The ClearOne MAX line took a different approach to conference phones than Polycom did: instead of adding microphones to one unit, you add whole phones — each with its own speaker and dial pad. If you're still running MAX EX or MAX Wireless units, here's how they work.
Quick answer
Last updated July 2026
ClearOne MAX EX
How many units can be linked?
Up to four MAX EX phones can be daisy-chained for a large room. Each unit connects to the next via inbound and outbound line jacks, so they operate as a single system.
What makes it different from a Polycom conference phone
This is the design decision that defines the line.
Myth
Expanding a conference phone means adding extension microphones — that's how they all work.Reality
Not on the MAX EX. Polycom-style systems expand by adding microphones to one central unit, so you end up with more pickup points but still a single speaker and a single dial pad. The MAX EX expands by adding whole phones — each linked unit brings its own microphones, its own speaker, and its own dial pad. On a long boardroom table that matters: people at the far end hear from a nearby speaker rather than one at the centre, and can mute or dial without reaching across the table.What room size does it suit?
Its flexibility is the point. A single unit suits small rooms of up to 8 people. Link additional units — four maximum — and it scales to medium and large rooms for up to 40 people.
Whatever the system, the underlying rule holds: every participant should sit within 3–6 feet of a microphone. Our conference phone selection guide covers sizing by room dimensions and table shape.
Calling more than one party
MAX phones dial like any other telephone. If your phone service includes three-way calling, use the flash/hook key to add a second party. For larger calls, use a conference bridge service — the MAX can store your provider's dial-in number in memory.
ClearOne MAX Wireless
What frequency does it use?
DECT — Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications — operating between 1.88 and 1.9 GHz, using Time Division Multiple Access across 120 channels.
Does it interfere with Wi-Fi?
No. DECT sits on a band reserved for voice, separate from Wi-Fi's 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and the MAX Wireless uses frequency hopping on top of that. The two don't compete for bandwidth — the same reason DECT remains the standard for wireless office headsets.
Is it secure?
ClearOne specifies digital spread spectrum technology, which makes casual interception considerably harder than analogue cordless systems. For anything with formal security requirements, confirm the current encryption specification rather than relying on a general assurance.
How far from the base station can it go?
Up to 150 feet, so it can be used in a different room from the base — moving between two adjacent meeting rooms without relocating the base unit, for instance.
Can several be used in the same office?
Yes. The phone and base automatically adjust frequency to avoid interference, and ClearOne rates up to 15 MAX Wireless units in one office without significant interference.
Is it expandable?
The MAX Wireless itself isn't. The MaxAttach Wireless is the alternative — two wireless conference phones working together simultaneously, with no cords between them.
Battery
Around 8 hours of talk time or two days of standby before recharging.
Running low mid-call isn't a problem: you get a numeric counter showing remaining talk time, a flashing battery icon, and a periodic audible tone. Plug in the power supply and the conference continues while it charges.
ClearOne specifies the battery at 500–1000 recharge cycles, giving roughly 2–3 years of service. That's consistent with rechargeable batteries generally — as with wireless headsets, the signal to replace is talk time shrinking noticeably rather than sudden failure.
A note on availability
The MAX EX, MAX Wireless, and MaxAttach systems are long-standing products, and much of the installed base has been running for years. If you're maintaining an existing system and need units, batteries, or replacement parts, call us to confirm what's currently available before ordering — and if you're specifying a new room rather than extending an old system, it's worth comparing against current conference phone and video-bar options.
How many ClearOne MAX EX phones can be linked together?
Up to four, connected through inbound and outbound line jacks so they operate as one system. A single unit suits rooms of up to 8 people; four linked units cover up to 40.
How is the MAX EX different from a Polycom conference phone?
Polycom-style systems expand by adding extension microphones to one central unit. The MAX EX expands by adding whole phones — each linked unit brings its own microphones, speaker, and dial pad, which spreads coverage more evenly across a long table.
Does the ClearOne MAX Wireless interfere with Wi-Fi?
No. It uses DECT at 1.88–1.9 GHz, separate from Wi-Fi's 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with frequency hopping on top. The two don't compete for bandwidth.
How far can the MAX Wireless be used from its base station?
Up to 150 feet, which means it can be used in a different room from the base. Up to 15 units can operate in the same office, with phones and bases automatically adjusting frequency to avoid interference.
What happens if the MAX Wireless battery runs low during a call?
You'll get a numeric counter showing remaining talk time, a flashing battery icon, and a periodic audible tone. Plug in the power supply and the call continues while charging — no need to end the conference.
If you're running MAX EX or MAX Wireless units, the answers above cover most of what comes up day to day. For parts, replacement units, or a comparison against current conference phone options, call our team at 877-999-3838.
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