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We recommend and sell microphones that we have personally tested with speech recognition software, in both quiet and noisy environments, to ensure that you will be able to achieve a high level of recognition accuracy.

Tips for choosing a suitable microphone and USB pod

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Option 1: Corded microphone for use with Dragon (this mic works with Dragon, but not with desk telephone)

VXI Parrott TalkPro Express headset microphone, with a USB pod

This is a high-quality, corded, noise-cancelling monaural (ie one earpiece) headset microphone, suitable for use in an open plan office - lightweight, durable and comfortable for all-day use. We recommend use of a USB pod with this mic.

Test results

Not all mics and soundcards perform equally well with Dragon, particularly in noisy environments including open plan offices.

We sell the VXI Parrott TalkPro Express headset mic because it performs well in both quiet and noisy environments. When testing this microphone with a VXI Translator we achieved a recognition accuracy rate of 98% in a quiet environment and 98% in a noisy environment.

When paired with a Vansonic USB Adapter we achieved a recognition accuracy rate of 98% in a quiet environment, and 95% in a noisy environment. 

The VXI Parrott TalkPro Express headset mic paired with a VXI Translator is the best choice, particularly if using Dragon in a noisy environment.

If using Dragon in a quiet environment and you want to economise, the Vansonic USB adapter will be suitable.

How we test microphones and soundcards

When testing microphones, the recognition accuracy rate represents the proportion of correctly recognised words when dictating the same a passage of text. We can't guarantee you will achieve exactly the same results, because recognition accuracy will also be affected by the clarity of speech, levels of background noise, and how much you have customised Dragon to recognise your speech.

Prices

Option 2: Corded microphone for use with both Dragon and desk telephone

GN8050 amplifier with GN2000 headset

This corded microphone will allow you to use one headset, and switch between Dragon and phone by pressing a button on the amp.  This is a monaural mic, comfortable for all-day use.  It performs very well in a quiet environment.  Although it performs reasonably well in a noisy environment, it is not quite as good at cancelling out background noise as the VXI Parrott TalkPro Express. We recommend use of a USB pod with this mic. When testing this mic with a USB pod we achieved a recognition accuracy rate of 98.68% in a quiet, and 96.56% in a noisy environment. It is not possible to use an automatic telephone handset lifter with this microphone. 

Prices

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Option 3: Wireless microphones

Wireless mics are available for use with Dragon, including dual wireless mics for use with both Dragon and desk telephone.

We have tested a range of wireless microphones with Dragon and found that the Jabra GN range performed the best.

For use with Dragon (this mic works with Dragon but not with desk telephone)

For use with Dragon and desk telephone

What to expect when using a wireless microphone with Dragon

It is important to be aware that recognition accuracy is likely to be 1 to 2 percentage points lower when using a wireless, compared to a corded mic, particularly in noisy environments including open plan offices. Although this difference might sound slight, you will notice a difference in recognition accuracy of this magnitude. It means that for every hundred words you dictate, you will need to correct one or two additional recognition errors when using a wireless microphone. When dictating thousands of words over a working week, this can represent a lot of additional work - and frustration - correcting recognition errors.  

Our advice is to use a corded microphone with Dragon unless you are really keen to go wireless and prepared to do so at your own risk with regard to lower recognition accuracy and a less reliable sound signal; and you use speech recognition software in a quiet environment.

If you are considering use of a wireless microphone as a means of reducing trip hazard, you could consider an alternative, low-tech solution to reducing this risk. Tape the cord to your desk, giving yourself enough cord for comfort but not enough to trip over.

See the Hardware Compatibility Listing on the Nuance website. Note that several corded microphones are rated 6 stars for accuracy, however no wireless microphone has been awarded a 6 star rating on the Dragon Hardware Compatibility Listing. The maximum accuracy rating for a wireless microphone is 5 stars. Also note the disclaimer at the bottom of the Hardware Compatibility Listing for wireless microphones, about the possible problem of interference sources.