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Plantronics M12 Vista Headset Amplifier

The Plantronics Vista M12 amplifier is the standard amplifier that is required for most headsets to work with multi-line telephones.  The top cord (also known as the pig tail cord) plugs into your telephone handset port or dedicated headset port on newer phones using a modular plug.  The bottom cord (or coiled cord) plugs into the amplifier with a modular plug on one end.  The other end of the cable has a unique connection called a quick disconnect.  This is a clever connection Plantronics developed that allows the user to disconnect the headset from the amplifier and walk away from their desk.  Upon returning to the desk, they can re-connect the headset to the amplifier and begin talking again.  This is made to connect and disconnect thousands of times without wearing out.  Another well designed feature of the Plantronics M12 is the layout of the buttons and volume control settings.  On the left edge of the amplifier, you will find a 2 inch long cover.  When slid off to the bottom of the amplifier, you will see the compatibility slide switch labeled from 1 to 6.  This switch allows compatibility with thousands of different phones on the market.  The default setting is 5 and works on most single and multi line telephones.  With this setting, you will need to insert the 2 AA batteries (that are included), or purchase an optional A/C power transformer.  On setting 5, power is required and without batters or the A/C adapter, the unit will be dead.  Setting 1 is for older, carbon based telephones and power is supplied by the phone and batteries/AC adapter is not required.  Settings 2-3 are for AT&T, Lucent and Avaya Phones.  There is an adjustment tool located on the bottom of the M12 to assist with making these changes.  Next to the compatibility slide switch, you will find a blue/white microphone adjustment dial.  This controls your outgoing microphone level.  Turning it clockwise will increase your voice volume.  Once these controls are set, you can replace the side cover.  On top of the Plantronics M12 you will find the speaker volume adjustment.  This controls how loud your speakers are and by having it easily accessible, you can adjust your volume from call to call.  1 is the lowest and 9 is the loudest.  Next is the on/off button.  When green shows though the switch window, the unit is on and your headset is ready for use.  The next button is the mute button which will shut your microphone off.  This allows you to mute your call and talk to someone next to you without the caller listening in.  Again, when the green shows through, the amplifier is muted.  Another great design feature of the M12 is the battery circuit saver and low batter indicator.  After approximately 30-60 seconds of silence, the amplifier will power itself down much like a computer.  This will allow your batteries to last 6-12 months if not longer.  When the batteries are in need of replacement, you will hear 3 beeps in your headset every time you turn the amplifier on.  This works well as an indicator to change the batteries at you convenience.  You can continue to use the unit for weeks if not months.  The quality of sound will also start to degrade but the unit will not drop your call at the first sign of a low battery.  Other amplifiers on the market will drop calls once batteries are low and many need batteries replaced every few weeks because they lack the battery circuit saver.

In conclusion, the Plantronics M12 Vista headset amplifier is a very durable, easy to use amplifier that works with most corded phones.  With the addition an any Plantronics H-series headset, you will have a headset and amplifier that will last for years.

Created - 4/27/2006

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