Tech Review: AVID WonderEars AP-400 Education Headset
The AVID WonderEars AP-400 Headset is a versatile and high-quality audio solution, designed with young learners in mind. This headset, priced at $24.95 for the 3.5mm TRRS model and $29.95 for the USB-C model, offers excellent audio quality and is compatible with a wide range of devices, including PC/MAC, Chromebooks, tablets, and more.
Design and Comfort
The AVID WonderEars AP-400 Headset boasts a well-designed and well-built structure. It features a braided 5-foot cord, sturdy moulded end connections, and an integrated velcro strap for added durability. The headset comes in vibrant orange or green colours, and its soft-on-ear design and headband padding ensure a comfortable fit for young learners, ages 4-9.
Audio Quality and Recording
The AVID WonderEars AP-400 Headset delivers clear sound in various scenarios for both music, spoken work, and video. Its KidCom microphone, designed for durability and ease of cleaning, stands off the unit less than an inch. The 3.5 mm connection offers a little better overall voice recording quality compared to the USB-C connection. The headset is also suitable for recording student audio, although the recording properties may vary depending on device hardware and drivers.
Volume Limitation
For the safety of young users, the AVID WonderEars AP-400 Headset comes with a volume limitation, designed to limit the volume setting to 85 dB. This feature is crucial in protecting children's hearing during long hours of use.
Alternatives for the AVID WonderEars AP-400 Headset
If the AVID WonderEars AP-400 Headset does not meet your specific needs, there are alternatives available. Models from Encore Data Products, Califone, HamiltonBuhl, and Cyber Acoustics all offer similar features and price range. These alternatives also offer volume-limiting technology, smaller headbands for young learners, chew-resistant cords, and compatibility with educational platforms like Google Classroom and Zoom.
In conclusion, the AVID WonderEars AP-400 Headset is a great choice for any elementary school educator seeking a well-designed, durable, and affordable headset for their young learners. Its compatibility with various devices, clear sound quality, and volume limitation make it an excellent tool for both music and spoken work, as well as video conferencing in the classroom.
The student might find the AVID WonderEars AP-400 Headset useful for their learning, as it is designed to work with school gadgets like Chromebooks and tablets. The learning environment can benefit from the headset's clear audio quality, suitable for music, spoken work, and video, making classroom discussions and multimedia presentations more engaging. The school's technology department can ensure the students' safety by appreciating the headset's volume limitation feature, which protects young users' hearing during long hours of use.
