QuietSpot™ Inline QSHI3 Headset
We've
been big fans of SHURE's in-ear design since our first experience with
the E Series products. The design and sound quality of the in-ear technology
are great and the earpiece fits snugly into the ear canal without being
uncomfortable. In addition, the implementation greatly reduces background
noise, resulting in an intimate experience. SHURE introduced the original
QuietSpot® Boom (QSHB3) last year and the performance was great. This
year they have introduced the new QuietSpot® Inline (QSHI3) with the
new VoicePort™ inline microphone attached to the cord. The design
uses the same in-ear technology as the E2c earphones, so you are getting
a quality driver for your ear. Sonic performance is similar to the QuietSpot®
Boom we reviewed last year minus the Boom microphone. The new VoicePort™
inline microphone works exceptionally well considering it is not directly
in front of your mouth. It is a little more sensitive to the placement,
so users need to be aware of this when using it. The QuietSpot® Inline
includes an assortment of interchangeable foam and silicone sleeves for
the earphone to accommodate personal preferences and ear canal variations.
Both the QuietSpot® Inline and the QuietSpot® Boom are priced
at $39.99 making them very affordable for any user. The missing Boom microphone
is actually a nice change on this design.
Performance
Our tests were made using an inexpensive LG VX3200 cell phone that we
have been using for several month now. The VoicePort™ has a small
opening or port that feeds the inline microphone. We did not encounter
any problems with wind noise when using the new earphone. However, it
does not get very windy here, so it was difficult to test this aspect
of the product. A soft ear support included with the earphones is reversible
(and removable) and helps keep the earpiece in place, especially during
long conversations. The Personal Fit Kit comes with a variety of
different sized sleeves.
Our
phone uses the standard three conductor 1/8" jack, so we did not
have any compatibility problems. If you happen to have a Nokia with the
four conductor plug, you will need an adapter to use this product. The
new design worked well and those on the other side of the phone conversation
did not experience any difficulty hearing us. Much like the earlier design,
the QuietSpot® Inline greatly reduces the background level. The other
ear is completely free to hear normal sound levels.
Conclusion
The latest QuietSpot® Inline is a nice alternative to the QuietSpot®
Boom and may be less intrusive to some users by not having a microphone
placed in front of the user's mouth. SHURE is confident that you'll like
the new QuietSpot® Inline design and is backing the product up with
a 30-day, no-questions-asked, money back guarantee. The product also includes
a full one-year warranty on materials and workmanship. We are glad to
see SHURE offering both designs to users who have a personal preference.
For us, the QuietSpot® Inline offers a simpler solution to hands-free
cell conversations. For under $40, you get a quality product unlike many
of the cheap earbuds flooding the market.
- Kevin Nakano