Tag Archive for: EncorePro

Connect 2 Headsets 1 PC

Why You Can’t Use 2 USB Headsets on 1 PC

One of the most frequently asked questions comes in many forms but ultimately, the end objective is the same. Can you connect two USB headsets to a single computer so both headsets receive/transmit audio simultaneously for training? The answer is, “No”. We have written a couple blogs previously (Is there a Training-Y for USB Headsets? and Training-Y for USB Headsets in Softphone environment?) as well as put out a video titled How To Connect Two USB Headsets to a PC for Training!. The challenge being the limitations of the computer only allowing you to select one Output and Input audio path. The same is true when using a collaboration app like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, 8×8, etc. You can only select one audio source. In video below we show you using a USB splitter we purchased online and a Poly Blackwire 8225 and Jabra BIZ 2400 II USB Headset.

This blog is revisiting the topic of training two people via one computer for voice calls, especially as organizations explore return to office plans.

Currently there are four options organizations can select:

Option 1 – Two QD Headsets + Training-Y + QD to USB Adapter

Poly, Jabra, EPOS, and JPL all offer a QD Headsets along with Training-Y cables and QD to USB Adapters.

QD headset options by brand include:

Training-Y’s by brand

QD to USB Adapters by brand

Option 2 – Two QD Headsets + USB Training-Y for QD Headsets

This is a much cleaner option and currently only two brands offer this option, that I am aware of.

Option 3 – Conference Feature on DECT Wireless Headsets

Option 4 – Cloud Communications Platform Call Monitoring

Cloud communications platforms today offer Call Monitoring features that many include:

  • Listen: Listen to a call without the parties being aware.
  • Whisper: Speak to a user in a call without other parties being aware.
  • Barge: Join a call and speak to all parties.
  • Take over: Take over the call from another user.

Call One, Inc. is a Trusted Advisor and can help you select and appropriate UCaaS or CCaaS platform that aligns with your business goals and objectives to include 8×8 and Zoom. Contact us to learn more! In the video below, we physically connect two USB headsets via USB Splitter we purchased online to show that you can’t select more than one device for audio source.

Plantronics EncorePro Digital Series – What are the changes?

Plantronics introduced their new Plantronics EncorePro Digital Series, EncorePro USB Series headsets and the DA90 USB to 6pin QD adapter. I finally got my hands on some. To see what they are all about.

These are all the current available EncorePro variants:

At first glance they look like exactly like the current EncorePro Series variants so what’s the difference? What are the main changes?

Plantronics EncorePro Digital Series

 

Plantronics EncorePro Digital Series

  • Digital Memory
    • Model Number
    • Serial Number
    • Headset Inventory management support when used with Plantronics Manager Pro software (subscription service)
  • 6 Pin QD Connector (EncorePro Digital variants)
  • True Stereo for binaural models

One of the main points you need to be aware of is that currently, the NEW EncorePro Digital Series have a 6-Pin QD which currently only connects to DA90.

Plantronics EncorePro Digital Series

There are some accessories coming that will allow end-users to connect standard EncorePro Series to DA90 (4 to 6 Pin Adapter) and NEW EncorePro Digital series to connect to DA70/80 (6 to 4 pin adapter). Plus there is a 6-Pin Training-Y Cable on the way.

More and more companies are adopting/deploying softphones or web-based collaboration tools that require USB headsets. Someone has to support those devices. Because of the applications/platforms being used, it typically falls on IT to manage and support those assets.

I think Plantronics is on the right track as they look forward. These new EncorePro Digital Series along with the DA90 and Plantronics Manager Pro empowers IT Managers with easy-to-use tools to monitor, manage, and maintain every Plantronics headset across the enterprise.