Dictation microphones are an integral part of any dictation system. They enable the transcriptionist to produce a written document that is accurate and easy to read. The best dictation microphone will provide accuracy, reliability, durability, and comfort. Here are our top picks for the best dictation microphone on the market today!
3 Best Dictation Microphone Comparison
6 Best Dictation Microphone Available In The Market
The Nuance PowerMic III Speech recognition hand microphone can be used with multiple programs such as Dragon Medical, Power Scribe, Dragon Legal and Professional Group, and Individual. The ergonomic design of the Nuance PowerMic III speech recognition microphone, allows users to easily control standard dictation functions as well as speech recognition functions with PC mouse functions for higher levels of dictation speed, ease-of-use, and productivity.
The Nuance PowerMic III is the leading USB microphone for Dragon NaturallySpeaking, providing superior sound quality and ease of use. The ergonomic design provides users with a comfortable experience while dictating long documents or emails. The thumb control allows users to easily switch between speech recognition and PC mouse functions without constant switching from microphone to keyboard/mouse. The PowerMic III is compatible with Windows 7, 8 & 10 PCs that have built-in USB ports (USB 1.1 or 2.0) and requires no external power supply.
The Philips SpeechMike Premium USB Dictation Microphone is designed to be used with your PC or Mac computer. It has a high-quality, built-in preamplifier that allows you to connect directly to your computer via the USB port. This microphone is ideal for use with speech recognition software such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking and other applications requiring clear voice recordings.
The Philips SpeechMike III Pro is a state-of-the-art speech recognition device that provides high-quality voice recognition in a compact and portable package. The SpeechMike III Pro provides excellent speech recognition performance for both dictation and command & control applications. It includes an integrated, noise-canceling microphone with a built-in pop filter for clear voice input. A convenient on/off switch allows you to quickly start or stop the recording session.
The Philips SpeechMike Premium Air Wireless Dictation USB Microphone is a wireless microphone that connects via USB to your computer. It features a unidirectional polar pattern and has a range of up to 30 feet with the included receiver. The microphone has an audio sensitivity of 37 dB and comes with 1 Lithium Polymer battery required.
The Olympus V40 is a voice recorder that allows you to capture your notes, lectures, and meetings. It includes a directional microphone for clear recording, and the built-in speaker makes it easy to listen back. The battery life lasts for up to 16 hours of continuous recording, and the internal memory can store up to 8 GB of audio files, so you’ll be able to record all your important moments with ease. Because it’s so compact, you can easily take this voice recorder with you wherever you go!
5 Things You Must Know While Choosing The Best Dictation Microphone
1. What do you need it to do?
Before you buy a dictation microphone, think about what you’re going to use it for and what you need it for. Do you want to record lectures or sermons? Are you going to use it exclusively in one room at home or work, or will the mic have multiple uses? These questions will go a long way towards helping you find the right mic for your needs. The goal here is optimizing your spending, so don’t just purchase the dictation microphone you think looks the best.
2. Where are you going to use it?
Location is key when buying a dictation microphone. If you want to record business meetings or sermons at church, try using a lapel mic that clips onto clothing. This type of mic can pick up sound from anywhere in the room where it’s being used, so there aren’t any limitations as to where it’ll work best. However, lapel microphones typically can’t be used outside well because they don’t do well with open spaces and windy environments. If this is what you need for your location, consider an easily concealable shotgun mic for better success outdoors. Shotgun mics are directional (pointed forward), so they excel at picking up sound from directly in front of you without picking up the background noise. The downside to this type of mic is that it can’t pick up sound from an area more than a few feet in front of the mic itself. If you need your dictation microphone to record lectures or business meetings, these are both excellent choices.
3. How much do you have to spend?
If money isn’t the primary concern when buying a dictation microphone, by all means, get one! But if budget is important, don’t worry – there are many different types and styles of microphones for sale under $500. Decide what your real price range is before starting your search, so you don’t waste time looking at options out of your price range. There are many high-quality microphones that are ideal for dictation purposes that you can get for under $500.
4. What kinds of features do you want?
Some dictation microphones include noise cancellation, while others don’t. There are typically two types of noise cancellation microphones commonly used for speech recognition: Directional systems, which have a focused directionality capability, so they only pick up sound from one source or front area – perfect if there’s mild to moderate ambient noise in the room, but not so great outdoors; and omnidirectional systems, which have excellent background noise canceling abilities but are less effective with picking up the primary speaker’s voice in use cases where more than one person is speaking at a time. These types of mics can be very helpful in recording lectures or sermons in large spaces with a lot of ambient noise. If you want to unlock the full power of your dictation microphone and get the most accurate results, an omnidirectional system is best for you.
5. What features do you not need?
You don’t always need every single bell and whistle that comes along with a dictation mic. Sometimes, we end up paying extra for features we aren’t going to use! Think about what’s really necessary for your purposes before buying a dictation mic, so you find one that matches your needs without unwanted extras.
Why Do You Need Dictation Microphone
1. They are hands-free
Dictation microphones allow you to record your thoughts with ease, allowing you to use both of your hands for other tasks like setting up an appointment or cooking dinner. Some even let you dictate into a remote device like an iPad that is wirelessly connected via Bluetooth technology.
2. They attach easily
Dictation microphones can be attached to a shirt collar, set on a desk, hooked onto your laptop, or even strapped around the arm. For those who have difficulty speaking because of debilitating conditions like ALS, Parkinson’s, and Lyme disease, this is an invaluable tool that allows you to easily communicate with others without having to worry about how you look while you do so.
3. They are very effective
A microphone’s ability to capture one’s voice and speak it into a device makes it an invaluable tool for those who want to share their thoughts and ideas with others but cannot speak due to disease or injury. Dictation microphones offer the highest quality sound available, ensuring that your words will be captured and spoken back to you in perfect clarity.
The Last Line
With so many dictation microphones on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your needs. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites that we think you should consider before making a purchase decision. Have an idea about what type of microphone you want? Let us know in the comments below!