If you require any help with choosing the most suitable headset for your requirement, please call for advice and further information on all of our products. JPL is here to help you make the right choice. Check the answers to some of the frequently asked questions and troubleshooting we receive, but remember, if in doubt, give us a call and we will guarantee to find you the right headset.

Compatibility

There are many types of wired headsets, USB direct plug-in headsets, RJ11 direct plug-in headsets, 2.5mm jack direct plug-in headsets, 3.5mm jack direct plug-in headsets, and Quick Disconnect (QD) headsets. All of our QD telephone headsets require a selectable bottom lead in order to connect to your telephone system. We supply our own branded leads for this purpose, ensuring compatibility with all major telephone manufacturers and their products. Please be sure to check the details and information on our Compatibility Tool before ordering, or call directly for further advice.

What are the benefits I’ll get from wearing a headset?

With hands-free, you will find typing and writing much easier during a call. Not having to cradle the phone between your ear and your shoulder will greatly reduce muscle strains that often lead to head, neck, and backaches. Headsets allow you freedom of movement and encourage you to sit more naturally. Overall, the ability to multi-task in comfort will lead to more productivity and save you time, which in turn increases productivity and business. You can find out how the right headset can improve your sales in JPL’s article.

Do I need to have any additional equipment other than the headset?

A lot of office phones are now supplied with a headset socket or are headset programmable, so all you need is the headset. However, some are not, and in these situations, an amplifier is required that plugs directly into the existing handset socket which then allows both the headset and the handset to be used. Also available are training devices, which enable two headsets to be connected to a small box unit that can also be connected to the existing handset socket, with a mute button the supervisor can take control of the call at any time.

Does my headset have Acoustic Shock Protection?

Since 1991, major manufacturers have incorporated an acoustic limiter in the electronics of their headsets to meet the requirements of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) specification 85/013. In the UK, this limiter ensures that any type of noise (eg conversation, short-duration impulses) above 118 dB is not transmitted through the headset.

What is noise-cancelling technology?

JPL Telecom headsets are fitted with Surround Shield™ “Best in Class” noise-cancelling microphone technology; this results in a dramatic reduction in background noise being transmitted down the telephone line when calls are made from a noisy, busy environment. This not only makes your calls sound more professional but can also cut down on the need to repeat yourself due to your caller not hearing you clearly. You can find out more about the different types of noise cancellation in JPL’s article.

JPL 501s monaural headset next to a JPL 502s binaural headset

Monaural, binaural – what’s the difference?

Put simply, monaural headsets have one earpiece, binaural has two earpieces, and monaural headsets tend to be the most popular as they offer excellent security to the head and ear, however, in some circumstances such as noisy environments or occupations which demand highly focused call-taking, binaural headsets are sometimes preferred as they offer sound in both ears. See JPL’s opinion of wired vs wireless headsets.

You may choose one of our binaural true audio-telephony headsets. These headsets have hybrid speakers that allow the user to play true stereo audio when they listen to music; and switch to mono stereo for speech.

What is a “bottom lead”?

JPL Telecom wired QD headsets are designed as a modular two-part solution so in addition to the headset you will need a separate “bottom lead” in order to connect to a phone or other device. The headset has a cable that ends in a QD (Quick Disconnect) which is a proprietary connection. To connect to a phone or device you will need a “bottom lead” which has the “quick disconnect” on one end and on the other end is the connection (RJ11, 2.5mm jack, 3.5mm jack, or USB) for the phone or other device.

How do I connect my wired QD headset to a desk phone, mobile phone, or computer?

JPL QD headsets require an additional “bottom lead” because different phone jacks are wired differently and have different sensitivities and will sometimes require a different connection. Having a modular system allows for the option to have different “bottom leads”. This way if something changes only the “bottom lead” (which is less expensive) would need to be replaced rather than needing to replace the entire headset. Different cables for different devices (like a mobile phone or computer) exist so the headset is able to be used on different devices. You can use the same headset for your desk phone, mobile, computer, or laptop just by changing the “bottom lead”.

To select the correct “bottom lead” go to our Compatibility Tool to select the appropriate phone make and model and the style of the headset and you will be shown the correct “bottom lead” and other accessories needed to connect your headset to your device.

Can a wired desk phone headset be used with a USB connection?

Any JPL Telecom Office & Contact Centre headset model with a “Quick Disconnect” can be used to connect to a USB port by utilising a “bottom lead” with a USB connection.

JPL Telecom offers four (6) “bottom leads” with a USB connection:

  • BL-05NB (plain (no buttons) lead).
    The BL-05NB converts any headset with a PLX QD into a cost-effective plug-and-play solution.
  • BL-051+P (lead with integrated control box with mute and volume control).
    The BL-051+P converts any headset with a PLX QD into a cost-effective plug-and-play solution.
  • BL-053+P (universal lead with integrated control box with mute and volume control).
    The BL-053+P is totally universal now and in the future for all softphones.
    No software downloads needed – Simply use your PC’s mouse to answer or end a call.
  • BL-054MS+P (Microsoft certified lead with integrated control box with call/accept mute and volume control).
    The BL-054MS+P converts any headset with a PLX QD into a Unified Communications headset, with its state-of-the-art USB chipset, this versatile connectivity cable is easy to use and quick to install.
  • BL-055+P (universal lead with integrated control box with mute and volume control).
    The BL-055+P converts any headset with a PLX QD into a Unified Communications headset, with its state-of-the-art USB chipset, this versatile connectivity cable is easy to use and quick to install.
  • BL-056+P (universal lead with integrated control box with call/accept mute and volume control).
    The BL-056+P converts any headset with a PLX QD into a Unified Communications headset, with its state-of-the-art USB chipset, this versatile connectivity cable is easy to use and quick to install.
Diagram of different headset cable and connector types

How do I set up the BL-11+P training lead connections for a wired headset?

The BL-11+P training lead for JPL Telecom wired headsets is a “Y” shape with three (3) sections.
One section is the “trainer/supervisor” section, one section is the “trainee/agent’s” section and the third section connects to a QD bottom lead that is connected to a desk phone.

Once the training cable is connected to the phone there are now the “trainer/supervisor” and “trainee/agent’s” sections open and waiting for headsets to be connected. It will depend on the training set-up as to which headset will be connected to which cable. The “trainee” section is always active and intended for the headset of the person who will be talking during the call. The “trainer” section of the cable includes a mute switch so the person connected to the “trainer” section will only listen to the conversation unless the mute switch is deactivated to allow the person to participate in the call.

Warranty

All JPL Telecom products are manufactured to the highest of standards and carry a minimum 12-month warranty, with the majority having 2 years or 3-year warranty. Please see our returns policy for information in the unlikely event of a fault or issue with any JPL Telecom product.

Contact Us Today

Can’t find the answers you are looking for, contact JPL and one of our advisors will be able to help.

Specifying and securing the right equipment for your business needs can be daunting and the wrong equipment can be costly both now and in the future.

Speak to our team who can guide you through the process and help you to identify the right products for your situation.

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If you’re looking to purchase 120 or more units for your company please complete and submit the form to see if you qualify for a free trial.

Technical Support and General Enquiries

For help and advice on our products, technical support, or general enquiries you can visit our support pages where you can find videosmanuals and guides. You can also contact JPL via the form opposite, by live chat, by phone, or by email.

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