Plantronics M12 Headset Amplifier In Depth

The M12 Headset Amplifier (also known as the Vista Universal Amplifier) connects Plantronics headsets to just about any modular single or multi-line phone and offers ergonomically designed volume, headset/handset, and mute controls.

Plantronics headsets can be connected to and work with many telephones via a simple Vista or Polaris cord. However, the electronic design of some telephones requires an amplifier to match your headset to that telephone. The M12 amplifier provides the conversion of your telephones' wiring and transmitter impedance to match that of your headset.

In most settings, the M12 amplifier requires batteries (initially supplied with your M12). These need replacing about every six months - your amplifier will cause your headset to "beep" when the batteries are getting weak. Also, NEVER LEAVE THE BATTERIES IN YOUR AMPLIFIER WHEN NOT USING IT FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD. The batteries may leak and damage the amplifier.

• Easy to install and use. Adapts almost all telephones for use with a variety of Plantronics headset styles.
• Easy to adjust. Separate controls allow independent adjustment of outgoing and incoming volume.
• Easy One-Button selection of headset or handset.
• Easy to hear and be heard. Call Clarity™ technology sets a new standard for sound quality.
• Easy on the ears, too. SoundGuard® Plus™ delivers automatic sound protection by keeping incoming sounds at comfortable hearing levels.

The M12 amplifier has 4 points for connection of cables, 1 at the front and 3 at the rear:

• FRONT - A Vista cord that connects to your headset.
• REAR LEFT - "pig tale" for connection to your telephone handset socket.
• REAR MIDDLE - An RJ socket into which you plug your handset cord.
• REAR RIGHT - A socket for an optional power supply.

Your M12 amplifier has 3 controls positioned on the top of it. On the LEFT is a incoming volume thumbwheel that you adjust to set your headset receive level to a comfotable volume. In the CENTRE is the headset/handset selector that you use to switch between your headset and telephone handset. On the RIGHT is a mute button for those times that you want to make a discreet enquiry with an associate.

More controls exist under a removable cover on the right hand side of your amplifier (see picture). These are usually "set and forget". The slider switch is used to set the headset to telephone compatibility - select from 1 to 6 depending upon your telephone. The small white control is used to set your outgoing (ie transmission) volume - use the provided screwdiver to turn it until your level is comfortable.

The other exposed hole in the picture, above right, is where your batteries go. This cover can be tight but simply press in and down and it will come off. Remember to put your new batteries in correctly - the polarity is printed on the circuit board and can be seen where the batteries go in.

We recommend AAA Headsets for all your M12 Headset Amplifier requirements