Logitech H650e Headset Review

The Logitech USB Headset 650e "corded" stereo headset is the sister to the H820e "wireless" headset I recently reviewed. Both models target unified communications (UC) with some call control functions like mute and answer call. Like the H820e, the H650e sports a call indicator LED to let co-workers know you're on the phone, as well as wideband audio. Curious how the H650e compared to the H820e I took the H650e for a spin.

One of my observations when testing the H820e was that the bass response - low frequencies was missing from the speakers when playing music. So I was pleasantly surprised when I played some music on the H650e and the bass was excellent resulting in a full rich sound. Curious, I checked out the specs on both headsets to see the exact frequency response for both. The H650e frequency response was 50 Hz - 10 kHz while the frequency response for the H820e was 100 Hz – 7 KHZ. As you can see in yellow, the H650 has a much better low-end frequency response, going as low as 50 Hz and it also goes into the higher frequencies as well. The speakers on both headsets look identical so I believe the frequency response difference has more to do with the DECT wireless standard than the quality of the speakers. Cranking up the volume to the max the H650e performed admirably with absolutely no distortion while playing some rock music. Part of the excellent sound quality is due to the dynamic equalizer which automatically switches between voice and music modes depending on what the user is listening to.

The 650e didn't skimp on the cord - it's extremely long. It's also a thin/flat cord that shouldn't tangle. Interestingly, the in-line volume control, mute, and answer call buttons are further down than on other headsets I've tried, which typically means the volume controls are near your upper chest. The 650e sits lower closer to your lap, but it turns out that this is a good thing. I was able to wrap the headset cord around my wireless keyboard leaving the button controls laying face-up next to my keyboard for easy access as shown here:

The H650e comes with a nice cloth zipper bag to protect the headset when traveling. I made a test call using Skype and just like the H820e, I liked how well the H650e headset blocks out ambient noise. They did a good job with the speaker padding and it also sports padding on the underside of the top of the headset for additional comfort when wearing it all day. The call quality during the Skype call was excellent. The mute button works but alas, the handset button doesn't answer or hang-up calls. Alas, you need to use specific UC software like Microsoft Lync for the handset button to answer/hang up calls. Why Skype doesn't support the standard USB HID hang-up class I'm not sure. All headsets or speakerphone devices I've used with Skype that do support hang-up always required a Skype add-on to be installed. angry_smile

Seriously, Microsoft/Skype?

In any event, it's worth noting that when you press the mute button, a red LED mute indicator lights up the mute button. The H650e has an in-call indicator LED light, but it doesn't work with Skype, but does works with leading UC vendors like Microsoft Lync. I also tested the microphone and like the H820e, it was very good at not picking up ambient noise. It's flexible so you can bend it left or right and you can rotate the boom up or down for the best voice pickup.

Features:

Headphone with in-line control
Quick Start Guide and warranty info
Carrying bag
In-call LED red-light indicator
Quick-access inline controller
Dynamic equalizer
Flat no-tangle cable
Acoustic echo cancelation and noise-cancelling microphone
Wideband audio
Padded leatherette headband and earpads
Ultra-lightweight design

Microphone: (Tx)

Type: Bi-directional ECM
Frequency response: 100 Hz - 10 KHZ
Sensitivity: -45 dB +/- 3 dB
Distortion: <10% @ 1kHz, 15dBPa (MRP) input
Operating voltage: 1.4 - 5.0V DC

Speakers: (Rx)

Frequency response: 50 Hz - 10 kHz( Diffuse field )
Sensitivity: 90dB ±3 dB at 1KHz, Input0.56V/10mm free field
Max output: <100 dB SPL (Compliant to EN60950-1)
Distortion: < 4% @ 1kHz, 0dBm0, 1kHz

Product Dimensions

Width: 174 mm / 6.75 inches
Height: 165 mm / 6.5 inches
Depth: 50 mm / 2 inches

Weight: 120 grams / 4.2 ounces

Price: $98 on Amazon.com

Ratings	Score
Installation
Features
Usability & Design
Voice Quality
Music Quality
Price/Value
Overall

I like the Logitech 650e for the richness of its sound, very loud volume, nice long cord for more mobility around the desk, and no background hiss at higher volumes that you get with traditional headsets plugged into a sound card. The wideband audio quality makes it an excellent choice to use in Lync and other enterprise UC environments.

Tags: audio, h650e, h820e, logitech, lync, microsoft, skype, uc, unified communications, voip, wideband Related tags: frequency response, wideband audio, ambient noise, dynamic equalizer, handset button, headset