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KnowBrainer Speech Recognition |
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Topic Title: 11.5 Professional Update including microphone issues Topic Summary: Quantum improvement in accuracy by change to wired microphone Created On: 04/19/2012 05:00 PM Status: Post and Reply |
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- ikslah | - 04/19/2012 05:00 PM |
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- Lunis Orcutt | - 04/20/2012 12:29 PM |
 04/19/2012 05:00 PM
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The conversion to 11.5 professional was a major headache for me and many others in the organization. I had used version 9.1 very successfully for many years including using the Bluetooth Plantronics S60 USB microphone. Someone in our office decided to change our Bluetooth's to a new Plantronics Bluetooth WH100/B at the same time that they converted to 11.5. It has been a nightmare both with accuracy and with unwanted words popping in as well as the mouse jumping all over the place at random. Fortunately, Plantronics had sent us some wired microphones which are quite inexpensive. They pop up s "C-media USB audio device" in my audio device list but do not actually have a number stenciled on them. They are now being replaced by apparently the Plantronics 625. As I liked the convenience of the old Bluetooth I hesitated to go to a wired microphone. However, the trasition to a wired microphone seems to have solved all sorts of problems including the issues of pairing your microphone and in the case of the Bluetooth the random jumping through a document. I have provided wired microphones to not only neophyte users but also experienced users. The initial reaction is extremely positive. Based on my recent experience I would not recommend the Bluetooth for most people. My next question therefore is has anybody tested the Plantronics 625 in an office environment. Most of the users will have their individual offices although some offices are noisier than others. However ultimately other users may be in pods. I know there is a magic list of microphones testedd by Knowbrainer as I reviewed it previously. I ust need to find it again. Hard as it is, I am also trying to convince purchasing to buy from Knowbrainer as you are the only serious professionals in the field that care about the end users.
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04/20/2012 12:29 PM
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In our opinion, Bluetooth should be avoided. You will no longer find any Bluetooth microphones on our website because Nuance doubled the sampling rate in NaturallySpeaking 11 which essentially killed Bluetooth viability. The frequency ceiling of all Bluetooth microphones is 4 kHz while NaturallySpeaking can process frequencies up to 11.025 kHz. Bluetooth microphones also have a lot of syncing issues. Additionally, doubling the sampling rate put pressure on many consumer grade microphones. Many end-users, who were satisfied with wired Plantronics and Logitech microphones, had a change of heart after upgrading to Ver. 11. If possible, we recommend against using any Plantronics microphones. Another problem with Plantronics microphones is a small sweet spot. With any headset microphone you have what we refer to as a flexible sweet spot. Your microphone should work perfectly when running the Audio Check in a specific position but also have the flexibility to be knocked out of place without having to rerun the Audio Check every time you put on a microphone. Consumer grade microphones typically have a .5 inch sweet spot while many professional microphones can be knocked out of alignment by 1.5 inches and in some cases, as much as 2 inches; like the Audio-Technica Pro 8HEmW microphone (w/KB PLUS PACK). Having to run the Audio Check, every time you put on your headset to obtain the best possible results, gets old fast.
If you have to go with the Bluetooth like microphone, consider the Plantronics Savi 440 (w/KB PLUS PACK) DECT 6 wireless microphone with a 300 foot range, no sync issues and a 12 kHz ceiling. HOWEVER, the Savi 440 is similar to other Plantronics microphones in that there is very little noise filtering and although the accuracy is acceptable, it is not exactly stellar. We only recommend this microphone for people who have to be wireless such as physicians using tablet computers. Now to your question… The Plantronics .Audio 625 is identical to the Plantronics .Audio 610 that Nuance includes in a box of DNS Pro except that it has larger dual speakers as opposed to the smaller single speaker 610 design. The 625 is also less comfortable because you additionally have to wear 2 oversized speakers for no reason unless you enjoy listening to low fidelity stereo music while dictating. We haven't specifically tested the 625 model but there isn't any need to test it because we are already familiar with the microphone element. We found it to be acceptable but not good enough to make our Microphone Comparison Matrix where you can view our latest test results which compare pricing, accuracy, noise cancellation, features and even comfort. -------------------------
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