Sennheiser HMEC 461 User manual

HMEC 46-1
Instructions for use

1
Safety instructions
• Please read this instruction manual carefully and com-
pletely before using the headset.
• Make this instruction manual easily accessible to all
users at all times.
• Always include this instruction manual when passing
the headset on to third parties.
• During flight operation, do not use the headset for
telephone calls.
• With the NoiseGard™ active noise compensation
switched on, typical aircraft sounds (for example,
those from engines, propellers, warning alarms, etc.)
may sound different to you. Before operating any air-
craft, make sure that, with NoiseGard™ switched on,
you can hear and recognize these sounds. Set the
volume to safe levels that do not interfere with your
ability to hear informational sounds and warning
alarms.
• The headset is capable of producing sound pres-
sure levels exceeding 85 dB(A). In many countries
85 dB(A) is the maximum legally permissible level for
continuous noise exposure during the working day.
Exposure to sounds of higher volume levels or for
longer durations can permanently damage your
hearing!
• Never repair or attempt to repair a defective headset
yourself. Contact your Sennheiser agent or the
Sennheiser Service Department.

2
• Only replace those parts of the headset whose
replacement is described in this instruction manual.
All other parts of the headset must be replaced by
your Sennheiser agent.
• Protect the headset from humidity. Use only a slightly
damp cloth to clean the headset. For information on
how to clean the headset, contact your Sennheiser
agent.
Intended use of the headset
Intended use includes:
• having read this instruction manual especially the
chapter “Safety instructions”.
• using the headset in aircraft cockpits and within the
operating conditions as described in this instruction
manual.
Improper use
Improper use means using the headset other than as
described in this instruction manual, or under operating
conditions which differ from those described herein.

3
The HMEC 46-1 headset
The HMEC 46-1 headset with NoiseGard™ active noise com-
pensation features dynamic, open headphones. The noise-
compensating condenser microphone ensures excellent
speech transmission even in noisy environments. Designed
for use in aircraft cockpits.
Features
• NoiseGard™ active noise compensation reduces
ambient noise by at least 15 dB – consequently the
radio volume can be decreased
• Extremely lightweight
• Extremely comfortable to wear due to the patented
two-piece automatic headband and soft ear pads
• Peak level protection safeguards you from volume
peaks above 110 dB
• “Flip-away” headphone allows single-sided listening
• Flexible microphone boom, can be worn on either left
or right-hand side
• Noise-compensating condenser microphone ensures
excellent speech transmission
• Single-sided cable, easy to replace
• With NoiseGard™ switched off, the headset can be
used as a conventional headset
• Power supply for NoiseGard™ from aircraft DC power
supply system (on suitably equipped aircraft) or bat-
teries/rechargeable batteries
• “Auto shut-off” extends battery life
• ETSO (C57a/C58a)/TSO (C139) approval

4
Delivery includes
•HMEC46-1headset
•Cableclip
• Wind and pop screen
•Instructionmanual
•Carrybag
•EASAForm1
Operation
Turning the microphone boom
The microphone boom can be rotated. This allows the
headset to be worn with the microphone boom posi-
tioned on either the left or right-hand side of the head.

5
Putting on the headset
When putting on the headset, the patented two-piece
headband adjusts automatically.
Positioning the microphone
Bend the flexible microphone boom so that the micro-
phone is placed at the corner of the mouth. Maintain a dis-
tance of approx. 2 cm between microphone and mouth.

6
Flipping away one earcup
The headset features a “flip-away” earcup for single-sided
listening.
Adjusting the volume directly on the audio system
Connect the headset to the corresponding sockets of your
audio system. Adjust the volume directly on the audio
system.
Hearing damage due to high volumes!
This headset is capable of producing high
sound pressure levels. Higher volumes or
longer durations can damage your hearing!
Set the volume to a medium level. Make sure
that you can hear critical environmental
sounds and warning alarms.
CAUTION!

7
Adjusting the microphone sensitivity
The microphone sensitivity has been factory pre-set to
80 mV/Pa as per RTCA DO-214. You can change the
microphone sensitivity by turning a small screwdriver in
the direction of the arrow.
+
–

8
The operating controls of the HMEC 46-1
Operating control I
Volume controls
LED
NoiseGard™ ON/OFF
switch
Mono/stereo switch
BOOM switch L/R
3.5 mm jack socket
Battery compartment
2.5 mm jack socket
Cable with
operating
control I
Operating element

-B-CP x x x
-B-K x x x
-B-KP x x x
-BV-CP x x x x x
-BV-K xxxxxxxx
-BV-KP xxxxxxxx
-V-CP x x x x
-V-KP xxxxx
-V-KX xxxxx
-V-RP xxxxx















9
Operating control II
LED
NoiseGard™ ON/OFF
switch
Cable with
operating
control II
Operating element

-CP x x
-KP x x
-NP x x



10
Using the headset
Switching NoiseGard™ on/off
The NoiseGard™ ON/OFF switch allows you to switch
the NoiseGard™ active noise compensation on or off. With
NoiseGard™ switched off, the headset can be used as
a conventional headset.
왘Set the NoiseGard™ ON/OFF switch to the desired
position:
ON: NoiseGard™ is switched on.
The LED lights up, indicating the battery
charge status (see page 12) or power supply via
the aircraft DC power supply system.
OFF: NoiseGard™ is switched off.
The LED is off.
Adjusting the volume
The two slide volume controls allow you to adjust the
volume for the left and right channel separately.
왘Use the two volume controls to adjust the desired
volume.
Hearing damage due to high volumes!
This headset is capable of producing high
sound pressure levels. Higher volumes or
longer durations can damage your hearing!
Set the volume to a medium level. Make sure
that you can hear critical environmental
sounds and warning alarms.
CAUTION!

11
Switching between mono and stereo mode
The mono/stereo switch allows you to switch between
mono () and stereo () mode, depending on the
audio system.
왘Set the mono/stereo switch to the desired posi-
tion: mono () or stereo ().
Changing the left and right stereo channel
The position “R” or “L” of the BOOM switch corre-
sponds to the position of the microphone on the left or
right side of the mouth. When the microphone boom is
rotated to permit left or right side microphone orienta-
tion, the BOOM switch allows you to correctly assign the
audio channels (L/R) to the appropriate headphone sides.
This enables the correct orientation of the volume con-
trols and any stereo audio signals. To move the BOOM
switch, use a pointed tool.
Powering NoiseGard™ via two (rechargeable) batteries
왘Insert two 1.5 V AA alkaline batteries (IEC LR 6) or two
1.2 V AA rechargeable batteries (IEC LR 6). Observe
correct polarity when inserting the batteries.

12
The operating time with batteries/rechargeable batteries
is approx. 100 hours.
With NoiseGard™ switched on (see page 10), the LED 
provides information on the remaining battery/recharge-
able battery capacity.
LED lights up yellow: The battery capacity is suffi-
cient.
LED lights up red: The batteries are flat. Replace
the batteries.
Activating the “auto shut-off” function
The battery-saving “auto shut-off” function automati-
cally switches the NoiseGard™ electronics off when the
headset is disconnected from the audio system or when
the aircraft avionics are switched off. The headset is
delivered ex-works with the “auto shut-off” function
deactivated. You can activate “auto shut-off” as follows:
왘Set the switch to the position ASO.

13
Connecting a mobile telephone
(cable -BV-K / -BV-KP only)
The 2.5 mm 3-pole jack socket allows you to connect
a mobile telephone. For this purpose, the NoiseGard™
active noise compensation must be switched on and the
microphone connector must be connected to the aircraft
radio/audio. A suitable adapter for your mobile telephone
with 2.5 mm jack socket is available from your Sennheiser
agent.
왘Connect the audio cable to the 2.5 mm 3-pole jack
socket on the operating control Iand to the corre-
sponding jack socket on your mobile telephone.
You can adjust the volume of the mobile telephone via
the headset’s operating control. However, the functions
of the mobile telephone cannot be controlled via the
headset’s operating control.
왘Operate your mobile telephone as usual and observe
the manufacturer’s instructions.
The latest information on cell phone compatibility is
available at www.sennheiser.com in the “Aviation Head-
sets” category.
Danger of accident due to reduced attention!
Making telephone calls or operating the
mobile telephone limits your attention and
may cause accidents.
During flight operation, do not use the
headset for telephone calls!
CAUTION!

14
Connecting an additional audio player
(cable -BV-K / -BV-KP only)
The 3.5 mm jack socket allows you to connect and
listen to an audio player (not supplied) through the
headset. For this purpose, the NoiseGard™ active noise
compensation must be switched on.
왘Connect the audio cable to the 3.5 mm jack socket 
on the operating control Iand to the corresponding
jack socket on your audio player.
Danger of accident due to reduced attention!
Listening to music or operating an audio
device limits your attention and may cause
accidents.
During flight operation, do not use the
headset for listening to additional audio
sources!
Hearing damage due to high volumes!
This headset is capable of producing high
sound pressure levels. Higher volumes or
longer durations can damage your hearing!
Set the volume to a medium level. Make sure
that you can hear critical environmental
sounds and warning alarms.
CAUTION!
CAUTION!

15
Care and maintenance
Cleaning the headset
Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to clean the headset from
time to time. If the headset is very dirty, use a cloth
dampened with mild, soapy water.
Replacing the ear pads
For reasons of hygiene, the ear pads should be replaced
from time to time. Grasp the edge of the foam ear pad
behind the ear cup as shown and peel it up and away from
the ear cup. Slide the new ear pad onto the earcup. Repeat
for the other ear cup.
Danger of short-circuit due to the ingress of
water!
Water entering the housing of the headset
can cause a short-circuit and damage the
electronics.
Use only a slightly damp cloth to clean the
headset. Do not use any solvents or cleansing
agents.
CAUTION!

16
Accessories and spare parts
By changing the cables, you can simply retrofit different
operating controls
(see “The operating controls of the
HMEC 46-1” on page 8 and 9)
or connectors (see “Product
variants” on page 17).
• Cable -CP Cat. No. 500852
• Cable -V-CP Cat. No. 500846
• Cable -B-CP Cat. No. 500837
• Cable -BV-CP Cat. No. 500838
• Cable -KP Cat. No. 500842
• Cable -V-KP Cat. No. 500848
• Cable -B-K Cat. No. 502183
• Cable -BV-K Cat. No. 500839
• Cable -NP Cat. No. 500855
• Cable -V-RP Cat. No. 500853
• Cable -BV-KP Cat. No. 504030
• Cable -B-KP Cat. No. 504047
• Cable -V-KX Cat. No. 502437
• Audio cable, length 0.6 m,
2 x 3.5 mm stereo jack plug Cat. No. 520316
• Cable for mobile telephone, length 0.6 m,
2 x 2.5 mm jack plug (3 to 4-pin) Cat. No. 538200
• Cable for mobile telephone, length 0.6 m,
2 x 2.5 mm jack plug (3 to 3-pin) Cat. No. 520317
• MZQ 2002 cable clip Cat. No. 044740
• HZC 08 cable clip Cat. No. 525787
• Ear pads (1 pair) Cat. No. 515295
• Ear pads (100 pairs) Cat. No. 515296
• Wind and pop screen Cat. No. 515297
• Wind and pop screen (any quantity) Cat. No. 514127
• Headband padding (1 pair) Cat. No. 515629

17
Product variants
Model Cat. No./
Part Number 
HMEC 46-1 500854 / 046-35
HMEC 46-1-CP 500472
046-35-999-3211 xx x x
HMEC 46-1-B-CP 500478
046-35-999-2291 xx xxx
HMEC 46-1-BV-CP 500479
046-35-999-2281 xx xxx
HMEC 46-1-V-KP 500476
046-35-999-3161 xxxxx
HMEC 46-1-B-K 502180
046-35-999-1191 xxx xx
HMEC 46-1-BV-K 500477
046-35-999-1171 xxx xx
Cable -BV-KP 504030
999-2171 xxxxxx
Cable -B-KP 504047
999-2191 xxxxxx
Cable -V-KX 502437
999-4161 x xxx x x
Single-sided round cable,
length 1.85 m
XLR-5 connector
XLR-3 connector
¼“ (6.3 mm) jack plug
(headphones)
PJ-068 equivalent
(microphone)
8-pin Neutricon connector
6-pin Redel connector
Aircraft powered
Battery powered
Operating control I (see page 8)
Operating control II (see page 9)

18
Specifications
Headphones
Transducer principle dynamic, open
Ear coupling supra-aural
Frequency response 20–14,000 Hz
Impedance
mono/stereo 600 Ω/1,200 Ω
Characteristic SPL 93 dB SPL at 1 kHz, 1 mW
95 dB SPL at 1 kHz,
1 V, mono
Active attenuation ≥15 dB (300–700 Hz)
THD < 1% at 1 kHz, 90 dB SPL
Contact pressure approx. 3 N
Microphone incl. preamplifier
Type BKE 46
Transducer principle pre-polarized condenser
microphone,
noise-compensating
Frequency response 100–6,000 Hz
Output voltage adjustable from 17–100 mV/Pa,
80 mV/Pa –2 dB
( factory pre-set )
=800 mV –2 dB at 114 dB SPL
Terminating impedance 150–2,200 Ω
Supply voltage 8–16 V DC

19
General data
Temperature range operation: –15°C to +55°C
storage: –55°C to +70°C
Weight without cable approx. 150 g
Power supply for 2x 1.5 V AA alkaline battery
NoiseGard (IEC LR 6)
or
2x 1.2 V AA rechargeable
battery (IEC LR 6)
or
12–35 V DC via the aircraft
DC power supply system
(on suitably equipped aircraft),
max. 35 mA