Spectra USB Transcription Headset

These are a real blessing when you have to transcribe medical reports for a living. I have tried numerous types of headphones for this purpose and these, by far, have worked the best for me. I love the volume control feature on them, and the ear pieces aren't reeking havoc on my ears like the other ones were. The only drawback with these is that they aren't adjustable on the head band, but other than that, these are great! Awesome sound quality and a nice, long cord makes these easy to work with. Just plug in and away you go! I would definitely recommend this product to someone who is looking for a reliable piece of equipment for a low price.

I've had just about every sort of headphones I could try for my transcription job. I work from home and I was starting to think that I was going to have to figure out how to rig my computer's sound card to make all my files louder. When I ordered these I didn't have to have my main speaker volume turned up to its highest setting PLUS the transcription software speaker turned up to its highest setting just to barely hear what the secondary speakers in the room were saying. It was as if it was a miracle. I'm not saying they will change your life, well, maybe I am. It depends on what you've been using in the past. I had tried in ear ear buds, even, because I figured the closer they were to my ear drums the better I'd be able to hear what they were saying in the recording. These sit softly just outside your ear canal but somehow project the sound perfectly. I wish I could describe it better. I also wish I had found these earlier, they would have saved me months of headaches. The feedback from the other headsets and earbuds I had been using caused almost daily migraines, these are heaven sent. The volume button on the cable is a bit heavy and tends to pull on the set a bit, I just make sure that I have it clipped to something close enough to my shoulder that the cable weight due to the volume control doesn't bother me too much. After a while it got to where I didn't notice it at all.

These are wonderful quality and they fit comfortably. My recommendation is not to wear them over your head, but under your chin, as a doctor uses a stethoscope. That way, they feel pillow soft and stay exactly in place. Sound is excellent. Highly recommend.

I use this headset for work and you literally can't beat it for price, quality and comfort. I've been using this set for about 7 months now and it has delivered consistent sound quality. My work requires that I hear voices with clarity and this little headset delivers that. I can't be without them now when working. The volume control on the cord is invaluable for me and these are comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time. If you are looking for a lightweight, comfortable, inexpensive headset with decent sound quality, look no further.

These headphones do not fit inside your ears so they just sit on top of your 'ear hole' for lack of a better word. I've been used to ear buds or headphones with soft covers that totally cover the entire portion of your ear, not just the hole. They're not adjustable in any way, either. This is important because I transcribe and listening to my audio files for several hours a day with this headset on made my ears hurt so bad and gave me headaches. The sound quality is good, which was sad because I just couldn't let them keep irritating my ears. They weren't great, though.So, don't expect amazing clarity, I've had some skull candy earbuds that were just as good. I did notice sometimes these randomly got louder or quieter and my audio files never do that. The person may become louder but not the sound itself. It was as if there was a short in the wire. It's difficult to describe but I can say I wouldn't buy this set again. I tried it because I wanted a better over the head, headset and this was recommended to me. I think I'm better with earbuds and headphones that completely cover your ear.

I was very pleasantly surprised at how good this headset is. Previously I had one that looked almost identical but was a few dollars cheaper. If that's the difference you're considering, my advice would be to spend the extra few bucks. The cord is thicker and sturdier. The volume adjustment is lighter and doesn't drag on the cord nearly as much. The clip is larger and easier to use. And most importantly, both the sound quality and volume are much better. I used to have to set my computer's volume at the maximum, only rarely adjusting it for unusually loud dictation. Now, I can leave the volume at 50%, and the clarity is excellent. I can usually pick up what's being said even with the worst static, mush-mouths, or speed demons. The only thing I don't like is the band is a little tight, making the earbuds press into my ears a little too hard. I find myself taking off the headset and stretching it out several times during a shift. All in all, though, this is the best headset I've used in 20 years on the job.

I do medical record editing and thought my last headset was good (until my cat destroyed it) but this one is much more clear and I don't need the volume on the computer as loud as I used to.

I just received my Spectra USB headset in the mail while I was in the midst of scribing. I immediately switched over from my other generic earmuff-style headset and - WOW - I am pleased!! I normally have to keep my laptop volume at 100% and I would still end up having to push the headset onto my ear to really hear what my doctor was saying. After having read multiple reviews on this headset, I ensured my volume was turned down when I hit "play" on the recording, then gradually increased the volume. I've been listening for several minutes now and have finally stabilized the volume at a comfortable 14%! Here's hoping this is still the case on my doctor's busier clinic days when the hallway is bustling with activity and his occasional mumbles get drowned out. They seem to fit pretty well, right now. They're not too tight - just enough tension to keep them on the ear. (And my headache from the earmuff-style headset I was wearing is already going away.) The connector between the ear pieces is resting somewhere in the air between my chin and chest, occasionally tapping my chest when I look down. The only downside I can come up with is a rather strong chemical smell when I removed them from the packaging, but it already seems to be dissipating after less than 10 minutes. Also, I do not require a cord that is quite so long, but I simply uncoiled what slack I needed and put the twist tie back around the bundle. Two thumbs up so far!!

Really good sound clarity. Makes a huge difference when proof reading.

Best headset for transcription out there. Better than Wordslinger, which has too much bass, and any others. I've tried them all in this price range. The only cons are some people find their ears ache after prolonged use. I had this issue once but not anymore for some reason. Also, buy the genuine ECS headset ear cushions, not generic ones that are too thin. Other con is the headset is on the fragile side; if you are the type who leaves headset lying on floor and occasionally steps on it, you cannot do that with this one. Take good care of it and it will give you crystal clear speaking audio for a long time.

Very useful product for transcription

Comfortable & excellent sound.

Volume easily accessible, clip works great and sound is good.