Do you want the best headset? 
With so many people working from home today, the need for headsets that connect to computers has skyrocketed. You have the option to take out a second mortgage to cover the cost of some, while your spare change will get you others. What about those models that fall somewhere in between that can bring great value?
In this blog, I’d like to introduce you to one such wired USB computer headset, the Discover D312U. This is a wired USB headset that connects to your computer but it can also connect to your mobile devices via a 3.5mm connector. I’ll cover the key features of this new USB headset and test it for audio quality and its ability to reduce unwanted background noise.
Before I begin, I did want to let you know that I recorded a video review that includes the audio tests. For those of you who prefer to watch video content over reading it, here’s a video below you can watch this review on the new Discover D312U wired USB headset.
If you’re still reading this then I’d like to invite you to keep doing so. Hopefully you’ll learn some things about this new USB headset that could end up sparking some interest. Let’s get started.
General overview
The Discover D312U is a wired, double ear headset designed for use in a business setting. It connects to a computer via USB and features a noise cancelling microphone. The most common applications for this headset would be for video conferencing calls or perhaps calls made or received using a Softphone application.
Connectivity
When you get a Discover D312U, you actually get two headsets in one. By this I mean if you need a headset to connect to a computer via USB for your Softphone or video calls, the D312U checks that box. However, this affordable headset also comes with the ability to connect via 3.5mm pin connector.
This means that if you have a mobile device like an iPad or Smartphone that has a 3.5mm receptacle, then the D312U will connect to those devices as well.
In the middle of the generous 8 foot cord, there’s a controller that allows you to increase or decrease the hearing volume as well as mute the microphone. One end of the cable that’s connected to this controller unplugs. On the end of that portion of the cable is the 3.5mm pin connector.
So you can use this to connect to your 3.5mm ready devices, and you can use this as a quick disconnect so you don’t need to unplug the USB connector if you want to leave your headset on when you get up and move away from your workstation.
This dual connectivity isn’t common for modestly priced office wired headsets, so that gives this headset an advantage over many others in this class.
Microphone
The Discover D312U comes with a noise cancelling microphone to help eliminate unwanted background noise. You want your calls to be crystal clear without distractions on the things going on around you.
The 312U microphone does an adequate job to remove this noise. Is it the best? No, but it does do the job. I’ve tested other models that do a slightly better job at reducing background noise, but in some cases, these models are those that cost a lot more than the Discover D312U.
Overall, if you want to cut that noise from your work background, the D312U will do an acceptable job.
As for the voice quality, it does a good job of picking up voice sound clear and consistent which is what you want. After all, you want your callers to hear you well, right?
You’ll find the Discover D312U microphone to be quite good actually, especially for a wired USB headset that’s in the price range. In my tests, I felt that this microphone did just as well as many models that cost a lot more.
Microphone boom arm
Having your microphone positioned properly makes a lot of difference in how good you sound to your callers. Get the microphone out of the right spot and you’ll likely sound faint or distant. You might even be distorted or not be heard at all.
Having a flexible microphone boom arm may seem insignificant, but it really isn’t. That’s why headset manufacturers create a boom that’s bendable. With that in mind, not all booms are created equal.
Some aren’t bendable at all. Others can bend, but when you bend them, it feels like it’s not designed to be bent and that it might break if you continue to bend it. The better microphone booms are those that are easy to adjust and once adjusted, they stay put.
The Discover D312U has a microphone boom that allows you to bend it easily and once bent, it stays in that position. This is one of those small things that can make a difference in consistent sound quality.
Headband
The headband is another one of those features that adds to the overall comfort of this headset. Some headbands are plastic, while others are metal. You want a headband that’s comfortable so you can more easily wear the headset for long periods of time.
The Discover D312U has a headband that’s generously padded and is adjustable. The ability to adjust it gives you the ability to find the position that’s right for you.
This isn’t a unique feature as most headbands are adjustable. One thing that does make it a little different is that the adjustments are numbered. On the metal piece housed inside of the padded band and located on the sides, you’ll find markings and numbers much like a typical measurement device.
Let’s say that your perfect fit is number 4. When you go to put on the headset all you need to do is to set it at number four and you’ll always know that’s the right fit for you. This numbering system on the headband is something you might see on a much more expensive headset.
I found the headband to be soft and comfortable which leads me to believe that it would be comfortable for long stretches of time.
Ear Cushions
Some headsets come with foam ear cushions. When compared to the alternative material, which is leather/leatherette, the foam cushions tend to feel warm to me. Maybe even too warm for long term wearing.
This perception doesn’t apply to all foam ear cushions, but some that I’ve tested left me feeling uncomfortably warm. By contrast, the leatherette cushions feel softer and not as warm to me, which was a more comfortable feel.
The Discover D312U comes with doughnut shaped leatherette ear cushions. The design of these cushions helps sound to go from the ear speakers straight to the ear without a fabric barrier as you find with non doughnut shaped ear cushions.
These D312U cushions are also made of leatherette which allows for a cooler, more comfortable wearing experience.
Foldable
The Discover D312U has another unique feature not common to office wired headsets in this price range; it folds up. The ear speakers fold inwards making it easier to take it on the go.
This is a nice feature if you’re someone who travels for business or pleasure and wants to stay connected or just listen to music.
This can be an advantage too for someone who toggles between their home office and business office as you wouldn’t need to have a headset at each location.
Comfort
Overall, I found the Discover D312U to be comfortable. The adjustable, padded headband made it easy to find the right wearing position, and it had good comfort.
The doughnut shaped leatherette ear cushions were sufficiently comfortable as well, and when you wear it, you don’t feel like you’re wearing a heavy headset as it wears light.
This leads me to believe that anyone who has a need to wear a headset for extended periods of time will find this headset to be comfortable.
Warranty
The warranty on this Discover D312U is 1-year and backed by Headset Advisor, a company that has specialized in office headsets since 1994.
Price
The Discover D312U is priced competitively within the mix of entry level headsets. It can also be rented for a low rate, month to month with no long term contract. Whether you purchase or rent, this headset is priced right given the features, sound quality and comfort.
Overall Impression
If you’re looking for a comfortable, good sounding and affordable USB wired headset, the Discover D312U would be a very good product for you to consider.
- It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear
- It provides two uniquely different ways to use it; USB and 3.5mm connections
● It has a nice padded headband with numeric adjustment reference
● The ear cushions are soft, comfortable and allow you to hear better than through full foam ear cushions. - It does a good job to pick up voice sound, and an acceptable job at reducing unwanted background noise..
- It comes with a 1-year warranty
- It’s reasonably priced and you have the option to rent month to month affordably
● Lastly, it’s backed by Headset Advisor, a highly rated company that’s specialized in communication headsets since 1994.
If these points sound reasonable to you, then you owe it to yourself to check out the new Discover D312U. You’ll be glad you did.
Don't take our word for it
Read what other customers are saying about the D312U on here Amazon or Headset Advisor
