3M Peltor ComTac V has omni-directional microphones and high fidelity speakers that are optimized to transmit voice communication and can pick up sounds with great sensitivity with an excellent signal-to-noise ratio for clear and accurate sound replication. The result is a more natural sounding headset with unmatched sound clarity. In addition to the environmental microphones, the legacy boom mic (for external radio transmissions has been replaced with the MT33. This boom greatly improves the audio transmit in various noise conditions. The main, critical improvement to the MT33 provides is its noise cancellation performance. The MT33 provides 18 dB in noise cancellation vs the legacy microphone, which provided 6 dB in noise cancellation measured at 10 mm distance, normalized for 0 dB a 1 kHz. 3M has replaced the leather headband, for a modern rubberized band that is easy to remove if the user wants to convert to ARC adapters (or convert back to a headband). This headband has increased environmental resistance to heavy maritime environments. Some users are fielding new, multi-channel software defined radios. The power output, waveforms and encryption these radios are exhibiting have caused 3M to increase the overall immunity to radio frequency (RF) susceptibility and electromagnetic interference (EMI) in its ComTac platform. 3M has implemented shielding within the cables and around the circuitry to help ensure the headset will be immune the effects of the new radio systems. The ComTac 5 utilizes U-174 plug and will connect directly into your existing Push-To-Talk radio adapter connection. 3M has updated the software to allow users to easily access the audio customization features the ComTac platform offers, such as balance mode adjusts the environmental listening function volume balance between the left and right speaker giving the operator the ability to prioritize audio or adjust to their own personal preference. Release time the release time setting adjusts the time before the limiter opens after activation. The default setting is optimized for combat operations. The extended delays may be more suitable for in-door fire arms training. Volume boost in applications where double hearing protection is required, the volume boost function, (aka: ear-plug mode) increases the volumes of ambient sound and the external input by about 6 dB. It is to be used only when a properly fitted ear-plug is used under the headset. Equalizer function CT5's Equalizer function further adjusts the preset frequency setting which has been optimized for combat operations. In other types of operations, where steady-state may be present (i.e. ground vehicle and airborne platforms) this function helps improve the signal-to-noise ratio by reducing the low frequencies.