Clarity XL45 User Manual

     MENU Screen: press to show the CID information, check the 

memory records, get information about the volume and tone levels, etc.
     ENTER Button: press to confirm choices listed on the screen.
     Arrow Buttons (UP/DOWN): press to navigate through the menu 

choices, CID and memory records.
     MENU Button: press to access the menu for CID/memory checking 

and language setup.
     DELETE Button: press to delete CID/memory records and to edit 

names/numbers.
     MEMORY Buttons: for saved numbers (see MEMORY STORAGE).
     SPKR (Speaker) Button: press SPKR to engage the speakerphone 

function; press again to turn the feature off. 
     FLASH Button: use this button to engage the Call Waiting/Call 

Waiting Caller ID function (feature provided by local phone company). 
     VOLUME Slider: move to right or left in order to increase or 

decrease the volume of the incoming voice.
     BOOST/OSA Button: press BOOST to engage the extra 

amplification. In BOOST OFF mode, the phone has a volume range of up 

to 16dB of amplification. In BOOST ON mode, the phone has a volume 

range of up to 50dB of amplification. When active, the BOOST button 

is backlit. Press BOOST again to turn off the extra amplification. Press 

and hold the button for three seconds to engage the OSA function (to 

enhance the level of your voice). See OSA section for details.   

NOTE: when OSA is enabled, the light at the top of the phone turns 

orange when the phone is engaged in a call.
     RD/P (Redial/Pause) Button: use this button to redial the last 

number dialed (up to 32 digits). When in programming mode, press this 

button to insert a two second pause. 
     TONE Switch: use this switch to pick one of the four tone settings 

available.
     HOLD Button: during a call, use this button to put the call on hold; 

press the button again to release the call from hold. 
     Missed Call Light: light turns on when there was an unanswered call. 

(Active when Missed Call switch is ON - located on bottom of phone.)
     Visual Ringer Lights: lights turn on and off when the phone rings.
     Low Battery Indicator: light turns on when the backup batteries are 

low.
      Voicemail/Ringer/OSA Light: a. Light turns GREEN when there is 

a voicemail left with your voicemail feature (from local phone company). 

b. Light turns RED when the ringer switch is in the OFF position. c. Light 

turns ORANGE when the OSA feature is active. 
     (Ringer) TONE: press this button to choose the desired incoming 

ring tonality. Choose one of the six available ring tones to select the 

most favorable ringer.

     (Ringer) Volume +/-: press the keys to increase/decrease the 

volume of the incoming ring.
     (Ringer) ON/OFF Switch: use this switch to turn the ringer on 

or off.  When the switch is set to OFF, the light at the top of the phone 

turns RED.
     Headset Port: insert a standard headset (2.5mm plug) to use instead 

of handset.
     Outgoing Speech Amplification (OSA) Switch: use the switch to 

set the level of the outgoing speech amplification level. To enable/disable 

the OSA switch, press and hold the BOOST/OSA button for three 

seconds (see OSA section).
     Neckloop Port: insert a standard neckloop (mono, 3.5mm plug) to 

use with your T-coil equipped hearing aid. We recommend the Clarity 

CE30 neckloop.
     Talk Keypad Switch: set to ON if you wish to hear the numeric 

keys pressed during dialing - both in handset and speakerphone modes. 

NOTE:  The “star” and “pound” keys are not part of this feature.
     Boost Override Switch: set to ON if you wish for the BOOST 

function to be enabled at the beginning of all calls.
     Missed Call Switch: set to ON if you wish to have the Missed Call 

light enabled.
      Voicemail Switch: set to ON if you wish for the light at the top of 

the phone to turn green when you have voicemail (service from your 

phone service provider).
     Tone/Pulse Switch: set this switch to the desired dialing method.
     BEDSHAKER Port: insert the optional bedshaker (sold separately). 

It will vibrate to indicate incoming rings.
    LINE: see INSTALLING YOUR XL45 section.

     

POWER Port (9V 500mA): see INSTALLING YOUR XL45 

section. 

ON   OFF

VOLUME

TONE

RINGER SETTINGS

+

-

Lo  Med  Hi

Outgoing Speech

Amplification (OSA)

Headset

Neckloop

HOLD

RD/P

BOOST

FLASH

SPKR

TONE

VOLUME

ENTER

MENU

DELETE

OSA

 Amplified Telephone

with DCP™ and CID

HOLD

RD/P

BOOST

FLASH

SPKR

TONE

VOLUME

ENTER

MENU

DELETE

OSA

HOLD

RD/P

BOOST

FLASH

SPKR

TONE

VOLUME

ENTER

MENU

DELETE

OSA

 Amplified Telephone
with DCP™ and CID

Clarity, a Division of Plantronics, Inc.  
 

       

 

 

4289 Bonny Oaks Drive, Suite 106 
Chattanooga, TN 37406    
1-800-426-3738    

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

www.clarityproducts.com 

XL45

 TM

ON

OFF

Talk

Keypad

ON

OFF

Boost

Override

Missed

Call

Voice

Mail

HOLD

RD/P

BOOST

FLASH

SPKR

TONE

VOLUME

ENTER

MENU

DELETE

OSA

     TIME Indicator: the time is displayed if you have CID service (from 
your local telephone service provider). The time is updated every time a 
CID call is received. 
     Backup Battery Level Indicator: indicates the level of charge in 
your backup batteries (if installed). 
     DATE Indicator: the date is displayed if you have CID service (from 
your local telephone service provider).

              Blue ClarityLogic Button: press the blue button for direct access to a 
Customer Care Representative.

User guide

Mounting bracket

Handset coil cord

Handset

DC adapter

Base unit

Your package includes all the items as shown here. If there is anything missing, 
please contact our Customer Care Department immediately.

    

BEDSHAKER

LINE

DC9V, 500mA

  1.  While on a call, press the BOOST button to engage the amplifier.  
The XL45 has a BOOST button that controls the loudness of the receiver. 
See Figure 6. Once the BOOST button is pressed, an extra level of 
amplification is added over the entire range of the Volume Control. During 
a call, the BOOST button can toggle the Clarity Power function on or off 
according to the user’s needs. The BOOST button will reset automatically 
every time the phone is hung up for at least five seconds. The BOOST light 
will illuminate (blue) while the BOOST function is activated. 
Warning:  Volume may be at a high level. To protect hearing, lower the 
Clarity Power Volume Control before using the phone. 

 

  2.  Adjust the VOLUME slider to achieve the desired sound level (up 
to 50dB of amplification). The Clarity Power Volume Control adjusts the 
level of volume in the handset both in Boost or non-Boost modes. The 
volume dial provides up to 16dB of volume before the BOOST button is 
activated. Once the BOOST button is pressed, the XL45 will provide up to 
50dB of gain. See Figure 7.
  3.  Adjusting the TONE switch allows you to customize your hearing 
experience. Since we all have different hearing preferences, we suggest 
exploring each setting to find the one most comfortable for you.  These 
four settings, along with our volume amplification, are part of the Digital 
Clarity Power (DCP™) technology. See Figure 8.  The available settings are:
    1 - Low frequency emphasis: best used to hear low pitched sounds;   
    2 - Flat frequency response: best for hearing aid users;   

 

 

    3 - Clarity Power/High frequency emphasis response: best used to hear  
    high frequency sounds;   

 

 

 

 

 

 

    4 - Multi Band Compression with high frequency emphasis response:    
    best setting for speech intelligibility. 
  NOTE: The screen displays the volume and tone levels.

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OSA

OSA

NOTE: Boost button is not active in speakerphone mode.
Boost Override 
On the bottom of the XL45, there is a Boost Override switch. 
When this is set to ON, the Boost function is automatically enabled 
every time the phone is picked up. In standard use, when the Boost 
Override switch is set to OFF, the Boost function will turn off after 
the phone is hung up. Setting this switch to ON is suggested if all the 
users of the phone need the amplification. Setting this switch to OFF 
is useful when people with varying hearing ability use the phone. See 
Figure 9. 

ON

OFF

Boost

Override

Remove battery cover using a 

thin object (like the tip of a pen) 

to push down the tab shown by 

the arrow above. 

If there is a power outage, the XL45 will maintain its full amplification for up 

to 48 hours with four AA alkaline backup batteries (not included).
The phone operates as a regular phone if there is no power or backup 

batteries. In this case, the indicator lights, the loud ringer, the lighted keypad 

and the amplification will be disabled; you will still be able to make and receive 

phone calls, but the extra amplification will not be engaged. We recommend 

installing batteries if you live in an area with frequent power outages.

Telephone line 

cords 

(one long cord and 

one short cord)

1.  Pull the handset hook out of the base and reverse its position so that the 
hook points up and will hold the handset when you hang up. See Figure 3.
2.  Plug one end of the short flat telephone line cord into the jack marked 

LINE located on the back of the telephone. Then run the cord through the 
groove on the back of the phone. Insert the tabs of the mounting bracket into 
the slots in the back of the phone. Push the mounting bracket in and down 
firmly until it snaps into place. See Figure 4.
3.  Plug the flat telephone line cord into the wall plate jack, then align the 
mounting bracket’s keyhole slots with the wall plate studs and slide the base of 
the phone downward to secure it on the wall. See Figure 5.

Install the backup batteries (optional) by removing the battery cover as shown 
in Figure 1. Connect your telephone as shown in Figure 2. 
     

Connect one end of the phone cord into the (square) LINE port on 

the back of the phone; connect the other end of the phone cord into your wall 
telephone outlet.
     

Connect one end of the (curly) handset cord into the handset jack on 

the left side of your base; connect the other end of the handset cord into the 
bottom of the handset. Place handset in cradle.
     

Connect the DC adapter cord into the (round) DC 9V 500mA port 

on the back of your phone; plug the adapter into your wall’s electrical outlet. 
When finished, lift handset to test. If you hear a dial tone, your telephone is 
ready for use. If not, check all connections again.

Amplified dB Level: 50dB/124dBSPL

Tone control range: From 300 to 3000Hz using one slide control

Size: 9 3/4” x 7” x 3 1/2” (24.765cm x 17.78cm x 8.89cm) 

Weight: 2.52 lbs. (1.14 kg) 

AC Adapter: 9VDC, 500 mA 

Batteries: 4 AA alkaline batteries (not included)

There are three main menu options on the XL45: CID, Memory Dial 
and Language.
To switch from one main menu option to the next, press the down arrow.
NOTE: if you wish to return to the standby screens at any time, press the 
MENU key. 

Formatting and Calling from CID
To format and/or make a call from the CID entry, select the desired CID 
entry and press the ENTER button. PICK FORMAT will appear on screen 
first, then PRESS UP/DN will appear. Using the arrow keys, choose the desired 
format for the CID number, and press the ENTER button. See Figure 11 and 
Figure 12.
NOTE: A seven digit number will not display the area code.  A 10 digit 
number will display the area code without the numeral one.  The 11 digit 
number will display the number, area code plus the numeral one.  

Phone numbers can be stored into a phone’s memory to enable one button 
dialing.  The phone directory allows space for four different phone numbers.  
It is important to not program 911 into your phone. This will prevent 
inadvertently calling an emergency call center.  Only store emergency numbers 
such as a doctor, hospital, the local fire department or local police station 
numbers.
Programming/Editing the Memory Dial Buttons
This feature will allow the user to program or edit numbers in the four 
Memory Dial locations or make changes to the current programmed numbers. 
Press the MENU button, then press the down arrow to the “View Mem Dial” 
screen. See Figure 15.  You will have the option of choosing “Yes” or “No”.  
Select  “Yes” by pressing the one (1) button. 

Caller ID Operations
Caller ID is a service that is provided through your local telephone 
company.  This telephone will automatically display the incoming caller’s 
name and number along with the date and time of the call.  It will record 
up to 40 calls.
When there is a new incoming call, the CID information will display on the 
second ring.  The first row on the display will have the caller’s ID (name).  
If there is no information, the row will be blank.  The second row displays 
the incoming telephone number.  If the number is longer than 11 digits, the 
LCD will toggle the displayed number between the first 11 digits and the 
remaining digits.
NOTE: The time and date will automatically register after receiving your 
first call. 
 
View CID
To view CID information press the MENU button. “View CID?” will 
display with the options of “1 Yes 2 No.” Select “Yes” by pressing the one 
(1) button and the most recent incoming call will be displayed.  Press the 
down arrow to view the next CID entry.
If there are no new calls, the screen will display “No Calls”. You can 
also access the CID records by pressing UP or DOWN keys from the 
standby screen. See Figure 10.
NOTE: The display will time out and go to the standby screen if you have 
not made a selection within 30 seconds.
NOTE: You can view the CID list by pressing either the UP or DOWN 
key from standby (idle) mode.

The user will have the option to select English, French or Spanish. Press the 
MENU button and press the down arrow until “Language” appears. Press 
1 (one) for English, press 2 (two) for Spanish, press 3 (three) for French. See 
Figures 16 and 17.

To store any CID record to one of the memory keys, do the 
following:
  1. Pick the correct dialing format by following the steps above; 
  2. Press ENTER;
  3. Choose “2” (No) when asked if you want to dial the number.  The record 
with the correct dialing format will be displayed on the screen;  
  4. Press and hold the memory key you wish to use for this record.  
 
You are able to change the name of the record before storing it in the 
memory keys. Press DEL to delete the displayed name, then use the keypad 
to enter your custom name. (To introduce a space, press “1.”)
The phone beeps, the display shows “Num Stored,” and the record is stored.

The next screens that will display are CALL NUMBER? and 1 YES 2 NO  with 
your chosen formatted number. See Figures 13 and 14.
If you select “Yes” the CID entry will then be dialed.  If you select “No” the 
CID will format and show the CID information.
NOTE: Saving a CID record to a MemDial button that is not blank will 
overwrite the previously saved name/number without prompting.

Mem Dial 1 or the saved name and number will appear. (To go to the next 
Mem Dial location press the DOWN arrow.)
Use the Delete button and delete Mem Dial 1 or name stored.  Next, type 
in the name of the number you wish to store.  Then press the ENTER 
button.  Use the Delete button to delete the number to be edited.  If there 
is no number stored, type in the number you wish to store.  Press ENTER 
once again.  The number has now been stored into the M1 button. The menu 
will advance to the next memory location – Mem Dial 2. (NOTE: To enter a 
space, press “1”.) Repeat these steps to program Mem Dial 2.
NOTE: To view the saved records under the Memory Dial buttons, you have 
to press MENU, then the DOWN key twice to arrive at “View Mem Dial?” 
submenu. Pressing the memory keys from standby (or while on a call) will 
dial the numbers directly without further prompting (one-touch dial).

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Lo  Med  Hi

Outgoind Speech 

Amplification (OSA)

Headset

Neckloop

During Talk Mode
While on a call, the screen will display a timer and volume level. If you make 
the call, the screen will also display the number dialed.
If the Hold button is activated, “Call on hold” will be displayed.
During Idle Mode
“Clarity XL45” will be displayed on screens during Idle Mode if the following 
standby screens are not applicable. The number of calls will register to the 
screen.  (Example: “1 Call.”) 
“No Ph Line” will appear if no phone line is plugged in. If there is no DC 
power, “Batt Only” will appear and alternate with “No DC power.”
When another phone is being used, “Line In Use” will be displayed. If there is a 
new voicemail message, “New VMail” will appear.
NOTE: If there is a new CID, “New VMail screen” and the number of new 
CID entries screen (example: “2 Calls”) will alternate.

 
No Dial Tone/Phone Will Not Operate
1.  Check all phone cords and connections. Make sure they are plugged in 
securely.
2.   Plug unit into a different phone jack to help determine if the difficulty is 
with the phone or the phone jack.
3.  Switch out handset or telephone line cords.
4.  Disconnect any other equipment that may be attached to the phone.

Unable To Dial Out
1.  Make sure the TONE/PULSE switch is set correctly.
2.  Phone may be at the end of a long line of phones (loop). Phone may not be 
getting enough power from the phone line. It may be necessary to wait for a 
few seconds after lifting the handset to begin dialing.
3.  The XL45 is not compatible with Digital PBX Systems. If a standard, single 
line phone works on the system, your XL45 should as well.
4.  There is an advanced computer running inside the XL45. Sometimes after 
the handset is picked up, it will take a little less than a second to engage the 
phone. Since it is not immediate, if you dial a number before the computer 
engages, it will not receive the entire phone number that is dialed.

The Person On The Other End Cannot Hear You
1.  Too many phones or phone devices on the line may affect your  
phone’s transmission. As a guideline, more than five phones or phone devices 
may overload the phone line. Disconnect one or two devices to see if that 
eliminates the problem. If not, contact your local phone company for load 
guidelines.
2.  You may not be speaking directly into the transmitter. Always speak 
directly into the mouthpiece in your normal tone of voice.
Unable To Hear Phone Ringer
1.  Too many phone or phone devices on a line may cause your phone to not 
ring. Disconnect one or two of the devices to see if the problem is eliminated. 
If not, contact your local phone company for load guidelines.
2.   If power is not being supplied to the phone, the extra loud ringer will not 
work.
3.   Check the Ringer ON/OFF switch to see if the ringer is off. If it is, move it 
to the ON position.

Volume Control Does Not Work
1. BOOST must be activated to turn on the additional amplification.  
2. Check power connections. BOOST will not work without power or    
backup batteries.

Static On The Line
1.  Your phone may be located near a touch lamp, microwave, refrigerator 
or other household appliances. Try relocating your phone to another area.
2.  A cordless phone on your line may cause static. Try disconnecting the 
cordless phone, as this may eliminate the problem.
3.  Extra devices attached to the telephone, such as CID units and 
answering machines, may cause static. Disconnecting the devices may 
eliminate the problem.
4.   If there is also DSL service in the home, this will cause interference on 
the line. That interference is then amplified by the phone, causing a less 
than optimal quality of conversation. Install the phone line filter provided 
by the DSL service provider to reduce the amount of interference on the 
line.

Interference
1.  Check cords and connections. Frayed or poorly connected cords  
can cause interference. Swap cords if necessary.
2.  A RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) filter can be placed on the  
line to help minimize or eliminate radio or CB transmissions. Try    

 

relocating the telephone to another area.

Unable To Access Automated Systems
Automated systems used by banks, long distance voicemail and other 
applications require that a phone be set to “TONE” dialing. Check the 
switch on the back of the phone labeled “T/P” and set to “T.”  This will 
enable the phone to be compatible with these automated systems. 

If No Power Is Being Supplied To The Phone
1.   If the power goes out, or the AC Adapter is not properly connected to  
the phone, several functions of the phone will not work. The amplification, 
extra loud ringer and the lighted keypad will not function properly.
2.   The phone will drain the backup batteries very quickly. This will cause 
the need for the batteries to be changed frequently and the Low Battery 
indicator light to constantly illuminate.

Do I Need To Install Batteries?
Batteries are optional. They provide backup in case of a power outage. 
They are recommended in areas of frequent power outages. This phone 
uses four alkaline batteries. They will sustain the amplification function.

This function amplifies your speech so it becomes louder to the person on 
the other end of the call. To enable this function, press and hold the BOOST/

OSA ON/OFF button for three seconds (see Figure 18). The phone beeps; 
the function can be enabled/disabled while on a phone call or in standby mode.   
To verify the function is active, lift the handset and check the light at the top 
of the phone. If the light is orange, the function is active. To adjust the level of 
amplification for your voice, use the switch on the side of the phone labeled 
“Outgoing Speech Amplification” (OSA). You can choose between three levels: 
Low, Med and High (see Figure 19). 
To return to the default setting for your voice volume level, press and hold the 

BOOST/OSA ON/OFF button again for three seconds. You will hear a beep 
confirming that the function is disabled. To verify, the light at the top of the 
phone should not be orange when you are on a phone call.
NOTE: In order to experience the best audio quality for both parties during 
a call, we recommend you turn on this function only if your voice is too quiet. 
The screen briefly displays “OSA ON” or “OSA OFF” when the changes are 
made. OSA is not active in speakerphone mode.

XL45

 TM

© 2010 Clarity, a Division of Plantronics, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Amplifying your life, 
Clarity, the amplification device, Clarity and the amplification device combined, Clarity 
Professional, XL45, Digital Clarity Power and DCP are trademarks or registered 
trademarks of Plantronics, Inc.
Rev. L (09-10) 

!

Clarity, a Division of Plantronics, Inc. 

4289 Bonny Oaks Drive
Chattanooga, TN 37406
1-800-426-3738

www.clarityproducts.com