This Plantornics Audio 478 Stereo USB Headset came to me via the Amazon Vine Reviewers Program. It was a timely for me because I had just ordered a new computer and was planning on setting up Skype. I am an avid Facebook user and recently learned that I will be having shoulder surgery, so I will be using voice activated software to keep up with Facebook and other computer tasks needing a solid headset with microphone to do so.The Headset:
Solidly made, folds for storage with a small, but accurate microphone, this headset is comfortable to wear for long periods of time. It fits completely over your ears but it's not noise cancelling noise still gets through which frankly I like if I'm working so I can hear others come and go in the room.
The cord is about 6' long from the USB port connection to the headset. The control for on/off for Skype hits at about waist level when the headset it on me (I'm 5'6" with an average length torso). The boom for the microphone comes out from one of the earpieces. Because it rotates like the hands on a clock you can have it coming from the left or right whatever is comfortable for you. The headset is big enough to fit on larger noggins, and some with smaller heads may actually find it lose fitting.
Music and Gaming VS. Skype:
To use this headset with Skype you have to first go to Plantronics' website and download specific drivers that work with Skype. It's quick and easy to do so, and once I logged into Skype the software had no problem recognizing the headset immediately. Voice transfer was clear with only a slight echo occasionally. The microphone is noise-cancelling (giving a clear reproduction of your voice without noise in the room coming through too). Overall I'd rate it a 5 out of 5 for internet calls or video chat, using Skype, iChat or Windows Live Messenger. It works with both PC's and MAC too.
As for music playback I thought the sound to be lacking. I tried several genres of music, adjusted my PC's output to Bass Boost, etc..., but I really wasn't impressed with these headphones for true music enjoyment. I think it's adequate, but not much more in this area.
I also used this headset for playing the game L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition. I liked it, but hardcore gamers would find it lacking enough 'umph' I'm sure, and without the noise cancelling earphones, you have to turn up the volume quite a bit on your PC as sound is lost through the earpieces of the headset.
Conclusion:
These headphones are a good choice for those who frequently use Skype or similar chat software for work or pleasure. Also a good choice for software programs like: Dragon NaturallySpeaking Home, Version 11. However, they are not the best choice for music reproduction lacking depth of sound and noise cancelling earphones or for gaming, but do work for both. The headset is compatible via USB with both PC's and MAC. For my needs for Skype and voice recognition software, this headset will work great.
If you're more into music or gaming and want noise cancelling as a feature, consider these options: Plantronics GameCom 367 Closed-Ear Gaming Headset or Plantronics .Audio 655 USB Multimedia Headset which actually cost less and are geared towards those specific listening needs.
1/4/2012:
Used this headset for several hours while talking via Google Talk (free long distance calls through the end of the year 2012, but you need a Gmail account to do so...) on both local and long distance calls. All the calls were clear to both me as the user of the headset and to my call recipients. Actually the call recipients said that other than the number that came over caller ID, they noticed no difference in sound quality (me using this headset over the Internet) than if I was using a land line directly from my house. They said it was better than my cell phone for clarity (I have an LG Optimus with Virgin Mobile service).
1/16/2012:
Finding the headset to be uncomfortable on my ears after about 30 minutes. Call quality is still good, but not the most comfortable of wear.
If you Skype from your laptop or desktop computer, and listen to music between calls, OK.
If you wear headphones a lot, you'll want better comfort and sound.
For "on-the-go," you could want something more compact.
USB connection -not for phones.
PROs:
Affordable
Plug and play
Handy control stick Mute, volume, and call answer/terminate
Noise canceling mic (earphones are not noise canceling)
OKs:
Music fidelity is OK, not great
Comfort is OK, not great. Not for wearing hours on end
Open-air foam earpieces allow you to hear your surroundings (good or bad)
Secure enough fit, just barely
Fold-able, but not super compact
1 year warranty
Alternatives -
I have not tried them, but I would consider:
Sennheiser PC 36 USB Headset
Logitech USB Headset H530
Logitech Laptop Headset H555
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Alpha USB Gaming Headset
Buy Plantronics Audio 478 Stereo USB Headset (Audio 478) Now
I worked in customer service for awhile, and most that I've known use plantronics headsets. There is a reason for this.When you first open the package you see the headset all folded up. It comes with a cloth bag as well that wouldn't protect it much, but might keep some dust off of it.
What I like about this headset.
Very lightweight, it may seem a bit fragile, but being lightweight is great for feeling good on the head.
Sound quality reception/mic is very good.
Very adjustable, the ear pads swivel which allow for a very comfortable fit.
What I don't like
The volume up/down/mute switch seems to be up to high. Instead of being able to hold it in my hand on my lap, I end up always having to reach for it, or grab it and spin it around to see if I'm muted.
The pickup/hangup button doesn't seem to work, I am on OS X and haven't installed any software, so this may be why, don't really need it.
Cords on both ears instead of just one
Bottom line, this is the best usb headset I've used, most comfortable, sound/mic isn't an issue, and it works great every time. I just wish there were a few small changes.
Read Best Reviews of Plantronics Audio 478 Stereo USB Headset (Audio 478) Here
QUICK SUMMARY: This headset works well with my laptop computer. While using Skype, the sound I heard was very clear, like the person was sitting next to me. The other person reporting excellent sound, too -much, much better than when I used my laptop's built-in microphone. The fact that this set is foldable and more easily transported makes this a great headset to own. Highly recommended!WHAT I LIKE:
Comfortable fit. I didn't feel pressure on my head or ears after wearing them for a while.
The sound I heard was excellent for voice (I don't use headsets for music)
The sound captured by the microphone was excellent (as reported to the one who heard me speak)
Foldable design makes them easy to stow or transport
The microphone boom kept away from my mouth (other headsets I've owned tend to bump into my mouth)
Plug-n-play performance. Windows 7 recognized it right away for me. No drivers to install.
Usually I can make a comment or two about what could be done to improve a product I review, even if there was nothing I particularly disliked about that product. With this headset, nothing really comes to mind about what could be done to improve it. A headset should be comfortable to wear, provide good sound through the earpieces, capture and deliver sound well through the boom microphone. This headset does all of that. As long as there isn't an issue with reliability, I have no qualms about recommending this Plantronics headset.
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I use this set on a Mac PowerPC 2.0Ghz system. The Plantronics Audio 478 worked perfectly out of the box after plugging it into a powered USB hub. It's an excellent buy for $29.97. When using with Skype, access the Preferences/Audio. Select Plantronics .Audio 478 USB for audio output and input. The headset is comfortable, has excellent sound quality, and works as intended. My first call was on Skype for 1Hr +. I barely noticed the headset during the call. I played with the inline functions worked fine.Save 38% Off
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