The Comtac VII (7) is the latest generation headset from 3M Peltor. For years, the Comtac headsets have been used by the military, law enforcement, and shooters to help improve their communication and protect their hearing.
The new features on the Comtac VII make it the most technically advanced headset on the market. But are these new features worth it? And how does it compare to the previous version, the Comtac VI (6)?
We’ll explain all the new features of the Comtac VII, that are not found in the Comtac VI, so you can make the most educated decisions on which is right for you.
WHAT DO THEY BOTH HAVE?
Two features that are still available on the Comtac VII, which is also on the Comtac VI are the Mission Audio Profiles (MAP) and Natural Interactive Behavior (NIB). These two features are what made the Comtac VI the most feature-rich headset at the time, compared to its previous Comtac V.
MISSION AUDIO PROFILES
Mission Audio Profiles (MAP) include 5 listening profiles that users can switch between depending on what environment they are in to improve audio quality. The 5 listening profiles are Observation, Patrol, Conversation, Comfort, and Mic Off.
The first profile, Observation, is used when you’re standing or sitting still giving you the highest volume and frequency to maximize hearing.
The second profile, Patrol, is used in high-volume areas that limit the sound of footsteps, grass, and equipment moving.
The third profile, Conversation, is great for face-to-face conversation where it lowers the outside noise that could interfere with an average speech volume, making conversation easier to hear and understand.
The fourth profile, Comfort, is used when inside loud vehicles for long periods, like SWAT vehicles or Military tanks. It’s good for when environmental listening is not a priority but communication and comfort are.
And the fifth profile, mic off, lets you turn off these profiles without needing to power off the headset. This can be used in high-noise environments where you don’t need outside noise to help with communication.
NATURAL INTERACTIVE BEHAVIOR (NIB)
The Natural Interactive Behavior features automatically connect up to 4 headset users when you’re within 10 meters of one another and when background noise is above 72 decibels. This also allows for up to 60 headset users to listen in on conversations.
NIB is great for short-range communication by pairing the headsets without the use of external communication like a two-way radio.
Difference between the Comtac V vs VI
WHAT'S NEW?
Now the Comtac VII does have some pretty neat features. With each new generation headset, we’re getting more tailored features to help communication and even comfort.
NEW TECHNOLOGY
WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY
The Comtac VII is the first of its kind to offer a wireless connection to the 3M Peltor System Control Unit (SCU) removing the need for cords/ downleads. The headset uses NFMI, Near Field Magnetic Induction, to wirelessly transmit audio between the headset and the SCU, which is used to connect the headset to multiple external communication devices (two-way radios, etc.). It’s important to note that the SCU is not included with the headset and must be purchased separately.
If wireless is not your thing, there is a connection port on the headset to do a wired connection to the SCU.
IMPROVED DESIGN
NEW HEADBAND
There’s nothing worse than headset fatigue. 3M has made improvements to their headband so it’s easier to wear under ballistic helmets.
NEW BOOM MICROPHONE
Improvements were made to the attached boom microphone for noise cancellation in loud environments and protection against dust and water with an IP68 rating.
NEW MICROPHONE ATTACHMENT
The Comtac VII is better accommodated for left- or right-hand shooters with a microphone attachment. This way you don’t need to relocate the mic to the opposite side each time.
NEW GUIDE ARMS
It’s now easier to transition from an ARC attachment headset back to the headband and vice versa with newly redesigned guide arms that are easier to snap on and off. Before, this process was a bit daunting and took additional tools to the headband back on the earmuffs.]
OVERVIEW
The biggest difference between the Comtac VII compared to the Comtac VI is it is wireless. You can communicate without downleads getting in the way. With the SCU (system control unit), you can wireless connect the headset to audio. Another big difference is the improvements made to the overall system like the comfortable headband and microphone for left- or right-hand shooters.
If wireless communication is not something you look for, the Comtac VI is still a great headset for communication and hearing protection.
Have questions or ready to buy a Comtac VII? First Source Wireless is here to help! With over 20 years of experience in tactical communication, we can help you find the right headset for you. We are an authorized dealer of 3M Peltor, shop now.
