hi
we just recenlty bought plantronics headsets
http://www.plantronics.com
they have a connector at the end of them that ive not seen b4. i need to be able to connect them to USB ports on PC:s, is there anything out there that can do this
i found the following but it only converts from this connector to analog
http://www.headsetzone.com
thanks
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You are going to need the Plantronics USB adaptor which has the matching connector.
http://www.plantronics.com
There are actually a few different models with slightly different features, I linked the least expensive and most basic model.
The connector is typically called a 'quick disconnect' which is unfortunatly not the same for different manufacturers. Most professional grade headsets have some form of this style of connector.
You can also get a cable to plug directly into audio ports, its only about $10 less.
The USB adapter that kode99 found is clever. I had not seen that item before.
I am a curious about your setup. You say "they will be using IP phone with soft console on pc". Does this mean you are using a softphone (no hardware, just software on a PC) or are you using some type of IP-phone (hardware) that also interfaces with software on the PC? In the latter case, are you sure you should not be looking for a headset that plugs into the hard phone?
If you actually have hard phones, you might well want to go with the Plantronics Polaris line of headsets so that you can use them with either the hard phone or the PC.
Just a thought.
Bill
I would suggest buying one of the DA40 USB adapters to test out. If you like it and it does the job then outfit everybody who needs one.
I do not think you would have a problem but some voip softphones do not work well with some USB headsets.
The DA55 and DA60 have more control within the adapter for volume etc. These may be nice but depending on your setup may be redundant and not really worth the extra cost.
Plantronics are good stuff I see no reason to change unless you have issues with them. If you check around any competing product will be of similar cost. The lower priced headsets tend not to be as durable or lack things like a quick disconnect, may not sound like much but as a operator who uses it everyday.
We have used both Plantronics and GN Netcom heavily over the years. Cost is similar for professional grade components. The only reason we moved from Plantronics to GN Netcom had to do with customer service from local vendors.
I checked the GN Netcom price for thier USB unit, it was within a few dollars.
Even with the Polaris models you quite likely still need the USB adapter to do a PC connection. They still have the quick disconnect plug and likely just include the quick disconnect to phone jack cable for direct connect to phone system sets and stations.
There are amp modules that provide fast switching between phone and PC but I do not think I have seen a USB model, only audio jack connection to PC's.
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by: grant300Posted on 2007-08-02 at 11:02:23ID: 19619332
The Encore headsets are designed to be used exclusively with Plantronics Amplifiers. These cannot be direct connected to anything else, not even other phones.
In addition, if you want to connect a headset to a USB port, it is not just a connector/adapter issue; there are electronics involved so it is best to buy a product designed for that purpose.
In most cases, you are better off plugging a headset into the audio ports of a PC. The Plantronics Polaris series of headsets is designed for this purpose.
Best of luck,
Bill