Sennheiser HME 46 Single-sided headset with electric microphone - 700314

Product Overview

The Sennheiser HME 46 is a single-sided broadcast headset equipped with a noise-compensated condenser (electric) microphone, designed for professionals who require exceptional speech intelligibility in demanding communication environments. Its flip-away earphone design enables single-sided or ambient-aware monitoring, making it equally suited to air traffic control, radio broadcast, sports commentary, and live event production. The HME 46 features Sennheiser's patented two-piece automatic headband for outstanding long-term wearing comfort at minimal weight. ActiveGard hearing protection is built in to guard operators against the dangers of sudden acoustic bursts.

Product Description

Broadcast headsets operating in high-stakes environments must deliver clear, intelligible speech transmission while keeping the operator comfortable and protected during long shifts. The HME 46 was developed to meet exactly these requirements. Its single-sided configuration provides professional monitoring from one ear while keeping the other ear free for situational awareness — a critical feature for air traffic controllers, sports broadcasters, and live event operators who must remain aware of their surroundings at all times.

The noise-compensated condenser microphone mounted on a flexible boom arm ensures that the operator's voice is captured with high clarity even in ambient-noise-heavy environments such as broadcast studios, sports stadiums, and control rooms. The boom can be positioned on either the left or right side of the headset, accommodating both left- and right-handed operators without requiring a different SKU. The flip-away earphone allows the headset to transition between single-sided monitoring and fully hands-free ambient-mode listening in seconds. The patented two-piece automatic headband self-adjusts to any head size without manual intervention, and the soft ear pads contribute to all-day comfort during extended operational periods. ActiveGard protection limits the impact of sudden acoustic bursts on the operator's hearing, a feature particularly valued in telephony and ATC environments where unexpected loud signals occur. The HME 46 ships without a cable; compatible cables in various configurations are available separately according to the accessory list, allowing the headset to be configured for specific interface requirements.

Key Features

• Single-Sided Design — Single-ear monitoring keeps the opposite ear free for situational awareness.
• Flip-Away Earphone — Quickly transitions between single-sided monitoring and full ambient-mode operation.
• Noise-Compensated Condenser Microphone — Ensures clear speech transmission even in high-ambient-noise environments.
• Flexible Boom, Left or Right — Microphone boom positions on either side to accommodate all operators.
• Patented Two-Piece Automatic Headband — Self-adjusting design provides consistent, comfortable fit without manual adjustment.
• Soft Ear Pads — Provide lasting comfort during extended operational use.
• ActiveGard Hearing Protection — Protects the operator from acoustic bursts and sudden loud signal peaks.
• Very Lightweight — Minimal weight reduces fatigue during long-duration broadcast and ATC operations.
• Cable Sold Separately — Multiple cable configurations available to match specific interface requirements.
• PTT Version Available — An optional push-to-talk variant is also available for regulated communication environments.

Typical Applications

• Air traffic control (ATC) monitoring and communications
• Radio broadcast studio operations
• Sports commentary and live event broadcasting
• Television production floor communication
• Emergency dispatch and control room operations
• Live sound and stage management communication

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the HME 46 come with a cable?

No. The HME 46 is supplied without a cable. Compatible cables in various configurations are available as accessories. Contact Creation Networks for guidance on selecting the correct cable for your interface.

Q: Can the microphone boom be used on either side?

Yes. The flexible boom arm can be positioned on either the left or right side, making the HME 46 suitable for both left- and right-handed operators without requiring a different model.

Q: What is ActiveGard and why does it matter for ATC?

ActiveGard is Sennheiser's patented hearing protection system that compresses unexpected acoustic bursts — sudden loud signals that can occur in telephony and ATC environments — before they reach harmful levels. It helps operators comply with occupational hearing protection standards and reduces the risk of acoustic shock injury.

Q: Is the HME 46 suitable for air traffic control?

Yes. The HME 46 is specifically noted as ideal for ATC applications, offering the single-sided monitoring, ActiveGard protection, and noise-compensated microphone that ATC environments require.

Q: Is there a push-to-talk (PTT) version available?

Yes. A PTT variant of the HME 46 is available for regulated communication environments. Contact Creation Networks to discuss the correct configuration for your application.

Q: How does the two-piece automatic headband work?

The patented two-piece automatic headband self-adjusts to the wearer's head size without requiring manual slider adjustment. It distributes weight evenly and maintains consistent positioning throughout a long operational shift.