EPOS Impact 500 Hybrid ANC Headset Review

I began a brand new job in IT assist a bit over a yr in the past, and now I spend a variety of my day taking assist calls from shoppers. Prior to now yr, I’ve reviewed the funds EPOS Influence 100 and the mid-range EPOS Influence 400.

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

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

EPOS has now launched the Influence 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  Influence 1000 sequence, which has an RRP of £258 and is out there for round £230.

Associated Opinions

Options

• BrainAdapt Know-how: Reduces cognitive fatigue and listening effort by enhancing audio readability and decreasing background distractions.
• Hybrid Energetic Noise Cancellation (ANC): Minimises background noise throughout calls or when focusing in open workplaces.
• Voice Choose-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 normal), Zoom, and Google Meet.
• Groups Over Bluetooth Help: A forthcoming firmware replace will allow native Groups performance through Bluetooth while not having a dongle.
• Discuss-By way of 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 through Increase Arm: Tilt all the way down to reply and elevate as much as mute calls effortlessly.
• EPOS ActiveGard: Protects customers in opposition to sudden bursts of sound to stop acoustic shock.
• EPOS EU Noise Limiter: Retains day by day publicity beneath 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 and not using 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: Allows speedy, hassle-free reference to Home windows units through Bluetooth.

Audio and Efficiency

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

Design

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

The growth arm might 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 facility/dongle/Bluetooth swap, and USB-C port on the arm facet.

On the alternative 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 seek out after I wished 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 embrace adjusting the sidetone, disabling talk-through when on a name, the media mode and audio limiter.

Efficiency

The Influence 500 has carried out amazingly effectively whereas I’ve been reviewing it. The wired free design helps tremendously, giving me the pliability to maneuver round with out the wire tugging and stand 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’s background noise, and I’m not superb at understanding individuals with thick accents or a quiet voice.

I’ve discovered the ANC works fairly effectively, however there’s 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 totally.

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 by way of.

A part of the issue is as a result of nature of the job, I’m consistently 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 important for any type of name centre/assist desk/gross sales function.

Name High quality

As all the time with EPOS headsets, and most headsets basically, name high quality is great.

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

The amount appears to be a lot greater than the Influence 400 and 100, when you clearly have to 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, with the ability to dial up the amount on this state of affairs is a superb assist.

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

One of many primary advantages I discover from a headset designed for workplace use is the built-in sidetone. Listening to my voice again reduces how loud I converse 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 brought about extra issues than it solved.

Battery Life

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

That may work out at 7 hours a day of energetic discuss 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 every week. I’m within the workplace 4 days every week and usually put it on cost after I depart the workplace on Thursdays both each week, or each different week.

All through the week, I take advantage of ANC on and off relying on the noise ranges on the time.

So, I believe this ought to be greater than satisfactory for probably the most demanding of customers.

Worth 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 Influence 1060T ANC are effectively price contemplating as they’re out there for £230, which I don’t suppose is a big worth distinction when you find yourself doubtless utilizing these for a lot of hours per day.

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

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

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

Total

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

I used to be most excited concerning the ANC, however I’ve discovered I don’t use it as a lot as anticipated. It really works effectively, however not like 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 great, however not fairly nearly as good as wired fashions.

After engaged on a assist desk for over a yr, I can recognize the advantages of investing in a very good high quality headset. It’s a vital a part of the job and effectively price spending a bit further for the improved efficiency.

I usually want the smooth on-ear cup to the flat, more durable model that competing manufacturers and the Influence 100 have. Due to this fact, for me, the Influence 500 is a superior option to the equally priced competing choices.

Total, I believe the EPOS Influence 500 is a wonderful headset and I can provide it a robust 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 cell, wearables, and good house units.

As a health fanatic who loves working 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 various pursuits enable me to deliver a novel perspective to tech running a blog, merging life-style, health, and the most recent tech developments.

In my tutorial pursuits, I earned a BSc in Data Programs 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 high expertise blogs within the UK. With my dedication to expertise and drive to share my insights, I purpose to proceed offering my readers with participating and informative content material.