By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
Plantronics is known for its Bluetooth headphones which bring lots of innovation, long battery life, and intuitive user interfaces to the mix. The company also makes various wired headsets ideal for mobile workers or anyone who needs to use VoIP services as well as create podcasts and spend various hours talking while connected to their computer.
I've tried to use both wireless and wired headphones for voice and video conferencing sessions on Skype, Lync or other services and while the audio quality is average, I've had difficulty getting external microphones to work as well. This becomes an even bigger issue when I am using an Ultrabook or a MacBook to conduct the conversation as the limited number of USB or audio-in ports makes it challenging to manage both audio out and voice in components.
The Plantronics Blackwire C725, with active noise cancelling is a very comfortable USB headset that also incorporates a very clear microphone. It is designed for all-day use and, as such, it is lightweight and comfortable for most users.
The noise cancelling feature manages to block out ambient noise, it is very similar to what you will find in high-end headsets but works nicely in this over the ear model. A fumble-free affair, the Blackwire C725 features smart sensor technology that lets you answer a call by simply putting on the headset.
These headset also features wideband audio, which like HD voice, uses more bandwidth for a fuller and higher resolution sound.
Plugging them into my Sony VAIO Ultrabook's USB 3.0 port, made it easy and convenient to get on a conference call using Lync and Skype. I also enjoyed the convenience of having volume and mute controls connected to the headset.
Not only was the Blackwire great for conferencing, recording a voice over for a video and for chatting, it also sounded great for playing back music from Spotify as well as a headset for video games. My wife recently had to take an important conference call and was asking to borrow a headset, I didn't hesitate to lend her the Blackwire C725 because I knew it would be a simple plug-and-play affair that would work with any PC.
Great design, high quality textures and materials, plus all the advanced features expected from a high-end headset complements the great sound and truly impressive functionality that the Blackwire C725 offers. This is truly a multifunctional and indispensable headset for anyone who communicates a lot for work or for pleasure.
Rating: 5 out of 5