Plantronics DSP-400 Digitally-Enhanced USB Foldable Stereo Headset and Software
by Plantronics
|
List Price: Our Price: $79.95 You Save: $50.04 (38%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $64.95 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
|---|
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Plantronics DSP-400 Digitally-Enhanced USB Foldable Stereo Headset and Software
Customer Review: Quality and BULK!!
Summary: 3 Stars
I decided to buy the DSP-400 for a number of reasons. While I was at college, I worked in a call centre and I'd always been happy with the Plantronics headset I used there. Now, I know that it was a very different product, but I hoped that the quality would carry over to consumer products. I was also looking for something I could keep in my laptop bag and use when ever I needed it. I have used Bluetooth headsets, but i find them hard work because I don't get audio into both ears. I've noticed that long conversations are less tiring when the stereo headphones make the mono audio seem like it's coming from inside my head!
I was also interested in something that Skype could access and send sound to without cutting off the external speakers of the computer. I want streamed radio over the loudspeakers and no fiddling around when I take a call.
So, the DSP-400 seemed like it would fit the bill brilliantly. The USB would leave the laptop's soundcard free for other things, the unit folds for transport and hopefuly there was a garuntee of quality from the Plantronics badge on the side.
Well, this is all true. The unit is very good quality and the few calls I made were not tiring. Fit was good, driver installation fine, interaction with Skype was good.
However, the unit now lives with my Girlfriend. Why? well, it's just not the travelling sort. The headset folds away very neatly, bu then there's about 6 feet of cable to the "dongle" and another 3 feet past that to the USB plug. NINE FEET OF CABLE ON A PORTABLE UNIT!?! And I was fooled by Plantronics picture of the headset and dongle. I thought the dongle had been somewhat enlarged to show it off to the customer. Nope, it's bigger than some of the computer mice I've used in my time. probably 5x1.5x.75 inches. When the whole thing is folded and coiled, it's a huge handfull!
This is a good headset, but take a look at one in the flesh and size it up if you're thinking of carrying it round with you much.
Customer Review: Quite possibly the best out there
Summary: 5 Stars
After using this headset for coming up on 4 years now, I have to acknowledge that this is quite possibly the best mic/headset setup out there. Audio quality is extraordinary (music and voice), and the microphone quality is without compare. Skype is clear as a land-line, and better than any cellphone. I've listened to recorded calls where I've called in using my DSP-400 via Skype, and my voice sounds as clear and loud as those on the phone in the office. And these aren't cheap office phones; they're roughly $400 units each. And my solution easily compares.
I play online games daily, and often get feedback on my voice quality, even when using high compression codecs. Even nearly 4 years later, it's amazing how well this unit performs.
I move it around between Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 without issue. It is quickly detected by Windows, and whatever app/game/media player I'm using at the time. And no, it doesn't require a reboot in XP to recognize. It's USB...
Now, I wouldn't use it for Voice Over recording. For that I pull out the pro gear I keep tucked away for just that purpose. that's not what this is for. But if you want a cost-effective USB solution that will simply outperform anything else out there, buy this. I also do not use any voice recognition software, so I can't provide any insight on that. However there is abundant feedback in other reviews.
Only problem I'm having now is that after all this time, the foam covering on the earphones is starting to come up, which is putting hard plastic right on my ears. Gets a bit uncomfortable after a while. Anyone got a thought about that? If I can't find a solution, I'm just going to buy another pair. I'd rather spend the money for a new unit than use anything else.
Customer Review: Surprisingly Good Quality
Summary: 4 Stars
Having come across varying reports about Plantronics headsets, I was pleasantly surprised at how well the DSP-400 actually worked. Purchased this model for use with VoIP, having had little success previously using Apple's Plain Talk microphone along side a set of Walkman-type earphones. Now not only can I communicate clearly over Gizmo and Skype, but I have found the stereo sound good enough to enjoy music with. Interestingly this device is compatible with Mac and required no drivers to install-- the only problems I encountered was in switching my sound port settings. As instructed by the manufacturer, I plugged in the headset to the computer's USB port and opened Sound to select Plantronics USB for both Input and Output and adjusted the volumes accordingly. But I still had my amplified speakers plugged into the Built-in Audio port and though the Plantronics device was recognized it did not become activated until I unplugged those speakers. After that the headset worked fine, and once I pugged my speakers back in I could effectively switch between ports. Now, if no music/media is playing when VoIP is launched, the Plantronics headset will automatically become active, whether or not its USB Port is the currently selected sound output. Plus, the DSP-400 can run off a hub such as a USB keyboard, rather than having to be plugged directly into the computer, as is the case with some other USB telephony devices.
The DSP-400's generously long connection cable gives me tether enough to rummage around my office without having the comfortably light-weight headset get jerked off my ears. And the remote volume control with the red LED would just make the coolest tie clip... if I ever wore a tie.
Customer Review: Flexibility is key
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had my headset for three months now and I have to say this is the best headset I have every owned. The flexibility offered with the hinged folding feature of this headset makes it unbeatably comfortable and durable for all sizes and shapes.
I put this headset through its paces. I use it for transcription work from audio tapes. I also use it for dictations with Dragon Naturally Speaking. I've also been known to fall asleep wearing it while listening to music in bed only to wake in the morning still wearing it. Lately I've been using it to make calls to people all over the world using Skype.
The sound and recording quality is unbeatable and I really like the adjustable volume control on the headset cable. Speaking of the cable, that extra long cable gives you a lot of mobility to move around the desk while talking.
Needless to say, I wear this headset for many hours of the day. It's so comfortable that I've forgotten I was wearing it a few times when I stood up to walk away from my PC and had it yanked from my head! With other headsets they'd be broken or bent out of shape by now from falling asleep while wearing them. Not this one. The built in hinges in the middle of the headset and on each ear piece make it very forgiving.
My only complaint, and it is one I have with all headsets, is that in warm weather when your head tends to perspire, the earpiece coverings don't hold up well to the moisture. That's easily remedied with replaceable covers though.
Customer Review: Good for the quality
Summary: 4 Stars
The Sound Quality Is Superb and matches that of several $100 Headsets. I was unsure at first when ordering but found this headset to be a good match to those I usually Buy. namely Altec Lansing as the most affordable and yet still high in quality. The quality is both in perfomance and in structure. While this headset may break if you threw it on the ground. I find that it is Ideal for Gaming as well as Skype. If you have a problem with the usb go to altec Lansings site and order their cheap behind the ears fold-up model thats like $24. That will work anywhere and in both PC and stereo or what have you. Overall this product was good and the negative people really don't realize what a bargain it is. I recommend this for gamers that have little preference on a headset and for business. IT has a very clear mic that is its prime feature. Once again the seperate Volume Control is a problem in some level for those who are not very organized but its a small flaw. Buy this product If you want a good headset. if not I told oyu where to go. Before you doubt me Buy this or the other product I suggested.
I realize this is alot to read but I feel its a concise statement of the product.
And if you want a truegame to test tihs set out on it would be the Myst V game because of the superb sounds.
Happy Gaming!
-Paul