Cisco 561 Headset

The Cisco 561 Headset is a premier audio accessory built for professionals who demand crystal-clear communication in busy, high-activity workspaces. As a key member of the Cisco Headset 500 Series, this headset is purposefully engineered to deliver superior audio quality, reliable call clarity, and all-day comfort for users who spend long hours on calls. Designed for seamless compatibility with Cisco IP phones and popular soft clients, the Cisco 561 Headset blends enterprise-grade functionality with everyday usability, making it an essential tool for contact centers, knowledge workers, and distributed teams seeking effortless, hands-free collaboration.

• Track-leading audio clarity for busy environments: The Cisco 561 Headset delivers clear, natural voice reproduction with wideband audio support that ensures every word is heard, even in noisy open-plan offices. The integrated microphone actively reduces ambient noise, so callers experience less background chatter and more productive conversations. With optimized frequency response tailored to professional calls, your communications feel as precise as in person, enhancing customer interactions and team coordination.
• All-day comfort with robust, durable design: Built to endure daily wear, this headset offers a comfortable fit for extended shifts. The lightweight frame, cushioned ear cushions, and an adjustable headband distribute pressure evenly, reducing fatigue during long conferences or multi-hour customer sessions. It’s engineered with high-quality materials to resist daily wear and tear, so you can rely on steady performance day after day without compromising comfort.
• Seamless Cisco compatibility for streamlined deployment: As part of the Cisco Headset 500 Series, the Cisco 561 Headset is designed to work flawlessly with Cisco IP phones and Cisco Unified Communications Manager. Its plug-and-play setup simplifies provisioning across teams, enabling rapid deployment in busy contact centers and corporate environments. The headset also plays nicely with widely used UC soft clients, supporting consistent audio performance whether you’re on a desk phone, softphone, or collaboration app.
• Intelligent inline controls for effortless call management: The inline control unit places essential call features at your fingertip. Answer and end calls, mute/unmute, and adjust volume without reaching for the phone or computer. The intuitive design keeps you in control during back-to-back calls, conference sessions, and quick stand-up huddles, helping you stay focused on the conversation rather than juggling devices.
• Reliable, enterprise-grade reliability and support: Built to meet the demands of busy workplaces, the Cisco 561 Headset is designed for durability and consistent performance. It pairs the resilience of enterprise-grade hardware with Cisco’s trusted engineering to deliver dependable communication tools for teams, managers, and frontline staff. Long-term reliability, predictable performance, and solid support options make it a practical investment for organizations that value consistent audio quality and user comfort.

Technical Details of Cisco 561 Headset

• Product family: Cisco Headset 500 Series
• Compatibility: Cisco IP Phones and Cisco Unified Communications Manager; compatible with select soft clients
• Connectivity options: USB interface with optional handset adapter compatibility for legacy desk phones
• Microphone: Noise-canceling microphone to minimize background noise and chatter
• Speaker: High-fidelity, wideband audio for clear speaking and listening
• Wearing style: Over-the-ear design with comfortable cushions for long-duration use
• Inline controls: Built-in call control for mute, answer/end, and volume adjustment
• Durability: Rugged construction designed to endure daily professional use
• Weight: Lightweight for all-day wear without fatigue
• Warranty: Standard enterprise warranty coverage (details may vary by region and purchase channel)

How to Install Cisco 561 Headset

Installing the Cisco 561 Headset is straightforward and quick, designed to get your team communicating with minimal setup time. Begin by identifying the appropriate connection path for your device. If you are connecting to a Cisco IP phone that supports USB audio accessories, plug the USB connector into the phone’s USB port. For desk-phone configurations that rely on the handset port or a compatibility adapter, attach the headset via the appropriate adapter cable as provided in the package. If you are using a computer or a soft client, connect the headset to an available USB port on your PC or laptop. After physically connecting the headset, access your device’s audio settings to designate the Cisco 561 as the preferred input and output device; on many systems, this is found under the sound or audio preferences in your operating system or application settings.

Power on and perform a quick audio test by placing a call or starting a meeting. Use the inline controls to answer a call, mute the microphone, and adjust the volume to a comfortable level. If you are integrating with a Cisco desk phone, you may need to select “Headset” within the phone’s audio options to route all calls to the headset. For softphone users, confirm that the chosen headset is selected as the audio device within the conferencing or communications app’s settings. If any echo or feedback is detected, ensure the microphone boom is positioned correctly away from speakers and that the inline mute function is functioning properly. Regularly check for firmware updates for both the headset and connected devices to maintain optimal performance and compatibility with evolving Cisco collaboration tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is the Cisco 561 Headset compatible with Cisco IP phones and common softphones?
  A: Yes. The Cisco 561 Headset is designed to work with Cisco IP phones as part of the Headset 500 Series, and it also supports many UC soft clients, offering reliable audio performance across desk phones and software-based communications solutions.
• Q: Does this headset feature a mute button and inline controls?
  A: Absolutely. The inline control unit provides accessible mute, answer/end, and volume adjustment, enabling you to manage calls hands-free without fumbling for your device.
• Q: What about comfort for long calls?
  A: Comfort is a core focus. The headset uses a lightweight frame with cushioned ear pads and an adjustable headband to minimize fatigue during long shifts, meetings, or extended customer conversations.
• Q: Is the microphone noise-canceling?
  A: Yes. The Cisco 561 Headset incorporates a noise-canceling microphone designed to reduce ambient noise, ensuring your voice comes through clearly in bustling environments.
• Q: How do I install and configure the headset?
  A: Installation is simple: connect to the appropriate USB port or handset adapter, select the headset as the preferred audio device in your phone or computer settings, and test with a short call to confirm audio routing and inline control functionality.
• Q: What is the warranty and support when purchasing the Cisco 561 Headset?
  A: Warranty and support terms vary by region and channel, but Cisco headsets typically include a standard enterprise warranty and access to Cisco’s support resources. Check the purchase documentation for exact coverage and durations.