Microphones
We do not sell microphones, but are happy to help you choose one that will work well with Dragon.
The headset microphones recommended below have all been tested by Viva Voce in both quiet and noisy environments, and have all achieved a recognition accuracy rate of 98% or higher. The higher the level of recognition accuracy, the fewer corrections you will need to make. For more details including how we test microphones with Dragon, click on the reviews.
When ordering a headset microphone, consider which USB ports are available on your computer - USB A or C. This is important, because the headset needs to be plugged directly into your computer, and not into an adaptor, a docking station or USB hub (as this can compromise the quality of the sound signal).
When purchasing a headset microphone, we recommend that you discuss with the retailer first, to ensure you are purchasing the most suitable option in terms of binaural or monaural, USB A or USB C etc.
The headset microphones recommended below have all been tested by Viva Voce in both quiet and noisy environments, and have all achieved a recognition accuracy rate of 98% or higher. The higher the level of recognition accuracy, the fewer corrections you will need to make. For more details including how we test microphones with Dragon, click on the reviews.
When ordering a headset microphone, consider which USB ports are available on your computer - USB A or C. This is important, because the headset needs to be plugged directly into your computer, and not into an adaptor, a docking station or USB hub (as this can compromise the quality of the sound signal).
When purchasing a headset microphone, we recommend that you discuss with the retailer first, to ensure you are purchasing the most suitable option in terms of binaural or monaural, USB A or USB C etc.
corded headset microphones
Lightweight headsets
Binaural headsets with noise-cancelling earphones
Note that noise-cancelling earphones won't impact on Dragon performance (which is all about the quality of the microphone, not the earphones). However some Dragon users prefer to wear noise-cancelling earphones, so they don't hear as much background noise. These headsets are necessarily heavier, as they are binaural (ie two earphones), with earcups that cover the ears.
wireless headset microphones
It is more difficult to find a wireless headset mic that works well with Dragon, compared to corded.
In addition, high-quality wireless mics cost considerably more than corded, and set up is more complicated- a wireless mic adds another layer of complexity to your set up. So we recommend that you consider carefully whether you do really need a wireless mic. There is no performance advantage to using a wireless, rather than a corded mic. The only advantage is the convenience of no wire. If you do choose to use a wireless mic, generally speaking DECT technology tends to work better with Dragon than Bluetooth. However we have found one Bluetooth headset that works well with Dragon, which is the Jabra Evolve2 55.
In addition, high-quality wireless mics cost considerably more than corded, and set up is more complicated- a wireless mic adds another layer of complexity to your set up. So we recommend that you consider carefully whether you do really need a wireless mic. There is no performance advantage to using a wireless, rather than a corded mic. The only advantage is the convenience of no wire. If you do choose to use a wireless mic, generally speaking DECT technology tends to work better with Dragon than Bluetooth. However we have found one Bluetooth headset that works well with Dragon, which is the Jabra Evolve2 55.
Jabra Engage 55 (DECT technology)
Jabra Evolve2 55 (Bluetooth)
tips for choosing a microphone suitable for use with dragon
When using speech recognition software, the microphone is a key piece of equipment. The quality of the microphone determines the quality of the sound signal, which has a significant impact on the speed of Dragon’s performance, as well as the level of recognition accuracy.
Using a poor-quality microphone with Dragon, especially if working in an open plan office with background noise, can be a very frustrating experience.
Note that headset microphones that are suitable for use with videoconferencing and VoIP will not necessarily work well with Dragon. This is because when videoconferencing and on the phone there is a person at the other end, and humans are much better than Dragon at interpreting speech, even when the sound quality is not ideal. To achieve a high level of recognition accuracy, it is important to use a high-quality noise-cancelling headset microphone.
Here are the issues to consider when choosing a suitable microphone:
A headset microphone is best
Use of a headset microphone is strongly recommended, unless you are not able to wear a headset (in which case you could try a desktop microphone). Use of a headset ensures that the microphone is at the optimal position (at the corner of the mouth and 2 to 3 finger widths away from the face), and the position of the microphone remains consistent (in relation to your mouth). Even if you move your head, the microphone moves with you. In contrast, when using a desktop microphone, the microphone is not positioned optimally, and the distance between the microphone and the speaker is not consistent. The distance between the microphone and the speaker means that interference from background noise will be more significant, compared to wearing a headset.
Boom
It is important that the headset has a boom. Some wireless headsets don’t have a boom, and these are not suitable for use with Dragon. The boom ensures that the microphone is in the optimal position, at the corner of the mouth and 2 to 3 finger widths away from the face.
Some headsets have a short boom that doesn’t reach as far as the mouth (particularly for people with large heads), and this is not ideal. Best to choose a microphone that has a boom long enough to reach as far as the corner of your mouth.
Corded or wireless?
Other things being equal, corded microphones tend to perform better than wireless. This is because the data is transferred faster, and more reliably, through a cord than across the airwaves. The only advantage of using a wireless microphone is that it doesn’t have a wire.
Other issues with wireless microphones:
Monaural or binaural/stereo
Some users will prefer a monaural headset (one earphone), so they can hear their dictation clearly, and have an ear free for answering the phone, hearing what is going on around them, speaking with colleagues etc.
Others will prefer binaural (two earphones), so they don’t hear as much background noise. Note that the noise-cancelling properties of the earphones will not have an impact on Dragon’s performance. It is the quality of the microphone that affects Dragon’s performance, not the earphones. Headsets with active noise-cancelling (ANC) earphones will always be binaural. Binaural headsets can also be useful for people with hearing issues (but again, earphones won’t affect Dragon’s performance).
Noise-cancelling
There can be confusion between noise-cancelling earphones, and noise-cancelling microphones. Where Dragon is concerned it’s all about the noise-cancelling properties of the microphone, not the earphones. However some Dragon users like to wear a headset that has active noise-cancelling earphones so they don’t hear as much background noise, if working in a busy open plan office.
Also important to be aware that active noise-cancelling headsets will be a lot heavier, because the earphones need to cover the whole ear. This can have an impact on comfort when wearing a headset all day, and might not be suitable for people with neck issues for example.
Comfort
Unlike staff wearing headsets for videoconferencing and VoIP telephony only, Dragon users are often wearing the headset all day, so comfort is an important consideration. Comfort is about the weight and general shape of the headset. The headset needs to feel stable on the head, and not too tight.
Portability
If transporting the microphone between office and working at home, it needs to be relatively portable. Ideally, Dragon users would have a microphone they could leave at the office, and another for use at home, so they don’t need to transport it. Microphones are fragile and easily damaged when being transported.
Length of the cord
As it is important to plug the microphone directly into the computer rather than into a docking station or USB hub, the cord needs to be long enough to reach the computer. This usually won’t be an issue if the computer is on the desk. If using a computer that is further away, for example under the desk, make sure the cord is long enough to reach. For desktop computers, (as opposed to laptops) it is best to plug the microphone into a USB port at the back, rather than the front (because the USB ports at the back have a more direct connection with the motherboard).
Which devices does the headset microphone work with?
When using Dragon, obviously the microphone needs to connect with the computer. Some headset microphones will also connect with desktop phones, and mobiles. My advice is to consider carefully whether performance with Dragon is the top priority, and whether it’s worth sacrificing performance with Dragon (if that is the case) in order to get a microphone that will also connect with mobile phone. It might be better to consider a different headset for use with mobile phone.
Microphones are available that are top performers with Dragon, and will also connect with desktop phones. These generally have base stations with controls to switch between computer and desktop phone. You will need to order the appropriate tail cord that will connect your desktop phone with the base station.
Using a poor-quality microphone with Dragon, especially if working in an open plan office with background noise, can be a very frustrating experience.
Note that headset microphones that are suitable for use with videoconferencing and VoIP will not necessarily work well with Dragon. This is because when videoconferencing and on the phone there is a person at the other end, and humans are much better than Dragon at interpreting speech, even when the sound quality is not ideal. To achieve a high level of recognition accuracy, it is important to use a high-quality noise-cancelling headset microphone.
Here are the issues to consider when choosing a suitable microphone:
A headset microphone is best
Use of a headset microphone is strongly recommended, unless you are not able to wear a headset (in which case you could try a desktop microphone). Use of a headset ensures that the microphone is at the optimal position (at the corner of the mouth and 2 to 3 finger widths away from the face), and the position of the microphone remains consistent (in relation to your mouth). Even if you move your head, the microphone moves with you. In contrast, when using a desktop microphone, the microphone is not positioned optimally, and the distance between the microphone and the speaker is not consistent. The distance between the microphone and the speaker means that interference from background noise will be more significant, compared to wearing a headset.
Boom
It is important that the headset has a boom. Some wireless headsets don’t have a boom, and these are not suitable for use with Dragon. The boom ensures that the microphone is in the optimal position, at the corner of the mouth and 2 to 3 finger widths away from the face.
Some headsets have a short boom that doesn’t reach as far as the mouth (particularly for people with large heads), and this is not ideal. Best to choose a microphone that has a boom long enough to reach as far as the corner of your mouth.
Corded or wireless?
Other things being equal, corded microphones tend to perform better than wireless. This is because the data is transferred faster, and more reliably, through a cord than across the airwaves. The only advantage of using a wireless microphone is that it doesn’t have a wire.
Other issues with wireless microphones:
- Wireless microphones can sometimes be affected by interference from other wireless devices in the vicinity. Sometimes users forget to charge the wireless microphone.
- Wireless microphones tend to be a lot more expensive than than good quality corded microphones.
- If using a wireless headset, best to avoid Bluetooth (as sound quality is inferior). Wireless DECT technology is recommended for use with Dragon.
- If you are using Bluetooth (not recommended), those with a dongle tend to perform better than straight Bluetooth.
Monaural or binaural/stereo
Some users will prefer a monaural headset (one earphone), so they can hear their dictation clearly, and have an ear free for answering the phone, hearing what is going on around them, speaking with colleagues etc.
Others will prefer binaural (two earphones), so they don’t hear as much background noise. Note that the noise-cancelling properties of the earphones will not have an impact on Dragon’s performance. It is the quality of the microphone that affects Dragon’s performance, not the earphones. Headsets with active noise-cancelling (ANC) earphones will always be binaural. Binaural headsets can also be useful for people with hearing issues (but again, earphones won’t affect Dragon’s performance).
Noise-cancelling
There can be confusion between noise-cancelling earphones, and noise-cancelling microphones. Where Dragon is concerned it’s all about the noise-cancelling properties of the microphone, not the earphones. However some Dragon users like to wear a headset that has active noise-cancelling earphones so they don’t hear as much background noise, if working in a busy open plan office.
Also important to be aware that active noise-cancelling headsets will be a lot heavier, because the earphones need to cover the whole ear. This can have an impact on comfort when wearing a headset all day, and might not be suitable for people with neck issues for example.
Comfort
Unlike staff wearing headsets for videoconferencing and VoIP telephony only, Dragon users are often wearing the headset all day, so comfort is an important consideration. Comfort is about the weight and general shape of the headset. The headset needs to feel stable on the head, and not too tight.
Portability
If transporting the microphone between office and working at home, it needs to be relatively portable. Ideally, Dragon users would have a microphone they could leave at the office, and another for use at home, so they don’t need to transport it. Microphones are fragile and easily damaged when being transported.
Length of the cord
As it is important to plug the microphone directly into the computer rather than into a docking station or USB hub, the cord needs to be long enough to reach the computer. This usually won’t be an issue if the computer is on the desk. If using a computer that is further away, for example under the desk, make sure the cord is long enough to reach. For desktop computers, (as opposed to laptops) it is best to plug the microphone into a USB port at the back, rather than the front (because the USB ports at the back have a more direct connection with the motherboard).
Which devices does the headset microphone work with?
When using Dragon, obviously the microphone needs to connect with the computer. Some headset microphones will also connect with desktop phones, and mobiles. My advice is to consider carefully whether performance with Dragon is the top priority, and whether it’s worth sacrificing performance with Dragon (if that is the case) in order to get a microphone that will also connect with mobile phone. It might be better to consider a different headset for use with mobile phone.
Microphones are available that are top performers with Dragon, and will also connect with desktop phones. These generally have base stations with controls to switch between computer and desktop phone. You will need to order the appropriate tail cord that will connect your desktop phone with the base station.
What to do if your microphone is not working?
Click here for microphone FAQs.
Click here for microphone FAQs.
Extending the life of your microphone
Microphones are fragile. They are designed to pick up vibrations in the air, and as such are vulnerable to knocks and bumps. To extend the life of your microphone, treat it gently. If transporting your microphone, protect it by putting it in a box or padded bag. Be prepared to replace your microphone after several years of regular use.
If rotating the mouthpiece boom from one side of your face to the other, be sure to rotate the boom upwards and not downwards. Trying to rotate the boom to the other side by forcing it downwards can cause damage.
Microphones are fragile. They are designed to pick up vibrations in the air, and as such are vulnerable to knocks and bumps. To extend the life of your microphone, treat it gently. If transporting your microphone, protect it by putting it in a box or padded bag. Be prepared to replace your microphone after several years of regular use.
If rotating the mouthpiece boom from one side of your face to the other, be sure to rotate the boom upwards and not downwards. Trying to rotate the boom to the other side by forcing it downwards can cause damage.