Dictionary

A2DP	Abbreviation of 'Advanced Audio Distribution Profile'. Also called the AV profile, A2DP is a Bluetooth profile that transfers audio from a mp3-capable device to a headset.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)	Also called Active Noise Control/Reduction. ANC cancels environmental sounds by producing an “anti-noise”, an audio wave completely out of phase with your ambient sounds. This lets you hear better in noisier environments.
Amplifiers	These connect headsets to phones and give you a larger volume range than the headset natively offers.
Analog	Analog connections use the 3.55mm headphone/mic jack.
Audio Sensing	A multi-connectivity feature which detects your device’s audio source to whichever is transmitting. Some manufacturers, such as Plantronics, use this technology to automatically switch when you get a call.
AUDIOIQ®	AudioIQ makes wireless conversations effortless and pleasant, regardless of the environment. For incoming calls, AudioIQ automatically adapts to background noise levels and intelligently improves the receive quality, clarity and volume level. For outgoing calls, AudioIQ reduces background noise for listeners up to 7-8 decibels, or by approximately 50 percent. It also minimizes interference from artifacts such as speech distortions to maintain exceptionally clear voice intelligibility.
Auto Answer	Automatically pick up a call when you put on your headset.
AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile)	Abbreviation of: Audio/Video Remote Control Profile. This is the technology which allows you to use play, pause, stop, skip, and go back controls over a Bluetooth connection.
Binaural	Binaural headsets have speakers over both ears, and headband connecting them.
Bluetooth	A wireless signal (at 2.4GHz) which transmits between Bluetooth-enabled devices. Bluetooth replaces conventional wires by transmitting audio, video, or controls. In the headset industry, we use this tech for audio and control features.
Boom Microphone	A microphone attached to a pole or arm.
BT	Abbreviation of Bluetooth.
Call Button	A button on the headset used to pick up or hang up calls.
CALL CLARITY™	A proprietary Plantronics technology that uses electronic signal processing to enhance transmission and reception through innovative noise reduction techniques.
CLEARLINE™	A Plantronics audio technology that helps to reduce common problems with business conversations that stem from poor audio quality, including repeats, errors, and listening fatigue. It is compatible with both traditional phones and headsets as well as wideband VoIP phones and headsets. It provides advanced echo management, delivers consistent and comfortable call volume, reduces background noise, and protects against loud noises.
Convertible	Convertible headsets have detachable headbands so you can switch between an over-the-ear configuration and an over-the-head configuration.
Cordless Amplifier	A device that connects to your phone and makes the transmitted sound louder. A cordless amplifier can be controlled remotely.
Cordless System	A cordless amplifier and headset.
Cross Talk	Call interference caused by accidental energy transference from another circuit.
DECT	Abbreviation of ‘Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications’. DECT is a private radio frequency (1.9GHz) for sound signals. It is designed specifically for using many headsets (or similar devices) in an office environment, since using several Bluetooth connections in a small area is known to cause interference.
Docking Station	A term for headset base, i.e., where the headset is docked for charging. See base.
Drop-Out	A short audio signal loss.
DSP	Abbreviation of ‘digital signal processing’. Works to reduce background noise and improve sound quality on stereo headsets.
Dynamic Noise Reduction	ANC technology which automatically adjusts to different noises, volumes, and intensities.
Earbud	Also referred to as ‘in-ear buds’. This is not a headset; an earbud has two ‘headphones’ that fit into your earhole. These typically feature inline volume and mute controls as well as a mic along the cord.
Earloop	The piece of an over-the-ear headset design which loops behind/over the ear and secures the headset in place.
Eartip	The piece of a headset which goes inside your ear – on applicable headset designs: over-the-ear, in-ear, and some modular. Monaural or binaural headsets will never use these.
Full Duplex Speakerphone	A speaker feature which allows both sides of the conversation to speak/transmit at once while reducing echo.
FIREFLY® ON-LINE INDICATOR	Firefly is the unique in-use indicator light that lets others know you are on the phone. No more interruptions! You can find it on the CT12 cordless headset telephone.
Hand Receiver (Port)	The port on a telephone where a handset/receiver plugs into.
Handset	The part of a telephone that you put to your ear to hear and speak. The ‘receiver’ for short.
Headset Port	An additional port on a phone for connecting a headset. This port is typically a R9J plug, however it can also be a 2.5mm jack. Many telephones do not come with this port, so most headset amplifiers are also designed to connect to the hand receiver port.
Inline Controls	Volume, mic, and mute controls built-in to the cord.
Link Dropping	When a headset periodically loses connection with its base. Solve this by repairing them.
Modular	Can refer to two things: 1) R9J port 2) Convertible headset
Monaural	Monaural headset designs feature a sound device on one ear and an arm extending over-the-head, securing the headset.
Multipoint Technology	Also referred to as multi-shifting. This technology allows Bluetooth-enabled devices to dynamically switch connectivity between two paired devices. Without this, the user must manually switch the connection from one device to the other.
Mute Alert	An audible notification signaling that the mute function is disabled.
Noise Cancelling	Noise cancelling is a technology which uses multiple microphone sensors. One or more picks up your voice, while the others capture ambient noise. By doing this, your headset can cancel redundant sounds and eliminate unwanted sounds.
Omnidirectional Mic	An omnidirectional mic captures sound from all directions.
OPENMIC™	A Plantronics feature that lets you hear the surrounding sound without taking off your headphones. This is a process where one or more of the microphones on a headset are activated to pick up ambient sounds, then feed them into the user's ear. This is also called "open listen" mode.
Over-the-Ear	Some headset designs feature an arm that loops around the user’s ear to keep the headset in place. This replaces the over-the-head arm on monaural headsets.
Over-the-Head	Over-the-head configurations have use an arm that extends from one ear to the other, over your head.
Pairing	The process of connecting two wireless devices. A common word in the realm of Bluetooth.
Pairing Mode	During the process of pairing, the involved devices are in pairing mode. This is commonly associated with Bluetooth, and a blinking light is the conventional signal when a device is in pairing mode.
Passkey/Passcode	Refers to a security key required to connect two (or more) wireless devices. For Bluetooth devices, this is commonly ‘0000.’
Receive	This refers to the volume setting of your headset. It affects the volume you hear your caller, but does not affect the volume of your voice on their end.
Reject Call	Disconnect or send call to voicemail.
Reset	Resets a device to factory settings. Please check the manual before resetting. Some devices do not have a reset button.
RJ9	A standard modular plug on most corded telephones. Use this to connect a receiver or headset.
Smart Lock	A screen lock/unlock capability based on proximity detection of a Plantronics Legend Bluetooth® headset.
Smart Sensor Technology	A technology which detects whether or not a headset is being worn.
Softphone	A piece of software which effectively gives phone capabilities to your computer.
Sound Card	A computer part dedicated to processing audio. These can also feature a variety of ports, depending on the sound card.
SOUNDGUARD®	An automatic gain control system found in Plantronics adapters that provides natural voice tone and removes loud tones as well as occasional noises and crackles on the line.
Standby Mode	The state when a headset is on but not in use.
Stereo Sound	Stereo sound has two audio signals: left and right, which gives depth and realness. Conversely, mono sound uses only one signal for both sides of the headset. For example, on a stereo headset you might hear a thud to your left or right, whereas on a mono headset where you hear a thud in both ears.
Subscribe	Pairing, but for DECT devices.
Talk Time	The length of you can talk on a headset before it needs to be recharged.
Transmit	Unlike receive, this controls the volume of your voice to the person you are calling.
USB Adapter	Enables connectivity between a headset and a computer. Adapters are sold for wired headsets, and a dongle is sold for wireless headsets.
Vehicle Power Charger	Enables you to charge a device using a car’s lighter socket.
Voice Alert	A vocal alert on a headset. For example: your Bluetooth headset might say ‘pairing’, when you set it to pair with another Bluetooth-enabled device.
Voice Prompt	A vocal prompt on a headset. For example: ‘incoming call’.
Voice Tube	A microphone design in which the microphone is inside a tube. This tube replaces the mic boom and extends from your headset to your mouth.
VOIP	Abbreviation of ‘Voice over Internet Protocol’. The technology used to make calls over the internet.
Windscreen	A foam cover for a microphone, used to reduce wind interference.
Y Training Cable	A ‘splitter’ (splits one connection into two identical connections) to connect two or more headsets to a single phone. This enables two or more people to hear the call, and is great for training purposes!
2.5GHz	A generic wireless frequency, used by Bluetooth devices and many other wireless communications technologies.
900MHz	A generic wireless frequency, typically used to connect cordless phones to their bases.
Handset Lifter	This is a small device which installs directly onto your deskphone and enables you to answer calls remotely.
Behind-the-Neck	A style of headset with a band around the back of your neck.
BroadBass	A GN Netcom (Jabra parent) term for their headsets designed for lower tones, such as those from a bass.
Busy Light	A busy light is connected between your phone and headset, and turn on during calls to indicate that you are on the phone.
Circumaural	The bulkiest headset style. It covers the entire ear to block out almost all sound. These are uncommon in office environments but popular for casual headphone users.
Connector Cord	The cable connecting your base to your phone.
Digital	Digital headsets use USB connections and UC software, which can potentially add lots of functionality to a headset.
Directional/Unidirectional	A unidirectional microphone picks up the sound of the voice right in front of the mic. This tech is dated and professional headsets are scarcely still produced with this design.
DC Adapter	A DC adapter plugs into your amplifier and gives it power. This eliminates the need for batteries.
Extension Cord	A headset extension cord connects between your phone (or base) & headset and increases the range of wired headsets.
Flex-Grip™	Flex-grip is a Plantronics over-the-ear headset design which promotes comfort.
GN Netcom	A professional headset manufacturer and parent of Jabra.
Intraural/In-Ear/In-the-Ear	Also known as in-ear buds. This style of headset uses speakers which fit into the user’s ear canal.
PerSono™	A UC software for Plantronics VoIP softphones.
Plantronics	A professional headset manufacturer.
Polaris	A Plantronics headset design for phones that use built-in amplifiers.
Quick Disconnect	A connector option for headset cords which allows the user to easily disconnect their wired headset from the phone. This way, constant wired headset users can move about without removing their headsets. NOTE: Disconnecting breaks the connection between a wired headset and the phone.
Reversible	A monaural headset which gives the user the option of which ear to use speaker. These are easily adjustable for this purpose.
Sennheiser	A professional headset manufacturer.
Sound Enhancement System™ (SES)	A Plantronics technology (used in the encore line) which enables the user to emphasize bass or treble tones.
Supraural	A headset design with the speaker resting flat against the ear.
Three-Point Fit™	A Plantronics earbud design which aims to maximize customizability.
Tru-Comfort™	A Motorola design purposed with letting the ear breathe during prolonged usage.
Carbon	The original microphone technology used in phones. Some headsets still use this technology, however, it is becoming obsolete in the wake of Electret and MEMs.
Donut Ear Cushion	An ear cushion design featuring a hole in the center to unlock the headset’s absolute maximum volume potential.
Electret	The modern standard of microphone technology. It is made of two tiny charged parallel plates, which move closer or further to translate your voice into an audio signal that can be transmitted.
Electronic Hook Switch (EHS)	EHS for short. This enables the user to answer and end calls remotely on compatible phones. This accomplishes the same task as a handset lifter, only with no moving parts.
Foam Ear Cushion	A soft, plush foam piece around a headset’s speaker to provide comfort and wearing stability.
Mute Switch	A switch that enables the user to pause the transmission from their microphone until the switch is clicked again.
Lemo Plug / Q Plug	Heavy-duty plugs, generally used in older switchboards and call centers.
RJ11	A modular plug featuring 4 pins. These are used to connect handsets or headsets to telephones.
RJ12	A modular plug featuring 6 pins. These are used to connect telephones to wall sockets.
RJ45	A modular plug featuring 8 pins. These are used to connect LAN cables to wall sockets. Some phones also use this plug to connect to the wall.
SoundPro	A Polaris brand of Call Center & Office products.
1 Eared	A monaural headet.
2 Eared	A binaural headset.
2.5mm Jack	This is a headset jack. Not as common as the 3.5mm jack, but shares the same purpose.
3.5mm Jack	This is your classical headphone jack. Like the one you’d find in an iPhone 6, but not the 7.
ActivGuard	Sennheiser’s brand of acoustic shock protection.
USB Dongle	Dongles plug into a computer’s USB port and enable a connection between said computer and the headset.
HD Voice	Plantronics brand of wideband audio.
Microsoft Lync	Microsoft’s professional internet communication application. Many headsets are specially designed and optimized for Lync. Lync has been replaced with Skype for Business.
Microsoft Office Communicator	The former name of Microsoft Lync.
POE	POE is an Ethernet cable which also provides power/electricity to the device. This way, you can use a deskphone with only one cable.
PSU	A PSU prepares the harsh AC wall signal into a constant, consistent flow of electricity and the device’s desired voltage and wattage.
Skype for Business	Microsoft’s UC application and replacement for their Office Communicator and Lync applications. Skype for Business is optimized for use with Lync servers and much of the customizations and optimizations on Lync headsets are transferrable to Skype for Business.
Switch Box	This device is connected between the telephone and headset and allows the user to easily switch between handset and headset.
Ultra-Noise Cancelling	These are noise cancelling microphones which use an array of mic sensors and technologies to maximize call clarity.
Voice Clarity	Sennheiser’s brand of wideband HD audio.
Voice Operated Exchange (VOX)	An AI/handsfree technology in which sound detection is enables in a device only over a specific volume level.
Wideband	As opposed to narrowband, wideband audio technology boasts more range and clearer sound. The Wideband range is from 50-7000Hz
Windsmart	Plantronics’s branded wind protection technology. It features 3 layers of wind-blocking materials.
Windsafe	Sennheiser’s branded wind protection technology.
Artifacts	Popping sounds caused by dropped/imperfect transmissions.
Ergonomics	Refers to design consideration for human use.
Hands Free Profile (HFP)	HSP’s older brother. This Bluetooth profile also allows for voice-dialing, redial, call transfer, and pick up & hang up.
Handset Profile (HSP)	The Bluetooth profile used for audio signals. Mobile phones generally use HSP.
Open-Ear Design	A headset design which allows outside noise through the speakers, as to diminish immersion. More typical in casual/gaming headsets than professional headsets.
PersonCall	A Plantronics UC brand.
PersonPro	A Plantronics UC brand.
Roaming Range	The safe distance from a base that a wireless device will operate properly.
Smart Cord	A GN Netcom cord which eliminated the need for an amplifier in many of it’s headsets.
Lift Lever	A phone accessory. Pull a lever to lift the phone off the receiver, and push to hang up. This is the manual version of a handset lifter.
Two Prong Adapter	Allows you to connect an RJ9 cable to an older phone using a dual-prong setup.
Noise Supressor	A cup-shaped plastic attachment for voice tube microphones which aids in isolating the user's voice from ambient noises.
Push to Talk (PTT)	Some devices, such as many two way radios, use a button when you want to speak. This way you can be selective of what you say that gets transmitted to your caller.
Narrow Band	Uses a lower frequency than Wideband. This uses requires less battery power and thus allows longer talk time, but lower sound quality.