Plantronics headphones: features, model overview, selection criteria

Plantronics headphones deserve at least close attention. Any music lover will only benefit if he clearly understands their features and gets acquainted with an overview of the models. It will also be useful to clarify the selection criteria. Key requirements for handling audio equipment also come in handy.

When describing Plantronics headphones, it is worth pointing out first of all that under this brand are sold a variety of models in spirit. A banal statement, but it is completely true. There are solutions for both a budget purchase and for uncompromising lovers of high-quality sound. At the same time, the sound quality is pleasantly surprising even in relatively cheap products.

The Plantronics concern actually produces a lot of devices. Its headquarters are in the United States. Since 1986, a branch has been operating in England. The experience gained over many decades allows us to create designs of excellent quality. And it is this quality that is worth paying attention to now.

When choosing wired headsets with a high quality microphone, it is appropriate to focus on the version EncorePro HW310 QD... The perfection and overall reliability of the device is so high that it can be safely used even as a call center equipment.

The soft ear pads are easy to replace. The design as a whole satisfies even the very picky aesthetes.

Additionally, it should be noted:

• uninterrupted operation of the accelerated shutdown (QD options) for at least 30,000 cycles, which is confirmed by full-scale tests;
• Optimal codec for voice transmission (excellent solution for any remote communication);
• equally high compatibility with USB-A, USB-C;
• full acoustic protection (only when working via USB);
• dynamic muting of sound as needed;
• working off frequencies from 200 to 6800 Hz;
• two RLR Mono modes;
• acoustic power up to 118 dB.

A good alternative is deservedly considered HW510 Wideband. This is a complete headset for telephone communication. When creating the device, breakthrough technologies for processing sound data were used. The controls on the body are designed to be easier to feel both tactilely and visually.

But the Plantronics assortment includes wired headsets not only of the QD standard; the firm makes the same USB hardware. A striking example of this is a wired headset BlackWire C3210-A. The creators guarantee that it is mechanically strong and at the same time easy to use.

Declared:

• full support for sound at the Hi-Fi level;
• dynamic equalizer;
• optimal suitability for long-term work through a computer, tablet or other device;
• reliability and comfort of the fasteners used.

The Plantronics range also includes excellent wireless headphones. So, the proven Bluetooth technology is used in the model BackBeat FIT 2100. The device is even marketed as a great assistant for outdoor workouts.

By default, the product is painted gray.

The designers (which is predictable for the "street" version) took care of reliable protection from various precipitation and sweat. Of course, the most reliable and carefully calibrated mounting option was used. Thanks to the high-capacity battery, it supports autonomous operation for up to 7 hours. And a feature like MyTap will give you the ability to change settings instantly without interrupting your workout or walk. Therefore, we can say what happened ideal solution for people with an active lifestyle.

Plantronics could not ignore the gaming headphone segment. First of all, we are talking about the modern RIG line, designed for connection to the X-Box. But the company's range also includes gaming acoustics for:

• standard PCs;
• Nintendo;
• PlayStation.

All such devices are designed to broadcast sound that meets the criteria Dolby Atmos... If you need to choose headphones directly for the X-Box, then the RIG 500 Pro Esports Edition will do. The main structures are made of metal. Combined with precisely thought-out acoustic chambers, this ensures excellent sound effect and increased stability.

The technical parameters are as follows:

• impedance - 32 Ohm;
• signal-to-background noise ratio - not less than 42 dB;
• selected speakers with a cross section of 5 cm;
• headphone weight - 0.323 kg;
• permissible input power - 40 mW;
• branded cable length - 130 cm;
• general compatibility with laptops and personal computers.

For PlayStation headsets, a good example would be RIG 500 Pro... The manufacturer claims that this model supports high definition surround sound. A similar effect is achieved, among other things, thanks to the 5 cm speakers. The ear cushions improve the suppression of extraneous noise. Of course, the advanced Dolby Atmos methodology is used.

Plantronics' abundance of choice is a big plus. But it is still useful to take into account the basic points when choosing a specific version for yourself.

The very first general requirement would be differentiation between the actual headphones and headsets. The difference between them is not in the price, but in the fact that the headsets, due to the microphone, allow themselves to transmit the voice. This is very useful not only for dispatchers and call-center operators, as they often think, but also just in everyday life. In any case, you should not strive to buy the cheapest thing. Such models will only be justified as a temporary measure or as a fallback solution.

If in the description of a device it is mentioned that it demonstrates a "fairly good" sound level - you need to pass by. The good thing about these products is that they sound better than echoes from a tin can.

Wired products should not have long cables. Outwardly, such designs seem to be more convenient than shortened options. The problem is that the loss of sound quality literally grows with every centimeter in an unimaginable progression. And for watching a movie, for your favorite game or for chatting on Skype, this may already be unacceptable.

True digital nomads need to choose compact products. But the severity of other requirements does not decrease, on the contrary, compliance with them must be checked even more stringently than usual. It is useful to consider the total battery life when choosing a wireless device.And remember that in the cold (and just as natural wear and tear) it will decrease. Pay attention to design last.

Important: before you follow these or any other recommendations, you must carefully read the proprietary instructions for connecting and general use of headphones... Otherwise, a positive result cannot be guaranteed.

Then the same button is clamped, waiting for the blinking of the LED. The last step is to activate Bluetooth on the phone and pair with headphones; they usually appear in the list as “PLT (model name)”.

Almost the same should be done if the headset is equipped with a separate ON-OFF switch. But the manipulations will have to start with the headset turned on, and only then can you count on a good result. If there is an On / Off + Bluetooth switch, then the device must be disconnected before connecting. In this case, the readiness for a communication session is indicated not only by the LED, but also by a characteristic sound. Until it is distributed, it cannot be assumed that contact has been established.

This case is more complicated than the previous one, and the outcome is less predictable. Sometimes badly installed or missing drivers can cause problems. Plantronics adapters help to improve the situation, designed to transform the QD signal into a standard USB pulse. In some models, it is possible to use an analog connection (using the well-known mini-jack protocol). After plugging in the USB adapter, you must first make sure everything works perfectly; this method helps not only on Windows, but also on Mac.

To improve the performance of Bluetooth modules on Mac computers and ensure full connectivity, it is recommended to install the latest updates. The same is useful to do, of course, on any other platform. An exception is the situation when the low quality of a fresh driver or its incompatibility is known in advance. If you have any further problems, it is better to contact the service or support of the company that manufactured the computer.

Watch the video below for a detailed review of the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 3100 wireless headphones.