Quick Facts
David Clark M-5A noise-canceling electret replacement microphone for compatible powered aviation headsets 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
- Aviation Survival Part Number: AVS-2420
David Clark M-5A 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 can also serve as a replacement microphone in properly configured aviation headsets and flight helmet systems.
This listing is for the individual microphone element. It is intended for customers who already have a serviceable compatible boom, microphone cord, mounting system, helmet wiring, and aircraft communication connection.
Electrical Compatibility: The M-5A is an electret microphone and requires DC bias from a compatible communication circuit. It is not a direct replacement for an M-2, M-87, DC-87, or another military low-impedance dynamic microphone.
Common Aviation Applications
When installed in a compatible civilian electret flight helmet or headset system, the M-5A may support communication needs for:
- Helicopter EMS, air ambulance, and medical-flight crews
- Law-enforcement and public-safety aviation units
- Utility, power-line, construction, and external-load helicopter operators
- Aerial firefighting and government aviation crews
- Tour, charter, offshore, and commercial helicopter operations
- Agricultural aviation and other high-noise cockpit operations
- Flight helmet repair, refurbishment, and civilian communication upgrades
Is the M-5A the Correct Replacement?
This microphone is the correct replacement when the existing microphone or equipment parts list identifies:
Microphone model: M-5A
David Clark part number: 09168P-90
| Component | Required Configuration |
|---|
| 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. |
Do not substitute an M-5A for another microphone based only on size or appearance. Similar-looking M-5, M-7, and military dynamic microphone models may have different electrical requirements and intended equipment applications.
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 |
| Not Included | Boom, microphone cord, helmet mount, protector, earphones, and installation |
| Compatible Protector | David Clark 40062G-02 |
| Low-Impedance Military Replacement | No. It does not directly replace an M-87, DC-87, or M-2 dynamic microphone. |
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.
M-5A vs. M-5B
| 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 an equipment-specific parts list. |
Installation and Positioning
Install the microphone with its speaking side facing the user. Position it close to the lips to improve voice pickup and noise-canceling performance without interfering with the visor, oxygen equipment, or helmet retention system.
Professional installation is recommended when the repair requires soldering, contact replacement, rewiring, boom modification, or conversion from a military low-impedance communication system.
Why Buy from Aviation Survival?
Aviation Survival specializes in complete flight helmet communication systems. Our technicians work with the microphone, boom, mount, earphones, internal wiring, helmet cord, aircraft plug, and intercom as one connected system.
- In-house flight helmet microphone installation, rewiring, testing, and troubleshooting
- Experience with EVO, Gentex, SPH, Alpha, MSA Gallet, and custom aviation helmet systems
- Help matching the microphone, boom, protector, cord, earphones, plug, and aircraft connection
- Support for EMS, law enforcement, utility, firefighting, government, agricultural, and commercial aviation operations
- Individual replacement parts and complete professionally installed microphone assemblies available
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the David Clark M-5 the same as the M-5A?
This product is the David Clark M-5A, part number 09168P-90. “M-5” is often used as a shortened family name, but the exact M-5A model and part number should be used when ordering.
Is this the microphone or the complete boom assembly?
This listing is for the individual M-5A microphone only. Aviation Survival also offers an M-5A microphone with a flex boom, helmet mount, and microphone cord.
Does the M-5A require electrical power?
Yes. As an electret microphone, it requires DC bias from a compatible communication circuit.
Can the M-5A replace an M-87 or DC-87 microphone?
Not directly. The M-5A is an electret microphone, while the M-87 and DC-87 are used in military low-impedance dynamic systems. A full communication conversion may require different earphones, wiring, cords, plugs, and connectors.
Can this microphone be installed in a flight helmet?
Yes, when the helmet uses a compatible M-5A boom, contact arrangement, cord, wiring, and powered civilian electret communication system.
Which microphone protector fits the M-5A?
David Clark protector 40062G-02 fits non-coated M-5 and M-7 series microphones. It helps reduce wind, breathing noise, clicks, pops, hiss, and unwanted ambient sound.
Is the M-5A waterproof?
David Clark’s official M-5A parts information does not identify part number 09168P-90 as waterproof or submersible. It should not be advertised as waterproof without separate manufacturer documentation.
Can Aviation Survival install and test the M-5A?
Yes. Aviation Survival can inspect the helmet, confirm the communication configuration, install the microphone or complete boom assembly, complete required wiring, and test the finished helmet communication system.
