The Sennheiser SC 45 USB MS is the German multi-national’s latest wired USB headset certified by Skype for Business and designed to improve agent mobility.
As the brand’s latest offering in its SC headset series, Sennheiser claim their new USB single-sided, wired headset provides excellent support for remote workers, offers maximum comfort and voice clarity and maximised the potential of a business’s UC platform – but how much truth is there in these claims?
In order to find out, we’ve decided to do a review on the product and test how well it lives up to Sennheiser’s sterling reputation as one of the world’s leading producers of high quality audio equipment.
How does it look?
The first thing we noticed about the SC 45 was its plush leatherette padding around the headphone speakers for added comfort and style. Though agents can choose to use the foam pads instead, we feel the leatherette padding really makes the SC 45 stand out and almost looks like the kind of headphones you would see attached to a home stereo system.
For added flexibility and comfort, the SC 45 also features a bendable boom arm which enables the user to place the microphone in a position that is most comfortable for them and matches the shape of their face.
What can it do?
Thanks to its dual connectivity feature that provides both a USB plug and a 3.5mm jack, the SC 45 is the perfect mobile solution that can be used on desktop, laptop, and tablet. Ideal for businesses that are looking for tools that add mobility and help users get the most from their UC applications across all available platforms.
As well as this, the headphones also have an ergonomic in-line control unit attached to the wiring for fast access to a number of call features so the agent can answer/end calls, control volume mute the make and redial the last number all at the click of a button.
As a true plug and play solution that requires zero installation and works simply by plugging it into whichever device is being used to access the business’s unified communications app, the SC 45 delivers superior sound quality and maximum comfort without any of the hassle.
For workers on the go, it can sometimes be difficult to avoid disturbances during a call when it’s being made from noisy cafes, next to busy roads or on public transport. Thankfully, with its noise cancelling microphone feature, the SC 45 successful manages to block out unwanted noises and ensures the call continues without disruption.
Tech Specs
- Colour – Black
- Wearing Style – Headband
- Frequency response (Microphone) – Wideband: 150Hz – 6,800 Hz
- Frequency response (Headphones) – 60 Hz – 16,000 KHz
- Microphone – Noise Cancelling
- Sound pressure level (SPL) – Max. 113 dB limited by ActiveGard® on USB interface
- 118 dB limited by ActiveGard® on 3.5 mm jack interface
- Cable Length – Headset cable length: 1.12 m / 3.67 ft (from headset to 3.5 mm jack), USB cable length: 1.38 m / 4.53 ft (from call control unit to USB plug), Cable length in total: 2.5 m / 8.20 ft (from headset with 3.5 mm jack + detachable USB cable)
- Weight – 102g/3.6oz
- Speaker Type – Neodymium Magnet Speaker
What did we like most?
As a headset that is recommended by Skype for Business and designed to add mobility and flexibility for remote working agents, we felt that the dual connectivity feature was a brilliant addition that gives users the freedom to use the microphone on all of their devices.
Who is it for?
Again, we believe this headset was predominantly designed for enhancing mobility and providing support for businesses that employ remote workers, but it’s versatility and support for UC platform integrated devices both on and off-site means it’s just as beneficial to office workers, too.
UC Today Opinion
After testing the product in various environments outside of the office, we can confirm that the SC 45 lives up to its word and all calls made came out clearly without disruption. Moreover, the fingertip call features were incredibly useful and gave us much more control over our calls when made from handheld devices and smartphones.
Have you tried the Sennheiser SC 45 USB MS? Do you feel it warrants the praise it received from Skype for Business (and us)? Are there and features in particular that you think make this headset stand out from the rest? If you have any opinions, we’d love to hear about them so please feel free to submit your comments to the section below.
