Sennheiser CC 530 Corded Headset
The Sennheiser CC 530 ultra noise cancelling corded headset is designed to be used with your desk phone, smart phone, or computer (each requires the correct connector cable). The CC 530 comes with 2 wearing styles – padded over the head and over the ear. It has a rotatable microphone for left or right hand side wear. The ear cushion is a standard size (42mm). {{sennheiser_panel_callout}}
All corded headsets come with a brand specific QD (quick disconnect) connection and require a same brand adapter cable to make them compatible with your phone. These range in price from $26 upwards. Many of these cables look the same but are different inside, so if you’re not 100% sure which you need, give us a call and our staff will gladly check for you.
The GoodThe Sennheiser CC 530 headset offers an ultra noise cancelling microphone for blocking out background noise in extra loud environments such as warehouses, or offices with staff sitting in close proximity. The CC 530 has a flexible microphone boom for perfect placement and an ultra comfortable headband with padding and independent side adjustment ensuring comfort all day long (headband style). Left & right ear hooks are included in the box.  It comes with an acoustic foam and a leatherette ear cushion as well as a clothing clip & protective carry bag (which is very useful for hot-deskers!).
Sennheiser’s patented Activeguard technology protects the user’s hearing from sudden loud noises which can cause acoustic shock.Sennheiser’s years of expertise & experience in high end professional audio has been ploughed into their headsets and has created the new benchmark in headsets.   The CC530 comes with the peace of mind of Sennheiser’s 2 year manufacturer’s warranty.
The Not So Good
There’s really nothing bad to say about the CC530 per se – the only thing to consider is if your environment is noisy enough that you want an ultra noise cancelling microphone, you may wish to consider a binaural headset to help your staff concentrate.  This headset isn’t wideband, if you do need that feature, have a look at the suggestions below.
As with any corded headset, with the Sennheiser CC530 you are tethered to your phone via a cable, this can be frustrating when wires lie across your desk and get in the way of papers or drop down and get crushed & tangled under chair wheels. If your work requires that you get up from your desk (whether on a call or not) you’ll need to unclip the headset or take it off each time & reclip / put it back on when you return.  If you do this alot it can get super-annoying so a wireless headset could save you time, hassle (and hair!).
If you don’t have a headset port on your phone, a corded headset will take the place of your handset. If you still want to use the handset you can pick up a switch to allow you to swap between the two.
As we’ve mentioned, corded headsets need connector cables, so don’t forget to factor in those costs when budgeting. If you have a phone that is difficult to match for compatibility you may have to look at an amplifier. An amp, while providing superior call control (with mute and volume controls) and sound quality, will push up the price to about the same as a wireless headset (which have an amp built in), no brainer – if you need an amp, get a wireless headset!
The Verdict
The Sennheiser CC 530 headset is the perfect solution for those working in a noisy environment but still need to be able to hold conversations in person.  It has the flexibility of 2 wearing styles if you’re not yet sure how you want to wear it.
Other headsets to consider before buying
The CC 515 is an over the head style which is available in a wideband version CC 515 IP. The CC 513 is a behind the neck style if you’re looking for something a little different. If you don’t need ultra noise cancelling, check out the SH 335 or the great value SC 230 which is our top pick standard corded headset. If staff sit close together and it’s really noisy the ultra noise cancelling of the Sennheiser CC 520 IP is definitely worth the extra investment. There are also models with large & XL ear cups such as the CC 540 and CC 550.
Plantronics also have a couple of over the ear models, the H41N and H81N.  The H171N is also a hybrid and has the optional extra of a neckband.  Jabra’s Biz 2400 has 3 wearing styles.  NB The Plantronics and Jabra are not Ultra Noise Cancelling, just standard NC.

Another factor to consider is the extra productivity that can be gained from the freedom to walk away from your desk while on a call. It is worth checking out the Jabra Pro 920 which is a great entry level wireless option for only a small amount extra. If you want to stick with Sennheiser then the DW Pro 1 is their (superb) wireless option, which also has an ultra noise cancelling microphone.  Sennheiser also has an excellent wireless headset that comes with the option of earhook and headband styles, the DW Office (aka DW10).