Home Forums Discussions General Discussion Samson Stage 5 Wireless Microphone With DNS Review

We've just completed Phase 3 testing of the new Samson Stage 5 wireless microphone http://www.knowbrainer.com/ShopOnli...e-5---vhf-wireless-microphone-system.cfm and you can read our complete review by clicking Samson Stage 5 Review http://www.knowbrainer.com/downloads/Samson_Stage_5_Review.pdf but the short version is that the new Samson Stage 5 wireless VHF microphone combo includes both a lapel microphone and a headset microphone, costs $105 and is as accurate as our best (starting at $115) theBoom “O” and $145 Sennheiser ME3 wired microphones which cost more and are not wireless. The Stage 5 even includes a three-year warranty. With the exception of end users who require extreme portability, we can’t imagine why anyone would want to pay extra for a wired microphone with a one or two-year warranty. Now everyone can afford to cut the cord!

KnowBrainer, Inc. Support Staff – Tom Hamilton
A Nuance Gold Certified Endorsed Vendor

Tom,

How does the Samson wireless compare to the Plantronics Calisto Bluetooth wireless microphone, now being bundled in the Dragon Naturally Speaking 10 Wireless/Mobile Edition? I tried the Calisto, and the accuracy was terrible, much worse than the VXI wired USB headset I am now using.

I was going to say “ask anyone about how poor the Calisto accuracy is” but it appears that you already know. We don't even offer the Calisto microphone on our website because of the customer complaints but unfortunately, we haven't been able to find any Bluetooth microphones that work as well as we would like.

The advantage of Bluetooth is a tiny footprint, completely wireless (not even a belt pack) and is designed to work with Bluetooth drivers or dongle to eliminate all wires. This is particularly handy for mobile notebook and tablet computer use. Unfortunately the downside of Bluetooth is that it just doesn't work well on computers.

The downside of the Stage 5 is that the base station plugs into an AC outlet so the base station isn't easily portable and wouldn't work well for mobile notebook computer use. However, if you do most of your dictation in one place then you can't beat the price, three-year warranty or 300 foot range of the Stage 5. The Stage 5 isn't the most accurate microphone we've ever tested but it is as accurate as our best wired microphones which cost even more. If price is no object than the Samson Airline 77 would be our first choice but if you're looking for a budget priced highly accurate noise canceling wireless microphone than the Stage 5 fits the bill and includes 2 microphones instead of just one. One option is a headset for noisy environments and the other is a comfortable lapel microphone for quiet environments.