The Product
The Plantronics DSP-500 is an all-in-one audio solution for your computer.
Unlike conventional headphones that plug into the back of your soundcard,
the DSP-500 is a soundcard and headphones all wrapped in one, not
requiring you to have a soundcard already in your system to use it.
In fact, all you need is an open USB port and a supported operating
system and your ready to go.
Let me explain in a little greater detail. With your average PC system
you would have a microphone/headphone set attached to a soundcard
via the headphone/mic jacks. The soundcard is then connected to the
motherboard via a PCI slot. Well, the DSP-500 takes all of this and
wraps it up into one. The DSP-500 works by attaching in all essence
a DSP or "soundcard" to your computer via the USB interface.
From the DSP is attached the headphones and mic just like with a normal
setup. Instead though it is all outside of the box and has been compacted
for easy transportation and setup. If you are more graphically oriented,
please refer to the "Up Close" section above.
Besides the integrated DSP, the DSP-500 also features a very interesting
feature. The included software features and equalizer with built
in filters for controlling the sound coming in and out of the DSP-500.
Unlike with some soundcards which require software to be loaded
to apply these equalizer filters, the DSP-500 stores whatever built-in
filter you apply to it in non-volatile RAM stored within the headset.
This is a great feature for mobility purposes, allowing you to store
your personalized settings.
The DSP-500 also features a USB powered inline volume and mute
control. The volume settings are also stored in non-volatile memory
for convenience.
The Software
Included with the DPS-500 is the Plantronics Persono Software. This
little program provides the DSP-500 with a point of control for its
features. It allows you to select between the several built-in equalizer
settings for the headphones and mic. Control over treble, bass, as
well as balance is also provided through the software. All changes
made through the software are stored within the headphones for portability.
