Review of the Snom C520 conference phone

With advanced audio features, the Snom C520 conference phone is one of the most versatile conference phones on the market. Its expandability enables high-quality conferencing for close to 100 participants! In this article, we take a look at this remarkable conference phone.

Sound quality is paramount

This conference phone sports advanced and expandable audio features. Specifically, the Snom C520 has three microphones, one of which is integrated into the main device and incorporates a high-performance full-duplex loudspeaker. The other two microphones are detachable from built-in charging cradles on the device itself, and use DECT technology to connect to the main conference phone.

All of the C520’s microphones support dynamic noise cancellation, adaptive feedback control and take advantage of high-definition wideband audio quality, which is ensured even in large spaces and with numerous participants. The microphones are capable of real-time synchronization based on their current position. They dynamically adjust their sensitivity depending upon the relative location of the person speaking, so there is a uniformity in the way the audio is captured and transmitted. This results in users being able to move around freely in the room without having to worry about raising their voices in order to be heard, even in large conference rooms.Up to three C52-SP DECT expansion speakerphones can be added to the system, each of which has a range of up to 50 meters (150 feet) from the conference phone. These cordless battery-powered expansion devices have both mics and speakers, and connect wirelessly to the main C520 conference phone via DECT technology, with a coverage area that will easily allow close to one hundred people to participate in a teleconference!

Other features of note

Beyond its exceptional audio features and flexibility, the Snom C520 offers Bluetooth connectivity to wireless headsets, as well as to smartphones for fast dialing. It is SIP-enabled and supports many of the most popular VoIP codecs, so it can connect to any SIP server for integration within a corporate telephone network. Network features including Power over Ethernet (PoE), Port Security, and TLS are just some of the things that make the device simple to install and manage, and safe and secure to use.

Specifications

• Two detachable DECT wireless microphones with a range of up to 50 meters (150 feet)
• Up to three C52-SP expansion devices can be connected for bigger conferences
• Up to three SIP accounts
• Incoming, outgoing, and missed call list with up to 200 entries
• Local directory with up to 200 entries
• Multi-language support
• Interoperable with all major IP PBX platforms
• Bluetooth connectivity for two devices
• Call features include
  • Speed dialing
  • Call waiting
  • Call blocking
  • Call hold
  • Call transfer
  • Call forwarding
  • Do not disturb
  • Caller ID
  • Conference calling with 3 participants
• Protocols and security
  • SIP
  • DHCP
  • HTTP/HTTPS/TFTP for configuration
  • STUN for NAT compatibility
  • LDAP for user directories
  • 802.1X port security
  • TLS, SRTP, SIPS, RTCP
  • Supports VLANs and LLDP-MED
• Codec and VoIP support
  • G.711, G.722, G.726, G.729, echo suppression
  • Comfort noise generator, automatic gain control
• Interface
  • Graphical backlit display (158 x 57 pixels)
  • Microphone mute function
  • Volume keys

Conclusion

The scalability and quality of the audio features provided by the Snom C520 make this an ideal conferencing device, whether you have a small meeting room with a handful of people or a large conference room with dozens of participants.

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