Quality of microphones play a very important role in speech to text dictation. Your pronunciation and background environment noise might be an important factor but 50% of dictation or voice command accuracy actually depends upon your microphone hardware. If you are using a voice command and speech to text software like Braina, then it is suggested to use a good quality microphone with noise cancellation feature to get the optimum speech recognition accuracy.
Omni-directional microphones are suggested for digital voice assistants as it picks up sound equally from all direction and you don’t have to be very near to the microphone in order to give voice command. However, if you work in a noisy environment and your main purpose is dictation, then Cardioid microphone is a better choice.
We have compiled a list of microphones which works best with speech recognition or dictation software. We have mentioned best plug and play mics with different features in a wide price range starting from $17. Please note that these microphones are not arranged in any particular order. Apart from dictation, you can use these microphones for recording, Youtube, Skype, zoom call, webinar, gaming, streaming, interview, ASMR, podcast etc.
1. Jounivo JV601 USB Desktop Microphone with Gooseneck design
Though not a big brand, but Jounivo JV601 is a good entry level microphone with 360° flexible gooseneck design. It has mute switch with LED indicator which shows an indication of the microphone status. This microphone is Plug & Play compatible with Win 7 8 10/Mac/PS4/PS3. Interestingly, you are getting a semi Omni-directional mic in this price range!
2. Executive Pro Overture Premium Binaural Noise-Canceling Corded USB Headset
Executive Pro is a comfortable headset with good reviews especially for voice recognition purpose. Executive Pro has lightweight design, long cord (6.5 feet) and it has flexible noise canceling boom microphone. Ear cushion swivels 360 degrees to ensure maximum comfort. If you like headsets for dictation, this is the right choice.
3. TaoTronics Trucker BH041 Wireless Bluetooth Headset with Microphone
This wireless headset from TaoTronics has QCC3020 chipset for fast & stable signal transmission. It can give you up to 34 Hours of continuous playtime. Company claims that this model is world’s first AI (Artificial Intelligence) noise cancelling headset.
4. Blue Yeti USB Mic
Blue yeti is a professional broadcast quality microphone that has four pickup pattern options: cardioid, Omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns offer incredible flexibility, allowing you to record in ways that would normally require multiple microphones. It also has features like headphone output and volume control, mic gain control and adjustable stand. It has an edge over other microphones as you can try different pickup patterns and check which one works best with your speech recognition software.
5. PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel Microphone (3.5 mm Jack) for phone
This lavalier microphone from Powerdewise works for iPhone 11, X, 8, 8 plus, 7, 7 plus, 6, 6s, 5, 5s, iOs and all Android smartphones. Appropriate microphone for smartphones and tablets but do not buy this if you need a microphone for PC.
6. Logitech USB Headset H390 with Noise Cancelling Mic
This headset from Logitech has a simple plug and play USB connection with noise cancellation. Headband is both adjustable and padded for your comfort. It also boasts of enhanced digital audio if you want to listen to your favorite music.
7. Mpow 071 Headset (USB/3.5mm jack)
This unique headset mic from MPOW has both USB and 3.5mm jack connectors making it widely compatible with most of the computers, smartphones and tablets. It’s built in unidirectional microphone also has wide band noise cancellation feature.
8. Elgato Wave:3 – USB Condenser Microphone and Digital Mixer
Elgato Wave is a premium microphone having condenser capsule with a tight cardioid polar pattern to capture speech with precision. It has clipguard technology, capacitive mute, flexible mounting and it comes with awesome wave link software to take care of your professional needs.
9. Samson G-Track Pro USB Condenser Microphone with Audio Interface (SAGM1UPRO)
This G-Track Pro mic from Samson technologies comes with with audio interface. It has condenser capsules to capture all the detail and nuance of your voice elevating the quality of your recording. It has three pickup patterns: Cardioid, bidirectional and omnidirectional and various features that a premium microphone should have.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, and other Amazon stores worldwide.
thank you for the braina