VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:59 am Post subject: Phone patch kludge

I've seen others describe doing this in sessions. I have a client that wants to direct me in a conference call. I do not own a phone patch, but I figured I can just use my phone headset while in the session. Has everyone that used this method had good results, or at least good feedback from the client?
I really need to get myself a "real" phone patch. I just haven't needed it yet.
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Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:07 am Post subject:

it works fine, bob. i had a sesh last week using an earbud to a landline receiver. not a problem.
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TC · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:08 am Post subject:

I've done it that way with no complaints from the client.

Dave · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:12 am Post subject:

I've used a telephone headset so the client can hear/direct while I record a session many times. Never had a complaint. Technically, its not a "phone patch" but the result for the client is the same so I say go for it.
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Deirdre · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:16 am Post subject:

I use an earpiece plugged into a cordless phone all the time.

I have a TI-101 which I've never been able to make work. I still have it in the hope of getting geeked into setting it up properly.
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KaraEdwards · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:18 am Post subject:

I find it better than a phone patch personally. With the headset, i am free to walk around during the conversation for playback, etc...whereas the phone patch ties me to the mic. Even on playback, I've had clients say it sounds great...I did a coaching session yesterday with the headset where I was playing auditions and having them critiqued.

My headset is one that goes under the ear instead of over- so it fits perfectly inside of my headphones (the brand is Plantronics).

Good luck!
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TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:36 am Post subject:

Kara,
I love Plantronics stuff! I have a very similar headset at home for my house phone and here at work we have the wireless headset they make that allows us to wander around about 100 feet away from the desk. Great for when I'm dealing with irritating users that require me to pace around.

All,
Sorry for calling it a phone patch. I know all too well that it isn't a patch, but the client called it that.

Waaaaaay back when communication was not so easy I used to do phone patches with my Amateur radio gear for people overseas, usually military personnel that hadn't talked to their families for ages. All part of the public service that us Ham radio guys do. My grandfather was a Ham as well and has plenty of great pictures from carriers and other navy ships thanking him for his services during WWII and Korea. He was K3FUH. I am WB3AHC.

Back to the subject. Thanks all. I just needed reinforcement. The session is tomorrow AM.
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tackerman · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:41 am Post subject:

Back in my Navy days I think those were called Mars Phone patches.

TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 9:02 am Post subject:

If you were a member of MARS, yes. Military Affiliate Radio System. Commonly thought to stand for Military Amateur Radio System. I never joined them but still helped out when I could.
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Try to imagine a world where there is no such thing as hypothetical situations.

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bobsouer · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 9:48 am Post subject:

Bob,

You've already had plenty of responses to your main question. I'll just chime in to say that I did two sessions yesterday afternoon with that exact set-up. I too have a hardware phone patch, but have never needed to install it because the headset works so well. Sometimes the simple, low tech solutions really are the best.
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jrodriguez315 · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 11:19 am Post subject:

This was a very informative thread. Thanks Bob for posting this question and everyone who chimed in. I'm off to Best Buy to get me an earpiece / headset.
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TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 11:22 am Post subject:

Joe,

Get yourself a Plantronics. You will NOT be disappointed.

Bob,

Thanks. I think what I needed was that pat on the back and the "It'll be fine!" reinforcement. Good to see how many use the low tech solution since it just works!

added: ooooooo. My 400th post was actually a real post, not just a "Dunsel".
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Try to imagine a world where there is no such thing as hypothetical situations.

The Voice of Bob