Full Review - Setup and Use
Setup and Use: It's pretty easy to set up and begin using the Plantronics .Audio 480 headset. After removing the 480 from the packaging, experiment with the ear buds to find the set that fits best for you. There are three rubberized ear bud sizes and one 'memory foam' ear bud set. Personally, I thought the memory foam set fit best and produced the best sounds. Your findings may vary.
Decide whether you'll want to use the headset with analog audio plugs (3.5mm or 1/8" headphone and microphone jacks) or if you'd prefer to use the USB adapter. Plantronics claims that the USB adapter enhances sound quality. I didn't notice much of a difference, but I much prefer using USB simply because of convenience.
When donning the headset, you may find that the left ear bud tends to droop or fall out. You'll need to brace the ear bud to the fold in your ear using the included ear tabs. It's a strange feeling at first, but the ear tabs come in three sizes, so the comfort level can be adjusted enough that you don't really notice them after a while.
Once the headset is on and connected to your computer, you may need to go into your Control Panel or System Preferences (Sound) and select the .Audio 480 as your in/out source of choice if you are using the USB adapter. You can also easily make this selection in Skype or any other chat/VoIP program.
Before using the headset, make sure that your computer volume is turned down a bit and that the adjustable volume slider on the .Audio 480 is also turned down. Failing to do so could result in you accidentally blasting your eardrums. Get an audio stream going and adjust the volume to a level best suited to you.
If you want to test out how you sound to folks on the other end of your VoIP calls, call your own number and leave yourself a voice mail. Speak naturally - read some text from a book or website if you don't know what to say ("testing 123" doesn't always produce a satisfying track). Check your voicemail to listen to the natural awesomeness of your voice.
The Plantronics .Audio 480 ear buds, and ear tab w/mic
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by Ryan on February 8, 2008:
“Just picked these up this week, and as you might imagine, yes, the ear buds are painful after a few minutes. Not that this is unforeseen; the weight of the boom mic is supported solely by how snug the earpiece is in your ear, so over time it will begin to...” More...