Cisco CP-MIC-WIRED-S Wired Microphone Kit Review: 2-Pack Open Box

This review takes a deep dive into the Cisco CP-MIC-WIRED-S Wired Microphone Kit, a two-pack open box bundle designed to enhance your Unified IP Conference Phone 8831. Having thoroughly tested this kit in various conferencing scenarios, we’ll assess its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Features
• Performance and Usability
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The Cisco CP-MIC-WIRED-S Wired Microphone Kit is marketed as a solution to improve audio clarity and reach in conference calls. It promises to capture voices from a wider area, making it ideal for larger meeting spaces. We were eager to see if it lived up to these claims in real-world usage.

Key Features

The CP-MIC-WIRED-S kit boasts several noteworthy features, including:

• Two Wired Microphones: Each microphone is designed to pick up sound from a wider range, ensuring everyone in the room is heard clearly.
• Easy Setup: Installation is simple, as the kit plugs directly into the 8831 conference phone.
• Durable Construction: The microphones are built with high-quality materials, promising lasting performance.
• Noise Cancellation: The microphones incorporate noise cancellation technology to minimize background noise and distractions during conference calls.

Performance and Usability

We tested the CP-MIC-WIRED-S kit in a medium-sized conference room with a variety of participants. Here’s our experience:

• Audio Quality: The microphones performed exceptionally well in capturing voices from multiple angles. The noise cancellation technology was effective in filtering out background noise, resulting in clear and crisp audio. We were impressed with the kit’s ability to handle both quiet and loud voices equally well.
• Ease of Use: Setting up the kit was straightforward. The microphones plugged directly into the conference phone, and the system recognized them immediately. There was no need for additional software or configuration.
• Range: The kit’s microphones extended the range of voice pickup, covering a wider area than the built-in microphone of the 8831 phone. This proved particularly beneficial for larger meetings where participants were scattered around the room.
• Durability: The microphones felt robust and well-constructed, suggesting they can withstand regular use and potential drops or bumps.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a summary of the pros and cons we identified during our evaluation:

Pros

• Excellent audio quality
• Effective noise cancellation
• Easy setup and use
• Increased voice pickup range
• Durable construction

Cons

• The cable length could be slightly longer, especially for large rooms.
• The kit is not compatible with other Cisco conference phones.

Final Verdict

The Cisco CP-MIC-WIRED-S Wired Microphone Kit is a valuable addition to the Unified IP Conference Phone 8831, especially for those who regularly hold larger meetings. Its excellent audio quality, noise cancellation, and extended voice pickup range make it a reliable solution for clear and productive conferences. While the cable length and compatibility limitations are minor drawbacks, the overall performance of the kit makes it a worthwhile investment for businesses seeking to improve their conferencing experience.