The New Contender... or is it?
The Adaptive Mission Platform (AMP) headset is Ops-Core's newest addition to their communications product line; it has essentially been dubbed the RAC 2.0 and has replaced the original RAC headset all together.
One thing we are frequently asked about the new AMP is... "How does it compare to the Peltor COMTAC , Sordins, Liberators, etc....?" The bottom line is it doesn't, it is in a league of its own in the over-the-ear market and simply cannot be compared to the most common headsets in use today. However, if your looking for an in-ear solution, then we need to start talking about the Inviso X5, but we will cover that in another article.
The AMP is one of the most advanced headsets ever to be brought to market.
So let's dive into the all-new AMP headset and discuss what makes this new contender the immediate Heavy Weight Champion in the over-the-ear headset world.
The Fit...
While many of us tend to lead toward the Gel Cup being the ultimate in fit and comfort, it was initially odd to me when I realized that Ops-Core chose to not use a Gel Cup design with the AMP headset. Ops-Core decided to go with a foam based ear cup instead. At first I was skeptic of the foam based ear cups.... but I must say, after wearing them it all made sense. They are extremely comfortable and feels like a memory foam bed on your ears; so move over Gel Cups...!
Next let's move on to how you wear them; Ops-Core has yet another notch to add on their belt here. The headset itself is completely modular in this sense, you can quickly go from a headband configuration to a helmet mount configuration (requires AMP specific rail mounts) with minimal effort; this makes them extremely adaptable to meet your ever evolving mission needs.....AMP (wink wink), maybe they were onto something when they came up with the name!
The headband is of a spring steel design wrapped in a neoprene type material that fits close to the head allowing for a low-profile form factor. The cable management is very clean with Velcro loop built into the headband, the thin form factor of the headband allows for it to fit nicely under helmets. If you happen to already have an Ops-Core helmet with a Vented Lux Liner you are in luck.... they are designed with a channel that the headband will sit in to allow for perfect integration with the helmet. Take a look at the new Ops-Core SF Helmet for a match made in Heaven with the AMP!
Designed to be modular...
Can't decide if you want two downlead cables with two single PTT's, or a single downlead with a dual PTT, or maybe you want the boom mic on the left ear cup vice the right.... or maybe you don't want to run comms at all or have a boom mic and you just want to run hearing protection! Well the Connectorized model AMP can do it all; you can decide which ear cup to connect the downlead too, you can put the boom mic on either ear cup, or you can remove them all together and run the headset in a non-comms mode.
Ops-Core has shown that engineering is in the details here; each port has a silicone styled grommet with lanyard for every opening to ensure those problem causing gremlins stay out or any unused port; and when the grommet is removed there is no need to worry about loosing it.
The battery Compartments (one on each muff) are readily accessible and can easily be changed with one hand. The battery cap port uses a gear-cut style design, similar to that found on the new S&S Precision Manta Strobe's tail-cap; provides the operator with plenty of grip to easily change out the battery in a quick fix.
The volume can be adjusted by using the volume control push buttons located under the ear-cup. Current run times on the battery in worst-case conditions is around 100-120 hours. Once the AMP is powered up, it will auto shutdown after two hours; however it will alert the operator prior to doing so with a chime, so that the headset can remain powered up by the operator if they so choose.
I wanted to go ahead and mention that if you will always be running communication, they do offer a Fixed Downlead version of the AMP; you still have the ability to move around the Boom Mic to either cup or take it off completely. This model comes in at a slightly cheaper price point than the modular 'Connectorized' version.
Noise Reduction, 3DHT, and NFMI Earplugs oh my...
Lastly lets get into the thick of the true magic with this headset, the capability of superb audio quality and high noise reduction..... at the same time!
Yes I know other headsets out there do the same thing, but I am telling you now.... not like this. The sound quality on the headset is unmatched with it's clarity and situational awareness, you almost need to take them of when in 3D Hear Through (3DHT) mode to make sure you are actually wearing them. However, the second the rounds start to fly or bombs drop, it smoothly negates the sound down to audible levels comfortable to the ears, allowing situational awareness to be maintained even in the thick of battle.
The headset alone boast an impressive 22 NNR, when coupled with the Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) Earplugs it bumps up to 34 NNR.... now were talking.
So what is NFMI you may ask..... firstly, it will only work with the NFMI enabled version of the headset which is available in both the Connectorized and Fixed Downlead versions. These beauties bump you up to double hearing protection while still allowing for flawless pass through of the 3DHT technology as well as communications from your radios.
When the NFMI button is depressed on the headset, it powers the NFMI earplugs up through magnetic induction; the earplugs themselves have no power supply. They can also be worn independent of the headset as basic earplugs providing around 10-12 NNR or hearing protection.
Common Questions...
- Can I use the AMP on the rails of other helmet brands that utilize Exfil / M-lok styled rails? Yes, we sell Platform Adapters that will allow these to be mounted on non-ARC style rails.
- Can I use the Peltor ARC adapters to connect these to my helmet rails? No, requires the AMP specific rail mounts by Ops-Core.
- Can the AMP rail adapters be used with other brand hearing protection such as Peltors? Yes, you can use them with other EarPro but need the appropriate RAC Link adapters.
- Can I attach this to the Ops-Core SOTR respirator? Yes, you simply remove the boom mic from the headset and attach the right angle comms cable to the SOTR comms port, this can only be done on the MIC version of the SOTR. Same process can be used for comms capable gas mask.
- Does it come in multiple colors? Yes, it comes in Black, Urban Tan, Urban Gray, and Foliage Green
- Can the appearance of my headset be customized to blend with my current Camo pattern? Yes, you can purchase Camo Skins that are made specially for the AMP headset
- How long must I wait for a pair? Current lead times are around 4-6 weeks depending on the color; however we do hold stock on all the accessories and models of the headset, just depends on current demand.
Let us help you with your AMP headset purchase...
At HCC Tactical we take pride in taking care of you, our customer. Feel free to contact us to find out more about the AMP headset and ask any questions you may have.
If you are ready to purchase and want to save some cash, reach out to us, we can shave off some cash for you!
Don't keep thinking about it, you need the most advanced headset on the market and you need it now!
Looking for ear protection and NVG with m-loc mounts. do you have these items?