Plantronics DSP400 Foldable Multimedia Headset Reviews

• I got a different model from the one described

  
  By A1E953VBAB174A on 2008-02-18
  I did not receive the item pictured and described. I received an analog Plantronics headset with a USB adapter, and returned it unopened for a full refund, including shipping, using Amazon's postpaid label. I give it a one-star rating because I have used the digital version and liked it quite a lot, but that's not what they sent me. I rate the digital version at five stars.
  
  Update: I called Plantronics, and they have replaced the pictured and described model# 76921-01 with model# 76921-04. The older model had the pictured silver-colored headset, direct USB connection, inline DSP module, and inline digital mute/volume control that actually controlled the volume through the computer's operating system. The new model is a black analog headset, with an analog inline mute switch and volume wheel. It has a mini-jack for the headphones and another for the microphone. These plug into either the sound card jacks or the included DSP USB adapter.
  
  When I learned that it was a model replacement and not a complete Amazon malfunction, I purchased another one. I do not like it as much as the older model. I liked the way the older model controlled the volume digitally. When I pressed the buttons, the volume bar appeared on my screen and it adjusted the volume for all Windows audio. Also, there is a continuous background interference hum from the new headset's earphones. It modulates according to what is happening on my video screen. That was not there with my previous, older-model headset. I'm returning this one to the factory in hopes that it's a defect of this particular item, not the model itself. The microphone output from this headset seems to be the same quality as the older version. Whispers are easily heard on the other end of the conversation.
  
  Amazon does need to update their pics and description, but a quick google shows that they are far from alone -- I didn't see the new model anywhere.
  
  Until Amazon updates their pics and description, I'm leaving my one-star rating, but I give this new version three stars. Maybe that will change if the replacement doesn't hum.
  
  

• Incorrect Item

  
  By A3J4K54TGMVELR on 2008-06-12
  This item is not what is listed. While the site says DSP400, the headset is actually the one shown here: Plantronics Foldable USB Stereo Headset (Optimized for Laptop Use) (Audio 470 USB). I'm unsure why the box says DSP400 when the .Audio 470 is exactly what the headset is. The microphone works and sounds great, and the headset is just as comfortable as the real DSP400, but instead of being a true USB headset, it has a USB sound-card that you plug the microphone and headphones into. When the volume on the headset is turned all the way up, there is a low buzzing noise that can be heard, which was not present in the original DSP400. Instead of the digital volume control with digital mute button (my favourite part of the original headset, since it controlled default computer volume and not just the headset) there is an analog dial and a slide switch for mute.
  
  I'm not sure why I was sold a fake DSP400 when the .Audio 470 is the same product, but $40 cheaper. I'm disappointed that the one place I found that was advertising the original DSP-400 turned out to be false. I will be returning the headset and investigating what happened.
  
  

• Does what it's supposed to do

  
  By A1HXCA46ACI5U5 on 2008-02-08
  It does what it promises to do...clear sound, clear dictation capability (somewhat better than the basic microphone I am using for my speech to text software - Dragon Naturally Speaking), and somewhat comfy earpads. I heard that there are better headsets out there but since this one folds into a relatively small package, it serves my purpose. I travel a lot and have to write a lot of emails, while suffering from carpal tunnel, so this is good enough for me.
  
  Oh, and it makes my Skype session sound so much more clearer than talking over the built-in mic of the laptop.
  
  Jiwon
  
  

• Very nice sound BUT....

  
  By A6D8H00BCEQD6 on 2008-04-23
  Very nice sound from such inexpensive headphones, very lightweight and comfortable in normal use, but I found that the headset simply would not stay put on my head, and kept slipping off over the course of a couple of hours. Worse yet, if I took the headphones off to have a conversation with a live person, and slung the headset around my neck, the folding center section of the frame would inevitably catch and grab short hairs at the back of my neck: OW! I ended up replacing these for normal use with a non-folding pair of Sennheisers, but use the USB DSP interface from these to connect it to my Mac.
  
  

• Be aware - New version is different from shown, no PerSono

  
  By APQOA0KX13YAI on 2008-05-13
  I just received my headset from Amazon. The latest version from Plantronics is called the .Audio DSP 400 and is different from what is shown in the Amazon picture. The description also talks about the PerSono equalizer software that Amazon says can be downloaded from Plantronics (this was one reason I chose this headset). The PerSono software has beeen DISCONTINUED by Plantronics and is not compatible with what is now branded as the .Audio DSP 400 headset. There is no replacement software. I haven't used the headset yet so no real perspective on performance.
  
  
• Works fine, but the picture here is wrong...
  By A2Y5DZ6GLMJLXT on 2008-04-06
  Nice little unit, although the model I received, while labeled a DSP400, is not the same model shown here.
  
  The newer model I received is a bit more flexible, as there is a USB adapter provided, or the ability to plug the headset directly into 1/8" headphone out and mic in connections. That might be a plus, but it's also another piece that can come apart and get lost if you're carrying this around.
  
  Have used this on a Mac laptop running OS X 10.5 as well as a PC laptop running XP, no problems on either, no software needed.
  
  
• Just What I Needed
  By A1HIJYJWP9Z2ND on 2008-05-02
  I needed a headset for my MAC in my new home office. I use it for Skype, Podcasts through Talkshoe, and Audacity audio recordings. The sounds quality is great and the volume on the headset speakers is better than the headset for my land line phone.
  
  What I have found, especially in audacity recordings, is that I actually need to rotate the mic up and away from my mouth and nose to eliminate pops and clicks from my mouth. That is really an endorsement for the mic since it is sensitive enough to pick up those sounds. If I wanted to sound really professional I would by a pro mic with a pop filter. I still may but this headset is a great starter. I haven't needed to yet, but I do like that it folds down nicely so I can take it on the go.
  
  If you are looking for a good headset for a decent price I definitely recommend this one.
  
  
• Great sound, not so good QC and construction
  By A11T7CEFCSAM9W on 2008-06-27
  I ordered one and it came in defective. The USB adapter was bent and can't be recognized by the PC. I then tried the direct mic/headphone line-in and found out the mic didn't work. The sound quality from the headphones were very good, though.
  This is my first time using Amazon's return. It was very easy to ship the defective one back. The new unit arrived in 2 days. No hassle at all.
  The new one works well. The mic's sound quality is pretty good, too. However, this product's construction is not sturdy. The folding structure feels flimsy and the sliding adjustment looks if it will fall apart very soon! It also pulls off my hair, too. I often casually toss my $20 Logitech around (on sofa or bed or carpet, that is) and have had no concern of breaking it. I feel this unit needs "Handle with care" warning stickers all over it!
  The sound quality is probably 4 or even higher, but the structure and built can only be 2, not counting the questionable QC. That's why I am giving it a 3, regrettably.
  One remaining question is that the shipped unit is not exactly the one in the picture. The one I received does not have that good sized in-line DSP module. I do not know if the mechanical structure between the two versions are identical.
  
  
• Very practical and high quality
  By A35KBPXVQEFUHS on 2008-03-25
  This headset is ideal for executives who spend a lot of time on the road and who do not want to carry a bulky headset. The sound quality is excellent and the headset itself is very easy to fold.
  
  
• Crystal-clear recording
  By A16KXT3SIYDWGC on 2008-04-18
  I bought this headset because it was one of the highest rated headsets on the NaturallySpeaking website. I highly recommend it. The sound quality is excellent as well as the recording quality.
  
  This review was typed using NaturallySpeaking with minimal corrections.
  
  
• Confianza
  By ABTCU7U9KPYAA on 2007-12-11
  Es confiable comprar en Amazon, se obtienen los productos deseados y en todo momento le informan al cliente sobre el estado de su orden de compra.
  Mi empresa y yo estamos muy contentos con el excelente servicio que brindan a todo el mundo.
  Lo recomiendo.
  
  
• Great headphones!
  By A22UVVOJD437W5 on 2008-04-20
  I'm very happy with the headphones (it's actually the second pair I bought after I'd accidentally damaged the cable of the first one). They are very comfortable (not too tight, not too loose) and I love it that they are foldable. The sound quality is very good (and I'm not even using the enhanced USB sound card).
  
  
• Very clear and great noice canceling feature.
  By A2PR4J3Y020EFI on 2008-06-30
  I am extremely satisfiled with this headset. I had used many others till now but i guess this is the one with a great crystal clear sound. I frequently Skype with clients all over the world and the call quality is so better.
  
  
• Great for Internet Phone, travel, MacBook Pro
  By A1EJSGZ1AY7PR0 on 2008-07-06
  These fold nicely for traveling. I have been using this headset with my MacBook Pro overseas, and using Gizmo internet phone (like Skype) and they have been working great. Just plug the USB adapter into the notebook, and select the headset under System Preferences - Sound (for both input and output) on the Mac (OSX 10.5 Leopard), and they work.
  Sound quality is very good, no echo with a good internet connection. The noise canceling microphone works well. They fit and are comfortable. They adjust for large or small heads - via the typical sliding head band.
  
  
• Foldable Headset
  By AO6K8DF8RTN1O on 2008-07-20
  The fact that they are foldable, compact and great for traveling was the selling point. The only thing that is a little bothersome, (for me, anyway), that the cord is extremely, excessively long for a laptop. I'm not going far... But, I guess if you have a tower, the length would be perfect. Other similar products sell for a lot more.
  
  

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