Plantronics Microphones

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Plantronics CS55 Wireless Microphone with Rocker Switch for PC and Telephone Use

Thanks to Lunis Orcott for discovering this gem.

This wireless microphone is intended for wireless telephone use, but turns out to be ideally suited for speech recognition use as well. In fact, with the simple rocker switch included, you can easily use this microphone with both your PC and telephone.What makes this microphone unique? The combined convenience of being wireless and outstanding accuracy.

Outwardly, this looks very much like the CS50 (shown above) but the base is a bit more beefy and rather than a USB cord, it has simply a modular telephone jack. Unlike the CS50, this microphone operates on a secure 1.9 gHz frequency and filters incoming sound to the human speech frequencies. As a result of this, it provides crisp, clean transmission of your speech and outstanding results with your speech recognition software. How is this used with a PC? With this microphone we include a GN Netcom SeleCT switch (pictured at left) which connects to the modular telephone jack on the CS55 and allows you to route your signal either to your PC or a telephone. It's not rocket science. And it's nothing proprietary - simply attach the two devices and you're ready to go.

Features & Specifications:

• Talk Time: Up to 10 hours
• Standby Time: Up to 50 hours
• Range: Up to 300 ft.
• Operating Frequency: DECT™ 6.0 (1.9GHz)
• SAR: Base = 0.0055W/kg; Headset = 0.0015W/kg
• Security/Privacy: 64-bit digital encryption
• Headset Microphone: Noise-Canceling
• Headset Weight: 26 grams
• Headset Controls: Volume, mute, call answer/end
• Battery Type: Lithium Ion Polymer
• Battery Recharge Time: 1.5 hours (80%) / 3 hours (100%)
• Operating Temp Range: +4°C (39°F) to +44°C (111°F) indicator lights
• Compatibility: Most office or PBX-based telephones
• Wearing Styles: over the ear, over the head, behind the head (with accessory neckband)

• Plantronics CS55 Wireless microphone (which includes base, wall charger, headset, and adapter for either head or ear mounting)
• GN Netcom SeleCT Switch
• All necessary cables to connect to both your PC and corded telephone
• Detailed set-up instructions

1. Although not essential, we recommend using it conjunction with an external USB sound Adapter, such as the Andrea or VXI adapters sold on this site.
2. For best results, we recommend starting a new user profile with your speech recognition software.

• Plantronics interactive quick start guide
• Plantronics User Guide
• Plantronics Data Sheet
• Speech Recognition Solutions guide to using the CS55 with a Rocker Switch
• Speech Recognition Solutions guide to using the CS55 with a Zoom Switch

Comments: this set-up, with the CS55 and Rocker Switch, is the bare minimum you need to use the CS55 with both your phone and PC. This arrangement does not include a USB sound adapter, so you will be plugging the audio jacks arrising from the rocker switch directly into your pc microphone and speaker jacks. This is the least expensive set up. If you don't need the require the ability to use this set-up with your telephone, another option is to purchase the plain CS55 (without accessories) listed below, along with the Sennheiser modular to PC adapter.

Plantronics CS55-SelecCT Combination with Buddy 6G USB Adapter

This combination contains the Plantronics CS55, the GN Netcom SeleCT Switch and the Buddy 6G USB adapter. The adapter provides reliable analog to digital sound conversion and replaces your PC sound card. Generally speaking, the use of an external sound adapter provides better and more consistent sound than the sound card included with most personal computers.

Features: See description of CS55 above
Included in combo:

• Plantronics CS55 Wireless Microphone
• GN Netcom SeleCT Switch
• Buddy 6G USB Adapter
• Detailed Set-up Instructions

Comments: This is a comprehensive bundle of equipment that will provide you everything you need (shy of the software & pc!) to use this excellent microphone with both your wired telephone and personal computer. The included Buddy 6G USB adapter performs the analog to digital sound conversion outside of your pc and contributes to the excellent results of this set-up. Functionally, this combination is identical to the CS55-Zoom Switch combination shown below. Be aware that when switching from a wired microphone to the CS55 you should plan on creating a new user with NaturallySpeakng.

Plantronics CS55 Combination with Buddy USB Adapter
MSRP: $299 + $36 + $50 = $385
Our Price: $ 304.00

Plantronics CS55 ZoomSwitch Combination

This combination includes the CS55 wireless microphone and the newly released ZoomSwitch. Functionally, this combination is identical to the combination of the CS55/Rocker Switch/USB adapter, but is considerably more streamlined. The ZoomSwitch allows you to connect your CS55 alternately to your PC or your phone system with a simple push of a button. The ZoomSwitch also includes a fully functional USB adapter so the analog to digital sound conversion occurs within the Zoomswitch and the connection to your pc is via a USB connection. Learn more about the ZoomSwitch.

Key Features:

• Ability to switch back and forth between telephone and PC
• USB Connection to PC

Comments: this bundle is functionally identical to the budle listed above including the CS55, Rocker Switch, and Buddy 6G USB adapter. The advantage of this set is a slightly streamlined footprint and a somewhat "high-tech" appearance. We do not view this set-up to have any performance advantages.

Plantronics CS55 - ZoomSwitch Combination
MSRP: $364
Our Price: $ 307.00

Plantronics CS55 Wireless Microphone (without the switch)

Purchase this if you are using this only with your corded telephone and not with a PC. See specifications above.

Plantronics CS55 (no accessories)
MRSP: $299
Our Price: $ 245.00

Plantronics CS55H Home Edition Wireless Microphone

If you have a wireless home phone and want to use a Plantronics CS55 with your phone and PC, the CS55H is exactly what you want. This is the same base and headset included with the CS55, and has identical features to the CS55. It includes a phone adapter which you plug into your telephone wall outlet. Unfortunately we are not able to obtain the phone adapter by itself.

How does it work with your wireless telephone?

This microphone is packaged with an adapter which plugs into your telephone wall outlet (a splitter is included so you can plug in both your wireless phone and the CS55H phone adapter) which in turns connects to the CS55H. If you hear the phone ringing, you can answer with the CS55H by simply depressing the button on the headset. A call is ended by pressing this button again. In order to make a call, it is necessary to use your wireless phone keypad to dial the number. Once done, you can connect the CS55H and turn off your wireless phone.

We are currently not packaging this microphone in any of our "combination packages", so if you intend to use this with a USB adapter, rocker switch, or the Zoom Switch, we ask that you order these items separately.

Additional Information:

Instructions for using the CS55H with a PC using rocker switch

Comments: The base and headset in the CS55 are absolutely identical to the items included with the ordinary CS55. The only difference is that the CS55H includes an added "phone adapter" for the connection to your phone line. This is necessary because home wireless phones cannot otherwise be wired to the CS55.

Plantronics CS55H (Wireless Phone Edition) - No accessories
MSRP: $329.95
Our Price: $ 255.00

Plantronics CS70N (with Rocker Switch or Zoom Switch)

This high quality wireless microphone, designed for telephone use but useable with a pc when combined with a GN Netcom SeleCT switch or Zoom Switch, is an excellent microphone for users of speech recognition software.

From Plantronics: The CS70N™ gives you the best of both worlds in one professional wireless headset: premium audio performance and sleek, comfortable styling. Featuring a top-of-the-line, Noise-Canceling microphone for clear speech even in environments with distracting background noise, the CS70N is perfect for a wide variety of users and business environments. A stylized, lightweight behind-the-ear design is not only discreet, it is comfortable enough to be worn all day. A superior microphone and earpiece create a high-performance headset yielding great results for both traditional phone lines and IP telephony systems. The CS70N offers wireless freedom with no compromises.

Features:

• Top-performing Noise-Canceling microphone
• Discreet, stylized design
• Lightweight and comfortable all day
• Optimized for performance with IP desk phones
• Recommended for all environments, even those with loud noise levels

Included in the Package:

• Plantronics CS70N Wireless microphone
• GN Netcom SeleCT Switch
• Detailed Instructions on setting this up with your PC and wired telephone

Additional Information:

• Read Knowbrainer review on the CS70N
• View Plantronics User Guide
• Set-Up Instruction from Speech Recognition Solutions
  

Comments: This is somewhat similar in function and performance to the CS55, but rather than using simple frequency filitering has a high quality noise-canceling microphone. Unlike the CS55, this microphone is designed for use only while mounted to the ear. It does not include over-the-head (typical headset) mounting options. It is, nonetheless, highly comforatable and designed for all day use. It works extremely well with speech recognition when used with the bundled GN Netcom SeleCT switch or Zoom Switch. When set up in this way, it can be used alternately with both your corded telephone and PC with a simple push of a switch. This set-up is not recommended for use with home wireless phones. This is the identical microphone set-up sold elsewhere at a considerably higher price!

Plantronics CS70N Wireless Microphone with GN Netcom SeleCT Switch

MSRP: $329.95 (microphone) + $36 (switch) = $365.95
Our Price: $ 295.00

Plantronics CS70N Wireless Microphone with Zoom Switch

MSRP: $329.95 (microphone) + $68.95 (Zoom Switch) = $398.90
Our Price: $ 325.00

Plantronics CS50USB Wireless Microphone

This is a comfortable, ear-mounted, wireless microphone which communicates with a base unit which, in turn, is attached to your computer via an available USB port. Although we were skeptical that this microphone would perform so well, it is truly outstanding in both noise cancellation and overall accuracy. The main advantage of this microphone over its rival, the Sennheiser ME3, is the freedom of the wireless connection. It has a 200 ft range and the battery lasts a full 8 hours. The disadvantage, if any, is that it attaches to the ear and based on your ear shape, it may or may not be comfortable. It includes a variety of different ear-pieces and the option of using it as a typical over-the-head headset microphone (follow some of the links below to see options). The battery in the mic unit charges when in the base unit which in turn receives it power either via the USB connection or the supplied AC adapter.

Although very well-suited for use with speech recognition software, this product is designed for use with VoIP applications. It's the first wireless headset for VoIP applications with remote call detection and answer/end capability via PerSonoCall software. Experience superior sound quality, stylish design, four comfortable wearing options and hands-free convenience via your USB port.

Additional Information:

• Softphone Compatibility Chart
• Plantronics Data Sheet
• User Guide
• Software Downloads from Plantronics

Comments: this microphone is extremely similar to the CS55, but has a slightly shorter range and does not include the human voice frequency filtering of the CS55. It's performance with speech recognition software is, therefore, slightly reduced in comparison to the CS55. On the positive side, it is less expensive, includes a USB connection to the PC and is bundled with special software for use with VoIP applications.

Accessories for Use with Plantronics Microphones

GN Netcom SeleCT Switch

If you have already purchased a CS55 and need the rocker switch to use it with your computer, this is what you need. With this item we include instructions for using it with the CS55, although it's fairly intuitive when looking at the instructions included with the CS55 and this switch.

The switch comes with the PC cable (show above) and two short modular telephone cables for connecting to your telephone. Depending on how far away your phone will sit from the switch, you may want to purchase some longer modular phone cables from your local department store.

MRSP: $36
Our Price: $ 34.00

If you plan to connect your Sennheiser BW900 (or Plantronics CS55) only to your PC and not your phone, you will not need a rocker switch or ZoomSwitch, but simply this simple cable that has an RJ9 modular plug on one end and twin 3.5 mm audio plugs on the other end.

This is Sennheiser part number CUIPC1 and is made in China.

Comment: This is a simple cable that effectively connects a BW900 or Plantronics CS55 directly to your pc or a USB adapter. If you plan to use a USB adapter, you should consider purchasing the ZoomSwitch, which allows a direct USB connection and does away with the need for this cable. If you plan to go back and forth between phone and pc with your microphone, you should purchase either the GN Netcom SeleCT switch or the ZoomSwitch.

Sennheiser CUIPC1 Adapter Cable

MSRP: $30
Our Price: $ 26.95

Zoom Switch

Supercharge your headset with the addition of a ZoomSwitch. The ZoomSwitch is a USB add-on device that allows your phone headset to double as a computer headset. With the ZoomSwitch, you expand the functionality of your existing office headset (or telephone handset receiver) by connecting it to your computer through the USB port. Switch between your desk phone and your PC at the touch of a button. It’s simple and powerful.

Take a look at some of the communication activities that are possible through a ZoomSwitch-engaged headset. Because your office headset takes the place of the computer’s speakers and microphone, all audio content and playback stays private.

• Listen to music between calls.
• Make calls using VoIP, Skype and similar applications.
• Review voicemail messages from your phone’s system or from the computer.
• Dictate into speech recognition software.
• Participate in on-line video conference calls.
• Listen to on-line webinars, training sessions, and product demos.
• Use with Avaya, Cisco and Nortel or other softphones to make PC-enabled calls.
• Engage in video chats.
• Visit www.ZoomSwitch.com for more information.

Additional Information:

Using the Zoom Switch with the Sennheiser BW900
Using the Zoom Switch with the Plantronics CS55

Comment: this is similar in function to the GN Netcom SeleCT switch, but rather than simple 3.5 mm audio and microphone plugs to attach to your pc, it includes an integrated USB sound adapter and connects to your pc via an available USB port. It appears to work extremely well. Functionally this is similar to combining a GN Netcom SeleCT switch with a USB sound adapter, but is a bit more streamlined and similar in overall cost. This device is recommended for use with both the Plantronics CS55 and Sennheiser BW900 microphones sold on this site.

ZoomSwitch

Price: $ 68.95