Objective

The purpose of this article is to explain how to connect and disconnect a wired or wireless microphone on a Cisco 8832 Conference Phone with Multiplatform Phone (MPP) Firmware.

Introduction

Good communication can make all the difference in the success of your company. Conference calls can connect groups of people from different parts of the world or give the ability for someone that can’t make it to an important meeting a chance to join in on the fun. The Cisco 8832 MPP Conference Phone provides high-definition (HD) audio performance and 360-degree coverage for medium to large conference rooms and executive offices.

Out of the box, the speaker on the phone can be used for a 20’ x 20’ (6.1 x 6.1 M) room and up to 10 people. Have a larger conference room than that? Have no fear, this model can support two wired or two wireless microphones, extending the coverage to a 20’ x 34’ (6.1 x 10M) room and up to 22 people with 2 wired microphones, and extending the coverage to 20’ x 40’ (6.1 x 12.2M) and up to 26 people with 2 wireless microphones. It is a great option to get everyone connected.

For best results, we recommend that the microphones be placed at least 3 feet (0.91M) apart. Each microphone has a mute button that will mute or un-mute the phone and both microphones when pressed.

At the time of release, the 8832-3PCC did not support wireless connections for the speaker phone. It is important to note that this multiplatform phone is different than the Enterprise version of this phone. If you would like to see the differences between Cisco Multiplatform phones and Cisco Unified IP phones (Enterprise) click here.

Applicable Devices

- Cisco 8832 IP Conference Phone with Multiplatform Firmware

Software Version

- 11.2.3 and later

Wired Microphones

The 8832 IP Conference Phone does not have PC ports or headsets/handsets. Two wired microphones are available in an optional kit. The ports for the wired microphones are on the left and right of the phone, near the center and close to the base. You simply plug the wired microphones in, and you are good to go.

When the conference phone is being used during a call, the expansion microphone LED around the Mute button is lit green. When you press the Mute button, the phone and the microphones are muted, and the LED color changes to red.

To check connectivity, complete the following steps.

Tip: When you need to scroll up and down to view the options on the screen, use the navigation buttons on the phone as indicated in the image below. The button in the middle can be used to select the option that is highlighted on the screen or you can push the Select softkey instead.

Step 1. Select the Settings softkey on the screen of the phone.

Step 2. Scroll down to Device administration and Select.

Step 3. Scroll down to Microphones and Select.

Step 4. Select Wired Microphones and Select.

Step 5. This screen will display Connected if there is a wired microphone plugged into that port. It will display Not connected if there is not a wired microphone connected.

To disconnect the wired microphones, you simply unplug them, it’s as easy as that.

Wireless Microphones

Instead of the two wired microphones, you can use two wireless microphones. Wireless microphones can be nice for keeping the conference table clear of some cables that might get in the way of people getting work done. These are available in a kit at the time of purchase.

Be sure to disconnect any wired expansion microphones before you install the wireless expansion microphones. You cannot use both wired and wireless expansion microphones at the same time.

When the conference phone is being used during a call, the expansion microphone LED around the Mute button is lit green. When you press the Mute button, the phone and the microphones are muted and the LED color changes to red.

There is a charging tray for the microphones to use. Each microphone comes with a mounting plate and a charging cradle. When charging, the LED on the cradle turns white. Once the microphone is paired with the phone, and you connect the microphone to a charger, you can press the Show Detail softkey to see the charge level for that phone.

When the phone is paired with a wireless microphone and you connect a wired microphone, the wireless microphone gets unpaired. A notification appears on the phone screen indicating that the wired microphone is connected.

Wireless Microphone Pairing

The microphones must be paired with the phone to work. This wirelessly connects the microphone to the phone.

Tip: When you need to scroll up and down to view the options on the screen, use the navigation buttons on the phone as indicated in the image below. The button in the middle can be used to select the option that is highlighted on the screen or you can push the Select softkey instead.

Step 1. Select the Settings softkey on the screen of the phone.

Step 2. Scroll down to Device administration and Select.

Step 3. Scroll down to Microphones and Select.

Step 4. Select Wireless Microphones and Select.

Step 5. Select either Microphone 1 or Microphone 2 and press the Pair softkey. If a microphone is already linked to a particular channel, the phone screen shows that the microphone is paired.

Step 6. Press and hold Mute on the wireless microphone until the microphone LED blinks white. If the pairing succeeds, the phone screen displays a success message.

Step 7. Press Cancel to revert to the Wireless Microphones menu.

Step 8. The wireless microphone has a range setting that sets the Radio Frequency (RF) power being used to communicate between the microphones and the base.

Range setting

Theoretical max range

Indoor range reference

Max talk time

Max idle time

High

44 m (144 feet)

17 m (55 feet)

6 hours

142 hours

Medium

22 m (72 feet)

9 m (29 feet)

7 hours

150 hours

Low

11 m (36 feet)

4 m (13 feet)

8 hours

163 hours

Note: The theoretical max ranges are based upon open field sites with no obstructions. In an office, there are typically walls, doors, furniture, and people, so these ranges are dependent on your environment. Higher range settings will provide larger coverage but use more power.

To change the RF range setting, scroll down to line 3 and Select. When the battery in the microphone is low, the battery indication LED blinks rapidly.

Step 9. Click the Range of Low, Medium, or High and Select. This setting will take effect after a power cycle.

Wireless Microphone Unpairing

Follow steps 1-4 in the section above. The paired microphones will display. Select either Microphone 1 or Microphone 2 and press the Unpair softkey.

Conclusion

You should now be able to connect and disconnect both wired and wireless microphones on your Cisco 8832 Conference Phone with Multiplatform Phone (MPP) Firmware. You are all set, now get back to work scheduling some conference calls!

If you would like to view the administration guide for the Cisco 8832 MPP Conference Phone, click here.