ear tips) that could pose a choking
hazard. Do not allow children under the age of six to access the headset.
Do not attempt to disassemble the headset, including the capsules containing the speakers
or the volume control box. Any attempt to disassemble the headset will invalidate the
warranty and may result in degraded headset performance.
Due to the lighter-than-normal clamping force of the AXIS headset, we do not recommend
its use during aerobatic flight operations.
The headset does not automatically mute the AUX input when there are incoming radio
communications. You must ensure that the AUX input volume (e.g., on your phone) is low
enough to avoid interference with radio communications.
Cautions

Date Version Number Document Changes
March 1, 2021 1.00 Initial issuance
Document Revisions

Table of Contents
Preface
Product Overview
Configuration
Ear tips
Types
How do I properly insert my ear tips?
How do I change my ear tips?
When should I replace my ear tips?
Acoustic Tubing & Dampers
How do I properly wear the headset?
Adjusting frame in front of ears
Adjusting the headband
Lapel clip
Microphone
Volume control box
Storage
Other Features
Listen to external audio input
Make phone calls while wearing the AXIS
Troubleshooting
Technical Data
Speakers
Microphone
Warranty
2
3
5
5
5
5
7
7
7
8
8
9
10
10
11
12
13
13
14
15
17
17
17
18
1

Preface
Retaining Instructions
Read and understand this manual and its safety instructions before using this product. Follow all the
instructions to avoid potential hazards.
The product shall only be used by persons who have fully read and understand the contents of this user manual.
Ensure that each person who uses the product has read these warnings and instructions and follows them.
Keep all safety information and instructions for future reference and pass them on to subsequent users of the
product.
The manufacturer is not liable for cases of material damage or personal injury caused by incorrect handling or
non-compliance with the safety instructions. In such cases, the warranty will be voided.
Obtaining Documentation and Information
The latest version of the documentation is available at the following address:
axisheadset.com/manual
Documentation, user instructions and technical information can be ordered by emailing:
[e-mail]
Manuals in other languages are available upon request.
Explanation of safety information on the packaging and product
The CE Marking on the product is the manufacturer's declaration that the product complies with the
essential requirementsof the relevant European health, safety and environmental protection legislation.
The symbol on the product, the accessories or packaging indicates that this device must
not be treated as unsorted municipal waste, but must be collected separately.
Read and understand the manual and its safety instructions before using this product.
2

Product Overview
AUX input/output cable
Comply™
ear tips
Extra long tubes
Foam insert
see p. 10
Lapel clip
for shipping use - remove if desired
see p. 5
3M™ foam
ear tips
see p. 5
see p. 13 see p. 13
Medium size
Comply™ ear tips
see p. 5
Desiccant pack
The AXIS headset is an ultra-lightweight, in-ear aviation headset. It is designed for use by civilian pilots and
passengers.
3

For customization and maintenance purposes, the AXIS separates into the following components:
1234
MIC SIDE
CABLE SIDE
Ear tips: These provide the passive noise reduction
Couplers: These are used to attach the ear tips to the acoustic tubes.
Acoustic tubes: These transmit the sound from the speaker capsules into the ear tips. We provide
normal length and extra-long versions. Each tube contains a small acoustic damper at the end closest
to the ear tip.
Main headset frame
Ear cushion (optional)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Product Overview
4
5.
5

Configuration
Ear Tips
We provide 6 different types of ear tips, so you can find your favorite.
TYPES
Ear tip Diameter
Small 3M™ brown foam ear tip
Small Comply™ tips (green core)
Try these first! These tips work best for most users.
Default - Medium Comply™ tips (red core)
Medium 3M™ yellow foam ear tips
Large Comply™ tips (blue core)
Large 3M™ yellow foam ear tips
9.7 mm
10.9 mm
12.7 mm
13.7 mm
14.2 mm
17.8 mm
HOW DO I PROPERLY INSERT MY EAR TIPS?
For effective noise reduction, it is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL that you properly insert the ear tips.
It may take some trial and error, but when they’re properly inserted, you should get a level of noise
reduction that meets or exceeds traditional headsets:
1Roll the ear tip in between your fingers
5

Configuration
2
3While holding your ear up, use your other hand to insert the rolled-up tip deep into
the ear (while still maintaining the ability to pull the ear plug out if needed).
Pull the top of your ear upwards with one
hand to straighten out the ear canal
Visit axisheadset.com/eartips to see a video demonstrating the proper technique.
If none of the supplied ear tips provide sufficient noise reduction, please contact us to discuss
alternative solutions.
Let go of your ear, then hold the ear tip in
place while the foam expands in your ear,
creating a tight seal. Be patient! This could
take 10-20 seconds.
VERY IMPORTANT!
6

Configuration
HOW DO I CHANGE MY EAR TIPS?
Ensure your hands are clean prior to handling your ear tips.
To replace the default Comply™ tip with a 3M™ foam ear tip, note that you must use the smaller
sized coupler and follow these steps.
1Pull off the Comply™ tip and its coupler together. It requires some force to
remove the coupler from the tube. Don't worry, you won't break it.
Obtain the smaller coupler provided in the "Foam Eartips - Medium" bag.
2
3
4
Connect one end of the coupler to the black plastic tube on the yellow eartip, and
connect the other end to the black acoustic tube.
Ensure that the new ear tip is firmly secured to the plastic coupler!
WHEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY EAR TIPS?
The ear tips should be replaced if they no longer compress/expand properly, if they become soiled, or
if another person will be using the headset.
Acoustic Tubing & Dampers
EAR TIP ACOUSTIC TUBE
The headset includes two sets of acoustic tubes.
The short ones should be used when wearing the headset on the head.
The long ones should be used when the headset is worn around the neck.
7
The ear tips are attached to the end of the acoustic
tubes via plastic couplers:

The part of the frame located in front of your ears is fully flexible in all directions, and must be
adjusted on each side so that the frame “hooks” down in front of your ears, as shown below.
This helps prevent the headset from sliding back and forth on your head. It also allows you to
properly place the microphone and avoid seeing the headset wire out of your peripheral vision.
Within the acoustic tubes, there are dampers that help to eliminate undesirable resonances.
The dampers are located at the end of the tube closest to the ear tips, and can be noted by a small
bump in the tube. The dampers were placed during assembly to ensure the proper frequency response of
the headset, and should not be removed.
Configuration
If you disconnect an acoustic tube and then reinstall it, ensure they’re inserted in the correct
orientation: with the damper closest to the ear tip.
How do I properly wear the headset?
When properly adjusted, the headset should be nearly imperceptible on your head, yet fully stable
and secure.
There are two segments of the headset frame that can be adjusted: (1) in front of the ears and (2)
around the head.
ADJUSTING FRAME IN FRONT OF EARS
Acoustic Damper
8
Pull frame
forward
until it
touches
back of
your head
Bend frame
down in front
of each ear
12

If you switch between your aircraft’s left and right seats, you can switch the position of the mic to the
other side of the headset simply by bending the fully flexible part of the frame as shown below:
Configuration
ADJUSTING THE HEADBAND
The headband is made from a springy metal, but it can be slightly re-shaped if you prefer more or less
clamping pressure on your head.
9
MORE CURVATURE
TIGHTER FIT
LESS CURVATURE
LOOSER FIT

Two cushions are provided that can be attached to the frame over the ears in order to enhance
comfort. Wrap the cushion around the frame and secure the velcro by rubbing the outer side several
times.
Configuration
LAPEL CLIP
Optionally, attach the lapel clip to a garment to prevent the
cable from tugging on the headset as you move around.
We suggest clipping it somewhere on your shirt with enough
slack that you can freely move your head without the
headset moving around. Finding the best position for you
may take some trial and error.
Some users prefer using the headset without the lapel clip.
See what works best for you.
MICROPHONE
Since there is no direct
adjustment for the mic boom
length, proper placement of the
microphone is achieved by
bending the mic boom towards or
away from your face as needed.
For example:
Bend the mic boom away
from your head, if you have a
smaller head size
Bend the mic boom towards
your head, if you have a
larger head size
There is a white dot on the microphone indicating the
side which must face your mouth. If you can’t clearly see
it, pull back the mic foam slightly.
Mic orientation dot
10
EAR CUSHIONS

CAUTION
To avoid the risk of hearing damage from excessive sound levels, we recommend initially setting
the volume at the minimum level before you insert your ear tips. Then you can slowly raise the
volume until a comfortable listening level is reached.
The right-hand side volume control corresponds to the speaker on the microphone side of the
headset.
The left-hand side volume control corresponds to the speaker on the cable side of the headset.
Mic gain switch: In aircraft using a HOT mic (for example, the ERJ/CRJ), we recommend keeping the
switch set to LO GAIN.
MONO/STEREO switch: This switch should be set to MONO, unless flying an aircraft you are certain
has a stereo intercom system.
Aux Jack
NORM
LO GAIN
MONO
STEREO
12
3 4
1.
2.
3.
4.
Configuration
Volume control box
11

Configuration
Storage
Store the headset in a cool, dry place. Do not leave the headset in direct sunlight or in high heat, or
damage could occur.
The foam insert provided in the case is intended for shipping, and may be discarded.
NOTE
12
PASSPORT PILOT
CERTIFICATE

Other Features
Listen to external audio input
Using the provided 3.5 mm TRRS AUX input cable, you can stream audio from a smartphone/tablet to
your headset.
Ensure that the volume setting of the auxiliary device is set to the minimum level before connecting the
device to the headset. After they are connected, you can slowly increase volume to a safe listening level.
ATC audio and AUX input audio will be mixed together.
The headset is fully passive and does not automatically mute the AUX input when there are incoming
radio communications. Therefore, you must ensure that the AUX input volume (e.g., on your phone) is low
enough to avoid interference with radio communications.
If you want to use the headset as a passenger (such as during a commute) and avoid having a microphone
in front of your mouth, you could attach the extra-long tubes and wear the headset around your neck as
shown in below:
13
Smartphone Tablet

Other Features
The headset’s high-quality balanced armature speakers provide optimal response for air traffic control
speech frequency ranges according to the DO-214A industry standard. As a result, they are not optimized
for music. We suggest using an audio equalizer app if adjustment to the auxiliary input audio is desired.
Make phone calls while wearing the AXIS
If you would like to make a call on your cell phone while wearing the headset, then the AUX cable can be
used to transmit the headset microphone output into your phone’s audio jack.
This feature is compatible only with smartphones which include a 3.5 mm headset jack (either on the
phone or by means of an adapter).
14

Troubleshooting
15
Issue Possible Solutions
The headset does not
feel stable on my head.
Ensure that the part of the frame in front of the ears is “hooked down”
as described on page 8.
Also try re-shaping the headset band so that the radius of the spring
frame is tighter, as described on page 9.
There is too much
clamping force on my
head from the
headband.
Reshape the headband using light pressure to a larger radius, as
described on page 9.
I cannot hear audio
through the headset.
Try the following:
1. ensure plugs are fully inserted into aircraft jacks, and the aircraft’s
audio control panel volume is properly set
2. check volume control
3. check for possible blockages in the ear tubes
I hear too much
breathing noise.
Set the MIC GAIN switch to LOW, and ensure you are using the provided
high-quality mic foam.
Also try several different mic placements, placing the mic:
• slightly below the mouth
• on the side of the mouth
• further away from the mouth
I hear too much ambient
noise. I don’t think the
foam ear tips are
working properly for
me.
Proper insertion is absolutely critical to obtaining optimal noise
reduction. Please review the section on proper ear tip insertion (p. 5).
Also consider trying a different size of ear tip.
• Try connecting the headset to the other jacks in the aircraft to see if
it is a problem with the headset or the jack.
• If all jacks exhibit the same behavior, contact AXIS customer service.
I hear static in the
earphones.

Troubleshooting
Issue Possible Solutions
I lost audio in one ear.
Why does my voice
sound deeper when
using the AXIS?
This can occur when you are wearing ear plugs. Rest assured; others
will hear you normally.
• Verify that the volume controls are set appropriately
• Try changing the MONO/STEREO switch to the opposite setting
• If that does not restore audio to both ears, you may have moisture or
debris stuck in a single acoustic tubing. Try swapping the left and
right tubes to verify if this is the problem. You can also use the
provided secondary, long set of tubes (cut them to the desired
length) or purchase a new replacement set from the AXIS website.
16

Technical Data
17
Type Balanced Armature
Frequency Response
Sensitivity
Mono: 150 Ohm +/- 20%
Stereo: 300 Ohm +/- 20%
< 15 dB span over 160 ~ 5000 Hz
100 dBA +/- 3 dB
Impedance
SPEAKERS
MICROPHONE
Type Noise-cancelling amplified electret
Operating Bias Voltage
Rated Bias Resistance
Rated Load Resistance
Frequency Response
Sensitivity, Normal Gain
Sensitivity, Low Gain
5 – 24 volts DC
470 Ohm +/- 20%
220 Ohm +/- 20%
100 Hz ~ 10 kHz
-28 dBV re 1 Pa +/- 3 dB
-38 dBV re 1 Pa +/- 3 dB