Customer Reviews

GN Multi Purpose Headset Amplifier Telephone & Computer

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

 

 

I use the amplifier and headset extensively in my personal and executive coaching business (Peak Effectiveness) which requires many classes to be taken by teleconference. I had some problems with the settings (not being terribly swift with such technology) but upon calling their technical support, the amp and headset have worked beautifully. Tech support was very patient and helpful. I recommend the set highly.

I now use the set with Comcast Voice (telephone through the Internet via a special modem), but also have used it with NetZero Voice (through the computer through the Internet). I listen to instructional MP3's downloaded on the computer using the headset so they don't irritate my wife. All uses have been highly satisfactory.

The amplifier follows the now-ubiquitous design aesthetic of black and gray plastic... Very cheap looking. The main controls on the front of the case are a mute/talk rocker switch, a phone/PC rocker switch, a sliding controller for your telephone receiving volume, and a tiny scroll wheel for your PC receiving volume. Behind those controls is a lid you can raise to access two more controls: A three-position selector that controls power-saving behavior and a potentiometer rotary post that controls your transmit volume.

As if those controls weren't enough, there is also a nine-position selector on the side of the unit that controls its interface with different telephones. You just flick it around at random until you find the best audio quality for your phone.

The GN8050 comes with two AA batteries, but I bought an AC wall adapter as another accessory. A plastic riser bar juts up from the rear of the unit to hold your headset.

You plug your phone line and phone headset into the amplifier and then run another wire into the mini-plug connectors on your PC for MIC and HEADPHONE/SPEAKERS. There is no USB connection. I chose to use a Turtle Beach Audio Advantage Amigo USB soundcard rather than the direct inputs on my PC. Those plug connectors almost always have terrible sound quality.
The amplifier has a quick-connect cable that goes to your choice of Jabra headsets in their 2100 line.

Because the amplifier connects through the headphone/speaker plug on your PC, you may need to buy a cheap Y-connector cable if you want to rout your audio output into the headset and a pair of speakers simultaneously. That's what I did.

* Sound quality has been very clean and clear in the first few days of use. I will want a lot more practical field-testing with different people before I'm ready to commit, but so far I have not noticed any fuzz, popping, or muffling on receive or transmit.

* The mute switch is silent, introducing no audible click when engaging or disengaging. But there is a tiny sub-second lag when you change the mute setting. It ramps the volume up or down over maybe 0.25-0.5 seconds, probably to avoid an abrupt change in the sound on the call. This is different than the instantaneous mute I am used to, but I don't think it will be significant or noticeable in practical use.

* I am not happy with the mute selector switch design. You cannot quickly glance down at the amplifier and tell whether you are muted or not. The rocker detent is very subtly off the horizontal, and while you can feel it, you can't see the current position. My old Plantronics amp had a colored indicator that was unambiguous and instantly communicated your status.

I like the multi-use convenience... It is great to get the extra headset out of the mix at my workstation. Sound quality is good. The two biggest problems are that it limits you to using the GN 2100 line of headsets (see my review of the 2115) and the subtle mute switch indicator.

I am also disappointed that the wall adapter is a separate optional accessory. For an electronic device likely to get a lot of use, this should be bundled.

Did not work at all. The hook ups were clear and easy to read and follow. Even a diagram for the insertion of the batteries. However, when test time came, the apparatus did not work at all. When I switched the button to telephone, silence. I only got a dial tone when I switched the button to computer, albeit that no computer was hooked up to the apparatus. When I got a dial tone, the apparatus did not amplify anything. Jabra Customer service was of no help. As a result, I have returned this item to Amazon. I rarely return items as long as they at least marginally function.