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Desktop Microphones for Speech Recognition Software
Quick Links:
Buddy USB Desktop Microphone
Buddy DesktopMini
7G Microphone
SpeechWare 3-in-1 TableMike
SpeechWare 6-in-1 TableMike
SpeechWare 9-in-1 TableMike
Buddy USB Desktop Microphone 7G
 For those wanting to free themselves of an attachment to the microphone, this is a simple, good quality microphone which sits on your desk and provides good quality results when used with speech recognition software. Read more about this microphone on the InSynch Speech Technologies site at: http://www.insyncspeech.com/p-3-buddy-desktopmic-7g.aspx
Features:
- USB plug-and-play microphone
- Built-in noise-canceling microphone designed for speech applications like dictation and transcription
- Includes FilteredAudio™ technology for highly effective mechanical noise cancellation (Selected Models)
- Configurable microphone buttons:
Push-To-Talk to hear sound only when button is held or set for mute toggle
- Direct control of the microphone On/Off function in Dragon NaturallySpeaking
- One programmable button simulates keyboard or mouse input for repetitive tasks or to insert text.
- Once programmed, Buddy DesktopMic 7G retains its configuration
- Free MyBuddyMic™ software download allows you to customize advanced tasks to control Microsoft Speech and Dragon NaturallySpeaking
- No need for additional drivers -- MyBuddyMic is optional for most normal operations
Comments: this is a considerably better desktop microphone than the inexpensive ones seen in electronics stores. We don't consider this to have the accuracy of our better headset microphones, for those needing to keep their hands and heads free, this is an excellent choice. An alternative microphone to consider is the SpeechWare 6-in-1 microphone.
About the DSP Version: this cutting edge noise filtering system eliminates background noise and yields incredible accuracy, even in noisy environments. This microphone is ideal for users who often work in hectic settings which may produce background noise which can hinder the performance of dictation and speech recognition applications. The only downside in our experience? Cost.
| Product Compatibility |
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Operating System: Windows XP, Windows 7, Mac OS*
Speech Recognition Software: Dragon (all versions), MacSpeech Dictate, Window SR
iPad & iPhone: No
Comments: |
Buddy DeskTop Mic 7G with DSP
MSRP: $200
Our Price:
$
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Buddy DesktopMini 7G Microphone
 This is a new offerring from InSync Speech Technology and is a simple, very nicely functioning desktop microphone with Filtered Audio technology (to filter out system noise). It is small enough to be easily lifted with your hand and used as a hand-held microphone if you prefer.
Features:
- High quality, unidirectional microphone
- Flexible 9 inch gooseneck for easy positioning
- USB plug & play interface
- Portable hands-free solution
- FilteredAudio technology for the ability to record in deafening noise conditions
- Built-in state of the art sound card for crystal clear voice capture
- Fully programmable button can simulate keyboard, mouse or Dragon voice commands
- Cross compatibility means you can use this mic across multiple USB devices
- Quality materials means this microphone is built to last
- Backed by a 1 year manufacturer's warranty
Comments: This is a surprisingly good microphone for it's cost. Many users find it convenient to hold in their hand and use it as a hand-held microphone.
| Product Compatibility |
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Operating System: Windows XP, Windows 7, Mac OS
Speech Recognition Software: Dragon (all versions), MacSpeech Dictate, Window SR
iPad & iPhone: No
Comments: |
Buddy DesktopMini 7G
MSRP: $69.99
Our Price: $
New SpeechWare 3-in-1 TableMike (TK03)
Second Generation 3-in-1 microphones are now in stock and shipping!
 This is the newly released TableMike from SpeechWare and the result of more than a year of the best Belgian engineering and input from a number experienced speech recognition users/resellers including Chuck Runquist, Larry Allen, Lunis Orcutt and Speech Recognition Solutions. While the first generation product was good and clearly on par with other table-mounted microphones, the soon to be released "second generation" 3-in-1 is looking to be nothing less than extraordinary.
Features/Specifications:
- USB interface (v.1 and 2.0 compliant) with audio output and input Sound ports
- Detachable boom with professional hi-fi mini-XLR connectors for easier removal, portability and storage
- Speech Equaliser for optimum Speech recognition performance (like a headset!) and Normal or HD VoIP mode
- Operating System: Windows® 7 / Vista® / XP® / 2000 / MacOS® 10.0 or higher / Linux without additional USB Sound drivers
- Compatible voice applications: Dragon NaturallySpeaking®, Microsoft Speech for Windows®, ViaVoice®, etc.
- Capsule type: Back Electret Condenser with Cardioid Polar Pattern
- Control Panel: Digital buttons to avoid unwanted noise 'clicks'
- Push Button modes: Always On / Press to Lock / Press to Talk
- ADC sample resolution and rates: 16 bit mono and up to an exceptional 48 kHz for both Recording and Playback (maximum of 22 kHz in best competing devices!)
- Sensitivity: -37 dB@1kHz, SPL=1Pa
- SNR: an exceptional 92 dB, 1kHz at 1 Pa
- Frequency response and Output Impedance: 80 - 20,000 Hz and 1700 ohms
- Sound ports: Standard 3.5 mm mono mic-in and 3.5 mm stereo out with 2 Watts
- Power supply: from the USB port of the PC (no need for batteries!)
- Other unique features: Automatic Gain Control (AGC), High and Low Pass filters, Digital Signal Process (DSP)
- Dictating distance (in Speech Equaliser mode): from a minimum of 10 cm up to 50 cm (4”-20”) and more, depending on your voice and ambient noise (NaturallySpeaking® will warn in case of a weak signal). Optimal distance 20 cm or 10”
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Links:
In the box:
- Base
- Detachable 16 inch boom
- Foam windscreen
- Monaural earset with angled connector
- USB cable
- Instruction manual
Warranty: 1 year (extension to 2 years if you register the product)
Comments: The 1st generation 3-in-1 did not entirely live up to expectations for some customers and a "second generation" product was developed with a more sensitive microphone element and advanced noise canceling algorithms built into the circuit board. Purchasers of first generation units have been upgraded to second generation functionality free of cost (with exception of being asked to pay one-way shipping for the upgrade). The second generation units are now in stock and include two keychanges, including 1) a more sensitive microphone element and 2) changes in the circuit board that includes "declicking" algorithms to heighten further the immunity from external noise. We have extensively tested the second generation and found it to be truly amazing. Unlike any other product we know, it allows practical dictation from a distance up to 20 inches. In terms of accuracy and external noise rejection, this product will perform exactly like the soon-to-be-released 6-in-1. Please view the "product demo" link with the6-in1 to get an idea of how the new 3-in-1 works.
| Product Compatibility |
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Operating System: Windows XP, Windows 7, Mac OS
Speech Recognition Software: Dragon (all versions), MacSpeech Dictate*, Window SR
iPad & iPhone: No. Mobile devices do not provide enough power.
Comments: |
SpeechWare 3-in-1 TableMike - Second Generation
MSRP: $279
Our Price: $
(Includes free Ground shipping to domestic US locations)
SpeechWare 6-in-1 TableMike (TK06) 
This microphone has all the features of the 3-in-1 plus:
- a longer boom (18 inches)
- integrated speaker with volume controls
- a jack for integration with an optional foot pedal
- an accessory USB jack
 See this product in action with
videos from Speech Recogntion Solutions
- Full Product Review - this is an 11 minute in-depth review of the 6-in-1 with a thorough overview of features, product demonstration, and data on accuracy.
- Brief Product Review - this 4 1/2 minute review focuses only on the product features.
- Dictation demonstration only - see the 6-in-1 in action doing medical dication in this 2 1/2 minute video.
Links:
Comments: We have a final pre-production model of this microphone in our hands for testing. This unit takes advantage of the same circuit board as the "second generation" 3-in-1 model and in extensive testing appears to be an extraordinary product which combines a long reach (dictation up to 20 inches from the microphone element), a very high level of accuracy, and an amazing degree of external noise rejection. We have posted some preliminary results with the microphone (see link above). Like the 3-in-1, this product can work in 3 "modes", including the speechrec mode, normal mode, and accessory mic mode. Be aware that the equilizer circuitry (auto gain) which allows use of the microphone from distances of 10-20 inches is in place only when in the speechrec mode. Also be aware that the on-board speaker works only when in the normal mode.
| Product Compatibility |
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Operating System: Windows XP, Windows 7, Mac OS
Speech Recognition Software: Dragon (all versions), MacSpeech Dictate*, Window SR
iPad & iPhone: No. Mobile devices do not provide enough power.
Comments: |
SpeechWare 6-in-1 TableMike TB06
Price: $
SpeechWare 9-in-1 TableMike
 The 9-in-1 TableMike will begin shipping from Speech Recognition Solutions on September 20, 2012.
The 9-in-1 is the "grande" of the TableMike series and has all of the features of the 3-in-1 and 6-in-1 plus:
- A unique telescoping boom which can vary from 16 to 24 inches
- Two accessory USB ports
- An integrated SD/SDHC/MMC/MS/MSPro/MSPro-HG card reader
- A programmable button which can be used to control other applications
Comments: We have tested a prototype of the 9-in-1 and find it to be every bit the microphone we expected. In terms of functioning, it works identically to the 3-in-1 and 6-in-1 as far as accuracy and external noise rejection. The big advantages are the extra USB port, a programmable button, and the telescoping boom which allows placement of the base a fair distance away.
Additional Images of the 9-in-1
SpeechWare 9-in-1 TableMike
Price: $
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