Sennheiser SDW 5033 (506584) - Single-Sided (Monaural) Wireless DECT Headset for PC/Softphone Connection Dual Microphone Ultra Noise Cancelling, Black

Buying tips - Here is the tricky part that everyone should be aware of when buying the Impact series headset – 1. Epos has 16 variants of the 5000 Impact series headset. They have different base stations – a. Type 1 (base model SDW3BS) - Base stations for softphone only. b. Type 2 (base model SDW5BS and BTD800 Bluetooth dongle is included) - Base stations for softphone plus desk phone and Bluetooth (for mobile) c. Type 3 (base model SDW3BS and BTD800 Bluetooth dongle is included)- Base stations for softphone and Bluetooth (for mobile). 2. Any of the 16 variants that have a SDW3BS base station is compatible with MS Teams. They will allow you to mute/unmute Teams. SDW5BS base station seems to have issues with Teams. *This info is based on the latest firmware version 1.8.42 that I tested with no 4/10/22. It is possible that Epos may fix this via a firmware upgrade.* 3. If you are a Teams user, avoid models that come with SDW5BS base station at all costs. The good stuff – 1. The headband is comfortable, and the build quality is great. 2. The headset models SDW 503x have a much more comfortable SDW30HS headband. This headband has a mute button on the boom mic, which is easy to use. The headset models 501x have a less comfortable headband, with no mute button on the boom mic. If you are considering the Impact 5000 series, then get a SDW 503x model for a better fit/comfort. 3. The noise cancellation is excellent. 4. The DECT range is excellent up to 80ft and then it gets shaky. For 99% of the users, this is plenty of range. 5. Active/Mute LED on the headband is great. I wish there was a LED on the boom mic facing the user, that would indicate mute status. Currently, there isn’t a way to know if the headset is on mute until you see the visual notification on the computer or you enable periodic audible notifications. 6. If needed, an Epos speakerphone (like Expand 20, 30, 40 or 80) can be connected to the USB-A port of the base station, instead of connecting it to the computer. This will allow you to seamless switch between the speakerphone and wireless headset during a call. This is something I use regularly and works well. The not so good stuff - 1. Some brands allow automatic muting of the call by moving the boom mic to the upright position. This isn’t something Epos currently has. 2. The music quality is average. It isn’t a major concern as this is a communication headset that isn’t really designed for high fidelity music, but this is something to be aware of. 3. The base station still uses a micro-USB port and the supplied cable is a USB-A to micro-USB. In 2022, there shouldn’t not be a device on the market with these ports. A USB-C to USB-C cable, with an included USB-C to USB-A adapter is needed, which is what Epos does with their Expand series speakerphones.