If shopping for a new headset is part of your mission at EAA AirVenture this year, be sure to visit the Lightspeed Aviation booth. The company that brought the popular Zulu 3 to market has released the Zulu 4 just in time for Oshkosh (July 21-27).
Company officials describe the ANR Zulu 4 as a “bestseller made even better.” That says a lot, because since 2017 the Zulu 3 has continued to be one of the most popular headsets among pilots of all experience levels who want to balance comfort with audio clarity.
Zulu 4 Is Tested
FLYING was given the opportunity to test the ANR Zulu 4.
The first thing noticeable about it is that the earcups have a different design than its predecessors as they are more lozenge-shaped with a taper at the bottom. This conforms better to the jaw, and there isn’t a gap or need to adjust the earcups, as sometimes happens when using a headset with the traditional oval-shaped cups.
I tested the Zulu 4 with different combinations of sunglasses and baseball caps because there is a difference in fit when wearing glasses with bayonet-style earpieces or over-the-ear wires and caps with the button on top versus no button. The Zulu 4 earcups stayed in place, and fidelity was not compromised even with vigorous head movement. There were no “pressure point hot spots” when wearing the Zulu 4 with glasses.
Longer Mic Boom and Cable
Lightspeed paid special attention to improving the microphone setup, as both the mic boom and cable are longer than the Zulu 3. The mic boom on the Zulu 4 was lengthened from 6.5 inches to 7 inches, and the cable from 42.5 inches to 51 inches.
As an instructor, I greatly appreciate these refinements, as I don’t want to be monkeying with the mic boom, trying to get it to stay in place, or getting clotheslined by the cable as I reach across the cockpit.
Like other Lightspeed products, the Zulu 4 comes with an easy-to-use clip that allows a pilot to arrange and secure cables in a fashion that works best.
The Sound
I’ve had more training flights cut short because of audio problems in the cockpit, such as a static or a high-pitched hissing noise that makes it difficult to hear the client or air traffic control (ATC).
The Lightspeed 4 had excellent fidelity for both cockpit communications and external communications. The sliders make it possible to adjust the headset for each ear individually. Make sure to read the instructions about the factory settings to get the best results.
Bluetooth Enabled
For those pilots who rely on Bluetooth to keep them in touch with the rest of the world, the Zulu 4 allows two devices to be paired simultaneously. However, just one will transmit audio through the headset.
This gives you the ability to listen to music during the flight while using a flight app with alerts on your iPad. According to Lightspeed, if you connect your phone as a secondary Bluetooth device, phone calls will interrupt the iPad audio. Calls can be answered by pressing the Bluetooth button, which will pause the iPad. When the call concludes, press play to restore the iPad.
The Zulu 4 has a feature called ComPriority, which, when enabled, automatically reduces the volume of auxiliary devices when radio communications are detected. ComPriority is automatically enabled when the headset is powered up,- so it must be disabled before making cell phone calls, or the other party will be muted.
The Zulu 4 uses two AA alkaline batteries. The battery compartment can be accessed without special tools. The company does not recommend using rechargeable batteries or mixing brands. It is also noted that using Bluetooth will increase battery consumption.
The Zulu 4 is supported with the Lightspeed Aviation App. Company officials stress that this is a different app than what is currently paired with the Lightspeed Delta Zulu, the Lightspeed design safety wearable with the carbon monoxide detector audible warning. When paired with the app, the Zulu 4 has the option of voice recording.
The Zulu 4 sells for $1,099. It comes with a pair of AA batteries and a hard-shell case that makes it easy to protect the device in your flight bag. The Zulu 4 also includes a seven-year warranty.
FLYING may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
