GN 9350 DECT 6.0 headset does PC, VoIP, and regular phone handsets

September 1, 2006
GN Netcom's GN 9350 DECT 6.0 headset is one of the most versatile headsets I have ever reviewed. When GN Netcom told me they had a new headset that did both PC audio and Phone audio, while leveraging the range and interference-free characteristics of the DECT 6.0 standard, I just had to review this headset. (Note: DECT 6.0 operates at 1.9Ghz so it is less apt to have interference from WiFi 2.4Ghz signals) With the GN 9350 you can get your Skype on, your iTunes on, and your phone on, all using one wireless headset. Sweet!smile

Comparatively speaking, the GN 9350 is similar in functionality to the Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth headset, which I reviewed here. Both support VoIP, both can use any PC audio application, both use USB, and both are wireless. However, the similarities stop there, since the Voyager 510 uses Bluetooth and the GN 9350 uses DECT 6.0 for wireless connectivity. The advantage of the Bluetooth wireless spec is that you can use the same headset both on your PC (using the Bluetooth USB dongle) and your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. The GN 9350 wasn't designed for mobile phones, but rather for traditional enterprise desktop phones, which the Voyager 510 cannot connect to. Thus, these products target a slightly different target audience. Although, I should mention that Plantronics has a higher-end model of the Voyager 510 called the Voyager 510S, which supports mobile phones, desktop phones, and PC audio (VoIP) using Bluetooth.

Here's a picture of the higher-end Plantronics Voyager 510s:
Plantronics Voyager 510S

One advantage of the DECT 6.0 spec over using Bluetooth is range. When I tested the Bluetooth-enabled Plantronics Voyager 510, the audio started to get choppy just 15 feet away. On the other hand the DECT-enabled GN 9350 worked flawlessly with no choppiness even 250 feet away. GN Netcom claims 300 feet of range for the GN 9350.

Installation
Installing the GN 9350 was a breeze. You simply connect the phone wire to one of its ports, the handset cord to the other RJ11 port. I will say that connecting the phone connectors was a bit tricky because the ports are recessed about 1/2 inch in with a lip that hangs over and a tiny opening, making it difficult to get your fingers inside to clip the phone clips. I basically had to hold the wires from the outside and gingerly aim the RJ11 clips into the female ports - I felt like I was defusing a bomb like the injured "Cappy" in the scene from Executive Decision. It was then that I realized that the cover on top is actually removable making it easy to make the connections. Silly me. Under the cover I was surprised to discover an LCD display and a 4-way thumbpad allowing you to customize various features, including volume, bass/treble/normal, hookswitch selection, range/power selection, and finally protection level, which protects against sudden spikes in volume. There is also a switch for choosing which type of phone system you have. In any event, after hooking up the phone wires and playing with the LCD settings, I then hooked up the AC adaptor and the USB connector and was good to go.

GN Netcom 9350 front view

Base Unit Features
On the front of the base unit are 2 buttons for switching from PC to phone and 7 LEDs. One LED indicates when the headset is charging on its base (flashing) or when the headset is in use (solid). Another LED, red in color indicates when you have the headset muted. Another LED indicates USB connectivity, another for power, and 2 blue LEDs indicate whether you are in PC or Phone mode.

Headset Features
The headset is very flexible in it's wearing styles. You can wear it headband wearing style, neckband wearing style (wraps behind your head), as well as "over the ear" wearing style. features automatic volume adjustment that sets the volume on all calls (phone or VoIP) unless you set the auto-volume protection to level 0. The headset also features noise reduction which can remove background noise from your environment.

The headset features a noise-cancelling boom mic, a charging port, and a three-way switch on the end that performs volume up/down, as well as mute when you press it in. On the outside of the headset is a blue LED that blinks when in use and is off when not in use.

In addition, your headset can also be used with DECT cordless phones, which are GAP (Generic Access Profile) compatible. You simply have to pair the headset with the cordless phone's base station by pressing the headset's talk and mute buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds after entering the cordless telephone's GAP mode. Relatedly, the headset supports a multi-unit conferencing capability. Simply start a call, then place a 2nd headset on the base unit for 2 seconds. Then remove the headset and this headset will be conferenced into the call. You can repeat for any additional 2 headsets for a total of 4 headsets in the call.

Here's an interesting feature - emergency dialing via VoIP. The base unit supports "speed dialing" emergency services using your VoIP application (softphone) simply by pressing the PC mode button and the Phone mode button simultaneously for 5 seconds. This is useful for when your workstation is locked and you're trying to shave off some seconds. Of course, I can type my password in less than 5 seconds as I'm sure most people can, but perhaps the emergency is that you injured your hand - which would make it a little difficult to do the three-fingered-salute (Ctrl-Alt-Del) to log on.

Testing
The voice quality was excellent and I was very impressed with the ~250ft range before the audio started to cut out. Overall, I was pleased with the sound quality, range, and the ability to switch from streaming music (PC) to an incoming call (Phone). If your phone is supported, you'll even hear a beep in the headset letting you know of an incoming call. If you have the optional handset lifter, it can even lift the handset so you can take the call without being at your desk. The unit also supports EHS (electronic hookswitch) to automatically answer a call, which does not require the handset lifter. Only certain phones support EHS. You can go to www.gnnetcom.co.uk/UK/EN/EHS-setup.htm to see if your phone is listed.

Unfortunately, when you set the base unit to default to the “phone”, it appears that you can't toggle from music to phone and then back to music using the headset button. You can only go from music to phone. So for example, say you are away from your desk, listening to streaming radio, and then an incoming call comes in. You click the headset’s button to switch to the phone connection, which uses the remote handset lifter to answer the call. You talk for a bit, you end the call and then wish to return back to the PC’s streaming audio. You can’t do this remotely. You have to press the button on the base unit in order to switch back to the PC audio. 

Similarly, when you set base unit to default to “PC” audio, on an incoming call, you cannot switch to the “Phone” using just the headset. You have to be physically at the base station and press the phone button.

Not a big deal, since in most cases you will be near your PC & phone (and therefore the base unit). Nevertheless, wireless headsets do add some nice office mobility, so  it would be nice if you could hold the headset button for say 3 seconds and it would toggle to the opposite (PC or phone) connection. Perhaps this is a simple firmware or software upgrade. I'll contact my sources at GN Netcom and see if its possible.

I found it a bit of a pain to put the headset back on the base unit to charge it. If you are slightly off, the charging prong hits the plastic on the headset and won't insert all the way down. I had to wiggle the headset a bit to get it to dock. However, with a little practive, I was able to get it docked on the first try about 80% of the time.

Beeping and blinking... Beeping and blinking (William Shatner - Airplane!)
When simply using the headset to listen to PC audio (music) I found that the mic picks up sounds and plays it back over the earpiece. For example, if listening to music, with the mic unmuted and you hit the mic boom with your hand, it picks up the sound and plays it over the ear piece. Or if I simply turn my head and the mic hits my cheek, it will pick this sound up. I was able to mute the mic, but then it beeps every 10 seconds which is annoying.

Beeping is a great reminder when using the phone feature – so you don’t accidentally forget you are muted, but when in PC mode, unless using a VoIP software all the time (requires the mic is unmuted), I prefer that the microphone be muted with no beeping.

Pros:

Cons
Conclusion
Even with the beeping issue and the toggling issue, overall, I was very pleased with GN Netcom's GN 9350. It is now my office headset of choice due to it's excellent range and very good feature-set. This multi-purpose headset is great for the office since you can be working, listing to streaming music (without distracting fellow employees) and then switch instantly to phone mode on an incoming call. Having all these features, range, and sound quality will set you back $349 MSRP. However, I checked Amazon and I see the GN 9350 listed on Amazon for $230.

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» GN Netcom's 9350 DECT 6.0 Headset Reviewed (Verdict: Clear and Versatile) from Gizmodo
The GN Netcom 9350 DECT Headset uses DECT, which operates at 1.9GHz, to provide range and quality not found on Bluetooth or other 2.4GHz headsets. Because it's on 1.9GHz, it doesn't interfere with your headsets, your WiFi, or your various... [More]

Tracked on September 1, 2006 5:57 PM

Comments to GN 9350 DECT 6.0 headset does PC, VoIP, and regular phone handsets


  1. headsets :
    September 6, 2006 6:42 PM

    You didn't mention the GN Netcom 1000 lifter. It's a "must" for the GN 9350 wireless headset. If you haven't tried it, you should... Give me a call, I can send you one to try.

    650-306-9768
    www.Headsetplus.com


  1. Tom Keating[TypeKey Profile Page] :
    September 7, 2006 12:30 PM

    >>You didn't mention the GN Netcom 1000 lifter.

    Actually I did mention it: "If you have the optional handset lifter, it can even lift the handset so you can take the call without being at your desk."

    But I didn't give the model #. Well, know users have it if they read the comments section.smile

    Sure, would love to try the remote handset lifter. I can probably get one directly from GN Netcom though.


  1. headset :
    September 7, 2006 1:01 PM

    Hi Tom,

    I guess I must have missed that sentence. I'm surprised that GN Netcom didn't send you the GN 1000 lifter along with the GN 9350.

    Let us know if you can't get a GN Netcom 1000 from GN Netcom, we'll send one out to you.

    www.headsetplus.com


  1. Jon :
    September 8, 2006 12:56 AM

    Very nice review.

    I was glad to hear about the GAP compatibility with cordless phones. Did you have a chance to use this?

    I am not sure exactly how this works. Would it replace the need for the remote lifter?

    Thanks


  1. Randy :
    October 17, 2006 1:41 PM

    Great review, thanks!

    I bought it and it does exactly what I need, but I have a question for you and others who may be using one.

    GN Netcom advertises this as having a noise-cancelling microphone, but that feature does not appear to work when in VOIP mode. I have been using a GN Netcom 9210 for a couple of years and people on the other end of phone conversations never heard any desk sounds, chair squeaks, moving around, etc. With the 9350 over Skype, every little sound is transmitted. Seems to be less of an issue in telephone mode.

    Do I just have a defective unit? Or do yours do the same thing in VOIP mode?


  1. Osama Khair :
    June 24, 2007 5:42 PM

    ineed to buy 17 call center headsets


  1. mike :
    July 25, 2007 10:21 AM

    Nice review! I am demoing this unit and it works great except for one issue. I was hoping that I could also use it as a microphone for my PC and have my voice come out through the PC speakers. Right now all I can get it to do is record my voice, but I cannot get it to output the audio from the MIC to the PC speakers. Instead I can hear myself in the earpeice as you stated in your review. Anyone have any suggestions?


  1. Hannele :
    January 14, 2008 12:01 AM

    I am looking for a reasonably priced cordless telephone with electronic hookswitch capability to use with the GN9350 and have not found one in North America. Is anyone aware of what phones are compatible with the cordless headset that utiilize the EHS?


  1. Jeremy Epstein :
    January 25, 2008 12:17 PM

    sorry for the question, but wasn't clear from your post....

    1. can i pair the 9350 with my bluetooth cell phone?

    2. also, if i have a home office w/a standard phone, will i be able to use the 9350 to answer those calls?

    Thanks


  1. Lonnie :
    March 6, 2008 2:50 PM

    Jon - The lifter is only necessary for corded phones that aren't EHS compatible(yet), and a GAP compatible cordless phone is the only type of cordless phone the headset will work with.

    Randy- If you transmit(tx) for the headset is just right for telephone calls and only too loud when using with the computer, you may need to adjust the tx volume in your computer to balance things out.

    Mic - To use the only the mic portion of the headset with your computer, you will need to go into your Sounds and Audio Device properties and adjust only the sound playback default device to your soundcard. The audio for your computer should start going through your speakers again.

    Hannele - Currently the majority of US phones don't work with EHS, even though the headset is compatible. Some specific models of Cisco IP, Avaya, occasionally Toshiba, and soon Polycom IP support EHS. For other phones you would need a GN1000 to do remote answering.

    Jeremy - No, you can't pair the GN9350 with your cell phone, it isn't bluetooth. You can, however, use the headset with most standard corded phones, excluding princess and slimline phones as well as a few specific brands.


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