Polycom SoundStation 2: Enhancing Conference Calls with Superior Audio Quality

The Polycom SoundStation 2 is an advanced audio conferencing device that has become an essential tool in many corporate conference rooms worldwide. Its design focuses on allowing participants to experience clear and productive conference calls without the hassle of poor sound quality and limited range. The device caters to small to medium-sized conference rooms and is revered for its exceptional voice clarity and background noise suppression capabilities.

A Polycom SoundStation 2 sits on a conference table, surrounded by chairs and a speakerphone

Featuring Polycom’s patented Acoustic Clarity Technology, the SoundStation 2 delivers remarkable sound quality that ensures each word is heard clearly. It is equipped with smart technology such as dynamic noise reduction and 360-degree microphone coverage. These features work together to pick up voices from around the room while minimizing distractions from ambient noises.

Moreover, the SoundStation 2 is user-friendly, offering simple controls and an intuitive interface that enables easy setup and operation. Its compatibility with various analog phone lines allows for quick integration into any organization’s communication infrastructure, promoting seamless collaboration among teams spread across different locations.

Overview of Polycom SoundStation 2

A Polycom SoundStation 2 sits atop a conference table, surrounded by chairs and microphones. The device is illuminated by the soft glow of the room's overhead lights

The Polycom SoundStation 2 enhances conference call clarity and participation by providing superior voice quality and microphone sensitivity.

Product Description

The Polycom SoundStation 2 is a conference telephone optimized for small to medium-sized meeting rooms. It employs Acoustic Clarity Technology to deliver clear, full-duplex audio quality, making conference calls more efficient and intelligible. Its sleek design integrates well in a corporate environment.

Key Features

  • Full Duplex Audio: Offers simultaneous two-way communication for natural conversation without clipping.
  • Dynamic Noise Reduction (DNR): Reduces background noise for clearer sound.
  • 360-degree Microphone Coverage: Picks up voices from around the table, not just close to the base unit.

Hardware Specifications

  • Display: A backlit graphical LCD displays caller information.
  • Keypad: The phone includes a standard 12-key keypad, navigation keys, and mute, volume control buttons.
  • Connectivity: Analog PBX or public switched telephone network interface.
  • Microphone Range: Up to 10 feet.
  • Power: Can be powered through Power over Ethernet (PoE) or an AC adapter.
  • Dimensions: Measures 14.5 in x 12.25 in x 2.5 in (LxWxH).

The SoundStation 2 is designed to directly connect to a standard telephone line or to a PBX with an analog extension.

Setup and Installation

A Polycom SoundStation 2 is placed on a conference table, connected to a phone line and power source, with the microphone array spread out

The installation of the Polycom SoundStation 2 is straightforward, involving three primary steps: unboxing and verifying contents, physical setup of the unit, and configuring the device for initial use.

Unboxing and Contents

Upon opening the Polycom SoundStation 2 packaging, one should find the main conference unit, a power supply, power cords, a telephone cord, and a user manual. It is crucial to ensure all these items are present before proceeding with the setup.

Physical Setup

To set up the SoundStation 2:

  1. Position the Conference Unit: Place it in the center of the table within reach of all participants.
  2. Connect the Power Supply:
    • Insert one end of the power cable into the power supply.
    • Plug the other end into a wall outlet.
    • Connect the power supply to the port marked ‘Power’ on the base of the unit.
  3. Telephone Line Connection:
    • Use the supplied telephone cord.
    • Connect one end to the unit’s ‘Line’ port.
    • Plug the other end into a telephone wall jack.

Initial Configuration

The initial configuration of the Polycom SoundStation 2 involves:

  • Setting Date and Time:

    • On the device’s interface, locate the ‘Menu’ option.
    • Navigate to ‘Admin Settings’ to set the current date and time.
  • Adjusting Settings:

    • Volume, ringtones, and other preferences can be adjusted in the settings menu.
    • Refer to the user manual for detailed instructions on the various settings available.

Using the SoundStation 2

The SoundStation 2 Polycom sits on a sleek conference table, surrounded by a group of chairs. The room is filled with natural light and modern decor, creating a professional and inviting atmosphere

The Polycom SoundStation 2 facilitates high-quality conference calls with easy setup and operation.

Making and Receiving Calls

To make a call on the SoundStation 2, users simply enter the number using the keypad and press the “Call” button. Receiving a call involves pressing the “Answer” button when the phone rings. Users can also utilize the phone’s speed-dial feature to call frequently dialed numbers quickly.

In-Call Features

During a call, users have several options:

  • Mute: Press the “Mute” button to prevent the other party from hearing any sound from your side.
  • Volume Control: Use the volume buttons to adjust the speaker volume up or down.
  • Conference: By pressing the “Conference” button, users can connect additional callers to the conversation.

Voice Clarity Technology

The SoundStation 2 incorporates Acoustic Clarity Technology, ensuring calls are clear and interruption-free. This technology includes:

  • Dynamic Noise Reduction (DNR): It reduces background noise.
  • Full-Duplex Audio: Allows simultaneous speaking and listening without audio cutouts.

Troubleshooting and Support

A technician troubleshoots a Polycom SoundStation 2, checking cables and adjusting settings on the device

When experiencing difficulties with the Polycom SoundStation 2, it is crucial to identify the problem, apply the appropriate reset or recovery procedures, and utilize the available customer support resources for assistance.

Common Issues

Sound Problems

  • No sound output
  • Distorted sound
  • Low volume

Connection Issues

  • Unable to connect to the conference service
  • Dropouts during calls

Functional Errors

  • Buttons not responding
  • Display malfunctions

Reset and Recovery Procedures

Soft Reset

  1. Disconnect the power cable.
  2. Wait for 15 seconds.
  3. Reconnect the power and observe if the issue resolves.

Hard Reset (Warning: This will erase settings.)

  1. Press and hold the ‘1’, ‘3’, and ‘5’ buttons simultaneously.
  2. While holding, reconnect the power cable.
  3. Follow on-screen prompts to complete the reset process.

Customer Support Resources

Polycom Support Website

  • Access to documentation, FAQs, user guides

Contact Center

  • Phone number: Specific to the region
  • Available: 24/7 for critical issues

Online Chat

  • Real-time assistance
  • Operation hours: Check the official support page

Expansion Options

The Polycom SoundStation 2 allows users to enhance their conference experience by adding microphones and accessing a range of compatible accessories.

Additional Microphones

Polycom offers expansion microphones for the SoundStation 2 to accommodate larger meeting rooms and groups. These microphones:

  • Extend coverage, ensuring all participants are heard clearly.
  • Connect to the main console via provided cables, allowing for quick setup.

Compatible Accessories

A selection of compatible accessories enhances the functionality of the SoundStation 2:

  • Power/Telco Module: to power the unit and connect to the telephone network.
  • Wall Module: which includes all necessary cables for connection.
  • Carrying Case: for protecting and transporting the unit.
  • Console Cable: available in various lengths to suit different room sizes.

Firmware and Software Updates

The Polycom SoundStation 2 periodically receives firmware and software updates to enhance performance and add new features. Users should regularly check for updates and follow the prescribed process to ensure their device operates optimally.

Checking for Updates

To check for available updates for the SoundStation 2, users must access the Polycom support portal. Follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Polycom Support website.
  2. Navigate to the Downloads and Updates section.
  3. Enter the model number, SoundStation 2, to locate the specific firmware.
  4. Review the list of available updates to determine the latest version.

Update Process

After identifying an available update, users should perform the following steps to update their SoundStation 2 firmware:

  1. Download the latest firmware version from the Polycom Support site.
  2. Extract the contents of the downloaded file if necessary.
  3. Connect the SoundStation 2 to a computer using the required cable.
  4. Transfer the firmware file to the SoundStation 2 following Polycom’s provided instructions.
  5. Initiate the update process from the device’s menu and allow it to run uninterrupted until completion.

Business Integration

The Polycom SoundStation 2 seamlessly integrates with a variety of existing business communication systems to enhance audio conferencing experiences.

Compatibility with Business Systems

The SoundStation 2 is designed to be compatible with most analog phone lines and features standard telephone features, such as call waiting, call transfer, and mute. It is widely acknowledged for its ability to integrate with:

  • PBX Systems: The device connects easily with Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems, which are common in many corporate environments.

Integration into Existing Infrastructure

Businesses can integrate the SoundStation 2 into their existing infrastructures without significant upgrades or changes. Key aspects of integration include:

  • Flexibility: It is designed to work in small to medium-sized conference rooms.
  • Direct Connection: The unit connects directly to any standard telephone line or extension.
  • No Additional Equipment: Installation does not require any specialized equipment or technical know-how; one can set it up with the existing analog phone jacks in the office.

Safety and Compliance

The Polycom SoundStation 2 embraces a range of safety guidelines and compliance standards key to its secure operation and global distribution.

Safety Guidelines

  • Installation: The device should be installed on a stable surface to prevent accidental falls. Cables should be arranged to avoid tripping hazards.
  • Operation: It should be operated in dry environments to mitigate the risk of electric shock. Any cleaning must be done with the device unplugged and using a dry cloth.

Compliance Standards

  • FCC Regulations: The SoundStation 2 complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules, regarding direct connection to the telephone network.
  • CE Marking: It carries the CE mark, which indicates conformity with the essential health and safety requirements set out in European Directives.

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