The GSP500 mic is very forgiving to background noises and does a good job noise canceling at the expense of some voice range. ) I am a pilot and wear a similar headset, so Im familiar with how headphones feel after a few hours. I just love these shoes so much and I?m so glad I got them. HD600 is a little more detailed? But ER2 has at least 90% of details I heard on the hd600 at normal listening volume. ??????Overall: Would I buy this item again, yes. They run little large, I ordered a half size down and they fit perfectly. These things have a hair trigger LITERALLY! I come from the Bose world and I really think Bowers nailed the fine details with an added soundstage that is unrivaled by its competition. The higher end models also dont have Up and Down articulating earcups for some reason. Stand itself is great.