Plantronics

Plantronics, a pioneer in the audio technology industry, has a history that takes us back to the early days of the Space Age. The company was founded in 1961 by two airline pilots, Courtney Graham and Keith Larkin, who aimed to produce alternative lightweight headsets for airlines, as the ones available at the time were bulky and uncomfortable.

Their first office was located in the basement of a garage in Santa Cruz, California. There, they worked tirelessly, developing their initial product line. The first Plantronics headsets were made using locally sourced materials, with Graham and Larkin focusing on producing equipment that was reliable, lightweight, and easy to use.

The turning point for Plantronics came in 1962, when NASA approached the company to design and produce a communication system that astronauts could use in space. Plantronics accepted the challenge and developed the MS-50 headset, which was worn by astronaut Wally Schirra aboard the Mercury Atlas 8 mission. Later, Plantronics equipment would feature in historic moments like the Apollo 11 mission, transmitting Neil Armstrong’s iconic words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” to millions of listeners worldwide.

Over the decades, Plantronics expanded its product range to cater to the evolving needs of customers. They began to produce headsets for call centers, office workers, and eventually, everyday consumers. The company’s focus on user comfort, sound quality, and innovative design remained constant, even as they moved into developing Bluetooth headsets and headphones.

In the realm of headphones, Plantronics has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. Their headphone designs are a result of meticulous engineering and a deep understanding of user needs. They use advanced materials for comfort and durability, and each product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.

In 2019, Plantronics merged with Polycom, a leader in video and voice conferencing solutions, to form Poly, a company that continues the legacy of producing high-quality audio and video communication products. But the Plantronics brand remains strong, continuing to deliver superior audio experiences to users around the world.

Plantronics’ story is a testament to the power of innovation and the pursuit of excellence. From a small basement in Santa Cruz to the vast expanse of space and beyond, the brand’s journey has been truly remarkable. Today, whether you’re an astronaut, a gamer, a music lover, or a professional working from home, there’s a good chance you might be using a product that’s part of Plantronics’ rich history of sound innovation.