Customer Reviews

.Audio 550 DSP Ultimate Performance Headset & Software

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I sit about 4 or 5 feet from a window air conditioner and it takes a really good microphone to filter out that background noise. I originally purchased Icemat Siberia Headset (Black) but the microphone didn't work well for speech recognition. The microphone on this headset works extremely well. Also, the headset is very comfortable to wear for long periods of time. I am very pleased with Dragon NaturallySpeaking version 9 and this headset. I'm using it right now to write this review, or should I say "talk" this review.

The Icemat USB headset really slowed my computer down while gaming. I am very happy to report that this headset does not or if it does it's not enough to be noticeable.

Okay now for a couple of very minor complaints. Firstly, the headset didn't come with any software, I had to download the software from their website. Which is okay I guess, but as much money as these cost the software should be included. Lastly, the headset is very light weight. That's one reason why you can wear them so long. But they seem a little flimsy. All in all, this is the nicest headset I've ever used.

This headset is somewhat uncomfortable, you can't adjust it very much, the earpieces don't swivel enough. There's an odd plastic piece at the top that holds the two headphone speakers apart, which I think was added for comfort, but actually just makes it harder to adjust.

The sound quality is okay, but not what I would expect out of a $120 headset (at Fry's, but then I found it for $60 on NewEgg, which is more reasonable for the quality).

It also craps out on me occassionally. When I opened the package, the insert said I might have to "restart the application" whenever the headsets stop working. You don't need to install the application, which you download online only, if you're using a Mac. The Plantronics website said, Macs will work without installing anything. The second time I tried plugging my headset into my Powerbook, it worked, but when I opened GarageBand, it quit working, and I had to unplug and replug it in again to get it to work.

This would have been fine if this was all. However, every time I plug it in, I have to go to System Preferences and select the headset for my audio and/or mic input. It doesn't do it automatically. :-(

When this baby arrived, I was unsure of it's quality. Much lihghter than the DSP500, and a little smaller. But once I plugged it in, all worries vanished.

This unit has better everything:
Audio output
sound quality
freq response ( very important to me as I am very Hard of hearing)
Wearable all day with no neck pressure.

I would recommend this to everyone!!

Wife loves it for VOIP overseas. She can spend hours on the line now without aches.

Buy it! period.

It is rare that a headset delivers what it promised to -- and this is an example of one that does. It is comfortable, extremely clear to listen and talk with on Skype, the only reason I bought it , and I highly recommend it.

I just got one of these and the sound quality -- both for playing back and recording -- is leagues ahead of the cheapy little headset I was previously using.

The size isn't ideal for travel, but the results are great.

I plugged the USB cable into my PowerBook, and it worked instantly. Nice job!

I bought this headset to create video courses and for Second Life. I've been pleased at the quality of the mic, especially. I also like the bendable mic, which gives me excellent control over its placement. It's also very comfortable, at least for a couple of hours at a time. Another great feature is that you can use it as a USB headset, or remove the adapter, and plug it into the mic & speaker connectors. For example, I was able to record, while using my speakers, by using only the mic connector. That flexibility was very valuable to me.

I am using the 550DSP headset daily. I used the microphone for speech recognition and for Skype calls. It's great! I watch DVDs with the headphones and I am very satisfied. They are comfortable, durable, and the sound quality is excellent.

I've been using this headset for about 4 months now, and am very pleased with it except the part where my I start getting headache after about 2 hours of gaming, which is not a completely bad thing, just forces me to take a small break and let my eyes rest for a little.

Also this headset, when plugged in, blocks all other audio devices. In order to put the sound to my speakers I have to unplug the headset and change prefs to use my mobo surround sound. I'm pretty positive that this happens because the headset is using a USB interface, and there is some kind of conflict between the audio drivers... hopefully plantronics will release a patch for it ... sometime ... hopefully...

Software is pretty worthless, but have to have it in order to have good quality sound.
Headset is also a bit pricy, but justifies the sound quality!

Beautiful acoustics for both listening and recording. Very comfortable fit. Perfect for someone who enjoys listening to music on the computer and for someone who is hard of hearing. Definitely worth the money.

I have had this product for .... years... I do not remember when I purchased it actually. It is the ONLY product I have ever seen that I never adjust anything aside from playback volume. The microphone is always perfect. I spend a lot of time frying my brain in multi player games. EVERYONE is always having adjust their microphones, CONSTANTLY. They own 200-400 dollars worth of headsets and mics, all of them suck. Yes, suck. Why? Well, I am sure the bass is enormous and clear and it sounds like a concert hall. That is great, however, that is terrible to ever understand someone talking to you in some thick southern accent or worse, someone from overseas. This headset pounds puppies. Now, I wouldnt say it was great for movies. A Klipsch 2.1 promedia setup is what I use, other than that, you would have to spend 150+ for good headsets.

This is meant for:
Skype
Multi-player team based games

Compatible with:
Windows XP SP1,2,3 - no drivers needed, plug in and fiddle with xp crap for a few minutes(there is software for it, but it is not very necessary)
Windows 7 64 bit - no drivers needed, plug in, choose mic input and audio output Plantronics

It really cannot be beat. Plantronics makes super high quality gear, and their analog to digital is what the specialize in for many years. It doesnt matter how good the mic is, or the speakers or whatever. You would need a high quality, real microphone and pro-sumer end audio card for your pc with very good cables to beat this DSP setup. The price is insanely low.

Cons: Bass is not deep, but all is clear. human voice comes through like a laser beam, but on both receiving and sending. You do not have a phone in your house, hooked up to a landline, that sounds 1/20th the clarity and life-like-ness of this sucker. I duno why I decided to review it today. :)