HARMAN’s AKG Enters the Aviation Market with Introduction of AV100 Headset

VIENNA, Austria – HARMAN’s AKG today announced it is expanding into a new market with the introduction of its AV100 aviation headset, the company’s first headset designed for general aviation pilots. The AV100 utilizes proprietary hybrid noise-reduction technology to block cockpit noise and offers features specifically designed for aviation use. The AV100 was developed in collaboration with pilot Hannes Arch, a member of the Red Bull Air Race Team and Red Bull Air Race World Series champion.

“When AKG approached me to collaborate on their first aviation headset, I was totally confident that we could create the best product of its kind,” said Arch. “By combining my piloting experience with AKG’s more than 65 years of experience in acoustical design, I am confident we have set a new standard for aviation headsets.”

The AKG AV100 employs exclusive AKG-developed hybrid active noise-cancelling technology and signal processing that is calibrated to most effectively attenuate the specific frequencies heard within an airplane. The addition of a superior audio reproduction system creates the most enjoyable and relaxing listening environment within today’s market. The AV100 incorporates top-quality drivers and electronics to deliver clear, intelligible speech and music reproduction. It has a built-in microphone and boom that can be mounted on either the left or right side of the headset. The windscreen is washable, replaceable and a spare is included in the premium carrying bag.

The AV100 offers a number of additional aviation-centric features. It has built-in LED map lights on each ear cup that provide illumination during night flights or added visibility in cockpits with dim lighting. Its cable-mounted control unit offers Bluetooth connectivity and an AUX input enabling wireless or wired interfacing with navigation devices, tablet PCs, phones or other devices. An adjustable automatic input switch lets the wearer set his or her audio preferences so that intercom messages take precedence over other channels if so desired. The headset has a 6-pin LEMO connector and a standard dual-plug adapter is included. The AV100’s large padded ear cups and headband ensure lasting comfort even during long flights.

The AKG AV100 comes with a premium carry bag with enough spare space for sunglasses, navigation devices, a tablet device and more.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of 14,800 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.7 billion for the last twelve months ended December 31, 2013.