Hi I'm Hussein, 19, studying Computing & E-business at Aberdeen Uni. I run a business selling PC's,...
Hi I'm Hussein, 19, studying Computing & E-business at Aberdeen Uni. I run a business selling PC's, etc from home. Plz drop me an e-mail if you just want to chat. I do love making new friends online. Cheers!
I bought this headset about a week ago after having some phenomenally bad luck with previous microphones and VoIP products. I wanted something that I could use with VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol - Skype is an example of this), that would leave my hands free, that had good sound quality and that would not cause a long time delay between my speaking and my voice being heard at the other end. Prior to this, I have tried two VoIP phones (the Skype Olympia Cordless (£75) and a desktop speakerphone (better but not perfect) (£25)) but they were both unsuitable - locked to Skype in the first case, and suffering from the time delay problem in the second.
Looking at Plantronics website, I was impressed by the clarity of the site layout and information displayed there, as well as the downloadable data sheets and detailed specifications. I was struggling to choose between the DSP-500, Plantronics top USB headset and more suitable for gaming, and the Audio 90, their Line-In/Microphone version and tailored for
voice recognition and communication applications. In the end, I opted for the Audio 90 because I have a very good laptop and desktop sound card, and this headset would allow me to utilize their features for better sound quality. I would also be able to use this headset with other audio devices if desired. The price difference between the two - £40-£60 for the DSP-500 and £16-£25 for the Audio 90 might also have had just a little bit to do with my decision!
I ordered this headset on Amazon.co.uk, and it promptly arrived about three days later. Sealed in the standard plastic packaging and sent in a plain cardboard box, it was easy enough to get opened. The headset was seated in a moulded plastic tray and looked slick, stylish and modern.
At a first glance, this headset does look extraordinarily like a regular set of headphones, which I guess was the point. It looks professional, with the solid outer headband and soft, flexible inner one, the large re-inforced earpads and solid, sturdy design. Those with a jmore traditional view of headphones may immediately start looking for the hinge with a view to extending the microphone outwards. You won't find it. The microphone is firmly attached to the main frame of the headset and rests flush with it, and as stated previously cannot be adjusted. This may seem odd at first, but trust me, it isn't needed. The way the much banded about QuickAdjust feature works is by raising the level of the microphone as you extend and retract the headband when placing it over your head, thus keeping it at an appropriate position, and because there are no moving parts there is little concern for anything getting damaged. The microphone has a padded head, which is just another symbol of the quality of this product.
I had the headset connected and was using it within about 2 minutes of taking it out of the box. You simply connect the headphone and microphone jacks to the relevant ports of your sound card or other audio device. For this review, I was using it with my Toshiba Satellite M30 laptop. Because it utilizes the standard ports on your sound card, there is no need to install any drivers, or indeed do any configuration at all, unless of course you were previously using a USB microphone or similar, in which case you'll have to change your default recording device to that of your sound card. See your operating system's Help section for advice on how to do this.
I initiated an MSN voice call, simply so that I could test the headset with something other than Skype. when connected, the first thing that I noticed, and which practically blew me away was the amazing sound quality. There is little distinguishment between the sound from this headset and a full-fledged 5.1 speaker system. The in-built subwoofer gives astounding bass reproduction, adding a deeper and more pleasing undertone to the sound, even in something as soundly static as a voic call. The earpads are cup-shabed, with a firm yet comfortable foam padding that surrounds the ear, negating external sound as well as causing a surround-sound effect. And unlike other headsets or headphones, the ear does not touch the inside of the earpad, minimizing discomfort, irritation and sweatiness. I used this headset for about two hours on my first try, and honestly didn't even notice.
With any headset that will be used for communication or voice recognition, outgoing sound quality is very important. There is no point having a top-of-the-range device if the computer or person at the other end can bearly hear you. No such problems with the Audio 90. I have so far used headset to speak to both personal and business people, and they have either been unable to tell the difference between my using a headset and a standard telephone, or else thought I was using a speakerphone, both of which are extremely good reactions. I am told that there is no echo or distortion, even at high frequencies, and that even when moving around there is no degradation in the recorded sound quality. Talking of moving around, the headset comes with a generous 2.9m shielded cord, which will be more than enough to walk around most standard sized rooms in a home. I take the time to mention the shielded cord, as unlike with conventional headphones there is therefore no chance of the cord 'splitting' and become unwieldy to use. there is a convenient in-built volume control with mute switch, as well as a belt clip so that the cord can be stowed for easier movement.
the rigidity and long-lastingness of this product is guarenteed. There are no 'fiddly' bits that are likely to break off when you least expect, and all connections are solid and well-built. I once again draw your attention to the positioning of the microphone, which, being flush with the main frame of the headset keeps it conveniently out of the way - there is nothing worse than sitting at your computer trying to read the screen with the microphone continuously knocking against it, deafening the poor person at the other end in the process. And with this product being able to be used a a standard pair of headphones as well, it is definitely my definition of a two-in-one. this is most certainly one example where the usual price = quality stigma does not apply - i purchased it for £17.45 in total, including shipping, but I would say it is definitely worth at least three times that price.
My opinion - right off the scale. whether you currently use voice technology or are thinking of taking it up, this is the product for you. 10/10.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Helps you co-ordinate attacks/defence with your online gaming clan Disadvantages: USB would be easier to have instead of 2 audio/microphone plugs
Advantages: Helps you co-ordinate attacks/defence with your online gaming clan Disadvantages: USB would be easier to have instead of 2 audio/microphone plugs
Advantages: Durable, light, good microphone, inbuilt volume control/microphone mute slider Disadvantages: Mostly for business use/audioconferencing, model discontinued
goldfishlou 01.12.2005 (01.12.2005)
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Mar 7th, 2006
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