Recommend a USB microphone or headset for NaturallySpeaking?
April 20, 2011 11:19 AM

Dragon NaturallySpeaking: Can you recommend a USB microphone or headset that works well with this software? (or maybe bluetooth)

I will be using NaturallySpeaking a lot for writing and voice commands, and find that a cheap mic doesn't work well. I think the input on my computer is crap anyway, so thinking of going USB unless there's a good reason to use bluetooth etc.

Would prefer a headset with no headphones i.e. ears uncovered, but would consider desktop or even combined headset if it's the best one.

All of them should work, but would be very interested in a tried and tested model.

Cheap as possible would be good, but I also want ease of use so let me know if there's any compelling features I don't know I need yet.

Basically, the one in the 'sweet spot' that works great for a professional writer, but no unnecessary cost.
posted by Not Supplied to Computers & Internet (4 answers total)
Andrea Electronics NC-185VM works well with NS. The USB adaptor seems to be key, versus plugging it in directly into the microphone jack.

I don't recommend a Bluetooth mike. I've tried the BlueParrot XPressway, which is the one that is most often recommended, but I found it to have too much background static to allow the best voice recognition. YMMV.

Nuance also lists mikes that have been tested with NS, but most are much more expensive. (sorry, no direct link, but you can go through the dropdown box)

You can also Google it
posted by Meta-4 at 12:32 PM on April 20, 2011


Thanks. Do you happen to know if the 181VM is any good?

The 185 is expensive in UK for some reason.
posted by Not Supplied at 10:25 PM on April 20, 2011


Well it has the same accuracy score according to nuance, so I suppose that answers my question. Cheers.
posted by Not Supplied at 10:26 PM on April 20, 2011


Sorry, just came back to this question. For the sake of future Googler's - yes, the 181VM should be just as good, and should have been the one I recommended based on your stated preference. You can hear surrounding sounds easily with both, though.
posted by Meta-4 at 5:40 PM on May 3, 2011


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