David Clark M-5A Quick Facts
David Clark M-5A noise-canceling electret replacement microphone for compatible powered aviation headset and flight helmet communication systems.
- Manufacturer: David Clark
- Model: M-5A
- David Clark Part Number: 09168P-90
- Microphone Type: Electret
- Noise Canceling: Yes
- Power Requirement: Requires DC bias from a compatible communication circuit
- Product Includes: Microphone only
David Clark M-5A Flight Helmet Microphone
The David Clark M-5A is a noise-canceling electret microphone designed for clear voice transmission in compatible powered communication systems. It is used in David Clark high-noise communication equipment and may also be used as a replacement microphone in properly configured aviation headsets and flight helmet systems.
In a flight helmet, the microphone must be matched to the complete communication configuration. The boom, microphone contacts, internal wiring, communication cord, aircraft plug, intercom, and radio system all play a role in determining whether the M-5A is the correct component.
This listing is for the individual David Clark M-5A microphone element. It is intended for installations where the required boom, mounting arrangement, microphone cord, helmet wiring, and aircraft communication connection are already compatible or are being professionally configured.
M-5A Electrical Compatibility
The M-5A is an electret microphone and requires DC bias from a compatible communication circuit. This electrical requirement is especially important when replacing a microphone in an existing aviation helmet.
Important: The M-5A is not a direct replacement for an M-2, M-87, DC-87, or another military low-impedance dynamic microphone. Converting a helmet between communication system types may require additional wiring, cord, earphone, connector, or aircraft-interface changes.
How to Confirm You Need an M-5A
The safest way to identify the correct replacement microphone is to match the existing microphone or equipment parts information to the exact David Clark model and part number.
Microphone model: M-5A
David Clark part number: 09168P-90
Do not select an M-5A only because another microphone looks similar. M-5, M-7, and military dynamic microphone models may use different electrical configurations or be intended for different communication equipment.
Flight Helmet Compatibility Checklist
| Component | What Must Be Compatible |
|---|
| Microphone Boom | Must accept the M-5A microphone body and contact arrangement. |
| Electrical System | Must provide the DC bias required by an electret microphone. |
| Microphone Cord | Must match the microphone contacts, boom, and helmet or headset wiring. |
| Aircraft Connection | Helmet cord, plug, intercom, and radio must support the completed civilian electret system. |
Using the M-5A in a Flight Helmet
The M-5A may be installed in a flight helmet when the helmet is equipped with the correct microphone boom, contact arrangement, wiring, cord, and powered electret communication system.
Proper compatibility is more important than the helmet model alone. Two helmets of the same basic type may have different communication configurations depending on the aircraft, operator requirements, plug type, intercom, or prior modification history.
- Helicopter EMS and air-medical crews
- Law-enforcement and public-safety aviation
- Utility, construction, and external-load helicopter operations
- Aerial firefighting and government aviation
- Tour, charter, offshore, and commercial helicopter operations
- Agricultural and other high-noise aviation environments
- Flight helmet repair, refurbishment, and civilian communication upgrades
David Clark M-5A Product Details
| Microphone Model | David Clark M-5A |
| David Clark Part Number | 09168P-90 |
| Microphone Type | Electret replacement microphone |
| Required System | Compatible powered electret microphone circuit |
| Documented David Clark Use | DC 3690 high-noise communication headset |
| What Is Included | One M-5A microphone element |
| Compatible Protector | David Clark 40062G-02 |
| Military Low-Impedance Replacement | No. It does not directly replace an M-87, DC-87, or M-2 dynamic microphone. |
David Clark M-5A vs. M-5B
The M-5A and M-5B are both David Clark electret, noise-canceling microphones, but they are separate models with different manufacturer part numbers and documented applications.
| Feature | M-5A | M-5B |
|---|
| David Clark Part Number | 09168P-90 | 09168P-85 |
| Microphone Type | Electret, noise canceling | Electret, noise canceling |
| Documented Product Use | DC 3690 and selected compatible communication assemblies | Newer David Clark systems including DC ONE-X and DC JET families |
| Interchangeable? | David Clark lists them as different models and part numbers. Do not assume they are interchangeable without equipment-specific parts information. |
What Is Included?
- One David Clark M-5A electret microphone
- David Clark part number 09168P-90
The flex boom, helmet mount, microphone cord, protector, earphones, main helmet cord, aircraft adapter, and installation service are not included unless selected separately.
Installation and Microphone Positioning
Install the M-5A with the speaking side facing the user. Position the microphone close to the lips to support voice pickup and noise-canceling performance without interfering with the visor, oxygen equipment, or helmet retention system.
Professional installation is recommended when the work requires soldering, contact replacement, internal rewiring, boom modification, connector changes, or conversion from a military low-impedance communication system.
M-5A Support from Evolution Helmets
A microphone replacement is most effective when it is treated as part of the complete flight helmet communication system. Evolution Helmets works with the microphone, boom, earphones, internal wiring, communication cord, aircraft plug, and intercom connection as one integrated helmet system.
- Flight helmet microphone installation and communication-system support
- Help identifying compatible microphone, boom, cord, protector, and wiring configurations
- Helmet communication troubleshooting and repair
- Civilian and military communication-system conversion support
- Support for helicopter pilots, EMS, law enforcement, utility, firefighting, government, agricultural, and commercial aviation operations
David Clark M-5A Flight Helmet FAQs
Can the David Clark M-5A be installed in a flight helmet?
Yes, when the helmet uses a compatible M-5A boom, contact arrangement, cord, wiring, and powered electret communication system.
Can an EVO flight helmet use an M-5A?
An EVO flight helmet may use an M-5A when its specific communication configuration is designed around the M-5A and a compatible powered electret system. Confirm the boom, contacts, wiring, cord, plug, and aircraft interface rather than relying on the helmet model alone.
How can I confirm that I have an M-5A?
Look for the David Clark M-5A model designation or part number 09168P-90. If the existing microphone cannot be positively identified, the helmet communication configuration should be checked before ordering.
Does the M-5A require power?
Yes. The M-5A is an electret microphone and requires DC bias from a compatible communication circuit.
Can the M-5A directly replace an M-87 or DC-87?
No. The M-5A is an electret microphone, while the M-87 and DC-87 are used in military low-impedance dynamic communication systems. A conversion may require changes to other communication components.
Is the M-5A the same as the M-5B?
No. David Clark lists the M-5A and M-5B as different microphone models with different part numbers. The M-5A is 09168P-90 and the M-5B is 09168P-85. Do not assume they are interchangeable.
Which microphone protector fits the M-5A?
David Clark protector 40062G-02 is identified for compatible non-coated M-5 and M-7 series microphone applications.
Is the David Clark M-5A waterproof?
David Clark's M-5A parts information used for this listing does not identify part number 09168P-90 as waterproof or submersible, so this microphone should not be treated or advertised as waterproof without separate manufacturer documentation.
Can Evolution Helmets help with M-5A installation or communication troubleshooting?
Yes. If you are unsure which microphone or communication configuration your helmet uses, provide the helmet model along with details or photographs of the existing microphone, boom, cord, plug, and aircraft connection so the complete communication system can be evaluated.
