a review by Tom Piper
The first speakerphone was designed by Ericcson in the 1930s. In the 1940s, a hard-wired model was introduced with a separately-powered amplifier, a microphone and speaker (placed separately), and a special telephone with extra buttons for switching between talking on the loudspeaker and microphone or speaking through the handset. This equipment was primarily intended for managers in an office environment. Now, over 80 years later, anyone with a smartphone has speakerphone features, all of which are limited in their quality, functionality and proximity. More advanced professional speakerphones are now available for modern phone use.
The Phonum from beyerdynamic is a true wireless bluetooth speakerphone which easily connects to smartphones or computers for phone calls via Bluetooth and USB-connection. It was specifically developed using Gecko 360° technology with innovative Fix & Follow Voice-Tracking using a special design of three capsules in the microphone array ensuring clear 360° voice transmission. With its downfire premium speaker, this unit has phenomenal surround-sound when it comes to communication.
The grille on top implies that the loudspeaker is overhead, but that is actually where the microphones are located. The speaker is not visible because it is directed downward to allow sound to be radiated completely around the room. This speakerphone adapts fully to the people in the meeting room, depending on where they are sitting or moving about at the time. The perception of sound is uniform, understandable and distinct due to its echo and noise cancellation features. It is rather small at 5.4” across by 2.5” thick, and weighing in at less than a pound, yet having a very solid well-built feel.
The Phonum has a wide variety of uses including speaking freely on one-to-one calls or moving about the room freely with groups and audiences. I can hold Skype conferences, standard conference calls or simple calls to make presentations, talks and discussions of all types. Meetings can be conducted quickly and easily via videoconference apps like Skype for Business, Cisco WebEx Meetings, Cisco WebEx Teams, Google Hangouts and Zoom as audio and video calls. Distance is not a problem anymore because communication is usually variable and dynamic. It has the best speech intelligibility without distracting effects like echo, noise or interruptions. This results in a convenient discussion atmosphere and a focus on essential information.
This speakerphone is packaged in a very attractive and durable thick-sleeved box that contains the unit, an excellent zippered case, power adapter, USB charging cable and useful instructions. Initial setup was simple and straight-forward as I paired it via Bluetooth to my iPhone 11 Pro Max (alternately, I could have used NFC). I also was able to connect it to my 16” MacBook Pro with its USB cable. Once I turned it on with the button pressed on the side, operation thereafter was just like a regular phone call or Skype call (Webex worked great too). The intuitive touch panel on top allowed me to accept or end a call, increase or decrease speaker volume, or change microphone settings (mute, beamforming mode which follows the speaker, cardioid mode for selectable fixed direction, or omnidirectional for input all around). Battery status is announced when power is turned on, or when the Li-Ion battery is very low (operating time is over 12 hours). It charges while plugged into a computer (even while in use), or using a USB charger (recharge in 3 hours). Status lights kept me well informed about Bluetooth, volume, power, battery and microphone conditions. It even includes instructions on how to update the firmware to assure the operation of the speakerphone.
The Phonum is available at https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/phonum.html $249.00 (USD), with free shipping. Beyerdynamic is a robust company of high quality consumer and professional products including microphone systems, speakers, headphones and headsets located in New York, with headquarters in Germany. With almost 100 years of experience in audio and headset products, they are characterized by the company’s desire to innovate and continuously develop technology. I strongly recommend this and any of the products from beyerdynamic.
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