Garmin releases GMA 345/342 audio panels
Garmin has announced the release of the GMA 345 and GMA 342 all-digital audio panels designed for fixed-wing aircraft. The GMA 345 features Blutooth audio connectivity and a front-mounted USB charging port, while the GMA 342 contains a dedicated 3.5 mm audio jack that allows pilots to connect a mobile device directly to the audio panel. These new panel-mount audio panels contain state-of-the-art sound quality and an impressive list of additional features, such as advanced auto squelch, music bass boost, advanced equalizer settings, 3D Audio processing and more, while also retaining a consistent user interface with the GMA 340. Contributing to an easy upgrade path, the GMA 345/342 are also pin-and-rack compatible and slide-in replaceable with the GMA 340 and select third-party audio panels.
Innovative features at an affordable price
The GMA 345/342 combine patented features alongside innovative sound quality to provide pilots with a cost-effective audio panel, rich with an exclusive feature set. Home theater-like music effects add to the rich audio characteristics provided by the GMA 345/342, allowing pilots to select bass boost levels as well as 3 equalizer effects. Advanced auto squelch automatically adapts to noise level within the cockpit and allows for natural conversation through headsets. The GMA 345/342 include a 6-place stereo intercom and support for up to 3 stereo music inputs. Split-COMM mode also allows the pilot and co-pilot to broadcast independently on 2 separate frequencies. The GMA 345/342 also feature dedicated pilot and co-pilot music and intercom volume control knobs. As a standard feature of the GMA 345, pilots can connect a smartphone or tablet via blutooth to easily make or receive phone calls, stream audio entertainment or wirelessly connect to select Garmin HD action cameras such as, VIRB Ultra 30 as well as select third-party cameras that support a Blutooth microphone. When connected, a front-mounted USB charging port on the GMA 345 keeps mobile devices charged throughout flight. Alternatively, the GMA 342 excludes Blutooth and contains a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack on the faceplate and allows pilots to connect cell phones or portable music devices to the audio panel for use during flight.
The first to introduce 3D Audio to general aviation, Garmin incorporates 3D Audio processing in to the GMA 345-342 audio panels. With stereo headsets, incoming audio is spatially separated to reflect how people process sound and conversations by differentiating audio sources by their unique locations or seat positions.
As a slide-in replacement for the popular GMA 340 audio panel, as well as a wide-range of select third-party audio panels, the GMA 345/342 offer aircraft owners an easy upgrade path so thousands can enjoy the benefits associated with a modern audio panel. The GMA 345/342 also incorporate a familiar user interface as it closely resembles that of the GMA 340 so transitioning to to the new audio panel is seamless and straightforward.