AVID AE-55 Headphones Transition from Blue to Black

For schools, technology departments and other organizations that rely on reliable classroom audio equipment, product consistency can make purchasing and inventory management easier. Encore Data Products is making a simple change to one of its popular classroom headset offerings: the blue-and-silver AVID AE-55 3.5mm headset is being discontinued, with the black-and-silver version continuing as the color option going forward.

The transition affects the color of the 3.5mm AE-55 only—not the entire AVID AE-55 product family. Schools already using blue AE-55 headsets can continue to use their existing headsets, while customers purchasing new headsets will transition to the black-and-silver model as Encore’s remaining inventory of the blue version sells out.

Meet the AVID AE-55 Black and Silver Classroom Headset

The AVID AE-55 Black and Silver Headset (AE-55KL) is designed for educational environments. It combines audio and microphone capabilities in a wired headset for digital learning, communication and other classroom activities.

The black-and-silver AE-55 has a single 3.5mm TRRS connection and a bidirectional boom microphone that rotates for different users. According to Encore Data Products’ specs, the headset also has a 6-foot nylon-braided cord with ear-cup strain relief, 40mm ferrite speakers, PU leatherette ear pads and an adjustable headband with limited tilt.

Encore describes the AE-55 as durable, reliable, easy to clean and store and 1:1 ready. The noise-reducing earpieces are designed to help students focus, while the adjustable headband fits different users.

For classrooms where headphones will be used by students regularly, these practical features are important to consider when evaluating school audio equipment.

What’s Changing from the AE-55 Blue to Black?

The only change is color.

Encore Data Products has confirmed the blue-and-silver AE-55 is being discontinued. Once the blue inventory is sold out, the black-and-silver will be the only color option for this 3.5mm AE-55.Encore’s current specs for the blue-and-silver AE-55 (AE-55BL) and black-and-silver AE-55 (AE-55KL) are the same. Both models have:

• Single 3.5mm TRRS plug
• Bidirectional rotating boom microphone
• 6-foot nylon-braided cord with ear-cup strain relief
• 40mm ferrite speakers
• 20Hz–20kHz frequency response
• PU leatherette ear pads
• Adjustable headband
• Ambidextrous design
• Noise-reduction features
• No onboard volume control

That makes the transition easy for schools that have already purchased the blue version and want to continue using the AE-55 platform.

The AE-55 Is More Than One Headset Configuration

It’s important to note this is not a discontinuation of the AVID AE-55 product family.

Encore Data Products offers black-and-silver AE-55 headsets in multiple configurations. In addition to the 3.5mm AE-55KL, schools can find an AE-55 with a USB connection and a black-and-silver AE-55 with a USB-C connection.

This is helpful because schools don’t have identical devices across every classroom or building. A district may have equipment that uses traditional 3.5mm connections while newer devices require USB or USB-C audio accessories.

The black-and-silver USB-C AE-55 has in-line volume control in addition to the USB-C connection. Schools should select an AE-55 configuration based on the connection and features required by their devices rather than assuming every version has the same connectivity.

Built for Education

The AE-55 has a history in educational audio. Encore Data Products says the headset has received the Tech & Learning Best Remote Learning Tools and ISTE 2020 Best of Show awards.

Its education-focused design makes the AE-55 relevant to many common classroom applications. A headset with a microphone can support digital lessons, student communication, language-learning activities and computer-based educational applications that require both listening and speaking.Durability and maintenance are also important when schools buy headphones in bulk. Equipment used by students can get more wear and tear than personal headphones used by one person. Features like the AE-55’s braided cord, adjustable headband, leatherette ear pads and easy-to-clean design address practical considerations for schools managing shared technology.

An Easier AE-55 Color Choice Going Forward

For current AE-55 users, Encore Data Products’ transition from blue-and-silver to black-and-silver is just a product-line update. Schools can continue to use the blue headsets they already have, and the black will be the continuing color choice for future 3.5mm AE-55 purchases once blue inventory is gone.

Schools and technology coordinators should always check the connection type required by their devices before ordering classroom headsets. Encore Data Products offers AVID AE-55 in 3.5mm, USB and USB-C connections, and a full range of school headphones, headsets with microphones, earbuds and classroom audio accessories.