The computer headset, especially since the advent of the pandemic and widespread adoption of remote work policies, has become a staple office tool. Even before the pandemic, many professionals, especially those who spent hours a day making or taking phone calls utilised headsets so they could keep their hands free during calls.
Anatomy of a Computer Headset
Although there may be differences in design and some computer headsets may have unique features, the vast majority of computer headsets have the same basic anatomy – earpieces holding drivers, a band hosting the earpieces together and some form of microphone.
Earpieces
Earpieces fall into three categories – in-ear, on-ear and over-ear. While the names of the different style of earpiece or earcup are self-explanatory, the use and benefits of different styles can influence your buying decisions,
In-Ear: In-Ear headsets feature small drivers – usually 10mm-13mm and fit into the ear canal – think Apple AirPods and the like. In-ear earpieces provide a decent level of passive noise cancellation, so may be good for use in a bust office setting. In-ear headsets aren’t suited for sharing, so may not be a good choice when fitting out an office with equipment.
On-Ear: The earpieces of on-ear computer headsets sit directly on the ear and feature larger drivers than their in-ear counterparts. Drivers in over-ear headsets are typically between 20mm and 40mm but commonly err on the smaller side
On-ear computer headsets offer decent noise seclusion, but depending on the fit may suffer some noise bleed, potentially annoying work neighbours. Some users may also find on-ear headsets to be uncomfortable – especially those that wear glasses as the earcups may push the ear into the arms of the glasses.
Over-Ear: Over-ear computer headsets feature the biggest drivers and have large earcups that encompass the entire ear. As such they provide excellent passive sound exclusion. Many people find over-ear computer headsets to be the most comfortable overall, but they can lead to a hot and sweaty head.
Drivers
Drivers are the speakers that sit in headsets and headphones. Computer headsets employ diverse driver sizes, each offering distinct acoustic properties.
In-ear headsets often feature smaller drivers, around 7-15mm, which excel in portability due to their compact size. However, their limited dimensions can limit the reproduction of deep bass frequencies and may not achieve the same level of sound quality as larger counterparts.
The lack of bass performance typically isn’t a problem in office settings as voice chat and telephone calls rarely require a large bass presence. The small size of the drivers also limits maximum volume. While this is offset by the driver’s proximity to the eardrum, people who speak quietly may be hard to hear.
On-ear and over-ear computer headsets accommodate larger drivers, typically ranging from 30-50mm, which enable enhanced bass response and overall sound quality. Their size allows greater air movement, resulting in more impactful low frequencies. While this extra bass may not be especially impactful when it comes to voice chat, it does make on-ear and over-ear headphones better suited for listening to music between calls and meetings.
The choice of driver size hinges on factors like portability, desired sound quality, and the intended use of the headset. As a rule, on-ear and over ear headsets offer better sound quality and broader use than in-ear headsets.
Microphones
All computer headsets feature some form of microphone, but not all microphones are made equally. Some styles of headset mic offer convenience, but the accuracy and sound quality is lacking, while others may feature a level of sound quality at odds with the job at hand. The most common forms of headset microphone include:
Line Mic: A line microphone is a small, inconspicuous mic positioned along the headband or cord of the headset. While line mics are subtle in appearance, they are less effective at capturing clear audio compared to other types. Line mics are often used in basic headsets for voice communication.
Boom Mic: A boom microphone features a flexible arm that extends toward the mouth. Boom mics offers superior sound quality and are commonly used in professional applications like call centres or online meetings.
Voice Tube: A voice tube microphone uses a short, rigid tube near the mouth, capturing sound via vibrations. A voice tube is a simple design that can keep the price of a headset down but may pick up more ambient noise compared to boom mics.
Sound Tube: Similar to voice tubes, sound tube microphones use tubes to capture sound but are more flexible. Sound tubes provide better audio quality than voice tubes but still have some susceptibility to background noise.
Condenser Microphone: Condenser mics are known for their high sensitivity and clarity. They are often used in professional headsets, especially in studio settings, due to their ability to capture detailed sound.
Cardioid Microphone: A cardioid microphone features a directional pickup pattern, primarily capturing sound from the front and reducing noise from the sides and rear. This design is ideal for isolating the user’s voice while minimising ambient noise, making it common in professional headsets for voice recording and broadcasting.
Monaural Headsets VS Binaural Computer Headsets
Monaural and binaural computer headsets differ primarily in the number of earpieces they have, and their applications.
Monaural computer headsets consist of a single earpiece, leaving one ear uncovered, typically used in call centres and office environments. Monaural headsets allow users to support situational awareness by allowing one ear to remain open, helping communication with colleagues and awareness of their surroundings.
Monaural headsets are comfortable for prolonged use, and they often come with a boom microphone for clear voice communication. However, they may not provide as immersive sound quality for tasks requiring audio precision or full stereo sound.
Binaural computer headsets, on the other hand, incorporate two earpieces, covering both ears. They are commonly used in environments where audio immersion is crucial, such as video chat or multimedia editing.
Binaural computer headsets offer superior sound quality and noise isolation, enhancing concentration, but can reduce awareness of external sounds, making them less suitable for multitasking or when environmental awareness is essential.
Choosing the Best Headset for the Job
Selecting the proper headset for different jobs requires an understanding of the specific needs and preferences of each role. The following are some general guidelines on how to choose the right headset for your needs:
Call Center Representative or Salesperson
Recommended Headset: A comfortable, on or over-ear noise-cancelling, binaural headset with a flexible boom microphone.
Why: Call centre representatives and salespeople often deal with high call volumes and require clear audio and noise isolation to ensure effective communication, especially in a busy office environment.
Office Manager
Recommended Headset: A lightweight, monaural headset with noise-cancelling mic.
Why: Office managers need to stay aware of their surroundings while handling tasks and calls.
Content Creator
Recommended Headset: A over ear binaural headset with a high-quality condenser microphone.
Why: Content creators require top-notch audio quality for recording videos, podcasts, or conducting remote interviews. A condenser microphone provides professional-grade sound for recording.
Data Analyst
Recommended Headset: A comfortable, over-ear or on-ear headset that can endure extended usage.
Why: Data analysts spend significant time in front of a computer, so comfort is paramount. Durability ensures the headset can withstand long working hours.
Remote Workers
Recommended Headset: A wireless headset with noise-cancelling microphone.
Why: Remote workers require flexibility for varying work environments and the ability to ensure crystal-clear remote communication. Wireless headsets offer mobility, while noise cancellation supports professional conversations.
When looking for a headset, it’s vital that before making any decisions the job the headset will be used for, as well as variables such as how long the headset will be worn per day and how noisy the office is are considered. In the long run it’s better to spend the money on the right tool for a job than compromise and run into problems down the line.
