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.
By investing in a high quality microphone you will be rewarded with a higher level of recognition accuracy and wearing comfort.
At Viva Voce we test all the microphones we recommend with Dragon in a noisy environment. Our benchmark is 97%+ recognition accuracy.
Viva Voce no longer sells microphones, but we are happy to provide you with the information you need to choose the right microphone for your needs.
Click here for tips on choosing a suitable microphone.
By investing in a high quality microphone you will be rewarded with a higher level of recognition accuracy and wearing comfort.
At Viva Voce we test all the microphones we recommend with Dragon in a noisy environment. Our benchmark is 97%+ recognition accuracy.
Viva Voce no longer sells microphones, but we are happy to provide you with the information you need to choose the right microphone for your needs.
Click here for tips on choosing a suitable microphone.
Microphone options
- options 1 & 2 below are corded
- options 3, 4 & 5 are wireless
- options 1 & 4 will work with your PC/Dragon only
- options 2, 3 & 5 will work with both Dragon and business type desktop phones
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 outperform 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 outperform 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: around $129.00 plus shipping (you will need to check price with retailer)
Available from: Voice Recognition (homepage) - Voice Recognition Microphones
Option 2 (corded): Polaris SoundShield 4G with SoundPro monaural noise-cancelling headset
- This microphone works with both Dragon and business-type desktop phone (it does not work with home phones).
- Can switch between Dragon and business-type desktop phone by pressing the touchscreen.
- Recognition accuracy level in noisy environment: 98.7%
- Over-the-head wearing style
- Warranty 5 years
- Click here for product information
Available from: Polaris online shop
This mic can be purchased from the Polaris online shop however we recommend that you contact Polaris first by on 1800 626 505 or email to ensure that you are provided with the appropriate tail cord for your desktop phone. You will need to provide make and model details of the desktop phone.
Option 3 (wireless): Polaris HD Wireless
This microphone works with both Dragon and business-type desktop phone (it does not work with home phones).
2 wearing styles including over the head and ear-hook
Warranty 3 years
Click here for product information_
Price: around $360.00 plus shipping
Available from: Polaris online shop
This mic can be purchased from the Polaris online shop however we recommend that you contact Polaris first by on 1800 626 505 or email to ensure that you are provided with the appropriate tail cord for your desktop phone. You will need to provide make and model details of the desktop phone.
- Can switch between Dragon and business-type desktop phone by pressing the touchscreen.
2 wearing styles including over the head and ear-hook
Warranty 3 years
Click here for product information_
Price: around $360.00 plus shipping
Available from: Polaris online shop
This mic can be purchased from the Polaris online shop however we recommend that you contact Polaris first by on 1800 626 505 or email to ensure that you are provided with the appropriate tail cord for your desktop phone. You will need to provide make and model details of the desktop phone.
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
This is a wonderfully portable microphone, particularly if you purchase an additional swappable battery. If on the move all you need is the headset and dongle. To ensure you don't run out of charge if using the mic for several hours, take the swappable battery which can be charging while you work, in the mini charger plugged into a USB port.
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
This is a wonderfully portable microphone, particularly if you purchase an additional swappable battery. If on the move all you need is the headset and dongle. To ensure you don't run out of charge if using the mic for several hours, take the swappable battery which can be charging while you work, in the mini charger plugged into a USB port.
Click here for product information
Price: around $340 if purchased with the additional swappable battery, plus shipping
Available from: MyITHub
Option 5 (wireless): Sennheiser DW Pro 1 Headset (DW20)
Can switch between Dragon and desktop phone by pressing a button on the base station.
Recognition accuracy level in noisy environment: 97-98%
Over the head wearing style
Warranty ?
Click here for product information
Price: around $380.00 plus shipping
Available from: Simply Headsets
Simplyheadsets product code is 504307
Not that this microphone is complex to set up so best to put aside plenty of time to read through the instructions.
Recognition accuracy level in noisy environment: 97-98%
Over the head wearing style
Warranty ?
Click here for product information
Price: around $380.00 plus shipping
Available from: Simply Headsets
Simplyheadsets product code is 504307
Not that this microphone is complex to set up so best to put aside plenty of time to read through the instructions.
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.