Tag Archive for: USB adapter

Replacing Headset Accessories save money

Replacing Headset Accessories Can Save You Money!

You can save money by replacing headset accessories instead of buying a new headset! (Yes, some folks replace the entire headset when the ear cushion starts falling apart)

If you have ever been in a major contact center, there are vending machines you can go to for replacement ear cushions, mic screens and other essential accessories to keep your headset in optimal working condition. In a corporate office, there were processes in place you followed to get those accessories. The challenge for anyone working from home is they don’t have that same convenience.

What Replacement Accessories are available for your headset?

Companies like Call One, Inc. have been helping people do their business better since 1987. Our team can help you identify what replacement accessories are available for your specific headset. With multiple brands and headset models that exist, there are literally thousands of different accessories available. It can be extremely overwhelming. The Call One, Inc. team is here to help with Poly (formerly Plantronics), Jabra, EPOS (formerly Sennheiser), JPL and Cisco headset accessories.

Jabra Contact Center

Available Corded and Wireless Headset Accessories: Foam and leatherette Ear cushions, ear tips, ear wings, mic screens, voice tubes, replacement and spare batteries, headbands, neckbands, ear hooks, AC power supplies, Bluetooth Dongles, QD to modular coil cords, QD to USB adapters, training-y’s, charging stands, EHS cables, handset lifters, lapel clips, headband cushions, carry cases, amplifiers, audio processers, and more!

When should I replace accessories?

There are obvious times when you should replace, i.e., your AC power supply had a wrestling match with your vacuum cleaner and lost. Anytime a specific piece you need to use your headset effectively gets broken or goes missing, it’s time to replace. Foam ear cushions and mic screens should be replaced as often as you’d like but at least every 3-6 months depending on wear and tear. When it comes to wireless headset batteries, that typically depends on how heavy a user you are. Wireless headset batteries typically last at least twelve months however, we have seen batteries being replaced after only three to six months. Some batteries are field replaceable (you can DIY) while some are not (typically smaller form factor Bluetooth headsets)

Call One Inc Contact Center

Brands like JPL have modular headsets models like their Element TT3 that allow you to replace key components like the headbands and speaker and mic boom. This modular approach provides an overall lower cost of ownership.

Is there a minimum quantity order requirement?

That depends on the accessory, however, Call One, Inc. has been able to “break packs” to provide customers with the quantities they need. Another consideration when replacing headset accessories is shipping cost and how often you need to replace certain items like ear cushions. It’s best to order at least enough to last the length of the headset warranty.

Can you ship headset accessories to my home office?

Yes! Call One, Inc. can ship anywhere in the US including business and residential addresses.

How do I get started?

The best way is to contact us directly M-F, 8 am – 5 pm ET.

📞 1-800-749-3160

📨 sales@calloneonline.com

💻 https://www.calloneonline.com/contact-corporate-sales

It’s best to have the headset brand and model you need accessories for in hand. Don’t know what headset you have? No problem. Take a picture of your headset and send it to us. Be sure to include what accessory you are looking for.

USB Dongle versus Pairing Headset

Why Do I Need a USB Dongle vs Pairing the Headset Directly to a Computer?

This is a frequently asked question on our channel so we decided to reach out to Jabra, Poly and EPOS for their response. While you can pair your headset directly to your PC or Mac, the primary reason to use a dongle is call control. Using the pre-paired dongle will support the headset user the ability to answer and end calls via headset controls vs platform GUI. Other reasons to use a USB dongle versus pairing headset to Bluetooth are improved audio quality, increased roaming range, and overall user experience.

Here is what they had to say:

Jabra

Using the included Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter with your Jabra device will ensure the following functionality:

  • Integration with computer softphone and software support with Jabra Direct
    Full integration between a Jabra device and a computer softphone usually works only when combined with a Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter. Connecting to a computer without a Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter may provide audio capability in the device but not call control for answering and ending calls.
  • Bluetooth range
    Jabra devices obtain the best possible range when they are used with a Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter and not the built-in Bluetooth in a computer. Bluetooth performance of a computer is usually limited to a range of 2-5 meters/ 6-50 feet in a typical office environment.
  • Factory pairing and installation
    The Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter and Jabra device come pre-paired in the box. The Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter supports plug-and-play functionality, without needing to install separate software drivers on the computer.
  • Identification as a soundcard
    When pairing with the Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter, the device is identified by the computer operating system as a soundcard and can be used for all audio purposes. If a device is paired with the built-in Bluetooth of a computer, the device is usually recognized by the computer as a headset and can only be used for communication purposes.

Poly

Why are BT600 USB bluetooth adapters needed vs. pairing the headset directly to the PC/MAC?

Poly Bluetooth UC devices are full-featured and designed for optimal user experience. To fully benefit from the advanced functionality and have the most reliable audio experience, it is required that the headset is paired via the BT600 USB Bluetooth adapter versus paired directly to the PC/MAC. Poly provides function and additional benefits through the BT600 USB adapter in the following ways:

  • PC/MAC Bluetooth systems can vary widely in design and capability. By providing a BT600 USB Bluetooth adapter, Poly can ensure a better experience because we control both ends of the wireless connection
  • The BT600 USB Bluetooth adapter functions as an audio processor, which assures the best audio experience through wideband audio support—providing the highest voice quality. If connected directly to the PC/MAC, wideband audio is not possible
  • Without the BT600 USB adapter, PC/MAC Bluetooth systems do not typically provide capability to use the call control from the headset. Calls must be managed from the PC/MAC GUI and the buttons on the headset do not function. This eliminates mobility and provides a poor user experience
  • The BT600 USB Bluetooth adapter supports Poly software which provides advanced features, customization, as well as firmware upgrade capability
  • PC/MACs typically do not support all the required Bluetooth profiles or may assign the wrong Bluetooth profile to an application. The result can be poor audio quality, loss of audio on microphone or earphone, and inconsistent operation
  • The BT600 USB Bluetooth adapters enumerates to the computer as an audio device and therefore cannot act as a USB storage device. That being said, BT600 adapters cannot be used to access data on the PC/MAC

EPOS | Sennheiser

It’s the same reason for us, along with being the key to Microsoft Certification. Both the headset and dongle together is what certifies the device for use with Teams, or Skype for users still using SFB. Using the dongle will give you improved audio performance and connectivity performance as opposed to pairing native to the machine which the BT chipset can vary and may not handle audio as well as other machines etc. This is why we recommend it for most users.

Summary

As you can see, through all three partners, they have similar options on using a USB Dongle versus pairing headset to Bluetooth. Having a USB dongle is critical for having a better sound, connection, and overall better experience. Want to learn more? Check out our latest video: