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  #1  
Old 11-22-2011, 07:01 AM
rgmwa rgmwa is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 1,647
Default Noise levels in the RV-12

I've heard that RV's are noisy aircraft and was wondering if the RV-12 is better or worse than the C172 that I usually fly. Reason is I'm debating whether to upgrade my basic passive headset. It's reasonably OK for an hour or two, but if the -12 is noisier that the 172, I would get something better. Probably should anyway, but I'd be interested if anyone has any thoughts on the subject.
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  #2  
Old 11-22-2011, 07:09 AM
BigJohn BigJohn is offline
 
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Location: Gloversville, NY
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Default Go for the ANR

RV-12's are noisey, in my opinion. The metal skins tend to transmit sound right into the cabin. There is no sound deadening material between you and the engine, or the outside world.

I bit the bullet and bought one of the new Bose headsets. When I turn on the ANR switch the noise reduction is startling! I have an older Flightcom Denali that we use in the right seat. It also works very well, but not quite as good as the Bose.

Get an ANR headset - you will not regret it.
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  #3  
Old 11-22-2011, 08:09 AM
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mike newall mike newall is offline
 
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Default

To answer the original question, the RV12 is way quieter than a 172 !

When cruising at 4800 - 5000 you can hold a hats off conversation without too much difficulty.

In fact I think it is noisier on the ground with everything clattering and squeaking !

ANR headsets on any aeroplane will have a profound effect due to the broad spectrum background noise but unless the noise really gets on your bits then I would enjoy the noise of your mogas turning into fun
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  #4  
Old 11-22-2011, 08:46 AM
Dave12 Dave12 is online now
 
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Location: Elkton, Md.
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Robert, IMO the 12 is a noisy bugger. Dick did not build any provision for a speaker in any of his designs, so there you go. Regarding the ANR's, I have a pair of Peltor 7004 headsets (20 + years old) that I love. I just could not find ANR's that fit better. Just by accident I found that HEADSETS.com sells kits to retrofit many headsets to ANR. I bought a couple of kits and went to work. These kits are nice. Just a thought.
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  #5  
Old 11-22-2011, 09:13 AM
Peterk Peterk is offline
 
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Location: Texas
Posts: 1,378
Default Zulu's

What better excuse do you need to buy a pair of Zulu's! You will end up saying, "where have you been all my life?"

Pete
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  #6  
Old 11-22-2011, 09:27 AM
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Tony_T Tony_T is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Lacey, WA
Posts: 1,365
Default ANR...YES

I already had hearing damage from noisy activities in my youth. Jet engines, two stroke motors with expansion pipes, rifle team, etc. Unless I'm mistaken, hearing damage also is cumulative from long exposure, so if you fly a lot even lower noise levels can be damaging. I decided early on to use Lightspeed zulus in the 12. Hopefully, someday when I am in my rocking chair I will still be able to enjoy the sound of classical music. If so, it will have been money well spent...no, it's already money well spent.

Added benefit, when my passenger turns on the ANR there is always a big smile and the experience is always a pleasant one for them.
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Last edited by Tony_T : 11-22-2011 at 09:30 AM.
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  #7  
Old 11-22-2011, 09:40 AM
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pierre smith pierre smith is offline
 
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Location: Louisville, Ga
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Default Yep.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Peterk View Post
What better excuse do you need to buy a pair of Zulu's! You will end up saying, "where have you been all my life?"

Pete
X 2!!

I have two up front and the Bose in the rear. Zulus are cheaper too!

Best,
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  #8  
Old 11-22-2011, 09:46 AM
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videobobk videobobk is offline
 
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Default

Can't comment on the 12--ours isn't flying yet. I would still give a listen to QT Halo's. I really like them in my 9A, and have compared them to most ANRs. They work for me!

Bob
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  #9  
Old 11-22-2011, 10:00 AM
Mark Henderson Mark Henderson is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Napa, Calif
Posts: 274
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The 12 is louder than a Cherokee. I agree it is worse on theground than in the air. I use a lightspeed 3g and it helps a lot.
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  #10  
Old 11-22-2011, 10:12 AM
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DonFromTX DonFromTX is offline
 
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Location: La Feria Texas
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Seems to be some disagreement on the noise. Could it be some have the interior upholstery installed, and others do not?
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