HamSet Buyer’s Guide

Bose sound excellence meets HamSet microphone performance
When you combine the rich, balanced audio of Bose headphones with the clarity and punch of a high-quality HamSet dynamic boom mic, the result is a headset experience built not just for comfort — but for serious communication.
Whether you’re calling DX across the bands or logging QSOs in a contest, choosing the right headset depends on how and where you operate. Below you’ll find everything you need to make the right decision for your shack.

Find the right solution based on your needs
Choosing the right headset configuration starts with understanding what you really need when operating. At HamSet, we offer various professional headset solutions based on three key questions:
1) Noise Cancelling?
2) Detachable Boom Mic?
3) Mic Element?

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1- Do you need Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), or do you prefer a lighter, passive headset?

This is the first and most important decision.
If you operate in a quiet shack, or you simply want the lightest and most minimal setup — no batteries, no electronics — then you don’t need ANC. But if you’re in a noisier environment, such as:

• A multi-operator contest station
• A shack with noisy PC fans, linear amplifiers, or power supplies
• A place where teammates talk or shout during operations

…then Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) can significantly improve your focus and reduce fatigue.

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Option A: If you DON’T need ANC

You can choose between two lightweight Bose models, both refurbished and upgraded with a fixed HamSet boom mic:

• Bose SoundTrue AE2i
• Bose Around-Ear II

These are passive headsets — no ANC, no battery, no Bluetooth — and offer:

• The signature Bose sound quality
• Outstanding long-session comfort
• Total immunity to RF or connection issues
• A fixed HamSet dynamic boom mic, cleanly integrated and always ready

These models are perfect for operators who want simplicity, reliability, and comfort, especially for CW or SSB in quiet environments.

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Option B: If you need ANC

In that case, the right solution depends on how you prefer your microphone setup:
Do you want a mic permanently integrated into the headset, or do you prefer a detachable solution?

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 2- Do you want a fixed boom mic, or a detachable one?

Both options are available — but each serves a different operating style.

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 Option A – Fixed Boom Mic: Modified QC25

If you want the most robust and interference-proof solution, go for our HamSet-modified Bose QC25.

This headset offers:

• True ANC via AAA battery (no Bluetooth, no recharging)
• Excellent passive and active noise isolation
• Legendary comfort for long sessions
• A HamSet boom mic fixed directly into the headset frame — no extra jack, no cables, no points of failure

Why fixed? Because in contest conditions or high-RF environments, the fewer the connections, the better. A permanently mounted boom mic eliminates the risk of poor contact, RF pickup, or the mic getting unplugged during operations.

This is the best choice for serious contesters and SSB operators who want peace of mind: put the headset on, operate, remove it — the mic is always solid, in place, and working.

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Option B – Detachable Boom Mic: Clip-On for QC35 / QC45 / New QuietComfort

If you already own a Bose QC35, QC45, or one of the newer QuietComfort Bluetooth models with ANC, HamSet offers a dedicated Clip-On Boom Mic.

This solution gives you:

• Full use of your existing headset
• A professional-grade HamSet dynamic boom mic
• A solid mechanical mounting system that clamps cleanly onto the headband
• A plug-and-play system for SSB, contesting, or voice work — and detachable when not needed

It’s the ideal choice for operators who want versatility. Use your Bose QC headset for music, travel, or CW listening — then attach the boom mic in seconds when it’s time for SSB.

Important: HamSet normally does not sell the QC35, QC45, or QuietComfort headphones. You must already own or buy the headset — we provide the custom-engineered clip-on boom mic only.

3- What About the Microphone Element? Dynamic vs Electret

Once you’ve chosen your headset configuration, there’s one last step:
selecting the microphone element that best fits your operating environment and transceiver.
At HamSet, we strongly recommend the use of a dynamic microphone element for most amateur radio applications.

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 Option A – Why choose dynamic?

Dynamic capsules offer:

• Superior RF immunity, even under high power and in high field environments
• No need for bias voltage or internal powering from the radio
• Clear, natural, and punchy voice transmission — ideal for pileups, contesting, and DXing

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Option B – What about electret?

HamSet does offer electret microphone elements upon request, but only in specific cases. Electret mics:

• Require bias voltage from the transceiver (usually on mic pin 1 or 2)
• Are more sensitive to RF pickup, distortion, and unwanted noise
• May vary in behavior across different radio brands and models

You should only choose an electret mic if:

• Your transceiver only accepts electret input (no gain or matching for dynamic elements)
• You are using low-drive rigs, portable/mobile VHF/UHF setups, or want a very specific voice coloration
• You are aware of your radio’s bias voltage specs and know it’s fully compatible

👉 In all other cases, a dynamic mic is the professional default.
It guarantees clean signal, stable performance, and full RF robustness — exactly what you need in a demanding radio environment.

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In Summary – What Are Your Priorities?

Your Need	Recommended Headset Setup	Mic Element Options
Lightweight, passive, no electronics	AE2i or Around-Ear II with fixed HamSet boom mic	Dynamic (default) – Electret optional*
ANC + fixed mic, maximum mechanical reliability	HamSet-modified QC25 with integrated boom mic	Dynamic (default) – Electret optional*
ANC + detachable mic, flexible and modern	Clip-On Boom Mic for your own QC35, QC45, or QC Bluetooth model	Dynamic (default) – Electret optional*
Plugged into the most common brands of RTX: Yaesu, Kenwood, Elecraft or Icom	All of the above	Dynamic capsule
Plugged into Icom, Microkeyer, SunSDR, FlexRadio	All of the above	Electret capsule can be used with proper precautions

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Note:
Electret capsule is available only if your transceiver requires it or you explicitly request it — typically for radios that provide bias voltage and lack dynamic mic support.
Dynamic capsule is the default HamSet choice, ensuring RF immunity and clean audio in all HF setups.

*If you’re using Icom radios, Microkeyer, or modern SDRs like SunSDR or FlexRadio, you may request an electret capsule, since these platforms provide mic bias voltage and support this configuration.
⚠️ Always verify compatibility and follow proper wiring and shielding practices to avoid RF or audio issues.

HamSet headsets come with dynamic capsules by default, chosen for their clean audio and strong RF immunity.

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Whatever your operating style — contesting, DXing, or casual listening — there’s a HamSet configuration built to deliver clarity, comfort, and total reliability, even under pressure.

Let us know if you need help choosing your cable or mic element. HamSet gives voice to your station — with the precision it deserves.