EPOS Impression 500 Hybrid ANC Headset Evaluation

I began a brand new job in IT help a bit over a 12 months in the past, and now I spend a variety of my day taking help calls from shoppers. Up to now 12 months, I’ve reviewed the finances EPOS Impression 100 and the mid-range EPOS Impression 400.

I had beforehand been utilizing an EPOS gaming headset for work, and it labored fairly effectively, however I discovered it wasn’t superb in a busy workplace surroundings. Voice readability was not nearly as good, and the dearth of sidetone meant I used to be a bit shouty when on the cellphone, which I’m certain aggravated my colleagues.

So, for nearly a 12 months, I’ve been utilizing the Impression 400, and it has carried out effectively, even when it isn’t fairly as superior as I’d like.

EPOS has now launched the Impression 500, which is a Bluetooth hybrid ANC headset. I don’t have the official RRP, however on the time of writing, Balilicom had already listed it at £200, with a reduction to £150.

This makes it a extra inexpensive different to the  Impression 1000 sequence, which has an RRP of £258 and is offered for round £230.

Associated Opinions

Options

• BrainAdapt Know-how: Reduces cognitive fatigue and listening effort by enhancing audio readability and reducing background distractions.
• Hybrid Energetic Noise Cancellation (ANC): Minimises background noise throughout calls or when focusing in open workplaces.
• Voice Decide-up and Readability: Twin microphones and EPOS AI-assisted tuning guarantee clear voice transmission whereas filtering undesirable noise.
• Licensed Compatibility: Licensed for Microsoft Groups (together with Open Workplace customary), Zoom, and Google Meet.
• Groups Over Bluetooth Assist: A forthcoming firmware replace will allow native Groups performance by way of Bluetooth without having a dongle.
• Discuss-By Mode: Permits customers to have fast, in-person conversations with out eradicating the headset.
• Busy Gentle Indicator: Single-sided LED to point out availability standing.
• Name Management by way of Growth Arm: Tilt right down to reply and elevate as much as mute calls effortlessly.
• EPOS ActiveGard: Protects customers towards sudden bursts of sound to forestall acoustic shock.
• EPOS EU Noise Limiter: Retains day by day publicity under 85 dB for listening to security.

Connectivity

• Wi-fi Vary: As much as 30 metres (98 ft) utilizing the included BTD 900c USB-C dongle.
• Native Bluetooth: Connects on to laptops, tablets, and smartphones with out a dongle.
• Multi-Level Connection: Helps connection to 2 Bluetooth units concurrently.
• System Pairing: Pairs with as much as eight units for simple switching between workstations.
• Dongle & Adapter: Contains BTD 900c dongle and USB-C to USB-A adapter for common use.
• Microsoft Swift Pair: Permits fast, hassle-free reference to Home windows units by way of Bluetooth.

Audio and Efficiency

• Battery Life: Over 35 hours of energetic speak time per cost.
• Hybrid ANC System: Customized-tuned for open workplace situations to cut back ambient sound.
• Speech Enhancement: Optimised microphone array for pure voice replica.
• EPOS AIT (AI Know-how): Adaptive noise suppression to keep up a balanced voice tone throughout diverse environments.

Design

The Impression 500 mannequin I used to be despatched is the dual-sided mannequin and adopts an analogous design to the Impression 400, however with just a few extra on-ear controls and a wi-fi design.

The increase arm will be rotated 180 levels, permitting you to modify it from left to proper. You possibly can have the arm set to reply the decision when pulled down from a vertical place.

You then have quantity buttons and the ability/dongle/Bluetooth change, and USB-C port on the arm facet.

On the other facet is the ANC button. As I switched this on and off all through the day, I discovered it helpful having it by itself on one facet, because it was simpler to search out once I needed to allow it.

You then get the BTD 900c dongle, which features a USB-C to USB-A adapter. That is pre-paired to the headset, so you should utilize the headset instantly with no pairing or software program wanted.

EPOS App

The EPOS app could be very primary, but it surely means that you can improve the firmware on the headset and tweak just a few settings not on the headset itself.

Some helpful settings embody adjusting the sidetone, disabling talk-through when on a name, the media mode and audio limiter.

Efficiency

The Impression 500 has carried out amazingly effectively whereas I’ve been reviewing it. The wired free design helps tremendously, giving me the flexibleness to maneuver round with out the wire tugging and rise up from my desk with out taking them off.  

Energetic Noise Cancelling

The ANC performance was the standout characteristic for me.  I wrestle with auditory processing, particularly when there may be background noise, and I’m not excellent at understanding individuals with thick accents or a quiet voice.

I’ve discovered the ANC works fairly effectively, however there may be fairly a little bit of distinction between this and shopper in-ear earphones or over-ear headphones.

With the on-ear design of those, they inevitably don’t carry out in addition to earphones that seal the ear canal absolutely.

I additionally discover that these are liable to that uncommon sensation you get from ANC, which feels barely disorienting. I believe that is as a result of design, with ambient noise leaking via.

A part of the issue is as a result of nature of the job, I’m always taking the headset on or off, so it is extremely noticeable when the ANC is enabled.

Nevertheless, the ANC does work effectively, there’s a vital discount in ambient noise, and it makes it simpler to listen to shoppers on the cellphone when different persons are speaking round me, which is crucial for any type of name centre/assist desk/gross sales position.

Name High quality

As at all times with EPOS headsets, and most headsets typically, name high quality is superb.

That being stated, I do discover the Impression 400 name high quality higher; the wired nature permits the audio high quality to stay constantly wonderful, whereas the Impression 500 sometimes has some crackliness to it.

The amount appears to be a lot increased than the Impression 400 and 100, whilst you clearly should be cautious along with your listening to, I discover some finish customers have a really quiet voice or their 3CX system is unusually quiet. With my audio processing points, having the ability to dial up the quantity on this situation is a good assist.

Microphone high quality appears to be wonderful; I don’t discover a major distinction between this and the wired fashions.

One of many essential advantages I discover from a headset designed for workplace use is the built-in sidetone. Listening to my voice again reduces how loud I communicate and, subsequently, makes me much less annoying to my colleagues. I discovered that utilizing the built-in Home windows sidetone had a slight latency, which precipitated extra issues than it solved.

Battery Life

The battery is rated for over 35 hours of energetic speak time per cost, however the product specs will not be clear if that is with ANC on or off.

That may work out at 7 hours a day of energetic speak time so it ought to simply final over a working week per cost.

I’m definitely not speaking 7 hours per day, however I can affirm it simply lasts per week. I’m within the workplace 4 days per week and usually put it on cost once I go away the workplace on Thursdays both each week, or each different week.

All through the week, I exploit ANC on and off relying on the noise ranges on the time.

So, I feel this needs to be greater than sufficient for probably the most demanding of customers.

Value and Different Choices

As beforehand talked about, I don’t have the official RRP but, but it surely seems to be £200, with Ballicom itemizing it at £150.

The EPOS Impression 1060T ANC are effectively value contemplating as they’re accessible for £230, which I don’t suppose is a major value distinction if you find yourself seemingly utilizing these for a lot of hours per day.

In search of headset suggestions on-line the Poly Voyager Focus 2 is usually talked about. It’s accessible from £135 and is a Bluetooth headset (no dongle) with ANC, but it surely has the flat model ear cushions, which inevitably means it should let in considerably extra ambient noise. 

The closest priced Jabra mannequin is the Jabra Evolve2 55 which is analogous to the Poly with the flat earpieces.

Should you did need an over-ear ANC headset, then the Jabra Evolve2 85 appears to be probably the most advisable, however these price £300!

General

Whereas I’ve been pleased with the Impression 400 over the previous 12 months, the Impression 500 have been an enormous improve for me.

I used to be most excited in regards to the ANC, however I’ve discovered I don’t use it as a lot as anticipated. It really works effectively, however in contrast to headphones for media, I discover it’s best switched off till you really need it.

The wi-fi design, excellent battery, and wonderful quantity all make this an enormous improve to the 400 sequence. Name high quality is superb, however not fairly nearly as good as wired fashions.

After engaged on a assist desk for over a 12 months, I can recognize the advantages of investing in an excellent high quality headset. It’s a necessary a part of the job and effectively value spending a bit further for the improved efficiency.

I typically favor the comfortable on-ear cup to the flat, more durable model that competing manufacturers and the Impression 100 have. Subsequently, for me, the Impression 500 is a superior option to the equally priced competing choices.

General, I feel the EPOS Impression 500 is a wonderful headset and I can provide it a powerful advice.

I’m James, a UK-based tech fanatic and the Editor and Proprietor of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Captivated with all issues expertise, my experience spans from computer systems and networking to cellular, wearables, and good dwelling units.

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

In my tutorial pursuits, I earned a BSc in Info Techniques 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 expertise curve.

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