There is a long list of amateur radio sayings that veteran operators often recite to new hams, but none is truer than this one: You can’t work ’em if you can’t hear ’em.
It’s an adage that highlights the importance of having reliable, high-performance amateur radio audio equipment to log more QSOs, make weak-signal contacts you never thought possible, operate longer with less fatigue, and enjoy an overall more pleasant experience. While there are certainly other upgrades (a better antenna, transceivers with stellar receiving capabilities) that will make “hearing ’em” easier, don’t forget proven headsets and headphones.
Your ears will thank you.
Before we continue, take a moment to read “How Headphones and Headsets Can Improve Your Copy” by Mark, K8MSH, where he notes that not just any headphone or headset is ideal for amateur radio operation:
“Headphones and headsets designed for ham radio often narrow the response at the extreme high and low ends, making them more useful for receiving SSB and CW signals.”
Find the Right Choice for Your Station
DX Engineering offers several choices that can make ARRL Field Day 2025 (June 28-29)—or any day on the air, for that matter—more successful.
One great option available at DX Engineering are headsets from Heil Sound. The company was founded in 1966 by the legendary Bob Heil, K9EID (SK)—an audio pioneer who helped Frampton come alive thanks to the Heil Talk Box, kept the Grateful Dead truckin’ along through his “Wall of Sound,” and let hams everywhere rock the amateur bands.
DX Engineering’s Paul, KJ8EEP, was fortunate to catch up with Heil Sound’s Jerry, KE9AKK, for a quick look at Heil headsets in a range of prices:
Choose from These Heil Headsets at DX Engineering
- HTH Series Handie-Talkie Headsets for Icom, Kenwood/Baofeng, or Yaesu: These lightweight (2.7 oz.) headsets provide hands-free and discreet two-way communication while maintaining the comfort necessary for extended use in moderate noise environments. The single-side models feature a left or right ear adaptable earpiece and both single- and double-sided versions include an in-line push-to-talk switch.
Five Stars: “I bought these to use for ham radio support at local events where there is a lot of background noise, and I’ve had no issues at all with this headset! It has a very clear sound quality for the headphones and microphone.”
Dale – DX Engineering Customer
- Pro Set 6 Headset: Designed for comfort, durability, and performance, the Pro Set 6 model utilizes the HC-6 element which lets amateur operators take advantage of the microphone EQ of their modern transceivers. Designed to accommodate commercial broadcast applications, the HC-6 element -3 dB points are fixed at 100 Hz and 12 kHz with a sensitivity of -57 dB at 600 ohms of output impedance (centered at 1 kHz).
- The Pro Set Elite Headset delivers bright, articulate audio with acoustically-tuned chambers that deliver high rejection of outside noise.
- Pro 7 Headsets have passive noise-canceling ability that blocks out background noise, audio balance control, a phase reversal switch for digging out weak signals, and adjustable mic boom.
Five Stars: “The Heil Pro 7 finally allowed me to clearly read stations that the big guns couldn’t pick out. I believe these headphones could almost be aircraft rated with total isolation of external noises. The microphone is top quality. With the Heil Pro 7, I can use my normal voice which is soft and low volume to produce readable audio in high noise levels. I can’t operate without the Pro 7, so I bought a second set for the RV.”
Ralph – DX Engineering Customer
Also visit DXEngineering.com for Heil headset adapter cables, microphones, microphone mounts, the Parametric Receive Audio System Equalizer, and more.
The new Heil Sound BM-17 Headset is coming in fall 2025. DX Engineering will post specs and pricing as soon as the headset is available.
Headset & Foot Switch Packages
Make it easy on yourself by adding a quality headset and foot switch in one purchase. Combos come with DX Engineering’s budget-friendly plastic foot switch (DXE-FS-001) or cast metal model (DXE-FS-002). The foot switches are paired with Heil Pro Set Elite Headsets or Pro 7 Headsets in black or blue.
Just looking for a foot switch to add to your Field Day setup? DX Engineering offers three models sold separately here.
INRAD W1 Competition Headset
Weighing only 13 ounces, the W1 Competition Headset includes cupped, over-the-ear earpieces that won’t hurt after hours of use; thick, rubberized foam padding at the top of the headband that molds to the head; the ability to tilt the headband back up to 30 degrees without moving the earpieces; large diaphragm high-response speakers for clear articulation of receive audio; 600-ohm dynamic microphone element on adjustable long boom with exceptional transmit audio; and extra-long seven-foot cable.
Also check in at DX Engineering for INRAD Dynamic Microphones and INRAD Desk Microphone Systems.
More Headsets & Headphones at DX Engineering
- Bhi HP-1 Wired Stereo Headphones and NCH Active Noise Canceling Headphones now in a wireless version (below)
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ARRL Field Day 2025 is only a month away. Stay tuned to OnAllBands for more ideas on getting your temporary stations in top shape for the big weekend!
