There are currently 15-20 different cables with different wiring and volume levels. It is imperative that you check a compatibility guide or consult a headset expert to determine if a Direct Connect Cable is an option and which one would be best. Approximately 60-75% of the time a Direct Connect cable will work satisfactorily, where an amplifier will be satisfactory 100% of the time, because an amplifier has microphone and speaker controls. With a Direct Connect cable, you are relying on your telephone to provide adequate speaker and microphone volume. This is a less expensive solution ($28.50) than an amplifier ($72), but it also limits your volume and sound quality. Many newer phones allow the use of a Direct Connect cable (A10 pictured) to plug into a headset port. One, called a “pig tail”, connects the amplifier to your phone, and the other is a coiled cord that connects the amplifier to your headset using the quick disconnect connection. Finally, an amplifier will come with two cords. You can also purchase an optional A/C adapter to eliminate the need to purchase batteries. When the batteries are low, you will have weeks to change them, so there’s no fear of disconnecting a call. Batteries typically last six months to two years, depending on use, and will beep in your ear during calls when the batteries are low. AA batteries are included to power the amplifier. You simply press the “ Headset” button (or the “speaker” button) or the ringing line button to answer a call and press the “ Headset” button to hang up a call.Īmplifiers have speaker volume and microphone volume, compatibility settings for your specific phone, and a mute button. Newer phones will have a headset port to plug into and a “ Headset” button (or “speaker” button) which allows for on-hook dialing so you don’t have to remove your telephone handset for each call. Changing to a different amplifier or manufacturer will not change the fact that you need to raise and lower your handset for each call. Is this a nuisance…yes…but it’s what makes headsets universal with most phones. This is because you need to raise and lower the switchhook lever located under your handset ear piece to get a dial tone and hang up calls.

When finished, you will need to replace your handset to hang up the call. On older phones you will need to remove your handset and set the handset to the side of your phone to establish a call. When the amplifier is off, your handset (receiver) is active. Your handset then plugs into the amplifier so when the amplifier is on, your headset is active. The amplifier plugs into the phone jack where your telephone handset (receiver) currently plugs in. To Help with Compatibility – We have put together the following quick reference guides for the most popular phones:Īn amplifier (Plantronics M22 pictured) is a piece of equipment that sits between the headset and the phone. They provide a mute switch, speaker and microphone volume adjustment, and give the highest possible call quality available. Plantronics’ amplifiers are compatible with most single-line and multi-line phones, and are the most commonly used devices. To connect your headset to your telephone, you also need an amplifier or bottom cable, depending on your phone. As you can see by the picture, buying only a headset will result in immediate frustration because your headset will not have anything to plug into. Many first time commercial grade headset users assume you only need to purchase a headset, not understanding amplifiers and bottom cables. A quick disconnect is made to be pulled apart and re-connected an endless amount of times without ever wearing out. (Low end consumer grade headsets don’t have a quick disconnect, and you have to remove your headset every time you want to leave your desk.)Ī quick disconnect is unique to each headset manufacturer so you can’t mix and match between brands. This connection allows you to leave your headset on at all times and quickly disconnect from the amplifier, or bottom cable, when you need to walk away from your desk. The first thing to understand about commercial grade headsets is that the headset cable ends in what the industry calls a “quick-disconnect” connection.

To have a corded commercial grade headset solution you will need two items the headset and either an amplifier or a quick-disconnect (bottom) cable. With hundreds of telephones available on the market, you will find three typical methods used to plug a headset into a telephone:ġ) Many older phones and more basic phones will require an amplifier that plugs into the handset port on your telephone.Ģ) Many newer phones have a modular headset port usually located on the bottom of your telephone to plug into.ģ) A few manufacturers have opted for a 2.5mm headset jack on the side of your telephone to plug a headset into.

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