Which speech recognition microphone is right for you?

Are you new to speech recognition software? Do you have the new Windows Vista operating system and wonder which microphone you should use with the included speech recognition capabilities? Have you out-grown the microphone that came with your copy of Dragon NaturallySpeaking?

A point to note: Of all the steps you can take to optimise your accuracy, the most important one is to enunciate clearly. Even the best microphone will lead to poor recognition if you don't speak clearly. If you are unhappy with your current accuracy, strongly think about your dictation style. (source: Speech Recognition Solutions).

The following is a simple overview of commonly used microphones and accessories used with speech recognition software.


VXI Parrott 10-3 Plug & Play Headset

The VXI Parrott is a Plug & Play headset which covers one ear. It includes a very high quality noise-cancelling microphone. The flexible gooseneck microphone boom will "memorise" its position so that you don't have to fuss with adjustments. The Parrott 10-3 connects directly to your computer's sound card with two 3.5mm plugs.

Image: Speech Centre

VXI Parrott 60V-10 Headset Telephone Switching System

The Parrott 60V10 allows you to alternate between talking on the telephone and dictating to your computer with the simple push of a button. The 60V switch includes a "clickless" mute button, continuous receive volume control, a handset/headset toggle switch. The 60V-10 unit covers one ear so that you can stay aware of what is going on around you.

Image: Speech Centre

Sennheiser M3 Headset

REVIEW OF THE SENNHEISER HEADSET By James Richards, Attorney At Law The Sennheiser Headset, behind the head, headband microphone, is an ideal match for speech recognition software. It is extremely lightweight, comfortable, and highly accurate, producing particularly clean, uncolored sound input. The Sennheiser Headset is highly "noise canceling," virtually eliminating feedback and extraneous environmental noise. Designed as a close-talking microphone for live stage performers, and aerobics instructors in loud, noisy working environments, it is highly effective at rejecting far field sounds, providing speech recognition software with only the sound of your voice, uncolored by extraneous sounds. This greatly enhances speech recognition accuracy. In my own testing, this microphone was extremely noise rejecting, behaving as a noise filter, effectively filtering out the sound of people talking just outside my office, and virtually ignoring the stereo music system in my office. Moreover, it cancels all transient environmental feedback, eliminating the reverberation one often experiences using a microphone in a small office with hard walls.This is especially important to doctors, lawyers, radiologists, and other professionals who dictate in small rooms with hard walls, or in narrow corridors. I think I could dictate in a shower stall without interference from such reverberation! Read the full review . . .

Image: IT Speaking

VXI Talkpro Xpress Headset for Speech Recognition	Andrea ANC 700 and ANC 750 Headset
Sennheiser M3 Headset - How to wear it	Boom EarHook Headset
Plantronics H171 Duo Pro headsets	VXi Talk Pro USB 100 headset
Buddy Desktop, Buddy Flamingo and Buddy Gooseneck	More about the Buddy, Desktop and Gooseneck: The Buddy Desktop, Buddy Flamingo and Buddy Gooseneck all have a strong output signal. This means they be kept at an optimum distance of 3-6" from one's mouth. You must face the microphone when speaking. Depending on the background noise levels, you can experiment with using this at greater distances. Just redo the Audio Setup when the distance to the microphone element and your mouth change significantly. (Source: YouTube)

Useful resources

• Headset and Microphone selection guide . . .
  
  
• How to choose between computer microphones . . .
  
  
• YouTube video demo of the Plantronics CS60 headset . . .