| |
Store-One Guide to Wireless / Cordless Headsets |
| |
Wireless Headsets, Some Features to Consider |
| |
| |
HEADSET WEARING STYLE |
| |
For most corded, cordless, and wireless headsets, there are three possible wearing styles: on the ear with an earhook (sometimes referred to as an earloop), over the head with a headband, and using a behind-the-head neckband. There is no "best" wearing style. More than anything else involved in selecting your headset, wearing style is a matter of personal choice and comfort. |
| |
 |
| |
| The above picture shows the Plantronics CS55 configured for each of the available wearing styles: on the ear wear with an earhook or earloop; over the head wear with a headband; and attached to a behind-the-head neckband. |
| |
A few things are worth mentioning here. First, many people find that wearing a headset on their ear for extended periods of time can get to be a bit uncomfortable. However, lots of people find the Star Trek look of the cool wireless headset on their ear to be the bees knees. And some people have reported an almost orgasmic response to the neckband. The choice is yours. But when purchasing your new wireless headset, be aware of the comfort issue. |
Some wireless headsets are designed to allow a choice of wearing styles like the Plantronics headset shown above. They have a mount or adapter that allows you to attach either an earhook for on-ear wear or a headband for over-the-head wear. Wireless headsets like this usually come with both an earhook and a headband so you can choose whichever wearing style you prefer. Headsets that come with both an earhook and a headband include the Plantronics CS50 and CS55, and the GN Netcom Jabra GN 9120. The Jabra GN 9350 comes with an earhook, a headband, and a neckband so you get the complete selection of wearing styles, right in the box. |
Some wireless headsets are designed only for wearing on the ear. These include headsets such as the Plantronics CS70 and Voyager 510, and the GN Netcom Jabra GN 6210. Be sure that you are going to be happy, and comfortable, with the on-ear wearing style of these headsets before you purchase one. |
| |
| |
NOISE CANCELLING vs NOISE FILTERING HEADSETS |
| |
When using a corded or wireless headset, one of the issues you have to deal with is background noise. If you are in an isolated soundproofed room when using the headset, you really don't have to worry about this issue. However, for most of us, background noise can be a problem. In general, you are going to want your headset to include some method of dealing with background noise. |
There are basically two methods of reducing background noise, noise filtering and noise cancelling. Noise filtering is accomplished by including a noise filtering circuit in the basic headset electronics. This works like any noise filter on your stereo, radio, turntable, tape deck or similar device. The electronic circuit tries to reduce or attenuate any unusual sound characteristics like a constant hiss or a pop or an unusual frequency. Noise filtering is reasonably effective. |
 |
Noise cancelling headsets include a microphone boom that is generally wider ot thicker than noise filtering headsets. Noise cancelling headsets have a small hole which is used to get a "sample" of the background noise. Sometimes the hole is opposite the microphone aperture. Sometimes, as in this illustration of the GN Netcom Jabra 9350 wireless headset, the hole may be on the side of the microphone boom. Noise cancelling involves electronic ciruitry which generates an anti-noise soundwave with the opposite polarity of the sound wave arriving at the microphone. This results in "destructive interference", which cancels out the noise.
Noise cancelling improves speech intelligibility and reduces the transmitted ambient noise through any communication system. A noise cancelling microphone significantly improves noise rejection without impacting the real-time speech signal, delivering improved audio clarity. |
|
| SO WHICH IS BETTER? Well, if you haven't guessed by now, don't plan on a career as a psychic. Noise cancelling is far and away the better technology for attenuating background noise and delivering high quality sound using a corded or wireless headset. This doesn't mean that noise filtering is junk. It's a very effective technology that's been around for a long time and is generally a tad less expensive than noise cancelling technology. Further, many headsets just don't offer a noise canceling option. And, if you are in a relatively quiet environment like a private office, noise filtering is probably all you need. |
| |
| |
| |
Remember, we are always interested in the comments and criticisms of our customers and site visitors on all things telephone, including reviews of specific products and features.
Click here to provide your comments on the best, worst, most useful, and least useful phones, headsets, and features available. |
| |
| |
| BACK |
| |
