SpeechWare TravelMike & SpeechMatic USB MultiAdapter

The recently released TravelMike and the related SpeechMatic USB MultiAdapter are among the most innovative and useful products we have seen in ages and win our "Best in Class Award" as a USB adapter. These two products combine the ground-breaking circuitry and award winning performance of the full-sized SpeechWare TableMikes in a small form that is perfect for the mobile user. The USB adapter itself, which is the core of both products, can supercharge almost any traditional analog headset microphone and includes the following features found in no other USB adapter:

• Auto Gain Control (AGC)
• Speech Equalizer (EQ) technology
• Unrivaled speech to noise ratio in Dragon Audio Set-up Wizard
• Ability to alternate between "long range mode" (green LED) allowing variable and extended distance from microphone element and "Normal Mode" (blue LED) for highest accuracy at close range with most common headsets
• Rubber injected body shell for maximum protection against drops and hits

TravelMike

The SpeechWare "TravelMike" is the newly released product in the TableMike series designed for the mobile user wanting to maintain a low profile and portability without sacrificing quality and performance. More than a year in design and testing, this set-up packs all the performance of the larger and award-winning TableMikes in a package so small it can fit in your pocket. We have been testing prototypes for more than 6 months and have been at the edge of our seats waiting for this one ... for our own use! Without question, it is the ideal choice for notebook, ultrabook and tablet PC user.

Key Features:

• Auto Gain Control (AGC) and Speech Equalizer (EQ) technology to provide the best attainable accuracy when using Dragon NaturallySpeaking
• MultiAdapter choice of "Long Range" (greatest distance and distance flexibility) or "Normal" (greatest accuracy at close range) modes depending upon your needs
• Practical usage up to 20 inches from microphone element under green LED mode
• USB connection to computer (optional USB hub base is available)
• Provides analog to digital conversion (substitutes for on-board sound card)
• 90 degree USB connector to allow variable positioning and compatibility with any notebook or tablet
• 7 inch boom included
• 1-year standard warranty extendable to 2-years with product registration

Microphone Specifications:

• Element: back electret condenser
• Polar Pattern: cardioid
• Frequency Response: 80-18,000hz
• Dynamic Range: 82dB, 1kHz at Max. SPL
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 61dB, 1kHz at 1Pa

Included in the box:

• SpeechMatic USB MultiAdapter
• 90 degree fixed USB connector
• 7 inch high quality mic boom (see specs above)
• 2 Foam windscreens
• Carrying case

Links:

• View the full User Guide
• View SpeechWare TravelMike Page
• View YouTube video animation on TravelMike/MultiAdapter

Comments: We haven't seen a product as innovative and exciting as this one in several years. In fact, only the basic TableMikes (3-in-1, 6-in-1 and 9-in-1) match this product in functionality. We have been working with prototypes of this device for more than 6 months and absolutely love using it with our laptop. For physicians that dictate in and out of an exam room, this product can easily fold down when on the move from room to room and when moving to the car, home or satellite office. It is so small that it can fit in your pocket or a small space within your computer case or portfolio. We find the overall quality, both in terms of build and functionality a solid 10 out of 10. The downsides? It's expensive. Also, although it does a superb job in canceling external noise, we wouldn't recommend using it in a room with loud competing noise. Mild to moderate noise it will handle fine.

SpeechWare TravelMike

Special Introductory Price: $

SpeechMatic MultiAdapter

For those preferring to use a headset microphone but desiring the advanced features of the circuitry in the TableMikes and TravelMike, this is the simple way to supercharge your current mic by adding the Auto Gain Control and Equalizer technology to your current product. In effect, this is an external sound adapter (like those made by Andrea, VXI and Buddy) but on STEROIDS!

Features:

• Works with virtually all commonly sold headset microphones used by speech recognition users
• Auto Gain Control (AGC) and Speech Equalizer (EQ) technology to provide the best attainable accuracy when using Dragon NaturallySpeaking
• Normal and "Long Range" modes (long range mode used for less sensitive headsets or the TravelMike)
• Mute functionality
• Standard 3.5 mm jacks for both microphone and speakers
• 1-year warranty extendable to 2-years with product registration

Links:

• View full User Guide
• View SpeechWare MultiAdapter Page
• View YouTube video animation on TravelMike/MultiAdapter

Comments: The net effect of this product is to significantly improve the performance of your current headset microphone. We have tested it extensively with the Sennheiser ME3 and Audio Technica 8HEmW and have a hard time believing what a difference this makes in terms of external noise rejection and accuracy in our two best headsets. How does this compare to other external USB adapters we sell? Honestly, it leaves them in the dust. It's that much of an advancement. Without a doubt, though, it is expensive. So if you are happy with the results of your current headset and USB adapter, there is no reason to consider this. If you have reason to seek even higher levels of accuracy, consider substituting the SpeechMatic MultiAdapter for your current USB adapter.

SpeechWare SpeechMatic USB MultiAdapter

Special Introductory Price: $

Recommended accessory for the MultiAdapter user: If you plan to use your MultiAdaper with a desktop computer and are worried about access to the device to change modes or change the muting status, we recommend the addition of a simple 72 inch USB extension cable. This will allow you to keep the MultiAdapter on your desk and within easy reach.

72 Inch USB Extension

Price: $

TravelMike Base with Card Reader

For the user desiring the portability of the TravelMike but preferring to use it independent of your notebook or tablet, this soon-to-arrive accessory for the TravelMike is the perfect solution. Attaching by means of an included variable length USB cord, the small docking device includes 3 USB ports and a variety of card reading slots. This is an ideal solution if you attach your laptop to a docking station.

Features:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• 4 card reading ports: Secure Digital Card (SD), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick Micro (M2) and Secure Digital (TF)
• This is an accessory and does NOT include the actual TravelMike shown in the picture to the right

Included in the box:

• Docking station
• Extendable/retractable USB cord

Comments: We love the flexibility allowed by the use of this simple yet ruggedly constructed base for the TravelMike. Using this base allows you to have full flexibility in where you situate the TravelMike and provides the added functionality of 3 accessory USB ports and the 4 card reading ports listed above. If we had any wish it is that a) the device was a bit heavier (weighted) and b) that two of the USB ports were on the back and not front of the device. We hope some of these features will be incorporated into the final design. We very much like that the base is small enough to keep the entire set-up (including separately purchased TravelMike) quite portable. When compared with the full sized TableMikes, the combination of the TravelMike and base provide nearly identical results. The difference is that by virtue of the longer boom the full sized TableMike can be placed much farther away from the user. The TravelMike/Base combo clearly offers better portability.

TravelMike Base (TravelMike not included and must be purchased separately)

Price: $79

Availability: Not yet announced

Please contact us if you would like to be notified when this product becomes available