Plantronics DSP-400 Digitally-Enhanced USB Foldable Stereo Headset and Software Reviews

• Beware !

  
  By A3KL0K6AYP6SA7 on 2001-07-31
  1. This is NOT a noise cancelling headset : it has just a noise cancelling microphone so this only works in filtering your voice (I can't really see the point...), NOT the surrounding environment (like airplane buzz or aircon in the office). 2. It only has a USB plug, no hifi-jack so forget using it with an MP3 or CD player. 3. The CD-Rom with the Plantronics software was defective. 4. Plantronics customer's support is difficult to access and poor. The FAQ's on their site are uselesss (try to figure out if the DSP 400 has a Noise Cancelling function, good luck ...) If you want a Noise Cancelling, try the Maxell NoiseBuster (probably the best deal 40$) or the Koss QuietZone 2000 (better but is it worth 140$ vs. the Maxell ?). Taipan92
  
  

• Excelent headset with just a few warnings

  
  By A1NVD0TKNS1GT5 on 2005-08-30
  This headset offers good comfort, especially for the price. I use this headset almost entirely for VoIP (i.e. Skype) and have had great success with the audio quality both on the headphone prtion and microphone portion. The fact that it is a USB headset is wonderful because I can select it as my audio device for Skype, but I can still have my computer speakers playing music, even while I'm on the phone. That would not be possible with a standard, non-USB headset. Installation was also a breeze, everything was automatic for me in Windows XP Pro SP-2.
  
  My bigest complaint is the exteremly long cable and large box that hangs off of it. This is an issue for me because I use a laptop and this headset travels with me all over town everyday. Unfortunately all USB headsets have some time of box hanging off of them. The benefits of a USB headset for me outweight his problem, and I'm happy to lug it around, but still wish it wasn't required.
  
  I have used this headset for playback of music and while the quality isn't great, I don't believe that is this headset primary purpose and for the price I think it performs acceptably. Overall I would recomend this headset, especially for VoIP like uses.
  
  

• Great headset for Mac and Skype

  
  By A1AKR5KNESVR8W on 2005-10-26
  Bought this headset for use with Mac OS 10.3.9 and skype.
  
  Pros:
  1. Works perfectly with skype--great sound quality both in and out.
  2. Hardware controls (volume, mute) work perfectly with Mac
  3. No software necessary for Mac
  4. Neat folding design
  5. Comfortable even for long conversations.
  6. Great value (paid less on Amazon then they typically go on eBay)
  
  Cons (relatively minor for me):
  1. Even after folding, kinda bulky if you will be traveling with them a lot.
  2.Wish the wires werent so long--too long for the average user--perhaps making them prone to damage?
  3. Plantronics used to include a nice case, BUT NO CASE INCLUDED ANYMORE (at least as sold on Amazon)
  4. One minor glitch (?) with Mac is that the headphones revert to "mute" whenever first plugged in or computer is restarted.
  
  All in all, the best wired headset available for the Mac and skype.
  
  

• Improved voice recognition - and decent stereo listening!

  
  By A30J7WQV0ZNRXG on 2006-03-27
  I purchased this headset to replace the rather chintzy, monaural headset provided in the box with Dragon's Naturally Speaking 8 (Standard.) I was delighted to discover that, even prior to further 'training' of the software, the voice recognition ratio improved immediately and dramatically. Unlike the hardware from Nuance (the current makers of Dragon), the Plantronics set is USB2 plug-and-play with XP, requiring no software and it works, just as advertised, right out of the box. Other reviews that have criticized this set because of it's inadequate 'portability' and the feeling that the way it can be folded compromises it's structural integrity, simply have not been my experience. I must say, though, that it doesn't travel. It sits on a hook next to my PC.
  Voice recognition is not the perfect (or even improved) solution to every writing need - however, coupled with a GOOD headset/microphone combination, it is well worth having and using for many usual Word and emailing functions
  
  

• No drivers needed for OS X

  
  By A2IWY8R3CN7EBT on 2005-06-06
  This has to be one of the best mics I have personally owned. The first thing I did with the included driver disk was to toss it in the trash. Plugging the DSP-400 into my Powerbook G4 resulted in no pesky "driver needed" BS that currently plagues the dark side of the computer world. Bringing up the sound prefs I was delighted in seeing that not only was the DSP-400 recognized, but it was raring to go. Changing the default I/O's from the onboard line in and speakers to the USB interface was all that was needed to get it up and running. All level functions and effects are accessable and fully functional, since they are a function of the OS and not a driver.
  
  No, the DSP-400 is not a noise cancelling headset, but the mic does a very good job of weeding out reasonable ammounts of background noise. And as for it being heavy, I did not notice any unreasonable heaviness.
  
  Yes, the cord is a bit long, but I would rather have it a tad long than short.
  
  
• Great for voice recognition
  By AN3BCEU6Z12IV on 2006-12-19
  Someone in an earlier review rated the DSP-400 headset as useless for voice recognition. Not sure what his technical problem might be, but Dragon rates it as "6 dragons" on its hardware compatability list which is the max, and I have bought two of them...at different times...one for work and one for home since I was so pleased with performance using two completely different types of PC's, memory size, etc. It works great for me at least. I am a long time Dragon user, and this is the best headset I have tried. So beware the "worthless" review. Picking the right headset that works with your particular system can be iffy...but I have two of these headsets and I couldn't be happier with the recognition voice quality. (I use Dragon Preferred Version 9 at the moment, so I can't say whether a different version would affect performance.)
  
  
• Warning -- not portable!
  By A1NZA6QEOWX2ZT on 2005-05-24
  The folding headband for this headset is nicely engineered. But don't buy this headset expecting it to be foldable to a small size for carrying with your laptop, in your carry-on bag, etc. The cord is *extremely* long--maybe 10ft (why?)--and attached to it is a plastic filter/converter box that is nearly the size of the AC power brick on my laptop power cord. By the time you have it all wrapped up for stowage the entire package is just as large as the conventional headset I was replacing with this purchase--even with the headset folded.
  
  
• Very comfortable, 2nd class sound quality
  By A3ITK9UCVFDPR9 on 2006-05-12
  I've been trying out a number of these headsets(I'm picky) for skyping and podcasting. This is the most comfortable so far but the sound quality is not even in the ballpark with the Logitech 350 which cost $10 less. But if you don't care so much about quality and are going to wear one of these for hours it's extremely comfortable
  
  
• What are the other people talking about?
  By on 2004-05-25
  This headset is very good. The usb connection is so relable and fast, unlike the analog connections on normal hearsets that require 3 plugs (right audio, left audio, mic)! This is great if you don't have a sound card. The audio quality is very good too. I listen to music, play games and watch movies. The mic is handy in games that I play like The Specilists, Counter-Strike, and Day of Defeat. The sound quality is beautiful and gives me the chills when I play games like Deus Ex Invis War at night. The robust booms of mortar fire rock my world in Call of Duty. My friends sometimes don't even have their mics on because their mic analog plug is so far from the other sound plugs. Sometimes I wonder why I got my soundblaster audigy 2 soundcard and 6.1 mega works speaker system, o ya, for parties, duh! Anyways, this is a great headset, I don't quite know why the other have experianced what they have.
  
  
• Surprisingly Good Quality
  By AHQ0KIP330AVX on 2006-02-04
  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.
  
  
• Inadequate for Voice Recognition
  By A2SORMW01O86JT on 2006-08-21
  It failed Dragon Naturally Speaking's sound tests, tests easily passed by the cheapo mike included with the program. And just try to return it. Antonline stonewalls, Plantronics doesn't respond at all.
  
  
• Not for laptops
  By A1GSVX4SNFOP3B on 2007-01-26
  The microphone is incredibly sensitive to electrical noise from laptop power supplies or powered USB hubs, causing a very obtrusive hum when used with applications such as Skype. As a result this Plantronics model can be used on laptops only when running on battery power. Since that's not practical, I am now the proud owner of a stylish $40 paperweight.
  
  It would have been easy for Plantronics to include a low-frequency rolloff around 120 Hz which would filter out the hum, but leave voice signals unchanged. (Unless you're singing a bass part....)
  
  It's a pity, really, because otherwise the sound quality is quite good.
  
  
• Unimpressive, poor audio quality
  By A113HCM2YP5OZW on 2006-03-29
  I bought this headset thinking I would use it with voice recognition software on my Mac Powerbook. The fact that they fold up was a selling point because I thought they would fit well into my laptop bag ... but the bing dongle thing which seems to contain the electronics is huge and intrusive and the cord it too long to be helpful. What makes it worse is that the audio quality of the stereo headphones is poor and the recording quality is also poor as it seems to skip over words or mangle parts of them ... and I have an excellent speaking voice (everybody always wants me to read aloud). (And, not to be nitpicky, but they come in one of those hard clear plastic coffins that makes it almost impossible to get them out of the packaging without wrap rage.)
  
  So I definitely don't recommend them. And now I'm looking for something better. Maybe I will have to be stuck carrying one headset for voice recognition and another for music and dvds ... rats.
  
  
• nice headset for skype
  By A1KSTH3S1COKUU on 2006-05-03
  This is a very nice headset for skype. I use it on Linux without a problem.
  
  The only cons are dealing with the really long cord and the sometimes uncomfortable hard plastic headpiece.
  
  
• The software just hasn't evolved far enough...
  By A24WJABEXZNTSK on 2003-07-16
  I use a laptop and enjoy the ability to simply plug in my headphones and listen to music. Using a Windows XP Professional Operating System, the problem with this device is that I must start my computer with it plugged in for it to function properly. If my computer has already started, I must plug in the head phones and restart the computer.

  Hopefully, their software will improve.
  
  

• Headset is the best on the market!
  By A2SXEIIRJHJ7R7 on 2004-11-25
  I have owned this headset for over a year now and it works great. My buddies and I use a program called Teamspeak to voice chat while playing online games. After I bought my headset, three of my other friends ordered it the next day. Not sure what the other reviewers are doing with their DSP-400, but if you play online games, it is a necessity.
  
  
• WOW - WHAT GREAT SOUND!!!
  By A1CWECESO714KW on 2005-04-22
  I got this headset because of problems with my soundcard and the other hardware I have in my PC system. I loaded the software first, and then installed the headphone using the ultra-easy USB plug (no way to plug it in wrong and only one plug to deal with). I played an Enya song ("Key of the Twilight") and it sounded good. I launched the included PerSomg software in the middle of listening to Enya and got hit with such a great change in the sound, I could not believe it!. This Headset is the best I have used EVER! I love having a long cord so I can move around and the carrying bag that comes with this product. IT IS THE BEST! [The MIC is good too!]
  
  
• It's what I was looking for.
  By A39ISAMIFINM97 on 2005-10-02
  I was wary about this purchase at first due to the other reviews stating the headset felt flimsy or of poor build. But I like the fact that folds up when not in use. Also the mouthpiece is nice and long which suits a soft spoken person like me. I was not surprised to find that indeed it does feel flimsy in the hand. If I were to use the headset on a daily basis, I would likely opt for one that was sturdier. But I would rather be able to fold it up than have it last forever. It is comfortable and suits my needs. It's what I was looking for. If you plan this headset for occasional but not heavy use, then I recommend it.
  
  
• Works great with Dragon Naturally Speaking
  By APMVFJTTF0RY8 on 2007-05-06
  Bought this to use with Dragon Naturally Speaking 9. Could not get an analog set to work even marginally well. I have tried DNS multiple times over the years with various headsets and always given up. This WORKS. It is the first time I have found it a really reasonable alternative to typing. While I cannot say I am using it regularly (I am a fast typist) I have been using it for long documents and find it quite usable.
  
  
• 11 feet of wire!
  By AO2IWGM0O6Z6P on 2005-03-10
  I just received these headphones and have not used them enough to comment on their sound quality. The installation of the drivers was simple enough.
  
  However, this headset includes 11 feet of wire!! I bought the FOLDING set of headphones because I thought they would be more portable. What part of portable does Plantronics not understand? 11 feet of cable is 8 feet more than I need on a portable set of headphones.
  
  
• Very Satisfied
  By A16U8TQZJDT95V on 2006-07-20
  I purchased this headset to use with Skype and used a previous Amazon review to make my purchasing decision. I have to say that I agree whole-heartedly that this headset is a great value. I've also used it to create some online video tutorials and the sound quality from the mic is excellent. And for Skype? My Mom always says I sound great!
  
  
• Works beautifully!
  By A1G6S9PR3EBXRI on 2005-04-14
  I bought this one mainly as a portable replacement for my old headset, which supposedly had a noice cancelling mic, but it was hardly that. The DSP-400, on the other hand, works beautifully!
  
  The noise is greatly reduced over my old one, which plugged into the laptop's headphone/mic ports. The only problem I had was in no way related to the headset itself, rather with Skype's use of it (forced the mic volume way too high), but that was resolved pretty quickly.
  
  
• many defects
  By A1O7EKLQJKMJHC on 2005-06-07
  This headset is not very portable or durable. Stopped working about 4 months after purchase. suggest you try something else
  
  
• DSP-400 OK for Mac for hard-of-hearing
  By AMXTYJN0XBOBW on 2006-10-24
  I am partially deaf with a need for more highs and less bass. I was using the Logitec 250 for my voip calls (an excellent set but a little lacking in highs) but when I turned up the volume, the bass drummed my ears. You can get more volume out of the 250, but the 400 has better highs and the bass doesn't bother my ears when I turn it up, but somethimes the volume isn't quite what I need. It's a much better situation however, than before. Plantronics told me that their prosono software would work on my Mac Mini, but it's not the case. When I went to the page to download the software, there was none for the Mac. Others complained about the long cord and the bulky dsp device, but it's nice to be able to lie on the bed with the long cord able to reach and the dsp device is a good weight to keep the cord from falling off the desk. The 400 is a bit flimsy, so be careful unfolding it and don't drop it. Always hook the clip to your shirt so you don't rip the wires out of the headphones. There are two wires and I've hit the "V" a couple of times when I was in too much of a hurry to clip the clip to my shirt. Good quality for music. Enjoy! Michael :)
  
  
• I love love love this headset!!!
  By A1HTP0HI77ZXAL on 2007-01-16
  In one year, this is my third headset. My first one had a microphone that stopped working every few days (usually mid-conversation), and the second was a horribly uncomfortable bulky thing & the cord snapped irreparably after only 2 months of use.
  
  I've now had this headset for 2 months and it's been DELIGHTFUL. I can have skype conversations without worrying about whether or not people can hear me or wincing with discomfort. It's very, very comfortable and lightweight and it works perfectly for skype. The only complaint I have is that for some reason it does not work with my recording software, there's a neverending hum if I try. But I bought it for skype & I have another microphone for my recording software so that's really not a problem for me.
  
  As for the long cord, I actually like that. My laptop died a while ago and so all of my skype calls are made from my home office... sometimes I like having conversations where I'm not sitting at my computer so I have an extension cord set up so that I can go sit on the living room couch and talk to my friends. This long cord lets me walk even farther than I could before.
  
  
• Quality and BULK!!
  By A3ANBQQKLKLH6 on 2007-02-01
  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.
  
  
• Finally, the right headset for voice recognition
  By AQ73XQXDQDFGI on 2007-03-08
  After struggling for weeks to get Dragon Naturally Speaking working properly on a new MacBook, bought this headset on recommendation from the people at Nuance as being the best USB dictation microphone for any system. Having experimented with a number of others, including the headsets delivered with ViaVoice and DNS, this is definitely tops. Sound input and output quality are great for voice recognition, and of course for Skype, too. Only regret: no carrying pouch for this rather cumbersome object, even if it does fold up (I travel a lot).
  
  
• Plays well with Dragon
  By A1JX2QRRZCNCP9 on 2007-06-27
  I bought this for my voice-activated software, Dragon8 Naturally Speaking.
  I needed a high quality microphone that would not pick up white noise from a fan or an air conditioner. Voice activated software is very touchy and high quality input is essential. I've had near perfect performance with this one. It's better than my previous one which cost a whole lot more.
  
  
• Great for Dragons !
  By A37UUP4I1IEMY1 on 2007-07-25
  I use this headset/microphone with a program called Dragon Naturally Speaking, to handle word processing and documents with just my voice. The set works very well and I have even seen an improvement in the programs ability to interpret my speech on a more accurate basis since I started using it....highly recommended.
  
  
  
• Excellent sound quality
  By AR6APXLK7TJU2 on 2005-08-22
  The Plantronics DSP-400 is a good quality USB headset. On Macs there are no drivers to install, they work great right out of the box. The sound quality is excellent and they are terrific for Internet telephony via Skype (see [...]for software). The headset collapses and folds in half to make carrying in a computer bag easier, however, this set of hinges also makes it feel flimsy. I've been using it successfully for over a month with no problems. If I was buying today I'd opt for the slightly more expensive DSP-500 as they seem a bit sturdier than the -400 model as they don't fold and seem to have a more ridgid construction. Aside from that feature, this headset is a good bargain and the sound quality for telephony or just listening to music is terrific. The earphones rest comfortabley on top of the ear and allow for ambient room sound to enter, which is good in an office environment so you can hear your co-workers when they come into your office.
  
  

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