3M PELTOR ComTac IX – image from our product gallery.
Which ComTac IX works with your radio? Mission Gear Pro offers five versions. The main differences are the connector and the way its contacts are wired. All five include NIB, which lets compatible headsets communicate directly at close range. To connect a separate radio, you will need a suitable PTT or control unit, depending on the headset model.
The five ComTac IX models
We list all five models in Green and Charcoal Grey. The GN and GE suffixes identify these colours respectively. The number before them identifies the version. Each product page shows the colours and current delivery status.
ComTac IX NIB – MT14H419A-02
The ComTac IX NIB MT14H419A-02 includes electronic hearing protection, a speech microphone and NIB. It has no cable for connecting a separate radio. Choose this model if you want to talk to compatible headsets nearby without a wired radio connection.
ComTac IX Single-COM PELTOR – MT14H419A-38
The ComTac IX NIB Single-COM PELTOR MT14H419A-38 adds a radio connection alongside NIB. Its four-pin U-174 plug uses PELTOR wiring. You need a PTT with matching wiring and the right connector for your radio. PTT means Push-to-Talk: it is the transmit button connected between your headset and radio.
ComTac IX Single-COM NATO – MT14H419A-86
The ComTac IX NIB Single-COM NATO MT14H419A-86 also offers NIB and a four-pin radio connection, but uses NATO wiring. Its plug looks like the -38 plug, but two contacts are wired differently. The PTT must therefore specifically support the NATO version.
ComTac IX Dual-COM – MT14H419A-35
The ComTac IX NIB Dual-COM MT14H419A-35 is designed to connect to two radios through a suitable dual PTT. It uses one five-pin U-384/U plug (Nexus TP-105). Both radio connections run through this single headset cable. NIB is also available.
ComTac IX Dual-COM SCU – MT14H419A-108
The ComTac IX NIB Dual-COM SCU MT14H419A-108 has a ten-pin connector for a compatible SCU system, such as the 3M PELTOR SCU-300. An SCU is a central control unit that connects your headset and radios. Choose this version if you use such a system or plan to build one. NIB is included too. Check the product pages to see which accessories are supplied.
Product images show reference configurations. The selected part number and listed package contents determine what is supplied.
TP-120, U-174, five-pin and ten-pin connectors
Four-pin Single-COM plugs are described using names such as Nexus TP-120 and U-174/U. The 3M datasheet calls this a four-pin U/174. These names identify the plug type. They do not tell you whether it uses PELTOR or NATO wiring.
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| IX version | Connector | Matching interface |
|---|---|---|
| -02 | No external radio downlead | NIB without a separate radio PTT |
| -38 | 4-pin U/174 / TP-120 | Single-COM · PELTOR wiring |
| -86 | 4-pin U/174 / TP-120 | Single-COM · NATO wiring |
| -35 | 5-pin U-384/U / TP-105 | Dual-COM · suitable dual PTT |
| -108 | 10-pin | Dual-COM · compatible SCU system |
Your headset, PTT and radio must work together. On the headset side, the PTT needs the right connector and matching wiring. On the radio side, it must suit your specific radio. For the SCU model, the control unit provides this connection. An adapter may let two plugs fit together, but the contacts must also connect correctly for you to hear and speak.
The TP-120 plug: PELTOR and NATO wiring illustrated
Our -38 and -86 Single-COM models use the four-contact TP-120 plug type (U-174/U). Its four contacts carry microphone and speaker signals. PELTOR and NATO use the same plug shape, but assign the two middle contacts differently. The diagram shows the contacts from the tip towards the cable. Below it, you can compare the five-contact Dual-COM plug used by the -35.
TP-120 / U-174: four contacts, two wiring schemes
Dual-COM: five-contact TP-105 / U-384/U
One cable for two radio connections
ComTac IX -35 uses a five-contact U-384/U plug, also known as Nexus TP-105. A suitable dual PTT lets you connect two radios through it. The drawing shows five contact surfaces, compared with four on the TP-120.
For our Single-COM models, -38 means PELTOR wiring and -86 means NATO wiring. Your PTT must support the same wiring. If you already own a PTT, check its exact model and the manufacturer's specifications. A description that only says “TP-120” or “for ComTac” is not enough to choose with confidence.
The PTT must also suit the microphone. ComTac IX uses a dynamic microphone. Depending on your radio, you may need a PTT with microphone amplification. A NATO or PELTOR label does not tell you this. Unsure what to choose? Tell us which radio and PTT you use, and we will help you find a suitable version.
NIB: talk directly to headsets nearby
NIB stands for Natural Interaction Behavior. It connects compatible headsets wirelessly at close range, without a separate handheld radio. This also works on the -02, even though that model has no radio cable.
3M specifies up to four people talking at the same time, without having to take turns speaking and listening. The optimum range is approximately 0–5 metres. You still need a suitable radio link for longer distances. These figures apply to the EMEA/APAC version in the 3M datasheet.
ComTac IX vs ComTac VIII: the differences
The main difference is NIB: ComTac IX lets you talk directly to compatible headsets nearby. ComTac VIII does not have this built-in feature. Both ranges offer hearing protection and electronic environmental listening.
MAP provides listening profiles for different situations. Soundscape helps make radio speech easier to understand. Earplug Mode is intended for use with additional earplugs. All three features are already available on ComTac VIII.
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| Feature | ComTac IX | ComTac VIII |
|---|---|---|
| Direct NIB communication | Integrated | Not available |
| Model -02 | NIB, speech microphone, no radio downlead | No NIB and no radio downlead |
| MAP / Earplug Mode | Available | Available |
| Soundscape | Available | Available |
| External radio connection | Depends on version | Depends on version |
| Batteries / operating time | 2 × AAA; approx. 50 h environmental listening, approx. 30 h with NIB | 2 × AAA; approx. 50 h environmental listening |
A useful estimate for planning: With two AAA alkaline batteries, 3M lists approximately 50 hours of environmental listening for both ComTac VIII and IX. For the IX with environmental listening and NIB together, the figure is approximately 30 hours. At eight hours of use per day, that works out to just over six days or just under four days respectively. These are manufacturer estimates, not guaranteed operating times; batteries and temperature affect actual battery life. Allow for spare batteries. Sources: 3M ComTac IX and 3M ComTac VIII.
Our VIII selection includes the ComTac VIII MT14H418A-02 without a radio cable, the ComTac VIII Single-COM PELTOR MT14H418A-38 with PELTOR wiring and the ComTac VIII Single-COM NATO MT14H418A-86 with NATO wiring. The -38 and -86 suffixes distinguish the wiring here too.
Which range suits your needs and budget? Choose the IX range if you want NIB. If your priorities are hearing protection, environmental listening and a connection to your radio, the VIII range offers a lower entry price when comparing versions with a similar radio connection. Consider whether the IX’s added NIB capability is worth the higher price for your use. Include a suitable PTT or SCU and any helmet adapters in your total budget. Then choose the version that matches your PTT and radio. See the linked product pages for current prices.
Explore ComTac IX and ComTac VIII at Mission Gear Pro
Authorised dealer, worldwide shipping and warranty
Mission Gear Pro is an authorised 3M PELTOR dealer and ships worldwide from Germany. We help you choose a model and answer questions about suitable connections. Available shipping options and costs for your destination are shown at checkout.
How we help with a warranty claim
If a headset purchased from us develops a fault covered by the applicable warranty terms, we support you through the manufacturer's warranty process.
- Contact us: Send your order number, headset model and a brief description of the fault.
- We explain the next steps: We let you know what information is needed and whether the headset needs to be sent in.
- We help with the claim: For a fault covered by warranty, we support you through the remaining process with the manufacturer.
The applicable warranty terms determine whether a fault is covered and what remedy is available.