Poly couldn't build a sound-proof wall around your work space, so they built something better: the new Voyager Focus 2 headset with a "focus zone" for complete concentration in any environment. This is an update to the popular Voyager Focus that made working in open offices easier ... with today's hybrid work and the uncertainty of where you will be working from (and unknown background noises), the Voyager Focus 2 has hybrid digital Active Noise Cancellation for even better concentration and productivity.

The intuitive, high-end headset has an executive look and feel, with premium audio and clear conversations. Additionally, hybrid digital Active Noise Cancellation provides a "focus zone," wherever you work. Then you need a headset that is flexible, reliable, professional, comfortable, and offers outstanding audio for collaboration and concentration.

This Bluetooth headset builds on the original Voyager Focus model, keeping some of its best features (the sling headband is one of the best!) and brings in three levels of digital ANC to the ear speakers for enhanced concentration, and Acoustic Fence Technology to the smart discreet microphone boom.

The Voyager Focus 2 UC offers multipoint connectivity, which allows you to connect to two devices at the same time. Once you've paired it to your phone and connected to the USB dongle that you plug into your computer, you won't need to pair the Voyager Focus 2 again. And, the headset remembers up to 8 devices to quickly connect, without the process of pairing and unpairing.

A sleek charging dock is available with the headset, or as an additional accessory if you prefer to wait. We recommend purchasing the headset and charging station if you're planning to use this at a desk; this keeps the headset out of the way.

Place the headset on your head to answer the call ... you don't have to worry about looking for the phone.

The headband is flexible, with a super-cushioned sling design that evenly distributes the weight. This means that there’s no pressure on your ears or the top of your head. Generously-sized ear cushions are wrapped in soft leatherette over high density foam and they contour to your ear. It's so comfortable, you can wear it all day — 19 hours of talk time you'll be able to keep talking. If you should need to charge the headset, you can continue to use it. Connect to PC via included micro USB cable with audio over USB mode

Another new feature: Voyager Focus 2 Office headsets connect to desk phones, computers and mobile phones and the UC variants connect to both computers and desk phones. All of the Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC and Office variants can be found, here: Voyager Focus 2 UC and Office. Once you receive the Voyager Focus 2, scan the QR code on the Quick Start guide with your smartphone, because there is a 5-minute Getting Started video that you will find extremely helpful, and it includes set-up instructions.

Next, download the free Poly Lens desktop app to your computer. You can customize the headset’s settings (including the smart sensors), and stay up-to-date with the latest software. You also have access to the Voyager Focus 2 user manual, inside the Lens app.

Call our Headset Team at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat us now, for recommendations on which Voyager Focus 2 headset is best for you.

Within the past several years, we have noticed the increased frequency of questions about headsets with active noise cancelling. Many customers are familiar with the consumer brands out there that offer Active Noise Cancelling in headphones used for music and other media and are now asking us, “But what about for office headsets?” The pervasive noisy open office environment, as well as the continuing needs of mobile workers handling important calls on the go, provokes the question. Active noise cancelling technology (ANC) will reduce unwanted noise and eliminate distractions.

From the headset brands that we carry, there are several choices that, depending upon the connection type, may provide the ANC you need.

Bluetooth Connection

The Jabra Evolve 75 UC is our top pick for a wireless Bluetooth ANC headset. The large leatherette ear cushions are comfortable and perfect for all-day wear. The speakers rotate to lay flat in the hard-sided case (click here to see the case) that the headset comes in. The noise-cancelling microphone boom arm can be clipped to the headband when you’re not on calls – a magnet secures the boom arm until you’re ready to use it again. Integrated Busylights in the ear cups alert co-workers to your availability – at a glance. ANC is easy to turn on and off with the touch of a button on the left ear cup. The Listen-In feature allows you to keep ANC turned on – yet tuning into the conversation surrounding you – with a simple tap on the left ear cup. There are two certified versions of the Evolve 75: UC and Certified for Skype for Business. The included Link 370 dongle allows you to walk up to 100 feet away from the PC it’s connected to. Talk time is approximately 15 hours. There is an Evolve 75 UC version with the charging stand, which we recommend for those who primarily work at a desk. The stand is a great place to store and charge the headset when not in use. MSRP is $279.00 ($329.00 for the headset and stand).

The Poly Voyager 8200 UC is the newest ANC wireless headset, and has a contemporary boomless mic design: dual-paired omnidirectional mics with enhanced Digital Signal Processing. These technologies ensure your voice is picked up and background noise is not the focus of the conversation. Dual mode ANC lets you choose preferred noise-reduction level. Smart sensors allow you to answer calls by simply putting on the headset and automatically mute your calls or pause music by taking the headset off. It offers an almost-unbelievable 20 hours of talk time. A carrying pouch is included. The Voyager 8200 UC is available in two colors: Black and White and MSRP is $379.95.

Poly Voyager Focus UC is the first wireless headset offering ANC. The Focus UC is compatible with smartphones, tablets, smart watches, and PCs via Bluetooth. It offers up to 12 hours of talk time (10 with ANC on). This is another intelligent headset: Smart sensors answer calls by simply putting on the headset, mute by taking the headset off and pause/resume music. First-to-market Dynamic Mute Alert feature senses and alerts users when they are trying to talk when muted. The sleek noise-cancelling mic can be worn on either side of the head by rotating the boom arm. A carrying pouch is also included with this headset; MSRP is $279.95 or 299.95 for the version with the charging stand.


Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC builds upon the success of the Focus UC, and creates a focus zone all around you — along with up to 19 hours of talk time! All you hear is your call with three levels of hybrid active noise canceling (ANC). All they hear is you: pro-grade microphones using Poly Acoustic Fence technology keeps conversations clear. Dynamic Mute Alert and smart sensors are built into this headset, too. Voyager Focus 2 UC connects to both cell phones and computers, with the included BT700 USB dongle (you choose between USB-A and USB-C variants). You can buy this headset with a charge stand (as pictured), or without. MSRP is $329.95; with charge stand, $349.95.


EPOS Adapt 660 has innovative hybrid adaptive ANC that constantly monitors your background environment for noise, thus adjusting the level of noise reduction in the headset seamlessly. EPOS AI, along with 3 digital microphones, optimizes voice pickup while reducing background noise. The listening experience can be personalized with the various sound effect modes: Club, Movie, Speech, or Director (user defined). The Adapt 660 comes in a hard-sided case for travel convenience. This headset has a dedicated button that launches Microsoft Teams. It is certified for Teams, and optimized for UC platforms. MSRP is $439.00.

Powerful digital hybrid Active Noise Canceling and 37 hours of talk time give the Jabra Evolve2 85 headsets one of the longest talk times on the market. The hideaway boom arm activates 6-microphone technology to deliver outstanding call performance on the go. The ergonomic headband design has soft memory foam for all-day wearing comfort. The headset folds into a hard-sided zippered carry case for ease of travel. There are several choices within the Evolve2 85 series: black or beige; with charging stand or without; Microsoft Teams certified or UC variants; and USB-A or USB-C Link 380 dongles. MSRP is $449.00, or $499.00 for models with the charging stand.

Bose Professional is new to the office workspace, and brings us the 700 UC, a Unified Communications-certified headset with an included Bose USB-A Link dongle. Choose between silver or black. If you're familiar with Bose headphones, this may be a good option for you. Eleven levels of noise cancellation let you personalize what you hear from your surrounding environment — from virtual silence to open and ambient. An adaptive four microphone system isolates your voice from surrounding noise. MSRP is $449.95.

EPOS Adapt 560 has a discrete foldable boom arm that can be folded into the headband when not in use. MSRP is $329.00. The Adapt 563 is the same headset, without the BTD 800 USB dongle and carry case. MSRP is $269.00.

EPOS Adapt 360 offers a comfortable design and two color choices: black and white. Optimized for UC and Certified for Microsoft Teams, Adapt 360 has a dedicated Teams button (when used with the included BTD 800 USB dongle). The foldable design is convenient for travel in the included storage pouch. MSRP is $269.00.

Wireless around-the-neck earbud wearing styles are the newest addition to the professional office headset market. The Jabra Evolve 75e has an integrated Busylight and magnetic earbuds that connect to pause your music, or end your call. The neckband is silicon rubber and is sweat and water resistant, however, make no mistake: this business headset is made for work. The three-microphone technology provides crystal-clear calls and creates a unique "talk-zone," making sure you’re heard, while nearby voices are filtered out. ANC is activated by pressing a button on the neckband; to "listen in" to your environment, simply press and hold the same button. The headset comes with a USB dongle, zippered hard-sided travel case, three ear tips and three pairs of both EarGels and EarWings, and includes a desktop charging stand. MSRP is $259.00.

The Poly Voyager 6200 UC headset features Plantronics clear talk technology, four omnidirectional mics and enhanced noise cancelling, optimizing your voice and minimizing background noise. ANC can be turned on and off with the flip of a switch. Connect to PC with the included BT600 dongle. Also included: a hard-sided, zippered travel case, desktop charging stand, and 3 sizes of eartips for maximum comfort and customization.

The Voyager 6200 UC is offered in both USB-A and USB-C models. MSRP is $299.95.



Talk all day with the EPOS Adapt 460, which offers 14 hours of battery life on a single charge. Hybrid ANC reduces background noise and boosts concentration. From noisy office to airport lounge, ensure you are heard, with noise-cancelling microphones that optimize speech and reduce background noise.

If you're using a Microsoft platform, choose the Adapt 460T variant, which is Certified for Microsoft. MSRP is $329.00.

For all of these neckband earbud headsets, the neckband will vibrate when there is an incoming call, so you won't need to keep the earbuds in your ears at all times.




USB Connection

The new Poly Blackwire 8225 is packed with technology that will be a difference-maker as you move seamlessly between calls, webinars, multimedia and more. Technologies in the Blackwire 8225 include Hybrid ANC, Acoustic Fence, and Hearing Protection. Advanced hybrid Active Noise Canceling (ANC) with three settings optimizes the users experience. The ANC switch allows the user to select between ANC Off, Mid, or High, depending upon environment.

For clear calls, Acoustic Fence technology uses two physically separated microphones and digital signal processing (DSP) to identify the users voice from the unwanted background noise and then removes it. Its lightweight design and fully adjustable headset with 180º pivoting speakers is comfortable. Choose between USB-A or USB-C variants, and UC or Microsoft-certified. MSRP is $209.95.

Blackwire 7225 features Active Noise Canceling and a boomless mic design, in a corded headset. A new twist: the headset controls are all located on the ear speakers, similar to a wireless headset. Video calls are common in work places today, and a resounding demand was for a headset without a mic boom. The technology found in the microphone design is impressive: its 4 mic design detects noise from all directions and separates noise from the speaker's voice. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) delivers a natural voice sound. USB-A and USB-C models are available in both color choices: Black and White. MSRP is $199.95 for all variants.

Also from Poly, the Savi 8220 UC is a wireless DECT headset that lets you tune out nearby noise thanks to ANC that you control with the on/off switch on the ear speaker. Conversations are secure, private, and clear because of the close conversation limiting noise cancellation in the microphone. This is a single connection headset to computers only, with the option of USB-A and USB-C models, as well as UC or Certified for Microsoft Teams variants. It comes with a carry case and USB charging cable, so that you can easily travel with the headset and leave the charge base at home. If you need freedom to roam during calls (up to 590 feet range, line of sight), this is a great choice. MSRP is $339.95.

For all of these headsets, download Plantronics Hub software to gain call control across multiple softphones. A headset control panel allows for customizing settings, including call notification.


EPOS offers the Impact SC 660 ANC USB, which adds Active Noise Canceling into the Impact SC 660 series of premium USB headsets. ANC is easily activated with the sliding switch located on the side of the in-line call controller. An ultra noise-canceling microphone ensures that your caller will hear only you — and not your background environment. Proximity Sensor Technology allows for answering, pausing, and resuming calls by simply taking the headset on and off.

The Impact SC 660 series has a solid feel, and a luxury fit, for comfortable all-day wear, and is both Microsoft-certified and optimized for UC applications. If you need to travel with your headset (or work in another location) the ear cushions rotate to lay flat for travel in the included carry pouch. The magnetic holder is a great feature, too: attach the magnet to your desk, where the call control unit will rest; the magnet on the unit will hold the call controller in place. EPOS offers its standard three-year warranty for this headset. MSRP is $249.00.


USB and 3.5mm Connection

Jabra Evolve 80 This corded headset is compatible with devices that have a 3.5mm port and PCs via USB. Oversized ear cup style cushions completely surround the ear and hug the user’s head. It is the heaviest of the choices, weighing in at 11.43 ounces – almost ¾ of a pound. The bulkiness of the headset could prove to be a deal breaker for some users; however, customers who own this headset don’t mind the heft and comment on its incredible ability to block ambient noise. There is a comfort feature to the headset: the headband has a soft rubber cushion that allows it to lightly rest on the head.

Activate ANC at the bottom of the right ear cup. A nice feature of the Evolve 80 is the “Listen In” button: when you have ANC activated, but need to “listen in” to your environment, press the button in the middle of the right ear speaker, to temporarily disable the ANC. Press the button again to resume ANC. The rechargeable battery is charged when the Evolve 80 is connected via USB port.

Other features: a neoprene zippered pouch for travel (the ear cushions rotate to lay flat) and a noise-cancelling microphone that mutes automatically when the mic boom is docked in the headband. MSRP: $329.00.

Hi-fi stereo sound and wideband audio for listening to music and multimedia applications contribute to the luxury feel of all of these headsets.

ANC Headsets for Desk Phones

The very first (and so far, only) DECT wireless headset with Active Noise Canceling is the Poly Savi 8220. This headset connects to desk phones, PCs and mobile phones. Conference two of your three devices to collaborate with colleagues or connect up to four Savi 8200 Series headsets for training or call resolution. There are 2 versions available: Microsoft Skype for Business certified, and UC. MSRP is $459.95.

Poly Voyager Focus 2 Office is recommended for professionals on calls all day in noisy office environments who are looking for connection to desk phones. The Voyager Focus 2 Office connects to PC via USB-A cable; desk phone via included cable; and smartphone via Bluetooth. The headset can also connect to PCs via the included USB cable. It offers up to 19 hours of talk time on a single charge.

Digital hybrid Active Noise Cancellation has three settings: high, mid, and off so you can set the right level for your surroundings, and Acoustic Fence Technology in the noise-canceling microphone ensures clear conversations. The online ear cup indicator flashes when you’re on a call to alert colleagues that you are unavailable. And, you can take this headset with you to work anywhere, in the included carry case. MSRP is $459.95 in both UC and Certified for Microsoft Teams variants.

At this time, ANC technology is not available in QD (quick disconnect) headset versions. We have tested a solution here at Avcomm Solutions that has proven to be successful for our customers, and lets you use an ANC headset (Bluetooth or USB) with a desk phone!

We recommend the Poly MDA220 USB, an audio switcher for PCs and desk phones, along with a USB headset of your choice, to connect your ANC headset to a desk phone. Yes, that’s right: an ANC headset CAN be used with your desk phone! And it's important to note that any brand of headset can be used with the MDA220 USB.

To learn how the MDA220 USB works alongside a desk phone and PC, along with an ANC headset, read our blog post, here: ANC Headset Compatibility with Desk Phones.

Avcomm’s 30-day money back return policy assures that you can try an ANC headset and see if it’s right for you! Call us at 1-866-998-9991 or email us to learn more about ANC headsets.

Sound quality is crucial when making calls and streaming multimedia. We always want to use the best headset for each environment, connection type, and personal wearing preference. We assume that "all headsets are created equal," but that is not the case. Recently, we heard the statement: "Jack connections work more reliably than USB ones" when used with PCs; in fact, USB headsets offer more benefits and better sound quality, as well as reliability. We recommend USB headsets over 3.5mm headsets when connecting to computers, and here's why:

Jack connections, or 3.5mm connectors, are pin-shaped plugs that can support stereo sound and microphones, depending on the number of separate connector rings on the plug or jack. The 3.5mm jack has been a standard feature across numerous devices, especially portable ones, such as the transistor radio, Walkman, and most recently, different makes and models of smartphones. They can also be used with computers that have the 3.5mm jack plug. The 3.5mm uses the device's sound processing system, such as a computer's sound card, for analog sound.

USB headsets bypass your computer's sound card and use their own sound processing system, for better sound quality than 3.5mm headsets. USB headsets benefit from digital-to-analog processing outside of the computer. USB processes digital sound from your device and runs it through its sound system that filters out the audio and removes ambient noise, resulting in much cleaner sounds. For rich wideband audio, and to hear more highs and lows, USB connection is typically preferred. USB provides a lifelike audio experience, compared with 3.5mm headsets.

Another great feature found in USB headsets: in-line call controllers, for ease of call management. Buttons for answer/end, volume, and mute are standards for the control units.

USB headsets can be continually updated, thanks to the free firmware updates offered by each brand, such as Jabra Direct for all Jabra USB devices. And, with cloud-based software management programs that support all main operating systems (some free, others available at scaling costs), global inventory, mass deployments, call analytics, agile maintenance and more can be achieved at the click of a button from an IT administrator. Jabra Xpress is one of these global software management software packages.

The Jabra Evolve 40 headset pictured throughout this post offers both 3.5mm and USB connections. It is a versatile headset for both in the office, and on the go. We always recommend the use of the USB connection when using the Evolve 40 with a PC. The Jabra Eolve 40 is available in both standard USB and USB-C options.

Our Headset Experts are ready to help you find the best headset for your environment. Give us a call at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat us now!

Source: USB vs Analog Headsets, azcentral.

Five years ago, it was proclaimed that customers would no longer call into businesses; that they would prefer to find support via email, social and Chat channels, and organizations scrambled to train and ramp up those areas in their call centers (updating the terminology to "contact centers").

Yet, here it is, almost 2020, and it turns out, customers are still calling businesses when they need help. Research has shown that customers start with online assistance for simple questions; however, as matters become more complicated, phone calls remain the preferred way to contact companies. This means that customer service agents are expected to know more detailed information and handle longer, complex calls. The pressure to produce results in a cost-efficient manner means that data analytics are crucial.

With this in mind, Jabra engineered a headset that meets these needs by offering digital sound, data analytics, Busylights on the ear speakers, and is comfortable to wear through long, demanding calls. The Engage 50 corded headset is available in both Mono and Duo versions and ends in USB-C. The generous-sized leatherette ear cushions have a conical design, so that the cushions rest securely on the ear.

How is the Engage 50 a Digital Headset?

A processing chip in the headset — rather than in a control unit or cord — makes the Engage 50 a digital headset. While most wireless headsets are already digital headsets, the Engage 50 is the first Jabra corded headset to have the chip in the headset itself. The Engage 50 uses the very latest chipset, and this, along with the positioning of the chip, delivers enhanced functionality and user experience. Along with Jabra Direct and Jabra Xpress, call analytics for the business, and on-screen microphone positioning guidance for the agents, are provided. A great headset, along with Jabra software, improves customer satisfaction.

Engage 50 Link Control Unit

The control unit improves call control and the ergonomic design helps agents work more efficiently. It is an optional accessory; however, it must be purchased in order to use the Engage 50 with USB-A ports. There are four variations of the control unit:
Jabra Engage 50 Link USB-A
Jabra Engage 50 Link USB-A Microsoft certified
Jabra Engage 50 Link USB-C
Jabra Engage 50 Link USB-C Microsoft certified

Data analytics and free Jabra software

Jabra Xpress 2.0 is designed for IT professionals to 100 percent remotely manage Jabra USB headsets and speakerphones with a set of smart tools. Xpress keeps different devices, across multiple locations and with numerous users, always updated with the latest firmware. Xpress offers easy mass deployment and agile maintenance. It works no matter the platform you work with, or whether you’re working from your own premises, your own cloud-based service, or the Jabra cloud. And, call analytics received from individual headset users help your management team make data-based decisions to improve agent productivity and the customer call experience. These comprehensive insights include background noise, speech analytics, headset usage analytics and audio exposure.

Jabra Direct is a user-friendly desktop interface offering complete integration of your softphone and headset. The Jabra Direct dashboard is a user friendly status menu available from the desktop notification area, typically accessed via the lower right corner of the desktop.The dashboard shows the status of your headset, if any updates are available, and if your softphone(s) are ready for use. By clicking your Jabra device in the dashboard, you will be linked into the Jabra Direct main application for managing setting preferences, start firmware updates or access applications that are available for your headsets.

And did we mention, these software programs are available at no cost, for both Mac and Windows platforms?

To learn more about Jabra Engage 50 headsets, call our Headset Experts at 1-866-998-9991.

Our contact center staff is on the front lines every day. Plantronics uses the term “Brand Ambassadors,” as these staff members are the face of your company to the outside world. They are the first, and sometimes final, point of contact for customers.

We are in the middle of the “most wonderful time of the year“ and you are probably looking around your call center right now and wondering if you’ve done everything you possibly could have to ensure a successful, positive holiday season for your staff, and in turn, for your customers. Long hours, sleep-deprived customers and staff, and faulty equipment can contribute to poor morale.



Whether you are at this point in the year completely immersed in the holiday season in your contact center, or just gaining steam, one of the most important pieces of equipment your staff uses is their headset. Are they working with broken-down, pieced-together-with-Scotch-tape headsets? Or, are you equipping them with a quality headset that’s comfortable and one they feel confident with using every day?

Our recommendation for staff members who are on the phone for the majority of their work day: the Plantronics EncorePro HW520. Plantronics took the best from the SupraPlus family and updated the technology, fit and comfort level into a stylish, lightweight headset with high quality sound.

Why Should You Choose the EncorePro HW520?

• Lightweight
• Adjustable fit
• Laser-welded construction: Aircraft-grade aluminum joints
• Dual ear cushions completely cover the ears for total immersion in calls.
• Large, soft foam ear cushions (Leatherette cushions an optional purchase).
• Noise-cancelling microphone
• Flexible boom with visual and tactile positioning guides for precise positioning and clear conversations/voice clarity
• Compliant with OSHA/Noise at Work regulations
• SoundGuard (acoustic limiting technology present in all headsets from Plantronics that protects against sounds above 118dBA)

Enjoy a wonderful holiday season, a productive staff, and happy customers, with the help of new Plantronics EncorePro headsets! Happy Holidays!