Radio Noise Cancelling Headsets
Tegan HarrisWritten by Aaron Harris — Barcelona 24 Hour class winner, Bathurst competitor, MSNZ Licence Examiner. Rex Harris — RSM and ACMA certified Radio Telecommunications Engineer. Harris Race Radios has supplied motorsport radio headsets to NZ and AU competitors since 1975.
Choosing the right noise-cancelling headset is one of the most important decisions in your motorsport radio setup. The wrong headset means missed calls, driver distraction, and frustrated pit crews. This guide covers everything you need to know — headset styles, connection types, and which headset suits your racing discipline.
Behind-the-Head vs Over-the-Head Headsets
The first decision is headset style. Both work well — the choice comes down to how you use them.
- Behind-the-Head (BTH) — the headband sits behind the head with a Velcro strap over the top. Popular with drivers and pit crew because it allows you to wear a helmet or cap over the strap. Compact and easy to store.
- Over-the-Head (OTH) — traditional headband over the top of the head. More stable for stationary use (timing tower, pit wall). Preferred by race engineers and team managers.
Key Features to Look For
- Noise-cancelling microphone — essential for high-noise environments. Dynamic noise-cancelling (DNC) mics reject background engine and crowd noise while transmitting your voice clearly.
- Speaker quality — look for dual-cone speakers rated for high-noise environments. Carbon fibre ear cups provide better acoustic isolation.
- PTT (Push-to-Talk) button — waterproof PTT with a positive click is important for gloved hands in wet conditions.
- Cable and connector — match your radio connector. We supply headsets pre-wired for Motorola, Kenwood, Icom, and universal 5-pin connectors.
- Dual radio capability — for race engineers managing multiple cars, dual-radio headsets allow simultaneous monitoring of two channels.
Headset Styles by Discipline
Circuit Racing & Endurance
BTH carbon fibre headsets are the standard for circuit racing. The Rugged Carbon BTH headset is our most popular circuit choice — lightweight, durable, and compatible with all major radio brands.
Rally & Targa
Rally co-drivers often prefer OTH headsets for comfort over long stages. Stilo WRC headsets are purpose-built for rally intercom systems and connect directly to Stilo intercoms and Harris Race Radios intercom systems.
Drift & Speedway
BTH headsets work well for drift and speedway where helmet removal between runs is frequent. The behind-the-head design stays in place without adjustment.
Off-Road & 4WD
Rugged Radios BTH headsets are built for off-road use — dust-sealed, waterproof PTT, and compatible with Rugged Radios handheld and in-car radio systems.
Pit Crew & Race Engineers
Multi-channel OTH headsets with 6 programmable PTT buttons allow race engineers to monitor multiple cars and talk groups simultaneously. The Motorola Mission Control headset is our top pick for professional race engineering.
Connecting Your Headset to Your Radio
Headsets connect to your radio via a jumper cable matched to your radio brand. We supply jumper cables for Motorola, Kenwood, Icom, Hytera, and Rugged Radios. Contact us to confirm the right cable for your setup before ordering.
Contact Us
- 📞 Rex Harris: +64 21 682 912 — RSM & ACMA Certified Radio Telecommunications Engineer
- 📞 Aaron Harris: +64 27 449 9654 — Race Driver, MSNZ Licence Examiner, Barcelona 24 Hour class winner
- 📧 Contact us online
About the Authors
Rex Harris is a qualified Radio Telecommunications Engineer and Approved Radio Certifier for NZ RSM (ARC127) and AU ACMA, with motorsport radio experience since 1975 starting at the Marlboro Series Grand Prix. Rex is RSM-approved to engineer and issue NZ radio licences.
Aaron Harris is an active racing driver and race engineer — Barcelona 24 Hour 1st in class (2013), Bathurst 1000 and 12 Hour competitor, BMW Race Driver Series Champion (2011), and race engineer for Earl Bamber Motorsport, TekworkX, Matt Stone Racing, and Porsche Carrera Cup Australia/Asia-Pacific/NZ. Aaron is an MSNZ Licence Examiner for helmets, racewear, FHR, and HANS.
Harris Race Radios — NZ & AU's most experienced motorsport radio specialists. Genuine factory stock sourced directly through our supply chain. NZ stock held locally for fast dispatch. Ships to AU.