Microphones recommended for use with Dragon
You will get best results from Dragon by using a high quality noise-cancelling headset microphone. This is especially important if using Dragon in a noisy environment. Comfort is also an issue to consider.
Note that the microphone provided with Dragon software (usually with premium edition) is not a high-quality one, but a basic microphone to get started with. By investing in a high quality microphone you will be rewarded with a higher level of recognition accuracy and wearing comfort.
When purchasing a microphone be aware that while many claim to be noise cancelling, this doesn't mean all that much without test results. It's a question of how effective the noise cancelling is. At Viva Voce we test all the microphones we recommend with Dragon in a noisy environment. Our benchmark is 97%+ recognition accuracy.
Note that the microphone provided with Dragon software (usually with premium edition) is not a high-quality one, but a basic microphone to get started with. By investing in a high quality microphone you will be rewarded with a higher level of recognition accuracy and wearing comfort.
When purchasing a microphone be aware that while many claim to be noise cancelling, this doesn't mean all that much without test results. It's a question of how effective the noise cancelling is. At Viva Voce we test all the microphones we recommend with Dragon in a noisy environment. Our benchmark is 97%+ recognition accuracy.
Choosing the right microphone
You will need to choose between:
- a corded or wireless microphone; and
- a microphone that will work with your PC/Dragon only, or one that will work with both Dragon and business type desktop phones
Microphone options
- options 1 & 2 below are corded
- options 3 & 4 are wireless
- options 1 & 4 will work with your PC/Dragon only
- options 2 & 3 will work with both Dragon and business type desktop phones
All microphones recommended below have been tested for suitability for use with Dragon.
Is corded or wireless best?
We recommend corded rather than wireless microphones for affordability, recognition accuracy, speed and reliability.
The only reason to chose a wireless microphone would be because it is wireless. That is, if you would prefer not to have a cord.
Using a wireless microphone will not offer any advantage in terms of performance, and will probably not perform as well as a corded mic in terms of speed and reliability. This does not mean that all corded mics will perform better than all wireless mics, but that a high-quality corded mic will perform better than most wireless mics.
The only reason to chose a wireless microphone would be because it is wireless. That is, if you would prefer not to have a cord.
Using a wireless microphone will not offer any advantage in terms of performance, and will probably not perform as well as a corded mic in terms of speed and reliability. This does not mean that all corded mics will perform better than all wireless mics, but that a high-quality corded mic will perform better than most wireless mics.
Option 1 (corded): Andrea NC181 VM USB monaural headset microphone
- This mic will work with Dragon/PC , but not with desktop phone
- Recognition accuracy level in noisy environment: 97.6%
- Price: $98.00 plus $12.50 shipping
Available from: Viva Voce
Option 2 (corded): Polaris SoundShield 4G with SoundPro monaural noise cancelling headset
- Can switch between Dragon and desktop phone by pressing the touchscreen
- Over-the-head wearing style
- Warranty 5 years
- Click here for product information
- Price: $468.00 plus $12.50 shipping
Available from: Viva Voce
Option 3 (wireless): Polaris HD Wireless
Can switch between Dragon and desktop phone by pressing the touchscreen
Recognition accuracy level in noisy environment: 97.6%
2 wearing styles including over the head
Warranty 3 years
Click here for product information_
Price: $320.00 plus $12.50 shipping
Available from: Viva Voce
Recognition accuracy level in noisy environment: 97.6%
2 wearing styles including over the head
Warranty 3 years
Click here for product information_
Price: $320.00 plus $12.50 shipping
Available from: Viva Voce
Option 4 (wireless): Plantronics Savi 440
This mic will work with Dragon/PC , but not with desktop phone
Recognition accuracy level in noisy environment: 97%
3 wearing styles including over the head
Click here for product information
Price: around $340 if purchased with the additional swappable battery, plus shipping
Available from: MyITHub
Recognition accuracy level in noisy environment: 97%
3 wearing styles including over the head
Click here for product information
Price: around $340 if purchased with the additional swappable battery, plus shipping
Available from: MyITHub
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.