Supported Audio Devices & Headsets for your Computer
    • 20 Mar 2024
    • 3 Minutes to read
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    Supported Audio Devices & Headsets for your Computer

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    Article summary

    Dialpad allows users to select and use any sound device supported by their operating system as the source of audio for calls. However, call quality and support capabilities may vary depending on the device. It is recommended to use a high-quality device, especially in noisy or high-density environments. Noise cancellation and echo cancellation are provided on every audio, video call, and meeting. Higher quality devices or headsets can further enhance these capabilities. When choosing a headset, factors such as device drivers, sound pressure, electrical resistance, noise cancellation appropriate for the environment, and avoiding environmental interference should be considered. Bluetooth devices easily pair with other devices, while DECT relies on its base station and is limited to specific deskphones or softphones. Dialpad recommends not using plug and play driverless headsets due to potential quality issues. The integration of Jabra and Poly with Dialpad enhances the call experience. Regression testing is conducted to ensure integration compatibility, but Dialpad relies on headset manufacturer partners for ongoing support. WebHID integration allows users to control calls without vendor-specific applications.

    With Dialpad, any sound device supported by your OS can be selected and used as the source of audio; both mic and speaker. However, depending on your device, the call quality and support capabilities will vary. For best results, a high-quality device is recommended; especially in a noisy or high-density environment.

    Dialpad’s Ai provides noise cancellation and echo cancellation on every audio, video call, and meeting. The majority of higher-quality devices or headsets also provide effective capabilities that can further improve the effectiveness of noise and echo cancellation on Dialpad calls.

     Please refer to the device manufacturer’s website for recommendations on the best device to use for your environment or contact your Dialpad representative for a recommendation.

    Supported sound devices

    To set your calls up for success, there are certain characteristics of a sound device or headset that can be considered to measure best quality: Device drivers, sound pressure, and electrical resistance. For best results, a high-quality device is recommended for noisy or high density environments. 

    Consider the following when choosing a headset to connect with your PC:

    • Use a name brand headset known for quality
    • Choose a headset with noise cancellation appropriate for your environment
    • Do not use built in PC Bluetooth. Use a USB Bluetooth dongle instead
    • One ear or two ear headsets are personal preference but two ears can help provide the best audio experience in noisy environments
    • Make sure you have the latest driver for your headset to avoid issues
    • Ensure that you do not have environmental interference with your wireless device
      • Check the wireless device specifications or consult with the manufacturer
      • Thick walls, distance or dense wireless environments can all have a negative impact on voice quality.
    Dialpad tip
    We do not recommend using your computer’s native Bluetooth to connect to a wireless device because the audio is not tuned for voice communications.

    Bluetooth vs DECT: What is the difference?

    Most Bluetooth devices can easily pair with other devices. DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) relies on its base station and is limited to the deskphones or softphones with which it is paired.

    Let's look at the key differences:

    BluetoothDECT

    Supports up to 8 connections simultaneous

    Dedicated to one connection only which provides omnichannel connectivity to a device

    Range: Class 1: 330 feet, Class 2: 33 feet,
    Class 3: 3.3 feet

    Range: Typically around 300 feet

    Great for Desktop Apps and the Mobile App

    Great for extending Desk Phones

    Dialpad does not recommend using Plug and Play driverless headsets as they will often have quality issues, as drivers do not update and custom settings may not be applied.

    Device integration support

    Dialpad is tightly integrated with Jabra and Poly (formerly Plantronics) to provide an enhanced call experience. With this integration, users can answer incoming calls or hang up active calls from the device.

    Let's look at how the two integrations compare. 

    FeatureJabraPoly (Plantronics)

    Pickup/Disconnect button

    Supported

    Supported

    Mute button sync with App

    Not synced

    Not synced

    Call Hold/Resume

    Not Supported

    Not Supported

    Audible ring on incoming call

    Supported

    Supported

    Jabra - integration requirements

    To take advantage of this integration, the Jabra Direct  must be installed on the computer with the Dialpad Desktop Application.

    Poly (previously Plantronics) - integration requirements

    To take advantage of this integration, the Poly Hub software must be installed on the computer with the Dialpad Desktop Application.

    Dialpad integration testing

    Dialpad teams run regression testing to ensure that this integration continues to work with the Dialpad Application as stated above.

    Since there are so many different models from many vendors, it is not possible for Dialpad to test with each model. Dialpad relies on our headset manufacturer partners to maintain the same level of support across each of their models. 

    The following non-exhaustive list highlights some of the models that are included in Dialpad’s regression testing to support our integration:

    Jabra

    • Evolve 40 (wired headset)
    • Engage 50 (wired headset)
    • Evolve2 65 (wireless headset; wirelessly connects via a USB adapter)
    • Evolve 75 (wireless headset; wirelessly connects via a USB adapter)

    Poly

    • Poly Blackwire (UC models)
    • Poly Voyager 8200
    • Poly Voyager 6200
    • Poly Voyager 5200
    • Poly Voyager Focus (UC)

    WebHID headsets

    Dialpad’s WebHID integration allows Users to control their calls without using Headset vendor-specific applications such as Poly Hub or Jabra Direct. This means any WebHID-supported device will work seamlessly with the Dialpad application and call control events such as answer, hangup, volume and mute control will be synchronized.

    Note

    Our WebHID integration is available for all Dialpad Voice Users.

    This integration is currently only available for the Dialpad browser and native application — be sure to review the supportability matrix below and don’t forget to review the specific headset support requirements with the vendor.

    Browser SupportGoogle Chrome, Microsoft Edge
    Operating System SupportWindows, MacOS & Chrome OS
    Application SupportBrowser and native application only (https://dialpad.com/app
    Learn more about enabling and using your WebHID headset in this Help Center article.



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