Sennheiser Speech Recognition Microphones

Quick Links:

Sennheiser ME3

The Sennheiser ME 3 is widely considered the best microphone for speech recognition applications. It features superb accuracy and unrivaled noise canceling abilities. This is our personal favorite wired microphone and the one - in our opinion - to which all others are compared.

The Sennheiser ME3 we sell is not the same microphone sold through Amazon.com and other large retailers. This version of the ME3 is specially manufactured by Sennheiser with a standard audio plug for use with a PC or sound adapter. The ME3 sold at large retailers and music supply stores has a non-standard plug which does not fully engage with audio devices. If you have purchased such an ME3, you can still use it by converting the plug using our exclusive ME3 adapter (see below).

Please note that all versions of the Sennheiser ME3 (sold here or elsewhere) are wired differently than usual headset microphones and are not electrically compatible with many computer sound cards. This microphone is completely functional, however, when used in conjunction with an Andrea USB sound adapter or the Buddy 6G USB adapter. In addition, it can be used with the Buddy 5G sound adapter and the VXI Two-Way adapter if used in conjunction with the Andrea P-100 power plug adapter. If you are considering purchasing this microphone we strongly consider you purchase it in combination with the Andrea USB adapter (see ME3 Combo below).

Key links for additional information:

Optional modification for the Sennheiser ME3
ME3 Frequently Asked Questions Page
High resolution Image of the Sennheiser ME3
Sennheiser Technical Spec on the ME3

Warranty: The Sennheiser ME3 microphone is covered by a full 2-year manufacturer's warranty.

Comments: In our opinion, this is the best wired microphone for use with speech recognition applications. It provides truly superior accuracy and external noise cancellation when compared with other wired and wireless microphones. It is extremely durable. It attaches securely to the head, so the boom and microphone element have no tendency to move as you rotate your head and move about. Because it has no speakers, it leaves both of your ears uncovered for use of a telephone or maintaining an awareness of external events. Its only downside is that it works with only a rare PC soundcard and, practically speaking, should be used with an external USB sound adapter, such as the Andrea sound adapter or Buddy 6G..

Recommended package for best speech recognition results!

For predictably great results we recommend using the Sennheiser ME3 with the Andrea USB sound adapter. This is our best selling microphone and the one we use ourselves.

To make the purchase of this relatively expensive hardware a bit more bearable, we offer special savings when you purchase all three of the main items in this package.

Included in the package:

• Sennheiser ME3 Microphone
• Andrea USB Adapter
• 210D Nylon Microphone Storage Bag
• Set-up Instructions

Comments: We believe that with suitable hardware and good enunciation, this package will offer the best accuracy and unrivaled noise cancellation. This is the microphone to which all others are compared.

Spare Foam Windscreen for Sennheiser ME3

In the event that you've somehow lost or damaged the windscreen for your ME3, this is the replacement windscreen from Sennheiser. Sorry we can't discount this item - we only purchase these in small quantities and get virtually no break off the MSRP!

Additional Information:

• Sennheiser Part Number MZW3-EW
• This is very lightweight and should ship to most US locations via USPS First Class Mail for about $2. Please select "USPS First Class/Priority" as shipping method

MSRP: $7.00
Our Price: $ 7.00

ME3 Plug Adapter - A Speech Recognition Solutions Exclusive!

If you purchased a Sennheiser ME 3 microphone elsewhere, it likely has the "original" plug with a locking ring and you may be having problems making an adequate connection with your PC or sound adapter. This adapter is designed to solve this problem by converting the non-standard Sennheiser plug adapter into a standard 3.5 mm audio plug.

These are manufactured specifically for Speech Recognition Solutions and are guaranteed for 3 months but should last at least as long as the microphone.

Shipping: If you are purchasing only an adapter and don't need it immediately, we suggest you choose shipping through the US Postal Service. This will result in shipping costs generally under a dollar, versus UPS Ground (which will not be any quicker) which will run more $5.00 to most locations.

Note: this adapter is not needed if you purchase your Sennheiser ME3 from us since our ME3 is manufactured with a standard 3.5 mm audio plug.

[back to top]

Sennheiser VMX 100

This is a unique ear-mounted bluetooth microphone that is perfect for use with both a cell phone and with speech recognition software. Making it feasible for speech recognition software (and different from other small bluetooth microphones of this size) is the presence of two microphone - one for your voice and one for sensing (and removing) external noise.

Features:

• VoiceMax Dual Microphone technology
• 3D ball joint for individual wearing comfort
• Automatic on/off when opened/closed
• ActiveGard protection against acoustic shocks
• Bluetooth 2.0 compatible with all Bluetooth mobile phones (1.1, 1.2 and 2.0)
• Up to 5 hours talking time
• Up to 100 hours of standby time
• Charges directly from USB
• Superior Sennheiser audio quality
• Two-way speaker for choice of left/right side wearing
• Steel mesh protected speaker unit
• Lightweight and comfortable (weighs only 17 gm)
• TCO certified

Included in the box:

• Headset microphone
• Wall charger
• USB cable (for charging)
• Operating manual

Additional Information:

• Sennheiser description
• Link to Sennheiser operating manual for the VMX100
• Watch a demonstration of the VMX100 with Dragon NaturallySpeaking
• Speech Recognition Solutions guide to using the VMX100 with speech recognition software

Comments: We were skeptical about this microphone for speech recognition software, having tried other small bluetooth mics, including the Jawbone, with disappointing results. Unique to this product, however, is the presence of dual microphones and an uncanny ability to remove external noise. The result is the first microphone without a full length boom which works well with speech recognition software. It is extremely lightweight and comfortable, in part because of the mechanism by which the boom can rotate in all directions. In order to use this microphone you'll need a PC with integrated bluetooth or a bluetooth dongle.

MSRP: $159.95
Our Price: $ 135.00

[back to top]

Sennheiser BW 900 Wireless Bluetooth Microphone for Telephone & PC

This is one of the most exciting products to have been introduced in years. It is an ear-mounted wireless bluetooth microphone which includes a highly accurate and noise canceling microphone. It communicates via bluetooth with a base station which can connect either to your telephone or PC (the pc connection requires an extra cable) and is also capable of connecting to your bluetooth equipped cell phone. Unlike most ear-mounted bluetooth microphones, the BW 900 has a full length boom and places it's noise canceling microphone adjacent to your mouth.

Unique to this unit is the following:

• Bluetooth wireless connection
• Extremely accurate, noise canceling microphone
• Capability of pairing directly with base unit, bluetooth equipped PC (with firmware upgrade), and bluetooth cell phones
• Hot swappable battery
• Head band accessory to allow attachment as standard headset (accessory sold separately)

If it isn't enough that this microphone is lightweight, comfortable and includes lots of unique features, it is among the most accurate headset microphones we have tested and is every bit the match for it's wired Sennheiser rival - the ME3. We were absolutely astounded by the results we got using this microphone with Dragon NaturallySpeaking.

Features:

• Technology: Bluetooth Class 1, version 1.2
• Indoor operating range: 100 meters
• Time to fully charge battery: 3 hrs
• Talk Time with charged battery: 4.5 hrs (average)
• Standby time: 70 hours (average)
• Weight of transmitter (with battery): 26 grams

Some helpful links:

• Speech Recognition Solutions Guide to the Sennheiser BW 900 with Rocker Switch
• Speech Recognition Solutions Guide to the Sennheiser BW 900 with Zoom Switch
• Sennheiser specifications
• Watch demonstration of dictation using this microphone
• Operating Manual (PDF)
• Sennheiser BW 900 FAQ page
• BW 900 Review from iLounge with great photos
• View photos of the BW900 mounted

Special Notes:

1. We do not recommend this microphone for use with typical home wireless telephones. For standard telephony use it works with regular corded phones and with business phones which include a modular "headset" jack.
2. Although this microphone is advertised as being capable of connecting to a bluetooth equipped PC, the current "firmware" in the base and headset are compatible only with older bluetooth drivers, so the unit currently being delivered will not pare with a bluetooth equipped PC or a PC using a bluetooth dongle. Sennheiser has developed a firmware upgrade that allows the unit to connect to a bluetooth equipped PC and we are actively evaluating this upgrade. We expect Sennheiser to release this upgrade some time in 2008. The BW900 does, however, easily and reliably link with a bluetooth equipped cell phone.
3. Since this provides a different quality of sound than standard headset microphones, we strongly recommend that you create a new user profile with Dragon.
4. For those not liking the ear mounting method, Sennheiser has developed a headband accessory for the BW900 which allows you to easily convert the BW900 to an over-the-head mount.

MacSpeech Dictate Compatibility: Although this microphone will pair easily with a bluetooth equipped Apple computer and can be used for many sound applications on a Mac, at the moment MacSpeech Dictate will not allow direct integration of a bluetooth microphone. However, this microphone can be used with a Mac and MacSpeech Dictate if it is used the way in which we recommend it with a Windows machine: with a direct connection from the base station to the computer by one of three means:

• Sennheiser modular to PC adapter
• ZoomSwitch
• GN Netcom SeleCT Switch

Both of the latter two options will also allow you to toggle back and forth between your Mac and a wired telephone. See our links to set-up instructions above for more details of the connections.

Comments: this is similar in function to the Plantronics CS55 and CS70N, but in our opinion has a notably more accurate microphone element which is also highly noise canceling. Although designed primarily for telephone use, it has the added feature of being able to communicate directly with a blue tooth equipped cell phone. When used with either the GN Netcom SeleCT switch or the Zoom switch, it can be used directly with a non-blue tooth equipped PC. This is somewhat more expensive than the CS55 but offers a notable improvement in accuracy, functionality and comfort. It does not ship with the "over-the-head" mounting option that the CS55 does, but the ear mounting mechanism is significantly more comfortable and secure than the ear-mounting mechanism of the CS55, and an optional headband mounting accessory can be purchased. Its most outstanding feature is its performance with speech recognition applications. We expect the firmware upgrade to allow the BW900 to connect reliably to a bluetooth equipped PC some time in 2008. When used with a wired connection (see above) the BW900 is entirely compatible with MacSpeech Dictate..

We sell the BW900 in several configurations, depending upon your needs:

Details about each BW900 Configuration:

Sennheiser BW900 Alone

This is the BW900 alone. As purchased it will work with your telephone and bluetooth equipped telephone, but not with your pc unless additional cabling is purchased. It includes a 110 volt ac adapter and one battery. If you plan to use this regularly, you might want to consider purchasing a back up battery.

Included: BW900 Only

MSRP: 389.95
Our Price: $ 285.00

BW900-PC Adapter Combo

This is the simplest set-up allowing use of the BW900 with a PC. It includes a Sennheiser adapter that allows you to connect the BW900 to the microphone and speaker jacks of your computer. In order to use this with a wired telephone, it is necessary to physically disconnect the adapter and connect the BW900 to your phone.

We recommend this set-up if you plan to use your BW900 with your PC only.

View Set-up Instructions

Included:

• BW900
• Sennheiser modular to pc adapter
  

MSRP: $420
Our Price: $ 307.00

BW900-Rocker Switch Combo

This is the basic set-up including the BW900 and rocker switch and provides you with the basics for using the BW900 with your telephone and PC. It allows simple toggling between use with your pc and telephone using the included GN Netcom SeleCT switch.

View set-up instructions

Included:

• BW900
• GN Netcom SeleCT Switch
  

MSRP: $389.95
Our Price: $ 315.00

BW900-Rocker Switch-Buddy 6G Combo

This is the complete set-up and includes the BW900, rocker switch and the latest generation Buddy 6GUSB sound adapter. This is the recommended set-up if you don't already own a USB adapter and want to use the BW900 with both your wired telephone and PC.

View set-up instructions

MSRP: $476
Special New Year's Price: $ 340.00

Sennheiser BW900 with ZoomSwitch

This is the simplest and most reliable connection for the BW900. Functionally it is identical to the combination above (with BW900/rocker switch/USB adapter), but substitutes the ZoomSwitch for the rocker switch/USB adapter combination. This set up allows connection both to your phone line and your pc and uses a USB cable arising directly from the ZoomSwitch to make the connection to your PC. Learn more about the ZoomSwitch. This set-up is slightly more expensive, but more streamlined in its footprint.

View set-up instructions

MSRP: $454.95
Our Price: $348.00

[back to top]

Accessories for the BW 900:

Spare Battery

This is a replacement battery for the BW 900 and is a great way to assure that you won't be caught "dead", so to speak. This can be hot swapped in a working BW 900 and is a snap to replace.

MSRP:$38
Our Price: $ 34.00

The HSL10 features quality construction and simple connection to the BW900. The HSL10 also features recognition of up to 2 different ring tones, flexible mic placement and an extender arm for simple connection to most phones. The BW900 + HSL10 is a complete wireless solution for simple, efficient call management in any office or contact center environment.

Sennheiser Description: "The handset lifter, HSL 10, lets you remotely answer and end a desktop phone call with your BW900. The HSL 10 is connected to the BW900 base station, which is in touch with your wireless headset. By answering or ending the call on your wireless system, you send a command to the HSL 10 to raise or lower the telephone handset. Of course, it works within the entire range of your system's base station.

What's more, the handset lifter can be trained to recognize two different ring tones- for example, one tone for internal calls and the other for external calls. The intelligent gadget then passes the ring signal to your wireless system to inform you of the incoming call. Now that's convenient."

Sennheiser HSL Handset Lifter
MSRP: $89
Our Price: $ 69.00

[back to top]

Headband for BW900

For those addicted to the accuracy and noise cancellation of the BW900 but preferring a traditional headband mounting, Sennheiser recently released this accessory for the BW900 which converts it to an over-the-head mounted microphone.

Features:

• Simple attachment to BW900
• Very comfortable fit
• Low cost

See additional photographs of the BW900 Headband

Comments: This is an extremely comfortable mounting method for the BW900 for those preferring not to have it hanging on an ear. It is adjustable for both left and right mounting. It has a very soft leather (or leatherette?) padded earpiece. It allows full adjustment of the BW900 boom in relationship to your mouth.

BW900 Headband

MSRP:
Our Price: $ 22.00

Replacement Windscreen for the BW900

To our knowledge Sennheiser is not distributing the original replacement windscreen for the BW900, but this is a nearly identical foam windscreen that fits nicely on the end of the BW900 boom.

If you've lost the original windscreen, this is a great substitute.

BW900 Windscreen

Price: $ 4.95

Sennheiser Modular to PC Adapter

If you plan to connect your Sennheiser BW900 (or Plantronics CS55) only to your PC and not your phone, you will not need a rocker switch or ZoomSwitch, but simply this simple cable that has an RJ9 modular plug on one end and twin 3.5 mm audio plugs on the other end.

This is Sennheiser part number CUIPC1 and is made in China.

Comment: This is a simple cable that effectively connects a BW900 or Plantronics CS55 directly to your pc or a USB adapter. If you plan to use a USB adapter, you should consider purchasing the ZoomSwitch, which allows a direct USB connection and does away with the need for this cable. If you plan to go back and forth between phone and pc with your microphone, you should purchase either the GN Netcom SeleCT switch or the ZoomSwitch.

Sennheiser CUIPC1 Adapter Cable

MSRP: $30
Our Price: $ 26.95