3M Peltor ComTac VIII Green Communication Headset

Further details of 3M Peltor ComTac VIII Green Communication Headset

The 3M PELTOR ComTac VIII MT14H418A-86 GN is an O.D. green, headband-style communication headset designed for military and law enforcement applications. It provides hearing protection against impulse and steady-state noise while supporting environmental listening and communication in challenging acoustic environments. Its 4-pin NATO U/174 connector enables connection to a radio through a push-to-talk (PTT) unit.

3M PELTOR ComTac VIII MT14H418A-86 GN - Key Features

• Environmental listening to support auditory situational awareness
• Hearing protection against impulse and steady-state noise
• Mission Audio Profiles (MAP) for listening based on the acoustic environment
• Noise-cancelling speech microphone for communication in noise
• Earplug Mode to support environmental listening when combined with earplugs
• Soundscaping to support radio communication speech intelligibility
• Compatible with the 3M E-A-Rfit Validation System

ComTac VIII Communication Interface and Microphone

• Communication configuration: Single Comm, NATO wired
• Connector: 4-pin U/174 (-86)
• Radio connection: via PTT unit
• Downlead cable: straight, Kevlar spun
• Cable length: approximately 500 mm
• Speech microphone: telescopic, dynamic, noise-cancelling
• Microphone water resistance: IP68, 3 m for 30 minutes
• Microphone frequency response: 200 Hz - 7 kHz
• Microphone impedance: approximately 150 ohms

The noise-cancelling speech microphone supports communication in noisy environments. Radio communication requires a suitable PTT unit and radio.

3M PELTOR ComTac VIII - Environmental Listening Modes

Mission Audio Profiles (MAP)

• Observation
• Patrolling
• Conversation
• Comfort
• OFF

The MAP listening profiles support audibility based on the surrounding acoustic environment.

Classic Mode

• 4 amplification levels
• OFF

Additional Audio Functions

• Earplug Mode: supports auditory situational awareness when used with earplugs
• Soundscaping: supports radio communication speech intelligibility
• Ghost Voice languages: English (default), Spanish, French and German

ComTac VIII MT14H418A-86 GN - Design and Power Supply

• Colour: O.D. green
• Design: headband, over-the-ear hearing protector
• Headband: adjustable, low-profile, rubberized
• Headband convertible to helmet attachment
• Earcups: low-profile design
• Battery compartment: sealed, single-sided enclosure
• Power supply: 2 AAA alkaline batteries (LR03)
• Operating time: approximately 50 hours

3M PELTOR ComTac VIII - Hearing Protection Performance

• Hearing protection classification: Class 5, AS/NZS 1270:2002
• SLC80 rating: 26 dB
• Foam cushions (HY68 SV): mass 339 g, clamping force 9.1 N
• Gel cushions (HY80-EU): mass 374 g, clamping force 9.3 N

Attenuation with HY68 SV Foam Cushions

• Test frequencies: 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 Hz
• Mean attenuation (dB): 12.3; 16.2; 24.9; 31.1; 30.1; 39.6; 37.5
• Standard deviation (dB): 3.3; 3.6; 4.1; 4.0; 3.6; 4.0; 5.5
• Mean attenuation minus standard deviation (dB): 9.0; 12.6; 20.8; 27.1; 26.5; 35.6; 32.0

Attenuation with HY80-EU Gel Cushions

• Test frequencies: 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 Hz
• Mean attenuation (dB): 12.8; 16.5; 24.1; 32.3; 31.2; 37.9; 38.2
• Standard deviation (dB): 4.0; 4.5; 3.7; 3.3; 3.5; 6.0; 5.8
• Mean attenuation minus standard deviation (dB): 8.8; 12.0; 20.4; 29.0; 27.7; 31.9; 32.4

Hearing Protection Combined with Earplugs

• HY68 SV foam cushions with 3M E-A-R Classic uncorded earplugs: SLC80 31 dB, Class 5
• HY80-EU gel cushions with 3M E-A-R Classic uncorded earplugs: SLC80 33 dB, Class 5

HY68 SV Foam Cushions with 3M E-A-R Classic Earplugs

• Test frequencies: 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 Hz
• Mean attenuation (dB): 24.2; 26.5; 33.6; 37.0; 41.1; 49.9; 47.9
• Standard deviation (dB): 8.8; 8.0; 8.2; 6.2; 6.0; 6.9; 4.0
• Mean attenuation minus standard deviation (dB): 15.4; 18.5; 25.4; 30.8; 35.1; 43.0; 43.9

HY80-EU Gel Cushions with 3M E-A-R Classic Earplugs

• Test frequencies: 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 Hz
• Mean attenuation (dB): 25.7; 28.4; 34.6; 37.9; 41.4; 51.1; 49.0
• Standard deviation (dB): 9.2; 7.3; 7.7; 6.0; 4.8; 5.8; 3.8
• Mean attenuation minus standard deviation (dB): 16.5; 21.1; 26.9; 31.9; 36.6; 45.3; 45.2

When selected, used and maintained in accordance with AS/NZS 1269, this Class 5 hearing protector may be used at noise levels from 105 dB(A) to less than 110 dB(A), assuming an 85 dB(A) criterion. A lower criterion may require a higher protection class.

ComTac VIII - Impulsive Peak Insertion Loss (IPIL)

Impulsive peak insertion loss was tested in accordance with ANSI/ASA S12.42-2010 (R2020).

Volume/Gain: OFF

• 132 dB SPL: IPIL 13.4 dB, standard deviation 1.2 dB
• 150 dB SPL: IPIL 23.5 dB, standard deviation 1.9 dB
• 168 dB SPL: IPIL 32.7 dB, standard deviation 0.8 dB

Advanced Observation Mode, Maximum Volume

• 132 dB SPL: IPIL 13.4 dB, standard deviation 1.2 dB
• 150 dB SPL: IPIL 23.5 dB, standard deviation 1.9 dB
• 168 dB SPL: IPIL 32.7 dB, standard deviation 0.8 dB

Classic Mode, Unity Setting

• 132 dB SPL: IPIL 15.3 dB, standard deviation 2.5 dB
• 150 dB SPL: IPIL 24.0 dB, standard deviation 2.1 dB
• 168 dB SPL: IPIL 32.9 dB, standard deviation 1.0 dB

3M PELTOR ComTac VIII - Environmental Specifications

• Operating temperature: -40 to +55 degrees Celsius
• Storage temperature up to 72 hours: -55 to +71 degrees Celsius
• Storage temperature over 72 hours: -20 to +40 degrees Celsius
• Recommended storage humidity: below 90%
• Product lifetime: 5 years at room temperature, excluding batteries
• Saltwater survivability: 5% saltwater, 2 m depth for 30 minutes
• Environmental testing: MIL-STD-810H

In freezing temperatures, warm the earmuffs before use. Following water immersion, remove the ear cushions and foam liners and allow the components to dry. After drying, perform a visual inspection and functional test.

ComTac VIII - Standards and Compliance

• PPE Regulation: 2016/425
• EN 352-1:2020
• EN 352-4:2020
• EN 352-6:2020
• EMC Directive: 2014/30/EU
• RoHS Directive: 2011/65/EU
• AS/NZS 1270:2002, Class 5
• Environmental testing according to MIL-STD-810H
• IPIL testing according to ANSI/ASA S12.42-2010 (R2020)
• Compliance with applicable CE marking requirements
• Compliance with ACMA regulations

3M PELTOR ComTac VIII - Compatible Accessories and Spare Parts

• HY68 SV: foam ear cushions, pair
• HY80-EU: gel ear cushions, pair
• M194/2: environmental microphone windscreen kit
• 1086 SV/1: battery lid
• AGM/1: headband
• A47/1: microphone guide
• MT71/1: dynamic boom microphone
• P3ADG47-F SV/2: ARC rail attachment kit, pair
• M42/1: large speech microphone windshield
• HYM1000: speech microphone protection tape
• M171/2: speech microphone windshields, pair
• A46/4: 4 microphone guides
• PPN: 23-0052: cable splitter, 5-pole female to dual 4-pole NATO male

The P3ADG47-F SV/2 ARC rail attachment is listed as a compatible accessory. However, the ComTac VIII hearing protector has not been tested in combination with ballistic helmets according to Directive 89/686/EEC.

ComTac VIII - Hearing Protector Fit Testing

The headset is compatible with the 3M E-A-Rfit Dual-Ear Validation System, which uses Field Microphone-In-Real-Ear (F-MIRE) technology to measure hearing protection attenuation.

• Simultaneous testing of both ears in less than 5 seconds
• 7 test frequencies from 125 to 8000 Hz
• Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) measurement
• Testing capability for 3M earplugs, earmuffs and communication headsets
• Compatible test cushions: 393-3001-2

3M PELTOR ComTac VIII - Cleaning and Maintenance

• Inspect the hearing protector before each use
• Do not use a damaged headset
• Replace batteries if leakage or damage is detected
• Clean outer shells, headband and ear cushions with a cloth moistened with soap and warm water
• Replace ear cushions and foam liners at least twice a year and whenever necessary
• Replace damaged or missing environmental microphone windscreens
• Remove batteries before extended storage
• Keep the product away from direct heat, sunlight, dust and damaging chemicals during storage
• Avoid compressing the headband and ear cushions during storage
• Never modify or alter the product

To replace the ear cushions, remove the old cushion and foam liner, insert the new foam liner and fit the replacement cushion into the earcup. Ensure the cushion cover is not pinched between the earcup and cushion. Correct fitting and continuous use of the hearing protector are essential for maintaining the required noise attenuation.

MT14H418A-86 GN - Ordering Information and Package Contents

• Manufacturer: 3M PELTOR
• Product family: ComTac VIII
• Model: MT14H418A-86 GN
• SAP ID: 7100320872
• Legacy ID: UU012799464
• Colour: O.D. Green
• Configuration: headband, 4-pin connector
• Package quantity: 1 each

Package Contents

• 1 ComTac VIII headset
• 1 User Instructions booklet
• 2 AAA alkaline batteries

The 3M PELTOR ComTac VIII MT14H418A-86 GN combines hearing protection against impulse and steady-state noise, environmental listening and radio communication through a NATO U/174 connector. Its adjustable headband, selectable listening profiles, noise-cancelling speech microphone and replaceable hygiene components support military and law enforcement applications.