EPOS Impression 100 Overview – A budget-wired headset for the workplace

The EPOS Impression 100 headset gives professional-grade efficiency at an entry-level worth. Its light-weight design, sensible options and broad compatibility make it an acceptable selection for name centre and workplace work.

A mushy headband and cushioned earpads help consolation all through the working day, whereas an in-line controller permits for easy, environment friendly name dealing with.

The headset features a USB-C to USB-A adapter and works with Microsoft Groups and different main UC platforms, serving to to scale back setup time throughout completely different units.

Options

Skilled high quality and accessible audio for on a regular basis use
This entry-level headset gives licensed compatibility with Microsoft Groups and main UC platforms, delivering sturdy efficiency at an reasonably priced worth.

Extremely-lightweight design for long-term consolation
Weighing simply 78 grams, that is the lightest headset in its class. The slim headband, produced from mushy silicone and leatherette earpads, helps comfy put on all through the working day.

Intuitive in-line controls
The in-line controller options backlit buttons with distinct shapes, making it simple to handle calls with out distraction.

Constructed to final in busy environments
Designed with sturdy supplies and a sturdy construction, the IMPACT 100 is well-suited to common every day use in lively workplace settings.

Twin USB-C and USB-A connectivity
Provided with an built-in USB-C to USB-A adapter, the headset gives versatile connectivity to match a variety of units and workstations.

Superior noise-cancelling microphone
A unidirectional microphone works together with built-in noise-reduction algorithms to assist keep clear audio on calls.

Microsoft Groups shortcut button (Groups variations solely)
A devoted Groups button on the in-line controller flashes to inform customers of current exercise or missed notifications throughout the app.

Versatile growth arm positioning
The adjustable growth arm may be worn on both aspect, providing larger flexibility and luxury relying on person choice.

Distinctive mute button placement
Positioned on the high of the in-line controller, the mute button incorporates a raised form that makes it simple to seek out by contact.

Smooth silicone help for mono headsets
Mono fashions embody a mushy silicone aspect help that helps stabilise the headset and improves consolation for prolonged use.

EPOS Join app help
Handle machine settings throughout desktop, cell, or internet by the EPOS Join app, providing larger management over audio and firmware preferences.

Environmentally accountable packaging
Delivered in plastic-free packaging produced from responsibly sourced FSC-certified supplies.

Evaluating the Legacy and New IMPACT 100 Headsets

The most recent model of the IMPACT 100 headset introduces a number of considerate updates that handle consolation, performance, and fashionable connectivity. Whereas the legacy mannequin was dependable and extensively adopted in skilled environments, the brand new model builds on its basis with a sequence of ergonomic and technical enhancements.

Consolation and Design Enhancements

The legacy headset featured a primary plastic headband with foam ear pads, which though practical, supplied restricted consolation for extended use. In distinction, the brand new IMPACT 100 is considerably extra user-focused. It contains an ultra-lightweight design, a soft-touch floor on the scarf, and adjustable sliders for a extra personalised match. The froth ear pads have been changed with mushy, sturdy leatherette cushions, and the earcups are actually mounted on ball joints for improved flexibility and luxury throughout prolonged put on.

Enhanced Microphone and Audio Options

Whereas each variations characteristic a noise-cancelling microphone, the newer mannequin makes use of an upgraded model with enhanced noise suppression. It additionally introduces a 270° adjustable growth arm, permitting customers to put on the microphone on both the left or proper aspect – a refined however helpful addition for diverse work types.

Connectivity and Controls

A key enchancment lies in connectivity. The legacy model was USB-A solely, limiting compatibility with newer units. The brand new mannequin contains each USB-C and USB-A connectivity through an adapter, making it extra versatile for contemporary workstations and laptops. The management unit has additionally been redesigned, with extra intuitive name and quantity controls, and sure variants embody a devoted Microsoft Groups button for seamless integration with the platform.

Mannequin Overview

Unboxing

The IMPACT 100 arrives in environmentally acutely aware packaging that balances safety with sustainability. The field contents embody the headset, carry pouch, USB-C to USB-A adapter, fast information, security information, and compliance documentation.

Construct high quality is OK It’s a finances headset, so it feels a bit light-weight in comparison with among the extra superior fashions.

The USB-C to USB-A adapter is a welcome inclusion that addresses compatibility issues with each legacy and fashionable units.

Set Up / EPOS App

There may be not likely something you must do to set these up; they’re plug and play. You’ll be able to, optionally, set up the EPOS software program, and this lets you alter the sidetone settings and improve the firmware.

The plug-and-play performance works reliably throughout completely different working methods and UC platforms. Home windows recognises the machine instantly, and audio routing is dealt with mechanically. macOS and Chromebook compatibility is equally seamless, with no further configuration required for primary performance.

The EPOS Join software program set up is non-compulsory however really helpful for customers who need entry to firmware updates and primary customisation choices. The software program package deal is comparatively light-weight and doesn’t considerably affect system efficiency.

In Use

I had very low expectations of the Impression 100, not solely is it a finances headset, however I actually didn’t assume I’d get on with a headset sitting on my ears. I wrestle with listening to folks (or making out their accent) on the cellphone plenty of the time, and background noise simply drowns out issues for me.

Nevertheless, I used to be pleasantly shocked. The audio high quality doesn’t appear fairly nearly as good because the EPOS Impression 400 I’ve been utilizing the previous few months however there’s good readability with voices.

The on-ear design, while initially regarding, proves comfy for prolonged durations. The light-weight development prevents the fatigue generally related to heavier headsets, and the leatherette earpads present ample consolation with out creating extreme warmth buildup.

Voice readability throughout calls is constantly good, with the microphone successfully capturing pure speech patterns while filtering out most background noise. Colleagues report clear audio high quality even in reasonably noisy environments, although the noise cancellation isn’t as complete as discovered on premium fashions.

Subjectively, the amount appears louder and the amount controls on the cable are nice. I discover this location far superior to being on the headset itself.

The in-line controls show extra handy than anticipated, with the cable-mounted place permitting for simple entry with out reaching as much as the headset. The tactile button design makes it potential to function controls by really feel, which proves notably helpful throughout video conferences.

Music playback by the headset is ample for informal listening however lacks the depth and richness anticipated for devoted music consumption. The frequency response is clearly optimised for voice communication somewhat than multimedia content material, which is suitable given the headset’s supposed objective.

Battery life issues are eradicated fully because of the wired design, although this does imply accepting the mobility limitations that include a tethered connection. The two-metre cable gives ample attain for many desk setups while remaining manageable.

Value and Various Choices

The EPOS Impression 100 an RRP of £45 and is available in a number of variants

• Impression 100 MS Stereo USB-C+A  
• Impression 100 UC Stereo USB-C+A
• Impression 100 MS Mono USB-C+A

The EPOS Impression 460T has an RRP of £80 however is on the market for round £45-50 from varied retailers.

The Impression 860T has an RRP of £110 and is on the market for £70, and this has ANC in-built, which is a significant promoting level.

For various manufacturers, you’ve:

Jabra Evolve 20 for round £33, but it surely has foam earpads

Jabra Evolve2 40 for round £70

Plantronics Poly Blackwire 5220 for round £55, which advantages from a USB-A, USB-C and three.5mm jack connection

Total

I’m a little bit of a snob, particularly in relation to know-how, so I had low expectations of this reasonably priced headset, however I’ve come away surprisingly impressed with it.

Sure, it’s a primary, no-frills headset, but it surely does the job it’s supposed to do nicely.

The IMPACT 100 succeeds in delivering professional-grade voice communication at an entry-level worth level. While it lacks the superior options and premium supplies discovered on higher-end fashions, it gives dependable efficiency for its supposed use case.

I’ve at all times been against headsets that sit in your ear. I usually wrestle with background noises, making it troublesome to listen to folks, however I didn’t expertise any noticeably worse efficiency than the Epos Impression 400.

The on-ear design concern proves largely unfounded in apply. The light-weight development and comfy earpads make prolonged put on possible, while the open design permits for higher environmental consciousness in comparison with closed-back options.

Audio high quality doesn’t appear to be fairly nearly as good because the Impression 400, however readability was simply nearly as good. Additionally they appear to go louder, which is essential to me when I’ve a difficult-to-hear shopper on the cellphone.

The amount benefit proves notably precious for customers who regularly take care of poor cellphone connections or soft-spoken callers. The extra headroom in most quantity output gives flexibility that many competing fashions lack.

I want the controls on the cable to these on the headset itself; I discover I’m more likely to make use of them.

The in-line management choice highlights an often-overlooked side of headset design. Cable-mounted controls show extra accessible and intuitive than headset-mounted options, notably throughout video conferences when visible consideration should stay targeted on the display.

The construct high quality, while ample for the value level, doesn’t match the premium really feel of costlier fashions. The plastic development and primary cable design could not stand up to heavy abuse in demanding environments.

For customers looking for an reasonably priced, dependable headset for normal voice communication, the Impression 100 represents strong worth. It delivers on its core promise of clear voice transmission and comfy put on while sustaining compatibility with main UC platforms.

Full Specification

I’m James, a UK-based tech fanatic and the Editor and Proprietor of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Keen about all issues know-how, my experience spans from computer systems and networking to cell, wearables, and sensible residence units.

As a health fanatic who loves operating and biking, I even have a eager curiosity in fitness-related know-how, and I take each alternative to cowl this area of interest on my weblog. My numerous pursuits permit me to carry a novel perspective to tech running a blog, merging way of life, health, and the newest tech tendencies.

In my educational pursuits, I earned a BSc in Info Methods Design from UCLAN, earlier than advancing my studying with a Grasp’s Diploma in Computing. This superior research additionally included Cisco CCNA accreditation, additional demonstrating my dedication to understanding and staying forward of the know-how curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has constantly ranked Mighty Gadget as one of many high know-how blogs within the UK. With my dedication to know-how and drive to share my insights, I goal to proceed offering my readers with partaking and informative content material.