Let’s face it, headsets have become an increasingly important tool for anyone who participates in Softphone or Video Conferencing calls. For that matter, they play an important role for those who just want to kick back and listen to some music at their leisure, or while working.
The style of wireless headset that’s most popular are the types that are worn over the head, and covers both ears. After all, when listening to music, you want the best sound experience possible. And, when on an important call, having speakers over both ears assures you won’t miss any of the comments or conversations.
The vast majority of headsets are manufactured in China. Some may be designed outside of Asia, but when it comes to getting them produced, China is your typical stopping point. So where can you find a wireless headset that isn’t made in China? So glad you asked!
In this blog, I’ll introduce you to a new headset brand that’s designed and manufactured in France. Specifically, I’m referring to the French brand, Orosound, and the new Tilde Pro Premium Bluetooth wireless headset.
When it comes to finding a binaural (double ear) Bluetooth headset, you really don’t have to look all that far. A quick Google search should give you plenty to ponder.
However, if you want to consider a Bluetooth wireless headset that really checks all the boxes, and has been manufactured to the highest standards, then you’ll want to check out the new Orosound Tilde Pro.
Before I begin going over the various features and benefits of this new Bluetooth headset, I wanted to let you know that we discussed this new product in a segment of our recent Youtube livestream. You can watch it here.
With so many options available, such as those from Poly, Jabra, Sony, Bose and others, why would you want to consider a headset from an unknown company, and an unknown brand? Honestly, it’s a good question, and one that I don’t find all that difficult to answer.
First, if you really think about it, there have been many newcomers to different industries that have gone on to be highly successful. Some of these companies include:
- Kia Motors
- Hyundai
- Tesla
- Yealink
- Uber
- AirBnB
- Pandora
Many other previously unknown companies could be added to this list, but the one thing they all have in common is they entered their space as an unknown, and worked to provide a product or service that resonated with the buying public.
In the business headset space, Orosound is making a statement with the products they are currently rolling out, and those they have in the works.
Orosound wanted to produce products in their native country of France, rather than following the traditional path of sourcing and manufacturing in Asia. I, for one, applaud their decision to break the mold and chart their own path.
The second thing they set out to do was to produce products that are made to the highest possible standards. Based on this first product, the Tilde Pro, I’d say they accomplished their goals.
And though they’re slugging it out with the headset industry heavyweights like Poly and Jabra, I believe the quality of the Tilde Pro will allow it to find a place in the market. Generally speaking, people appreciate a quality product, and the Tilde Pro is exactly that.
Below are some of the key features found on the new Tilde Pro by Orosound:
Fit & Finish
It takes but a moment to see, and appreciate the exceptional attention to detail that’s gone into the Tilde Pro. Quality materials have been used throughout, and the overall look, and feel of it screams quality.
The fabric material tastefully used across the headband, also appears on the ear speakers for a harmonious touch. It’s easy to tell that quality fabric was used, and the manner in which it’s been applied to the Tilde Pro adds a dimension of elegance to it
Connectivity - what it connects to
The Orosound Tilde Pro connects to:
- Computers & Laptops (Mac & Windows)
- Smartphones & Tablets (iOS & Android)
- Landline Phones (compatible models)
- Softphones
You can connect the Tilde Pro to two devices simultaneously, so you can seamlessly switch between devices without the need to disconnect/connect.
As you can see, this is a versatile Bluetooth wireless headset that will keep you connected to your most commonly used devices.
Unique magnetic, removable microphone boom
The Tilde Pro features a unique microphone boom design. Typically, a headset will either have a microphone with a boom, or it won’t have a mic boom at all. The Tilde Pro gives you the choice.
Here’s what I mean by that.
When you’re on that important phone or video call, and you want to sound your absolute best, you simply attach the magnetic noise cancelling microphone. Now before you begin thinking that this is a pain, or a big deal to do, let me assure you it’s not.
The microphone and boom arm attach to the ear speaker housing magnetically. Once you place it near the home position, the magnet takes over and finishes the job. This literally takes but a moment.
For those times that you don’t want, or need the microphone, you simply remove it by grabbing the boom and applying some light pressure to remove it. The boom arm can then be stowed away in the padded carry case.
Why would you want to remove it, you might ask? Good question. When listening to music or a Podcast for example, the microphone boom wouldn’t be needed because you’re listening and not speaking.
However, even when the boom is removed, you can still be heard if needed because there are some built in microphones. For the best voice quality, you’ll want to use the microphone boom though.
Microphone & Noise reduction technology
The Orosound Tilde Pro utilizes patented Tilde Voice First technology where the unique digital signal processing algorithm works to separate voice from noise. This means that the Tilde Pro is always working to keep you sounding great, while keeping unwanted background noise out, and off your call.
The Tilde Pro uses 6 microphones in order to accomplish its great sound. These microphones, working in tandem with the Voice First technology, help to deliver a rich sound not found on many wireless Bluetooth headsets. And, having the detachable boom microphone for added versatility is like frosting on the cake.
All these great microphone features are designed to make you sound great, while at the same time, giving your callers a distraction free call experience. But what about the noise in your work environment that distracts you, the wearer of the headset? Orosound considered that and incorporated another sound element to the Tilde Pro.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) & what is it?
ANC is a feature that electronically counteracts incoming noise so you don’t hear it, and get distracted from what you’re focused on. Think of it like an incoming missile (noise) that’s being intercepted. In this case, it’s the noise that’s being intercepted before it can take hold on your call.
Active Noise Cancellation allows the person wearing the headset to activate the ANC feature to block out, or filter the background noise occurring in the work environment.
This could be unwanted sounds like dogs barking, children crying, coworkers talking, heating/air conditioning unit noise, fans, office equipment sounds, and the list goes on.
All these sounds can be very distracting, and cause you to lose concentration, which in turn, drives down worker productivity. Plus, it’s just annoying most of us would agree.
Active Noise Cancellation is a feature that’s relatively new to headsets that are used for business. The earliest versions of ANC, which weren’t long ago, were designed to allow you to turn this feature on, or off. In other words, no variable adjustments.
That’s changed recently, and models from Poly, Jabra and others now give you the ability to adjust how much background noise is removed. These new variants can differ in how much adjustment they provide. Some offer two or three stages of adjustment, while others a bit more.
The Tilde Pro has 10 levels of noise reduction adjustment which places it among the highest levels of adjustability. This is particularly useful when you want to control how much noise is removed.
Some people, for example, find removing all the background noise makes them feel too isolated with it being so quiet, while others are fine with it. However much noise you want removed, rest assured the Tilde Pro has your back. It
uses 4 microphones to aid in noise removal, and it can reduce noise by up to 30 decibels which is significant.
Aware+ Mode
For those who want to hear what’s going on around them while wearing the Tilde Pro headset, or to speak with someone who walks up and begins talking, there’s the Aware+ button that allows you to hear surrounding sounds, or have a conversation without the need to remove the headset.
This feature satisfies a pet peeve shared by many who find having to take the headset off everytime they want to talk with someone, or hear something in their work environment to be an annoyance. Whether you’re one of those individuals or not, the Tilde Pro does give you the option, which is nice.
To activate this feature, you simply press a button on the side of the headset, and you can then instantly hear what’s going on around you.
Ear cushions that make a difference
The Orosound Tilde Pro offers two uniquely different ear cushion options.
- On-ear
- Over the ear
What’s the difference?
The on-ear cushions rest against the ear while providing the necessary padding. This cushion would suit those who don’t want their ear completely covered.
The around the ear cushions encircle the ear which serves to provide a sound barrier from ambient room noise. Cushions like these are referred to as providing passive noise reduction. But remember, the Tilde Pro has that awesome active noise cancellation feature which takes noise reduction to new heights.
Unlike other brands of headsets that provide simple ear cushions, these ear cushions are nearly a work of art. On one side you have the actual ear cushion, and opening for speaker sound, which by the way is clearly labeled “L” for left, or “R” for right. This makes it nearly impossible to install the ear cushion on the wrong side of the headset.
Looking at the back of the ear cushion you’ll see more of that elegant fabric that the earpiece is wrapped in. As ear cushions go, this is the most attractive looking one I’ve seen to date.
When you see it, you’ll understand what I mean, especially if you compare it to a typical ear cushion.
Lastly, you’ll see the mounting disc that contains two metal contacts. This allows you to insert and then twist the ear cushion into place.
Whichever ear cushion style works for you, the Tilde Pro has you covered, literally.
Wired or Wireless, your choice
The Tilde Pro is among the very few wireless headsets that can be used wirelessly, or as a wired headset.
Most wireless headsets can only be used that way, wireless. However, there are a few models that not only work wirelessly, but allow you to plug in a USB cable to use it as a wired headset. The Tilde Pro is one of the few models capable of doing this.
When your battery needs recharging, you can still use your headset. When using it, the battery still gets charged. Would you say this is a useful feature? I would, especially if you’re in the middle of an important call and you discover that your battery is dying on you. Chances are, you’d appreciate that feature quite a bit in that situation.
Battery Life - the gift that keeps giving
Anyone who’s used a wireless headset understands the value and importance of having a battery with a good amount of talk time. Here’s what the Orosound Tilde Pro provides:
- 18 hours of streaming via Bluetooth
- 28 hours of talk time
- 50% charge in 30 minutes
- 100% charge in 2 hours
Though these numbers wouldn’t place it at the top of the battery food chain, it’s certainly respectable in terms of the hours it provides. The quick 50% recharge in 30 minutes could go a long way to shrinking that gap too. By charging the headset over a lunch break for example, will add hours to the battery and extend its availability. All in all, a solid battery.
Wireless Range
The Orosound Tilde Pro is rated up to 65 feet (20 meters). In our tests, it performed according to specifications, and in one case it went well beyond that. Much depends on the environment, and how many obstructions exist between the base (computer, mobile device etc), and the headset. Fewer barriers or obstructions means a better chance of getting more wireless range.
The wireless range above is via Bluetooth connectivity, and without using a USB dongle/adapter. Though the Tilde Pro currently doesn’t offer a dongle, we believe one is forthcoming. This should bring additional benefits once it becomes available.
4 available configurations
- S configuration = on-ear, no boom microphone
- S+ configuration = on-ear including boom microphone
- C configuration = over the ear no boom microphone
- C+ configuration = over the ear including the boom microphone
Other Features
Busy light.The Tilde Pro comes with a built-in busy light to notify those around you that you’re on a call, and not to be interrupted. Interruptions for headset users is common, and having a busy light does help to reduce this. Fewer interruptions means more productivity.
Vocal commands. If you like using voice commands, you’ll be happy to know that the Tilde Pro is compatible with Apple Siri, and Google Assistant.
HD music. The Tilde Pro is more than just another pretty face. It not only looks great, but it sounds great too. It comes with 40 mm speakers that deliver less than 0.2% distortion. You’ll love how your music sounds when using the Tilde pro.
3-year warranty. You won’t be left high and dry should you have any issue with your new Tilde Pro. It comes with a full 3-year warranty for a longer than industry standard peace of mind. For three full years you’ll be covered which is longer than other, more well-known brands.
Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who appreciates quality you should look at the Tilde Pro.
If you appreciate products that aren’t made in China, you should look at the new Tilde Pro.
If you like the idea of a modular headset that allows you to configure it for your specific needs, then you should consider the new Tilde Pro.
If you’d like a headset that could easily be classified as elegant, then you really need to look at the Tilde Pro.
If you feel that having great sound quality for your important business calls is important, why wouldn’t you look at the Tilde Pro?
If you want to eliminate unwanted background noise for you and your callers, the Tilde Pro is a must have product!
If you want a headset that not only looks great, but sounds great too, then check out the Tilde Pro.
If you’d like a Bluetooth headset for your work calls, and for your entertainment, with a magnetic microphone boom that’s easily removable, you’ll only find one. And yes, it’s the new, made in France, Orosound Tilde Pro.
Heck, if you just want a sexy, French made headset, why wouldn’t you take a new Tilde Pro with you on your next call or music session?
The bottom line is this is a unique headset, even by today’s standards, and that’s not easy to accomplish given all the options and players.
Still, Orosound managed to create a premium, high quality, great looking, great sounding headset that’s sure to find a place in the minds and hearts (and offices) of those who need and use headsets.
So whether you’re needing to jump on a Zoom call, Skype call, Microsoft Teams call, Google Meet, Cisco Webex, RingCentral call, or just enjoy your favorite tunes, the Orosound Tilde Pro is a Bluetooth wireless headset you’ll surely want to consider.