Key Takeaways
- Mono = one audio signal sent equally to both ears.
- Stereo = two independent left/right signals.
- If you are only hearing sound in one ear, your headset is likely not set to the correct settings for your panel.
- Lightspeed headsets support both Mono and Stereo modes which can be selected via the DIP switches on the headset’s controller.
- Connecting a mono-only headset to a stereo panel could potentially damage your avionics, so always exercise caution when connecting a headset to a panel you’re unfamiliar with.
Should my headset be set to mono or stereo?
The audio panel in your aircraft determines which mode should be selected for your headset. The setting tells your headset whether to expect a single signal meant to be delivered to both ears equally (mono), or two separate signals, one each for your left and right ears (stereo). Because the wiring of the jack that your headset plugs into will determine the mode, the headset must be configured appropriately to transform the received signal(s) into sound.
How can I tell if my aircraft’s audio panel is wired for mono or stereo?
There are a couple of ways to tell if your aircraft’s audio panel is wired for mono or stereo. One, consult the audio panel manufacturer’s documentation. Two, plug in a stereo headset with the stereo setting on and listen for radio/intercom audio coming from one or both earcups. If audio comes through only one earcup or very quietly through both, your audio panel is likely wired for mono, while hearing transmissions at normal volume in both ears indicates a stereo panel.
How do I set my Lightspeed Aviation headset for mono or stereo?
All Lightspeed Aviation headsets support mono or stereo sound from an audio panel and allow you to toggle between those configurations. Our most recent headsets all utilize DIP switches accessible via the controller battery/DIP switch door located on the headset controller. The mono/stereo setting affects audio from the panel only; you’ll be able to enjoy auxiliary audio in stereo regardless of your headset’s mono/stereo setting. Refer to the user guide for your specific model for detailed instructions on locating and changing your headsets mono/stereo configuration.
How can I tell if my headset’s audio isn’t configured correctly?
The most obvious issue would be audio coming from only a single earcup, indicating your headset is configured for stereo but is plugged into an audio panel which is wired for mono sound. In some cases, this may result in very weak audio from both earcups even with the volume turned up.
Having your headset configured for mono sound and plugged into a stereo audio panel may not be immediately obvious but could present an issue if:
- Your audio panel supports splitting monitored radios between ears, in which case you won’t hear one of your monitored radios.
- Your audio panel supports 3D sound for your intercom, in which case you won’t hear the voices of your passengers as if they were coming from their respective seats.
- You’re listening to stereo audio (such as music) through your panel instead of connecting directly to your headset, in which case you will not enjoy the full stereo experience.
Can using a mono headset in a stereo panel damage my avionics?
You should always exercise caution when plugging a mono-only headset into an audio panel that you’re not certain is also mono. A mono headset plugged into a stereo panel will create a short in a stereo headset jack and in a worst scenario could damage your avionics. Since all Lightspeed Aviation headsets support stereo audio you’re safe connecting to a mono or stereo panel, but headsets that do not support both modes could pose a risk.
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