Lightspeed Tango Wireless Headset: Thumbs Up . . . or Down?

The test was conducted in the Diamond DA62, which, admittedly, isn't the highest bar to set for an active noise-canceling headset, as the new twin is really quiet compared to most lightplanes. Still, the Tango's performance was impressive.

The headset works by connecting via a more effective Lightspeed proprietary wireless technology, with a small interface box that plugs into the headphone jacks in the airplane. Both the headset and the interface use rechargeable batteries, small lithium-ion units that can be replaced on the fly if a battery wears down and you have a charged-up spare handy. My flight and ground time was right around two hours, and the charge stayed strong. In a pinch, you can hook it up to a retractable cable for a direct connection, but you lose all of the advantages of the noise-canceling headset if you do.

The Tango is really comfortable. While it's a bit heavier than some competing, wired ANR models (apples versus oranges, I know), it's remarkably comfortable. The fit for me was as close to perfect as I've ever gotten. The sound quality was good, at least according to the reports from ATC and my flying companion that day. I've tested the music connection, too; it sounds really good. And I'm a bit of a music snob. The only sound quality complaint I had was the sidetone (the sound of one's own voice over the headphones). After a time, it started to sound a little distant, like I was in a concert hall. Lightspeed has suggested repositioning the interface box to overcome this issue, which I'll try next flight out.

I'll also try out the company's companion iPad app, which lets you use the Tango headset system as a communications recorder.

The final verdict, at least after my first flight, is a good old-fashioned thumbs up. I still want to see how the unit feels on much longer legs, how the backup system works when called into service and how the iPad app adds to the experience (or not).

For the rest of the story, check out Plane & Pilot's June issue, available next month at a newsstand near you. To subscribe (which you really should do!), click here.