Plantronics/Poly Savi 8220 Office ANC Wireless Headset

Plantronics/Poly Savi 8220 Office ANC Wireless Headset

The Poly Savi 8200 Office series are designed to work with desk phone, computer and mobile phone and it’s simple to switch between devices. This model is a headband style with 2 earcups and Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to help the user block our distractions around them. Do note however that the ‘mobile phone’ aspect is only in the office as the Bluetooth connection is from the base unit of the headset to your mobile. This means you’ll just leave your mobile on the desk so it remains paired to the base.

The most exciting aspect of the 8220 models is the Active Noise Cancelling. We all know that open plan offices are great for collaboration & team spirit but dang they can be noisy! This makes it difficult to concentrate and focus on detailed jobs, causing frustration, tension & reducing productivity.

The gang at Simply are asked every day for a headset to block out noisy colleagues / environments but until now there has not been a single headset to work with a desk phone that offers the capacity to block out background noise for the user (there are a handful for mobile and PC, just not desk phone). This isn’t just about covering your ears, the clever tech in the Savi 8220 senses the external environment and counteracts that with an inaudible noise delivered to your ears. Its the same kind of technology in high end headphones that people often get to block out airplane noise and can be turned on & off as required. To what degree this unit blocks out noise, we do not know. Plantronics/Poly have not (as yet) published any stats on this but when we get out hot little hands on a unit we will test it out and give you our expert opinion.

As with all wireless headsets you will need an accessory to answer calls from the desk phone when out of reach. We know, it seems crazy that even such a sophisticated headset as this can’t perform this apparently simple task but there are so many different phones all with different requirements that this functionality just can’t be built into the headset. We call it a RAD (remote answering device). It could be a standard handset lifter or a special ‘electronic hook switch’ (EHS) cable that runs from the base unit to the telephone – it all depends on which make and model phone you have. If your phone has a USB headset port you may not need this but at time of writing, those phones are as rare as hens’ teeth and you could have a different ANC headset for that anyway.

If you are using Skype for Business or Teams check out the which is certified for use with these apps

So let’s start by reviewing…

The Good

The Plantronics/Poly Savi 8200s offer excellent talk time for even the most dedicated workaholic – up to 13 hours. Do bear in mind that this will diminish according to several factors eg distance from the base, level of sound quality selected etc. You can set the headset to automatically use less power when it’s close to the base unit. The standby time is estimated at a whopping 50 hours

Range is a magnificent 180m, but please note that’s a line of sight range. As with all headsets, this is diminished by interference from other devices, walls, and other objects between your headset and its base unt. In a typical office, Plantronics/Poly estimate 55m as the average range.

As with all modern wireless headsets, this Savi has a noise cancelling microphone so your caller doesn’t hear noisy colleagues. Whilst it doesn’t advertise itself as ULTRA noise cancelling like the Sennheiser DW Pro and SDW series, the noise cancelling in the mic can be customers for ‘close conversation limiting’ to block our that loud conversation near you. Of course for YOUR protection Plantronics’ Soundguard Digital ensures protects against sound levels above 118dBA; has Australian standard G616 anti-startle (during calls) detects and eliminates any large sudden increase in signal level; Time-weighted average prevents average daily noise exposure from exceeding 85dBA* *Requires Plantronics/Poly Hub software to enable SoundGuard DIGITAL features.

Increased DECT security and stronger connections: The new 8200s use DECT 6.0 with the latest standards in security. Also Bluetooth 4.2 for the best current (as at September 2018) BT quality and range. If your phone has an earlier Bluetooth version it will still work with this headset.

The one touch controls for call answer/end, vol +/-, mute are the same no matter whether you’re on your desk phone, your computer or your mobile phone. This is easy and makes switching between different applications a breeze. Just a note here on RADs (remember we spoke about answering calls away from your desk earlier on?) Having a RAD means you don’t have to think where the call is coming from, then turn on the headset, then locate that device then answer it, no matter what channel a call is coming from , you just have to press a button on the headset to answer. Please, trust us – we’ve been doing this for ages – the people who are happiest with their headsets are those that have a remote answering device.

You’ll want to download the Plantronics/Poly Hub software for this Savi to get the most out of it. Additionally, when used with Plantronics/Poly Manager Pro, your IT manager can control mass software updates, track usage of the headset and much more.

The techie stuff for our beloved headset nerds: Audio Profile: Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP); AVRCP; Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP); Bluetooth Headset Profile. (HSP). Codecs: G726, G722, Broadvoice32, OPUS/CELT 16kS, OPUS/CELT 48kS. Receive frequecy response: Fullband stereo media audio 20 Hz-20 kHz; Wideband stereo telephony 100 Hz-6.8 kHz. Microphone frequency response: Wideband: 100 Hz–6.8 kHz. Phew! thank goodness that’s all done with!

Other stuff we thought was nifty:

• You can conference up to 3 additional Savi headsets onto one base unit. Great for conference calls or training.
• Conference two of your three devices together— PC to desk phone or mobile to PC.
• The base unit rings – very useful for calls via your PC. 3 volume settings low, medium or loud.
• Mute status notification – The headset senses if you’re speaking when you’ve muted the headsets & reminds you.

The Not-So-Good

If you’re looking at this headset, its most likely because you’re interested in the Active Noise Cancelling aspect. This is only available on the 8220 models (ie those with 2 earcups) for obvious reasons. If you only want to use this headset with a desk phone you’re paying more for connections to devices you don’t need but, at the moment at least, this is your only ANC option. That said you are at least future-proofed and ready for anything the next wave of technology throws at you. There are other headsets with more whizz bang features, but at the moment this is the one & only option compatible with a desk phone that has ANC.

The Verdict

If you want a headset to work with your phone that actively works to block out background noise and help you focus, you have found it!

Other Headsets You Should Consider Before Buying

If Active noise cancelling isn’t that important to you, other headsets such as the has more features than the 8200s and the offers an Ultra Noise cancelling microphone if you want to protect your callers from the background noise rather than yourself!

If you do want Active Noise Cancelling but don’t have a desk phone(or have a snazzy desk phone with USB headset port), the Jabra Evolve 75 and 75e are proving very popular. The Plantronics/Poly B825 Voyager Focus is also a winner. If its more for music than calls, the Sennheiser MB 660 UC is the best noise cancelling of all (in our humble opinion)

Specifications
SKU	8D3J2AA
Manufacturer	Plantronics/Poly
Product Type	Computer Wireless, Office Bluetooth, Office Wireless
Standby Time	50 hours
Wireless Technology	Voice dedicated DECT
Talk Time	Up to 13 hrs
Warranty	2 Year (Direct with Manufacturers)
Wearing Style	Over the head (two ears)
Connection Type	Base unit Bluetooth, Base unit to phone RJ (handset/headset port), USB
Software Compatabilty	Apple, Dragon Naturally Speaking, MacSpeech, Skype, Unified Communications, Voice Recognition Software, Windows, MS Teams Compatible, Zoom Compatible
Ear Cushion Material	Leatherette
Speaker Frequency Response	Fullband stereo media audio 20 Hz-20 kHz; Wideband stereo telephony 100 Hz-6.8 kHz
Mic Frequency Response	Wideband: 100 Hz–6.8 kHz
Headset Weight	160g
Coverage Range	Bluetooth Range, Wireless Range
Charge Time	3 hours for full charge (from flat)
Coverage Range [Bluetooth]	5-20m (base unit to mobile phone, depends on mobile)
Conference Additonal Headsets	3
Coverage Range [Wireless]	Max 180m, Most offices 55m
Best Use	Noisy Office, Very Noisy Office
Application	Desk Phone + Computer + Mobile Phone (inside only)
Audio Qualities	Active Noise Cancelling ANC, Enhanced (DSP) Digital Sound Processing, Hi-Fi stereo output, Noise cancelling mic, Noise protection, Soundguard Digital, Stereo sound, Wideband Audio, Wideband mic
This product is featured in	, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Features

• Manage your PC, mobile and desk phone calls with a single premium headset
• Filter out background noise with active noise canceling (ANC) (Savi 8220)
• Listen to music and media in enterprise‐quality DECT audio
• DECT Security certified
• Enjoy wireless freedom with long‐range DECT roaming
• Conference in a total of four Savi headsets
• Ringer conveniently located in the base, with volume controls (off, low, medium, high)
• Voices sound more natural, thanks to enhanced digital signal processing (DSP)
• Use one‐touch call answer/end, volume up/down and mute across devices
• Voice‐dedicated DECT technology eliminates Wi‐Fi interference
• Enjoy up to 13 hours talk time on a single charge
• Energy‐efficient adaptive power system delivers longer talk and standby times
• Automatically subscribe a new headset to a base simply by docking it
• Enhanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) provides more natural voice sounds
• Recognize headset is charging by the headset docking confirmation tone
• Enhanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) provides more natural voice sounds
• Hear voice prompts for mute status, out‐of‐range and more
• Transfer audio between headset and mobile phone with the press of a button
• Backed by Plantronics industry‐leading global service and support
• Desk phone integration requires handset lifter (HL10) or electronic hook switch module (EHS), available separately

Manufacturers Description

One headset for all your devices
Today’s enterprise and contact center professionals work across a range of devices – from PC to mobile to desk phone. The Savi 8200 Series headset system makes call management effortless with three-way connectivity that lets you switch seamlessly between all of them. Conference two of your three devices to collaborate with colleagues or connect up to four Savi 8200 Series headsets for training or call resolution.

The sound of excellence
Savi 8200 Series delivers enterprise-grade DECT audio for a premium listening experience in two headset styles – stereo (Savi 8220) and mono (Savi 8210). Savi 8220 delivers hi-fi stereo sound, whether you’re calling customers or colleagues or listening to music. And active noise canceling (ANC) blocks out background noise so you can always stay focused on what’s important. Savi 8210 is ideal when you need to be dialed into calls but also hear what’s going on around you. Whichever model you choose, you’ll sound your best even in noisy environments. For the most sensitive environments, you can turn up noise canceling with the close conversation limiting feature (configurable in Plantronics Hub) for additional privacy

Connect and communicate more effectively
The Savi 8200 Series headset system helps you achieve peak performance and productivity with a range of communication features. Enterprise-grade DECT audio allows you to roam or multi-task up to 590 ft/180 m** from your PC. One-touch controls – such as call answer/end, volume up/down and mute – let you manage calls from any connected device within roaming range. Convenient voice prompts notify you of mute status, roaming range limit, and more. And with up to 13 hours of talk time on a single charge, Savi 8200 Series headsets are ready to work whenever you are.

Customize your experience
Choose the settings to customize your headset with Plantronics Hub for mobile (iPhone and Android) and Plantronics Hub for desktop. Check remaining talk time and select your language preference, feature settings, call and mute notifications. Keep your device up-to-date with Plantronics Hub over-the-air firmware updates.

Seamless IT Management
Savi 8200 is supported by Plantronics Manager Pro, a Software-as-a-Service that is sold separately. Use Plantronics Manager Pro to manage headset inventory, monitor usage and maintain devices. With actionable insights from Plantronics Manager Pro, IT can improve business processes, employee performance and compliance.

DECT security certified
Advanced Dect wireless security. Using the latest standards in DECT wireless security, Savi 8200 series headsets keep conversations safe and secure. With eight discreet security measures, including authentication, subscription verification and encryption, confidential information remains private and secure.