Replacing your Plantronics headset accessories is a great way to keep your headset performing at its best. When ear cushions tear, your voice tube gets clogged, or your wireless battery life isn’t what it use to be is the time to make your headset like new again.

Products for 4-Wire Applications

Corded Solution: For a corded solution for a 4-wire application let’s start with the Plantronics P10 (29362-01) amplifier.  This amplifier will work on any operator console, PBX or ACD. Its volume & automatic gain controls lets you adjust the volume to a level that is comfortable for you.  Any of Plantronics H-series headsets will work with the P10.  Please note with 4-wire systems the user will need to use a foot pedal or the button on the console to toggle between the radio and telephone.

Wireless Solution: If you would like to use a wireless headset (like the CS55) you will need a Plantronics 18709-01 (PJ327).This is a 2-Prong to Modular Adapter that plugs into the console, then the wireless headset plugs into the PJ327.  Just keep in mind you cannot answer remotely by using your wireless headset. You must answer on your system first, then push the button on your wireless headset to take the call. Once you have the call, you now have up to a 300’ or 350’ range (depending on which wireless unit you are using) from the base of the Plantronics wireless system, and you are hands free.

Products for 6-Wire Applications

Corded Solution:  A corded solution for a 6-wire application would be the SHS1890 PTT (push to talk) Amplifier, it is offered in three different lengths 10, 15, or 25 feet. This adapter lets you toggle between your console and phone with just a push of a button. You will also need to choose an H-series headset to use with the CA12CD to complete the set-up.

If you prefer to go wireless, then the CA12CD might be the choice for you.  This system comes with a dual battery pack and two charging wells; one for the remote unit, while the other facilitates charging the extra battery pack (supplied with unit).  It runs on DECT 1.9 GHz. It has a push-to-talk amplifier for 6-wire applications, and a 2-prong PJ-7 connector (equivalent to WE-425).  It has Digital (DECT™) technology operating in the 1.9GHz radio band to provide superior voice clarity and security.  Lithium-Ion battery packs provide longer talk time (approximately 8 hours) and faster recharge rates.  Just a note here, Plantronics recommends using the first battery for the first half of a shift and then replacing it with a fresh battery for the second half, this will prolong the life of the batteries.  It also has a robust PTT switch with selectable locking/non‐Locking operational modes. The push-to-talk amplifier has a quick disconnect feature to be used with the Plantronics H Series headsets.  The CA12CD comes with a 1-year warranty.  The H-series headsets have a 2-year warranty.

The A10 cable should not be used if the compatibility guide calls for HIS, HIC, HIP, or 26716-01 amplifier / Cisco cable with an H-series headset.  Otherwise using an H-series headset with the A10 cable is equivalent to a Polaris solution. 2) Amplifier / Cisco Direct Connect Cord (26716-01) - The Plantronics 26716-01 amplifier / Cisco direct connect cable.  The 26716-01 is the standard cable that comes with and is used on the Plantronics MX10, M10, M12, and M22amplifiers.The 26716-01 coiled cable connects any H-Series headset with a Quick-Disconnect plug to a compatible Plantronics amplifier, or telephones that have a compatible headset jack.  Typically the compatible telephones are the Cisco 7940, 7960, and 7970 models, also a few Avaya phone models as well. 3) HL10 - The Plantronics HL10 Handset Lifter is a must-have addition to your Plantronics wireless headset system; it’s a great product if you are always answering phone calls away from your desk.  The HL10 handset lifter fits on your telephone via double-sided tape, and allows you to answer calls with just the touch of a button on the headset, conveniently and automatically takes your handset “off hook”.  Because the HL10 fits under the handset on your telephone, it requires no additional space on your desk.  The HL10 Handset Lifter will raise and lower the top half of the telephone’s handset receiver so you don’t need to be at your desk to answer the phone, or to hang up (compatible with most telephones).Enjoy the full mobility of wireless conversations while you roam around your workspace knowing that you’ll be notified when a call is received, the headset will beep in your ear when you have an incoming call (for most telephones) and you can answer / end a call whenever you choose.

  4) 40709-02 - The Plantronics 40709-02 doughnut-style ear cushions are the replacement foam ear cushions for the Plantronics SupraPlus headset models.  The 40709-02 are the standard foam ear cushions that come with certain corded headsets, such as models H251, H251N, H261, H261N, HW251, HW251N, HW261, HW261N, and other models that are in the Plantronics SupraPlus corded headset line.  Optional leatherette doughnut ear cushions can be purchased for the SupraPlus corded headsets as well (model 67712-01)  The leatherette ear cushions are typically more durable because you can clean them.

5) 72442-01 - The Plantronics 72442-41HIS direct connect cable with Quick Disconnect, for connecting Plantronics H-series corded headsets directly to specific Avaya phone models.Take advantage of the full wideband audio that is offered with the 9600 model Avaya telephones when using the “HIS” cable and a Plantronics wideband headset, such as the HW291N.  The Quick Disconnect (QD) plug allows the headset to unplug from the HIS bottom cable without losing the phone call.

Replacing your Plantronics headset accessories is a great way to keep your headset performing at its best. When ear cushions tear, your voice tube gets clogged, or your wireless battery life isn’t what it use to be is the time to make your headset like new again.

When I use this headset I can relax, it is easy on the ear with the leatherette earpad.  This headset comes with a noise-cancelling microphone that has an adjustable and extendable boom for exact positioning.  The HW291N Headset lets you hear conversation around you so you know what is going on, but at the same time the noise-cancelling microphone will eliminate the background noise so that your client doesn’t hear.  This headset features a quick disconnect and can be used with either a cable that is compatible with your phone, or an M22 amplifier. This headset supports AudioIQ and Clearline audio technologies.   You have the assurance that this headset will give you precise listening level, sophisticated hearing protection and superior audio performance.  This headset offers great balance, fit and comfort, and can be worn on either the right or left ear.

When you pair this up with an M22 or AP15 amplifier, the HW291N EncorePro Headset will give a better performance.  You have more options for microphone, hearing, and phone compatibility.  This headset is used in call centers across America based on the phone type and model; you can use either a cable or amplifier.

Plantronics Compatibility Guide

With this information you can determine which cord or amplifier works best with your phone.  This headset can easily be used with a quick disconnect and USB cord for those who have soft phone or computer calling.

With the wideband audio provided in the headset, this will extend the frequency radio range of audio signals transmitted over telephone lines, resulting in better quality speech. Traditional or narrowband telephone calls limit audio frequencies to the range between 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz.  Wideband audio increases the bandwidth limitation and transmits in the audio range to 50 Hz to 7 kHz or higher.

OK, now you have the headset and your cable or amplifier, you are ready to talk. No more shoulder and neck pain from squishing them together to hold the phone in place.  You really are hands free with this headset. Free to be able to type, rummage through files, write notes, all while on the headset with your client.

Headsets Direct offers a large selection of Plantronics H-Top Headsets that are compatible with this amplifier.

It’s just a push of a button to switch back and forth between your computer and your office phone. You can choose to use the handset or the headset.  For use on office phone: Just keep in mind, to answer or place a call on your office phone when using the headset you will need to lift the phone’s handset off the cradle and place it on your desk, then place the handset back in the phone’s cradle  when you are finished with your call.  Also note: The Switcher amplifier is not designed to work on telephones that have the dial pad in the handset or on cordless telephones.

The MX10 multimedia amplifier comes with some great features; like a mute button for when you need a moment, volume control for you to be able to hear your caller loud and clear, and volume control for your microphone, which increases/decreases the sound of your voice. You can also use the MX10 amplifier for training purpose if using a Plantronics Y-Training adapter (p/n: 27019-03). You can make adjustments on the MX10’s default settings to make sure it’s compatible with your phone.

If you have any questions on the Plantronics MX10 Multimedia Amplifier just give us a call at Headsets Direct; any of our knowledgeable sales people will be more than happy to help you.

The little round 2.5 mm headset jack was initially to only be found on cordless phones and cell phones, but now it has also been incorporated into some corded desk / business phones as well.  So if your telephone has a headset jack, you can use an adapter cable instead of a phone headset amplifier.  When using an adapter cable, the headset is relying on the telephone for its volume control.  Most telephones will only have a volume adjustment for your incoming listening volume (speaker), and not for your outgoing mic volume.  Hopefully the telephone puts out enough power to the headset jack to make your listening volume adequate for you, usually the phone type jacks are fine and work good, but the little round 2.5 mm jack is often lacking in power which usually results in low speaking (microphone) volume.

This is where the phone headset amplifier has the advantage.  A phone headset amplifier does not just rely on your telephone’s power.  It is usually powered by AA batteries or an optional AC wall adapter and has independent adjustable volume control for both your listening as well as your microphone (speaking) level. When using a phone headset amplifier, you will typically need to lift your handset receiver off hook, set it to the side, and then hang it up after each call.  If your phone has a little round 2.5 mm headset jack, you can buy an optional adapter cable (model 78333-01) which will allow you to connect a phone headset amplifier through the headset jack instead of the handset receiver jack, that way you just have to press the headset button on the telephone instead of lifting the handset receiver off hook (just like when using a direct connect cable with a modular phone type plug).  Although the phone headset amplifier will work through a little round 2.5 mm headset jack with the optional 2.5 mm to modular cable (model 78333-01), a phone headset amplifier is not meant to work through the modular phone type headset jacks.  The phone’s make and model determines which device is used, a phone headset amplifier or a direct connect cable.  Please check compatibility to see which one is needed for your particular phone.

In a word: Enhanced Performance (okay so it’s two words).

Why do we say that a headset performs better through a phone headset amplifier? Remember that headsets, like all electronic devices, require the right amount of power to work properly. Generally there are two types of headset jacks on phones.  The first one is a simple ⅛” (actually 2.5mm) stereo type hole, usually located on the side of the phone.
The other type looks a lot like the clip that connects the handset cord to the phone (called an RJ9 connector).

Thanks for the obvious, so what’s the problem?

Let’s discuss that point briefly. From our own experience, and that gleaned from our many callers, the 2.5mm headset jack hardly ever puts out enough “juice” to meet the power requirements of Plantronics quality office headsets. Because of that, sound quality and performance suffers. The phone headset amplifier solves that problem.

Yeah but I don’t want to connect my headset through the handset jack.  I don’t want to have to lift my handset every time I need to use the phone. I’d like to benefit from the on-hook feature of my phone.

Plantronics to the rescue.

There is a cable available (#78333-01, designed by Headsets Direct) that can connect the phone headset amplifier to the 2.5mm jack on the phone. You’ll have the best of both worlds: on-hook capabilities and the amplifier you need to do business right*.

Sounds good but what about the other style of headset jack?

On phones that have the RJ9 jack, Plantronics has designed several cables that allow you to connect a headset directly to the phone without the need of an amplifier. These phones are designed for quality commercial grade headsets so generally have some sort of built-in amplifier. If in the event that volume or quality is still not what it should be, you can use one of Plantronics quality amplifiers. This, however, will require connecting it through the handset jack of the phone, hence lifting the handset to activate the hook-switch. You’ll have to decide if the trade-off is worth the extra work.

Thanks for the information, it’s been very helpful.  Lot’s to digest and…now I have to decide what model headset I like best.

Well, if you have problems making up your mind, give us a call at 800-914-7996.  At Headsets Direct customer service is #1.

*while this is a way to connect a phone headset amplifier to that style headset jack, make of phones as well as the environment in which they’re used may impact it’s compatibility and desired results.

Answer:  Here are the features.  You’re looking at the amplifier in front of you.  The single RJ9 jack in front of the amplifier (marked with a headset symbol) should have the coiled “quick disconnect” cord plugged into it. The other end is where you connect the headset.

On top, to the left, you have a wheel with numbers to control the volume of what you hear through the speakers of your headset (it has a symbol of a speaker below it).  Next to the volume wheel you have the button that turns on your headset (it has a symbol of a headset below it).  The window in the button will show green (red on some older models) when “on” and black when “off.”  Then you have the mute button next to that one, marked by luscious lips with a line across or a microphone with a line across. It too will show green (or red) when “on” and black when “off.”

Looking at the back of the Plantronics headset amplifier you have three jacks.  The first one (round with a power symbol) is for an ac adapter, if you’re using one with your amplifier.  The next one is an RJ9 jack marked with a handset symbol.  It’s where you connect your…handset…once you’ve connected your amplifier to your phone, which brings us to the next RJ9 jack with the telephone symbol.  There is a short cord with loops (that looks like a pigtail) that goes from this jack to your telephone handset jack.

Still looking at the Plantronics headset amplifier, on the left hand side there is a “U” shaped door.  That’s where you put the batteries in, if you’re using batteries.  Remember that the top battery has the positive end facing out and the bottom battery has the negative end facing out.  If you look inside the chamber, you can see printed on the circuit board how they’re supposed to go in, as a reminder.  Next to the battery compartment, there is a thin door (some have bumps and others have ridges).  When you remove the door, you will find a scale with numbers 1-6 and a round blue and white dial with minus and plus signs.  The scale is used to configure the amplifier to the phone.  It comes preset to 5 since most phones use that setting.  If you do not get a good dial tone, you may need to try one of the other settings.  On some phones that work on setting #1 you may need to remove the batteries since they work without them. The blue and white dial controls the volume of your microphone or voice tube (- less volume, + more volume).

Problem:

We have different brands of telephones in our office. It seems like each phone takes a different type of setup, some of the phones have a headset jack, some do not. What can we purchase to make all of our existing and future headsets universal to all of our phones?

Answer:

If you are looking for a corded solution, you will need to start with a Plantronics amplifier and headset. We carry a large selection of Plantronics headsets for you to choose from. Plantronics offers headsets with a voice tube for quiet environments as well as headsets with a noise canceling microphone for noisy environments (this headset will get rid of about 75% of your background noise). Plantronics offers amplifiers such as the M22 and AP15 that work on just about any office phone. The Plantronics amplifier will plug into the handset jack on each of your phones and the headset plugs into the quick disconnect cord on the amplifier. This will keep all of your setups universal and consistent for each phone. Just remember, since you are plugging into the handset jack, you will have to take your handset out of the cradle each and every time you take or make a call.

A Plantronics wireless headset and a handset lifter may be another way for your office to go. This would also be universal for almost any office phone. Headsets Direct’s most popular wireless headset is the CS55. This headset gives you 10 hours of talk time and up to 300 feet distance. The HL10 handset lifter will give you remote access to answering all of your calls.

1) Plug into a Cisco VOIP phone (the standard one you see everywhere)
2) Greatly amplify volume (so for example, if the call is very hard to hear even with phone’s volume blasting, headset would further amplify sound)
3) Has a mute button on board the headset
4) Cordless would rock but could live without it.

Answer:  If you have any of the 7940, 7960 or 7970 model Cisco phones, you can use just about any of the Plantronics wireless systems such as the CS55, CS70N, CS351N, CS361N, etc.  These wireless systems have a button for adjusting your listening volume and a mute button right on the the actual headset.  The wireless headset charger / base amplifier has independent controls for both your incoming and outgoing volume.