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Plantronics CS55 Wireless Headset System

The Plantronics CS55 is the second generation of completely wireless headsets manufactured by Plantronics.  The original unit, the Plantronics CS50, operated at the 900MHz frequency.  The new Plantronics CS55 operates at the 1.9GHz voice only frequency.  The base unit is shorter than the CS50 base and sits next to your phone.  It doubles as the charging when the unit is not in use.  There are four microphone settings (A-D) and four speaker settings (1-4) which allow for great range and the ability to fine tune the unit to your specific phone and personal volume needs.  This is great for people who are willing to spend 10-15 minutes to learn how to get the most out of the product.  For people who want it to just work right out of the box may find this frustrating or as most do, just leave the settings alone and feel satisfied.  Not realizing how much better the sound quality could be if they could spare a few minutes.  The CS50 base also has up and down buttons for microphone volume adjustment.  Think of this as the fine tune adjustment.  You select the microphone A-D setting so the person you're talking to can hear you and then press the up and down buttons to fine tune your voice volume.  Setting the speaker volume is a little more involved with the CS55.  First, you set the 1-4 settings so you can hear comfortably.  The fine tune adjustment for the speaker volume is located on the headset.  It's a small dial on the back of the unit.  Rocking it up, raises your speaker volume.  Rocking it down, lowers your volume.  This dial is small and designed well to allow you to increase/decrease volume as needed per call.  You can also mute the microphone by pushing the dial inward.  This is a little tricky the first time, but you quickly get the hang of it.  The unit will continue to beep in your ear when the microphone is muted as a reminder.  The Plantronics CS55 expected range is 200-300 feet which is what we have experienced.  The talk time is 8-10 hours with the batteries lasting 1-2 years.  Battery replacement is slightly difficult because you're afraid you're going to break the battery cover.  It is very durable and breakage has been infrequent.  To ensure the most comfortable fit, Plantronics has included multiple wearing attachments for optimal comfort.  The headband is a traditional version with a small leather ear cushion that fits against your ear.  This works better in a louder environment because is seals off your ear and blocks out background noise.  Four different ear pieces are included to allow you to wear the unit over-the-ear without a headband.  Three of the ear pieces (small, medium and large) are made of plastic that doesn't bend.  The forth ear piece, does bend slightly to allow for a better bit.  One of the problems with the original Plantronics CS50 was on occasion the user would hear static while on a call.  This was easily fixed by resetting the unit and would usually be a permanent fix.  With the new Plantronics CS55, we have not experienced the need to reset units.  As for compatibility, the Plantronics CS55 has a dial on the side of the base numbering from 1-4.  The default setting of 1 works on most phones.  Other numbers work with specific phones if you find the unit doesn't work on setting number 1.  The headset has a button on the side which will turn the headset on and off.  If you also purchased the Plantronics HL10 handset lifter, by pushing the button the unit will turn on and lift the handset all at the same time.  Without the lifter, you are only turning the unit on and then you will need to push a button on your phone to establish the call.  For Cisco phone users, you can use setting 4 and plug directly into the headset port.  This will allow you to push lines to establish calls and then walk away from your phone.  When finished with a call, you will return to your phone and push the line/drop key to disconnect.  To have the ability to answer and hang-up remotely, you will need the HL10 handset lifter and set the Plantronics CS55 to number 1.  You will plug the CS55 into the handset port in this scenario.  One advantage of the 1.9GHz frequency of the CS55 is that we have noticed is that there is less interference/buzzing with the base is close to your telephone.  With the CS50, some users had to position the base as far away from the phone to eliminate the interference.  This has not been an issue with the CS55.

The Plantronics CS55 is an excellent office/call center wireless headset.  Less resetting, a flexible/bendable ear piece and operating on a voice only frequency are all improvements that make this a superior unit.

Created - 4/20/2006

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