EARMOR M32 MOD4 Review: Active Hearing Protection on an Airsoft Helmet

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This was my first time trying electronic ear protection, and it felt like a real-life “sound hack”. Here is my unboxing of the EARMOR M32 MOD4, how I mounted it on my helmet with ARC rail adapters, and what it’s like in use.

M32 MOD4 vs M32 SE: what’s the difference?

The M32 SE is the newest version of the M32. The only difference from the M32 MOD4 is the shape of the microphone boom. Inside – electronics, NRR rating, speakers, noise suppression, PTT compatibility and overall functionality – it’s the same headset. Buy whichever is cheaper or in stock.

What’s in the box

• The M32 headset with a detachable microphone
• A PTT (push-to-talk) button – the one recommended for best compatibility
• Two helmet attachments, one for the left and one for the right ear cup
• Additional small accessories (bolts, nuts and rubber bands)

Specifications

MOD4 upgrades include a 3-second button delay to prevent accidental switch-off, an improved metal battery cover, dynamic voice tracking, better RF immunity, improved case materials and upgraded circuit boards and microphones.

How to mount it on a helmet (ARC rail)

1. Insert the batteries (2 × AAA).
2. Remove the headband holder. It can be tricky – I used a screwdriver as a lever.
3. Detach the microphone assembly. First unscrew the bolt with the washer; then the plastic part releases on its own.
4. Fit the helmet attachments. Match left with left and right with right – the black square area on the cups should stay visible.
5. Secure them. Thread the long bolt through and tighten it so the holder locks and can’t fall off. Tighten firmly, then loosen slightly to avoid cracking the plastic. Repeat on the other side.
6. Re-attach the microphone. Mine felt loose at first, so I used the bracket from the original setup – and one of the rubber bands from the box – to keep it stable.
7. Slide it onto the helmet rails. It can be fiddly on some rails; I paused and thought something was wrong, but it went in. Fine-tune the position for comfort afterwards.

First impressions

I tested the sound functions and was pleasantly surprised: there are several amplification levels and the overall performance is solid. You hear quiet sounds like footsteps and voices more clearly than without the headset, while loud bangs are cut. Installation is fast and it’s easy to use. It can create some pressure around the ears, but the adjustable attachments help with that.

Verdict

• Pros: real situational-awareness advantage, protects your hearing from pyro, very long battery life, NATO PTT plug for radios, works with ARC rails.
• Cons: mic can feel loose until secured, mounting takes patience, some pressure on the ears on long days.

Definitely a game changer in my equipment. See it on the helmet in my Emerson Gear FAST SF helmet setup.

Gear in this article

EARMOR M32 MOD4 Active Headset

Active hearing protection that cuts loud noise above 82 dB but amplifies quiet sounds – a real-life "sound hack" for hearing footsteps. 2×AAA for ~350 h, NATO plug for a PTT, mounted to my helmet rails with ARC adapters.

AliExpress · option 1 AliExpress · option 2 AliExpress · option 3

Baofeng UV-S9 Plus Radio

Affordable dual-band radio for team comms. Plugs into the EARMOR headset via a PTT, so callouts come through clearly even with ear protection on.

AliExpress Amazon

Emerson Gear FAST SF Ultra High Cut Helmet

The foundation of my head setup: ~800 g ABS shell, ultra-high cut so the EARMOR headset fits underneath, side rails, NVG shroud for a camera and a dial at the back for a quick, tight fit.

Read my review

AliExpress Amazon

Written by Nikola Atanasov (Niko)

Airsoft player, YouTuber, photographer & software developer. I film my games and gear tests for the GFA Airsoft YouTube channel and write about the gear and lessons that make a difference on the field.