Home Forums Mics for Dragon; What is the latest

I am investigating using Dragon and would like to know your latest thoughts about microphones.
Philips SpeechMikePro
SpeechWare 2 in 1 table microphone; is the new version out yet?
Sennheiser 835S
Any others?
What do the Dragon users recommend?

I did use headset mikes for several years with good accuracy (earlier versions of the VXI TalkPro), but taking them on/off between patients was a bother and eventually broke the boom mike.

For over 3 years now, I use the hand-held Dictaphone PowerMic II, which I generally like and has excellent accuracy. The button to switch the mike on and off is much faster than dictating "mike off/on". I think it is too expensive however, since I don't use all the programmable buttons. The cable where it joints the body appears to be frayed, so I am surely headed for replacement or repair soon. I like the reports of accuracy on the Philips Speechmikes, and the trackball likely will be easier to use than the stubby joystick-like mouse on my PowerMic, which I never felt was accurate enough placing the cursor. Speechmikes are also pricey, however, unless you are going to need the programmable buttons.

I plan to buying the SpeechWare 3 in 1 table mike a few months after it comes out this October, if the accuracy turns out to be as good as the present 2 in 1, which has Nuance's highest rating. It comes with an integrated USB sound card (which has to be bought separately to use the 2 in 1). You have to use it in a static position such as a desk, but this is my preferred way to dictate anyway, and it may allow use of a foot-switch, which keeps both hands free.

So it appears that the SpeechWare 3 in 1 table mike is now out. John (or anyone else)...are you using it? Is it as good as the reviews describe?

Arrgh...now it looks like it won't be out until January. It looks like I need a mic with an external sound card (the one in my laptop is no good), so what do people suggest in the interim? Anyone using the Andrea NC-185 VM USB headset?

Yes, I am still waiting for the SpeechWare 3 in 1, looks like it's not going to be a holiday gift for myself.

I used several headset mikes, putting them on and off eventually breaks the boom, so plan on frequent replacements. Accuracy is good though.

Could not function without speechmike. Have programmed most of the buttons. Works with more ambient noise than advertised.

Been using Dragon for 8 years now. Use ONLY USB mics. Currently use Plantronics CS50-USB on ear USB mic. I do not know if they are still available or if there is an upgrade. I have 2 units (home and office) and nly had to change the rechargeable batteries once in the almost 3 years that I have been using them.
I do have 2 speechmikes from Phillips which are my backup mics.

The client that I have using AC has Dragon Medical 10 running over remote desktop so dragon is only loaded on the server. They have four providers running it simultaneously and have no troubles with Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone from Radio Shack plugged into the sound card and mounted to a flex goose mic stand "its like 15 inches" mounted to the KB stand on the workstation.

We went this route because they have 9 workstations and patients might mess with them when left in the room unattended. We did tested a number of mics even ones from Audio Technica and found that you don't need that crazy when it comes to mics.

Hope this helps.
-Dog

Jon,

Feel free to check out our Microphone Comparison Matrix. http://www.knowbrainer.com/core/pages/miccompare.cfm

Everyone is different, I used the built in Mic on my toshiba tablet for years and had very good success. Now I alternate between the built in mic and a labtec C-316 (an old mic)and don't have any problem. I do find that when I try and complete the chart in the room, with the patient there, I'm typing more and using more templates because the patient seems to have a need to interact with me and my voice.