Frequently Asked Questions
Connecting an aviation headset to a computer, tablet, or simulator — and what our USB2GA and USB2Lemo adapters do about it.
Why won't my aviation headset microphone work on my computer?
General aviation headset microphones are electret mics that need roughly 8–16V of phantom power (often called mic bias) — the aircraft's audio panel normally supplies it. A computer's mic input only provides about 5V, so the mic stays silent or barely works even with a plug adapter. A powered USB adapter such as the 9er Systems USB2GA or USB2Lemo generates +12V from the USB port and feeds it to the mic.
Will the USB2GA or USB2Lemo work with my aviation headset?
Almost certainly, if it's a modern general aviation headset with GA dual plugs (USB2GA) or a 6-pin Lemo plug (USB2Lemo). We test against a wide range of GA headsets — old and new, ANR and passive — including the Bose A20, Lightspeed Delta Zulu, Lightspeed Zulu 3, and 1990s-era FlightCom headsets. Military headsets have very different specifications and are untested.
Do you make an adapter for Lemo (panel-power) headsets?
Yes — the USB2Lemo connects headsets with a 6-pin Lemo (panel-power) plug to a computer, tablet, or phone over USB-C. It supplies the +12V phantom power (mic bias) the microphone needs, but it does not provide panel power, so a headset's ANR and Bluetooth features run on the headset's own batteries. The adapter itself needs no batteries.
Do you make an adapter for helicopter (U-174) or XLR (Airbus) headsets?
Not currently. We make adapters for GA dual-plug headsets (USB2GA) and 6-pin Lemo headsets (USB2Lemo). Helicopter U-174 and XLR (Airbus) headsets would need a separate plug adapter to GA dual plugs.
Does the adapter need batteries?
No. The USB2GA and USB2Lemo get all the power they need from the USB port they're plugged into, including the +12V phantom power for your headset's microphone. If your headset has ANR or Bluetooth, those features still run on the headset's own batteries.
Does it work with an iPad, iPhone, or Android device?
Yes — with any iPhone, iPad, or Android device that has a USB-C port, plus Windows, macOS, and Linux computers. It's a plug-and-play USB audio device, so there's nothing to install.
Which flight simulators and apps does it work with?
Any simulator or app that can use a USB headset — including Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS), X-Plane, PilotEdge, VATSIM, IVAO, and ForeFlight. The adapter appears as a standard USB audio device, so you select it as your speaker and microphone like any other headset.
How do I hear my own voice (sidetone) in my headset?
Install the free USB2x Toolbar app for Mac or Windows. It turns on sidetone in one click, can use voice-activated VOX so the headset stays silent until you speak, and lets you set mic and speaker levels separately. Adapters sold before May 1, 2026 may not support sidetone.
Can I connect two adapters to one computer?
Maybe. Each adapter shows up as its own sound card ("9er Systems USB2GA Adapter"), and computers handle multiple sound cards fine — but most programs only use one at a time. If your simulator supports multiple audio devices, it should work.
Why is the adapter a mountable box instead of a cable?
So you can mount it — under your desk or on the side of a yoke — and plug your headset in and out without holding the adapter or chasing wires. It's small enough to travel with a laptop, but big enough to be a sturdy mounting point. A 3M adhesive pad is included.
What are your shipping and return policies?
For orders placed directly with us, shipping is included in the price, orders ship within 1–2 business days by USPS Ground Advantage or UPS Ground Saver, and you can return them within 30 days — we pay return shipping and send you a prepaid label. Purchases from Amazon or Aircraft Spruce follow that retailer's policies.
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