KnowBrainer Speech Recognition - Microphones and Sound Cards

WNC 1500 overview video

adawe — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:17:34 EST

Was the WNC 1500 overview video made using that very headset? I just want to gauge how the actual recording quality sounds, Since it could potentially serve as a microphone to record podcasts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpJj1SHZBqc

Switching microphones

pdbecht — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:58:37 EST

In trying to switch from my Sennheiser to the boom o I lost all my commands and all my custom vocabulary but most of all the computer would no longer recognize the Sennheiser when I plugged it back in. So my afternoon has been spent playing with microphones and found pods. I thought it would be simple and I could use both microphones whenever but I think I'm stuck with just one. The Sennheiser. It could be worse, but I'm very disappointed to learn that I cannot use multiple microphones. Has anyone else had this experience? And if so how did you deal with it? Thank you

Samson Airline 77 in India

magicpatel — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:04:16 EST

Hello,

I would like to find out the answer to an awkward question regarding the Samson airline 77.

I am currently in India and will not be in the US for the next many months, however, I need to buy a wireless microphone for dictation urgently. I was thinking of the airline 77 but the only one in India I could find was at the below mentioned link. What I want to know is will it work for dictation (ie is it the same as the KB airline 77)?

http://www.soundmonk.com/default/samson-airline-77-headset-system/p-8773863-5766987465-cat.html#variant_id=8773863-41497666226

I understand that in this instance I wont be buying from KB, but your help would be invaluable.

Kind Regards

Kiran.

VXI blue parrot express on Windows 7 bad

adawe — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:13:29 EST

VXI blue parrot express on Windows 7

Despite the amazing reviews I've seen for this microphone. I have yet been able to duplicate the results on my Windows 7 64 bit

Can any owners chime in on what operating system and what USB dongle and what Bluetooth stack you're using?

I've tried the gbu421 as well as the GbU 521 on the latest widCOM/broadCOM/iogear driver's but have not been able to get good results. The microphone is detected as a line in device. Is this correct? I try to test the recording quality and audacity and it was not amazing by any means. In Dragon I had to set it to mic-in

Then I tried the Toshiba stack and was able to get it detected as a Bluetooth microphone in Windows recording devices, but again testing the quality resulted in poor results.

I want to compare my settings and set up with people who have experienced this microphone with good results to see what I'm doing wrong?

What Bluetooth stack are you using?

What's dongle are you using?

What operating system?

In your Windows recording devices menu, is the microphone detected as Bluetooth or line in?

In Dragon, is the microphone detected as a Bluetooth or mic in, or something else?

DNS audio setup and Windows 8

dmehling — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:36:10 EST

I have been dealing with a quirky issue with the DNS 12 audio setup on my Windows 8 laptop. It seems like every time I open DNS I have to do the audio setup. At first it seemed like the obvious issue was that I was frequently unplugging and plugging in my Table Mike 3. I made sure to put the computer into hibernation before unplugging the USB cable, and then plugging it back in before waking it up. That didn't really help, so my next idea was to see if completely exiting DNS before unplugging made a difference. That seemed to make the issue occur a little less frequently, but still it was happening more often than I wanted. Finally I decided to try leaving the microphone plugged in all the time and never unplugging it. Again, I did have to run the audio setup a little less frequently, but I still had to do it more often than seemed normal. Is this quirk attributable to my computer, the OS, or to the microphone? This is really frustrating since I'm totally disabled and must use my computer by voice completely. Every time I have to run the audio setup I have to have someone assist me.

Availability of SpeechWare Tablemikes

neil89 — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:31:55 EST

Is there any indication when the Speechware range of tablemikes will be available again?

Thanks

transfer USB mic input to another computer on network

dmehling — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:57:58 EST

Does anyone know if there is a way to transmit the mic input from a computer with a USB microphone, through a wireless LAN, to another computer running DNS? I am thinking about getting a small tablet, which will not have adequate capabilities for speech recognition. I will use this tablet to access my other computer when I'm in another room or outside. There is a pretty good remote desktop app for an android tablet, so I can see the screen of my other computer on the tablet. That solves half of my issue. The other issue is a way to remotely control the computer. If I plugged my USB mic into the tablet USB port, is there any way to send that mic input to the other PC?

Airline 77 Security

mattraglan8530 — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:51:06 EST

Hi there,

I am contemplating purchasing the Airline 77 microphone, for the wireless features and supreme accuracy. However, I am a little concerned regarding how secure using a UHF microphone and whether it is possible/easy to listen in to any dictation??

Is this possible and how far does the range of the Airline 77 extend to?

I would be grateful for your thoughts/views

Thanks

Andrea WNC 1500 must change microphone icon each time open Dragon

Trionalaw — Sat, 04 May 2013 11:54:28 EST

I still think the Andrea WNC 1500 headset is the greatest thing since the inventor Tesla, who certainly did not get credit for all of his inventions including the underpinnings of radar. Its accuracy is astounding. I dictate constantly throughout the day I never have to recharge it.

Here is the oddity: I always run the audio setup to make certain it is working properly. When I do, I get the pop up that it is not hearing it. I then go to the sound program and open recordings and then hit properties. I have to typically switch between the headset icon at the far right of the top line or in the headset icon at the far left on the third line.

Anyone have this problem? Not a biggie in light of how much I like the headset.

Thanks,

Jim

Philps premium LFH 3500 mic

snoekie — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:35:28 EST

I have a problem in relation to this mic. Initially it worked, on the buttons, but something happened recently, I am not sure what, 1 minute it was working fine on the buttons and then something occurred, probably when I was trying to transfer from the dictation box.

The problem is probably quite simple to resolve, I just do not know how. Currently the buttons do not work, like starting and/or stopping the recording, although they will work on the keyboard stroke, for me F 11 (using WordPerfect 15).

When I press F 11, the light comes on, red light, and dictation is accurate. I downloaded the latest firmware today, but I still have a problem.

The RAM memory is 16 gigabytes and the processor one of the faster Intel ones from last year.

I have listed the question here because this is not about selection of a microphone hardware problem, more its functionality.

Another thing that I have noted is that that sometimes on start-up of the computer, the microphone is in the icon tray and on other occasions merely the Dragon symbol. The microphone symbol is also in the icon tray, currently there are 2 of them. The trackball does work, but the fast forward/back "wing" buttons do not.

Microphone and Sound Card for DNS Premium

dragfal — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:04:37 EST

Hi,

You folks helped me with advice back in February when I was studying laptop requirements for Premium 12.

I have not pulled the trigger yet on the laptop because I want to see how Haswell does for Intel based laptops this summer and fall.

In the meantime, I would like to ask

1. the most basic effective microphone/headset to purchase, and

2. the most basic soundcard to look for in a stock laptop, or

3. the most basic soundcard to buy to replace whatever the laptop comes with if the standard soundcard is not going to be sufficient.

Thanks,

Jabra pro 9470 interference

takenaback — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 02:29:52 EST

This is getting a little away from speech recognition but I would appreciate any help. I was using windows live messenger live video chat without any problems but unfortunately wlm has met its demise (except in China of course) with Microsoft purchasing Skype. As always it's a pain in the you know what getting used to a new interface let alone the problem I am experiencing.

The person at the other end can hear me fine but when I am using the Jabra 9470 pro I get interference through my head piece only when I am talking. Needless to say it is annoying. I have tried researching Skype support for a problem but couldn't find a fix. The knowledge on this forum is something I should attempt to tap.

I only have this problem with the Jabra wireless headset as I have tested an Andrea headset which works just fine.

Any ideas?

Cheers
Steve

Ath com1 replaced by ath 330com

Horse1385 — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:58:55 EST

Audi-technica have updated its headset range. I was going to buy the Ath com 1 but it's been replaced with ath 330 com.

Is there any reviews yet

The pro hex models have also been updated.

James

Need Sound Card Suggestion for a DNS Mic or Parrot VXI TalkPro

psychdoctor — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 22:42:14 EST

I have just recently jumped into Dragon with a purchase of Dragon Premium 12 (though I tried DNS many years ago and a crappy Mac software package many years ago). I am running WIN7 on an iMac via Bootcamp. Intel Core 2 Duo at 3.06GHZ with 8GB of RAM.

I installed DNS this weekend and plugged hte Mics straight in the back and after fiddleing with drivers I got it to work. Both Mics failed the "quality" test, but I went a head and did the 5 minutes of training and tried a couple of passages from a recent report I wrote. It worked great with both Mics. Amazingly well. I normally dictate reports and dictation runs 50 minutes to 1.5 hours (with lots of pauses). I do not plan on using DNS to control my PC, nor do I use it every day, but I would like to maximize the quality of my sound. So I know I need a sound card. My environment is usually pretty quiet, I dictate in my home office. I am quite good at dictation since I still dictate to a live transcriptionist in my day job and I have been dictating reports for about 15 years.

BTW, the Parrot Mic is probably a Parrott VXI TalkPro Xpress Mic. Its at least 5 years old and It is only Marked as Parrott and VXI, but it looks exactly like the one on VXIs website.

Any suggestions for a sound card for these Mics?

Thanks!

Jeff

-20db or -40db relating to "mic/Line" switch?

wingclip — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:21:57 EST

Hi folks,

There's a switch on the back of my Samson Stage 55 unit and just above it's labeled as "mic/line" and just below it is labeled "-40 dB" in the left position and "-20 dB" in the right position. I presently have it selected to the -20 dB position. Also, I'm running a quarter-inch plug cable from the unit to my soundcard, (Andrea USB).

Later today however, I'll be switching over to a XLR plug which will then run to my Andrea sound card because the manual implied that the XLR is the better of the two, (1/4" vrs XLR).

I had assumed that the switch was just using one of two different filter positions. But it may also be selecting the way the microphone is being set up because of the "mic/line" label I see. But now I'm not so sure and I don't see anything specific about it in the manual.

I can't recall if I did try selecting the -40 dB position when I initially set it up through the Dragon audio check. I think I did and Dragon reported that my microphone was below par so I switched it to the -20 dB position where it is now.

I wonder if anyone knows where I would have the best results when I get the XLR plug set up? Of course I can try both positions but I'm just curious where you guys might start with the test.

Thank you, Rich

Speechware 3-in-1 latest and USB ports

matthewls — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:05:15 EST

I've been using Speechware 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 for a long time w/o problem on generic PCs.

I recommended a colleague get one for his Mac and he did (from Knowbrainer, I'm glad to say), but he's having reliability issues. Dictation via Dragon Dictate or the built in Mac OS system will be working perfectly, but then stops working or becomes highly unreliable. Switching USB ports fixes the problem, suggesting that the USB function on the iMac is weird.

Does anyone here know about this, or even better, how to fix it?

Thanks,

Matthew

VXI Xpress, Xpressway, and Xpressway II - Linux

Sprakle — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:00:29 EST

What is the difference between these three? I'm planning on using them for speech recognition on Linux. Has anyone had experience with bluetooth mics and Linux?

Another question:

Does the quality of the Bluetooth dongle matter? I assume that because it's digital, it shoudln't make a difference whether I buy a $2 dongle from ebay, or a brand name one.

Stage 55 Performance Outstanding!

wingclip — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 22:54:30 EST

Hi Lunis,

First I want to apologize because in spite of my instructions to my wife, she failed to buy the Stage 55 wireless microphone from the KnowBrainer store. It was my birthday yesterday so after I picked out that microphone, after speaking with you all about it a few days ago, I told her I wanted to get it from the same store I got the Dragon 12 program, KnowBrainer.

I sent he the store's website name, address, etc. and I thought it was a done deal. What I didn't realize was that she had an Amazon gift card for $40 off any item, (she had received from her sister months ago). So yesterday I get a knock at the door and there's the Stage 55 in an Amazon box!

Of course, the quarter-inch male plug didn't have a 3.5 mm adapter so it could fit my Andrea sound card. Long story short, I got the adapter today and got the whole thing going but wouldn't of had to wait if she had gotten it at KnowBrainer's.

After the money I spent on two adapters, (again, it's a long story), at about nine dollars each, not to mention the inconvenience, gas, etc. the few extra dollars difference she saved really wasn't worth it, (but what could I say, it was a gift). I'll make sure that KnowBrainer is the source the in my next upgrade.

That said, I'm absolutely impressed, even blown away by how accurately this system is performing with Dragon. I haven't even connected my Audio Technica microphone and tried that yet! Instead, I set up the system with the microphone included with the unit.

I opened a new profile, and it took me about 30 minutes to get the microphone signal working correctly with the main unit and Dragon's audio check. After that, I went through the little bit of training, (you know, reading from the chosen article), and that was it.

Without importing any vocabularies from other profiles, the system was working beautifully! It's been very accurate and I finally imported a vocabulary list that I needed for it to understand certain phrases and words I use in what I do most days.

As far as the unit's design is concerned, that's another story. The transmitter is a bit heavier than I thought it should have to be but what really surprised me was the fact that you have to open the battery compartment to turn the thing on or off!

In addition, the layout of the control panel in the transmitter's battery compartment does not match the layout in the instruction manual. This is likely because they made some changes and didn't update the manual but it was a little confusing until I realized that the controls that were missing on the transmitter, ("Pad" on/off), were probably unneeded because it wasn't even mentioned.

I'll give it a proper review on Amazon but all in all I'm amazed with the performance and because the Stage 55's microphone is quite a bit lighter and somewhat more comfortable to wear than the Audio Technica, I'm not so sure that I'll change it out after all.

Thanks for the invaluable information and again, I'm sorry my wife didn't go with the KnowBrainer store like I had asked her.

Rich

Closing KB and DNS 12.5

stinger7018 — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:39:11 EST

I am having trouble closing KB and DNS 12.5. I am running Windows 7 64 bit OS. It used to be that when I gave the command "close know-brainer" I would hear the reply "closing KB and DNS and saving speech files" now KB simply closes and I hear no voice prompt. Also DNS appears to close as I see the profile save box appear and the little green bar graduate from left to right however the microphone icon is still in my icon tray and you can actually right-click on it and access user profile, options etc. I also occasionally get a DNS error telling me that DNS does not close properly and the computer must be restarted. Upon exiting KB and DNS I always have to restart my computer in order to completely close DNS. I have tried to close the programs in various different ways such as "switch to KB" then "close KB" and then "exit DNS" I have also tried closing the programs manually with the same results. It used to be that the microphone icon or the command bar would close or disappear as well but now they remain visible and somewhat operational even though I cannot dictate. Furthermore my power options seem to be affected as the computer will no longer go to sleep at its designated time of inactivity, this problem is sporadic but more often than not. I had a full diagnostic test run by the manufacturer (Sony) and they found no problem after exhausting all of my own troubleshooting and diagnostic efforts. Can someone please tell me why DNS continues to run in the background even though it appears to be closed? I am an ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) patient and rely heavily on voice recognition software. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Picking the proper microphone for my specific application and needs - special needs

Windstarsc — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:05:30 EST

Unless I missed something in your post, it's unclear what would be preventing you from moving your head? Are you laying down on a pillow, or do you have some sort of head/neck support that would interfere? Also, none of these mics have speakers, so I'm assuming you'll be using standalone earbuds with whichever mic you choose.

Without having a clearer picture and going on some assumptions, I would recommend the Audio Technica PRO8. This is arguably the most flexible/adaptable model, with excellent accuracy. I think the ME3 is a bit better, but it's not nearly as flexible in how it can be worn - the PRO8 can be worn on either the left or the right side, over the top or around the back of the head (which is important if you are reclined on a pillow), or even around the neck with the mic pointed up in front of your mouth (not ideal, but it works well for some of our customers with specific requirements for such a setup).

If you go with the PRO8, I would recommend using it with either the Buddy 7G or the Andrea PureAudio USB-MA, which both work better than the PureAudio USB-SA or original Andrea USB pod.

Wireless Microphone Potential Problem

jdspates — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:30:23 EST

I have used multiple wireless headphones and have them set up so that I can hear playback and any audio coming from the computer through the headset.

There are times when it seems as though it is cutting in and out and sometimes it sounds as though I can hear myself as I am speaking and other times I just hear little clicks.

Could this be causing problems with voice recognition or is there something I should check in regards to the audio settings on the computer.

Just wanted to check with the experts. Thanks in advance!

Jesse

Ready to go Wireless

wingclip — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:03:31 EST

Hi Folks,

It's been a while since I read the article/info regarding microphones I had found in Knowbrainer but at the time, I had a smaller budget to work with. However, I did go with the Audio Technica Pro 8HEMW and Andrea USB Sound card.

It works great but I was never in love with the wire and still not. So I remembered that 'Chuck' mentioned he was using a wireless Sennheiser headset system but I can't remember which.

At any rate, I was wondering if you can point me in the generally 'right' direction for choosing a wireless headset mic?

Thanks You, Rich

PS I was also looking at this pretty good deal:

Audio-Technica ATW-1101/H92-TH (PRO92-THcw Beige Headset )

This link:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ATW1101H92TH/

or this?:

Samson Concert 77 Headset System (Channel N5 (645.500))

From:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SW77VSCS-N1

Difficulties with the boom O

wheelstb — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 20:48:58 EST

In the past I have posted on the form saying that I have had difficulty with my boom picking up my breathing noises.

It doesn't seem like the boom always did this, it seems to be a problem that started out of the blue one day. I sent it back to have it repaired. They repaired it but I'm not sure how much of a difference it made. Now I have noticed that when I exhale I can hear my breath in the earphone. Even when I exhale softly I can hear it in the earphone.

I noticed this problem sometime ago but, between my audio technica and my handheld microphone I just switched to another microphone. I'm not sure if the problem has gotten worse. I do know that it never used to do this.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sennheiser MD 431 at maximum volume

smeyer — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:53:43 EST

I have used my Sennheiser MD 432 II on multiple different machines, multiple different USB cards including Andrea Pure Audio and Andrea half duplex and Buddy 6G, using an XLR cable Lunis sold me. Always the volume setting is maximal when I run the audio setup. My recognition is very good, better than 98%, but I question why the volume setting is always 100%. All other microphone volumes are between 25% and 75% when running the audio setup wizard. Is my Sennheiser defective?

When I run the setup wizard, I alway get a message that the volume is too low for good recognition, although recognition works anyway. I've attached screenshots from my audio setup wizard.

Thanks. Steve

Speechmike Premium

wbendermd — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:36:42 EST

Recently upgraded to the Speechmike Premium after long use of other Speechmike products. I have been frustrated by two major issues:

the rollerball is very imprecise and difficult to use. Slow performance and not very accurate.

the function keys are much smaller and placed too close together.

Don't know if there is anything to do about this other than to return to my old favorite Speechmike. Just seems to me anyway, Philips missed the boat on the "new and improved" version of my old favorite.

Samson Airline & Andrea USB static

VirtualBob — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 01:54:49 EST

I have a Samson Airline plugged into a HP laptop running Win XP. The problem is that the Andrea USB adaptor plays up. If its close to a monitor it creates static. If the audio plug from the Airline receiver box is at the wrong angle it creates static (could be just the connections) and you have to play around with it until it stops.

I sometimes use this setup with my mac and I can monitor the sound through the speakers and fiddle with stuff until it disapates, but I can't work out how to get the HP latptop to monitor the incoming sound through its speakers. Any ideas?

Also, is this common with the Samson/Andrea setup or do I have a faulty component?

Accuracy of Olympus ME53W lapel mic for voice recognition

souffle — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 10:00:58 EST

Hi all, I'd like move away from using a headset mic with my voice recognition (DNS 11.5). Just find them a little uncomfortable. A desktop mic would be great, but can't afford one at present, so I'm thinking of getting a lapel mic like an Olympus ME52W.

Couple of questions. First, haven't found any info about using this mic with a computer directly - people only seem to talk about plugging them into voice recorders. But it should work with my computer directly too, right?

Second, wondering if the accuracy from a lapel mic like this will be comparable to my headset one (Andrea NC-181VM USB)? If the lapel mic is likely to be marginally worse then that's ok, but no point getting one if its going to be loads worse.

Thanks for any advice,

Jay

WNC 150 Charging

The_Doctor — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 11:13:23 EST

The information sheet that comes with the Andrea Wireless WNC 150 headset says to charge it for 12 hours the first three times you charge it.

1. My First question is that the red charging light goes out after a couple of hours. Does that mean it is not longer charging? If so, then how do you charge it for 12 hours? I have tried removing the cord and plugging it in again, but then it goes out in about 10 minutes.

2. The second question is: Are we supposed to run the battery fully down before recharging for the second and third 12 hour charges?

Kudos to Andrea Electronics

Trionalaw — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:38:40 EST

I've had problems recently with my WNC 1500 pairing. For a couple of weeks, it was absolutely the bees knees, whatever that means. Then I had a problem pairing. I spoke with Joe at Andrea electronics and he walked me through getting it to pair. However, the next day it would not pair.

I spoke with Joe and he told me he would get back to me. Within an hour I had an email asking me to simply send proof of my purchase and I would have an RFA number.

That is excellent company support. And again, I know the Samson Airline 77 is top-rated by Lunis and Chucker, which in my book means it is the top of the heap. However, for $99 the WNC 1500 is phenomenal. I have dictated this entire new thread without any mistakes.

So in terms of companies to work with for voice recognition the big three to me right now are (in no particular order of preference) VoiceComputer, KnowBrainer and Andrea Electronics.

All the best,

Jim

DNS and buddy 7g USB/audio-technica ath-com1 headset

Amy Charmatz — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 15:03:54 EST

DNS Home running under Windows 7 Home. After completing microphone check satisfactory result for volume, cannot open mic. Error DNS is unable to communcate with sound system. Audio-technica ath-com1 is plugged into buddy 7g usb correctly as I can hear sounds on the headphone.

What am I doing wrong?

Amy

Andrea USB Adapter problem

txlaw1 — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 11:47:07 EST

I have an Andrea USB adapter, one of the older models but similar to your http://www.knowbrainer.com/NewStore/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=233&idcategory=19

The serial number is 1011001639. The model is "USB Adapter."

I was using it on an old XP computer that died on me. I've replaced it with a new computer using Windows 7. But now this computer and DNS 12.5 cannot see the Speechware 2-in-1 microphone when it's plugged through this adapter into a back USB port. So I'm plugging the mike jack into the motherboard soundcard and it seems to be working okay.

I'm wondering if there is a driver or something that needs to be used to make DNS and the computer see the Andrea adapter. Any help would be appreciated as I've read comments about problems with the Realteck soundcards and think that using the Andrea might improve dictation.

Thanks for your help.

Haunted mic?

DocGene — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:43:38 EST

Hi everyone,

New user on this forum. Using Dragon Premium 11.5.I just purchased and received a new wireless mic, Samson Airline Micro,

http://www.knowbrainer.com/NewStore/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=219

And could not get it to work consistently. I plugged it directly into the microphone in jack on the computer, put an amplifier in line with this, used an older Andrea USB sound card that I had (which is what I had been using up to this time with no problems), and ultimately used a new Buddy USB sound card that I got from KnowBrainer. Sometimes Dragon indicated "Volume too low", other times "Sound quality poor", other times I could dictate but with very poor accuracy. I created a new user in Dragon, etc. In short, I tried every trick that I could think of.

After all of this, spending numerous hours and becoming very frustrated, I contacted KnowBrainer, they said the mic is probably defective, return it. I did so.

Dragon now works fine, through the same sound card, with a corded Andrea mic.

So I expected to hear back that the mic was defective.

Instead, much to my surprise, I just got an e-mail back indicating that the same mic I sent back was working perfectly for them. My Dragon is working perfectly with a corded mic.

Anyone with any ideas? I'm stumped.

Thanks. Gene.

Installing a Plantronics Calisto Pro II headset not being detected by Windows 7 or DNS 12.5

Windstarsc — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:58:08 EST

Multiple questions:

A phone solicitor for Nuance (Dragon NaturallySpeaking) called me a week or so ago telling me about a new Plantronics Calisto Pro II Bluetooth headset developed and manufactured just for Nuance/Dragon NaturallySpeaking that is unavailable outside of Nuance/DNS. In her sweet little, soft and seductive voice she went on to tell me how this new headset operates at 900 MHz and it would make working with Dragon NaturallySpeaking a much more pleasurable experience with less errors than ever before and I could get my money back if I wasn't satisfied with the product. Well, to shorten this story substantially, she sold me on the headsets and now I have more questions than answers while not being able to get it installed. We've followed the instructions to a T, going into the control panel and going through adding a new Bluetooth device where the new Bluetooth adapter did not get detected, I looked at the available microphone and speaker configurations and nothing showed up their BUT as soon as I would plug in my old Bluetooth adapter into the USB port, my headset was immediately recognized and DNS 12.5 was ready to go. Would you have any ideas why this new Bluetooth adapter isn't being detected by Windows 7 nor DNS? Can it be in my soundcard on my laptop computer because I had problems the first time I installed my Bluetooth headset a year or so ago but I don't recall what the trick was, only that some instructions would have made it much easier.

Though they wanted $199 for each Bluetooth headset, I talked her into two for $198. Even so, I keep asking myself why I fell for this, if they're worth it and now…how do I install this headset if it's not being detected by Windows 7 and Dragon? Is there even a new Plantronics Calisto Pro II that was developed for Nuance, is it any good or should I see what I can do about returning both of these?

I've attached a screenshot of my sound settings where it does show my current (old) Plantronics Calisto Pro series headset that I'm using just because it gets detected each and every time where as this "new model" doesn't get seen. I was able to pair the two together (the new headset) but that's as far as I could get – – so far.

I need headset suggestions to meet these requirements

rainbo — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:52:02 EST

Okay, I don't want to spend a TON of money. I can go up to about $200 to get a good headset.

I want it to go over both ears.

It must work with Dragon 12 Home Edition.

It must be USB.

It must be wireless.

It must work with Windows 8 and a DELL computer.

It must have a return policy in the event that it doesn't work.

I've had nothing but problems with Dragon since about 6 weeks after purchasing the product. It worked beautifully for the first 6 weeks and then all of a sudden, it stopped. I'm reinstalling Windows 8 onto my computer today or tomorrow and will try AGAIN to get Dragon to work. I am a medical transcriptionist by trade and I found that Dragon did help with my productivity when it worked.

Please suggest a good headset for me.

Thank you

Spare USB Andrea sound pod, anybody interested?

xxtraloud — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 06:44:19 EST

Dear All,

I have a spare USB Andrea sound pod, the one with just one input and one output. It works fine with my audio technica microphone and I have not noticed too much of a difference with the three input/output model. I have been trying to sell it on craigslist but apparently it is just too much of a niche thing. Also I do not want to drop it off at Goodwill or Salvation Army because it will just go to waste.

I do not want to make any profit on it but someone might put it to use. All I am asking is five dollars plus the shipping which should be just a few dollars.

Send me a PM if you are interested. I am in Chicago if anybody wants to come pick it up in person.

SpeechWare 3-In-1 4th-Generation - what is different?

cChris — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 21:33:41 EST

Just curious, what is different in the 4th generation as compared to generations 2 and 3?

WNC 1500 pairing

Trionalaw — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 13:37:20 EST

My Andrea WNC 1500 headset is my favorite and I think a smidge more accurate than my Audio-Technia ATH-COM1 KB. I cannot get the WNC to pair. I charged it last night. When I turned it on it continued to blink. I therefore follow the instructions to hold down both volume controls for three seconds until it went blinking. It never quit blinking.

I have rebooted the computer. I have pulled the USB device and replaced it. I am at wits end.

Any ideas?

Much appreciated,

Jim

Why is it that vocal microphones (similar to the Sennheiser M.D. 431 II) need to be in the front of your mouth but other microphones do better off to the side?

wheelstb — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 21:38:22 EST

I know that high-quality vocal microphones like the Sennheiser or the audix OM 2 of the best use when they are within one to 2 inches of your mouth. I also know that most headset microphones like the ones carried on Knowbrainer our best use within one to 2 inches of mouth but, they should be positioned off to the side of your mouth to avoid windage.

I'm wondering why one set of microphones needs to avoid the windage while it does not seem to affect to the other set?

It's a really dumb question I know but, I'm just curious. It never hurts to learn something new.

Mic for handicapped (one-handed) use

dnoel — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:28:16 EST

My friend suffered a stroke a few years ago and lost the use of his left hand (he is right handed.)

I suggested he try DNS for web surfing (he is retired, so no work-related tasks.)

He has a Dell D510 laptop which I have at the moment. I am reloading XP Pro and will bump it to 4GB ram and install DNS 11 Home.

I think a headset-mounted mic will be too cumbersome for him. His PC stays at a desk, so I was thinking an adjustable desk mic would be the way to go. He lives alone so there is minimal background noise.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

Microphone stopped working

Bootsiesmom — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:04:01 EST

I'm using Dragon naturally speaking PRemium 12. It was working fine and then just quit working. I was told I need a better sound card on my computer (I have a realtek, came standard) and a new headset and microphone. Does anyone have a recommendation as to what sound card and microphone I should purchase? I need this software to work asap as I am using it for at home work.

WNC 1500 sound quality problem

Trionalaw — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:59:06 EST

Whenever I open the user for this microphone, and run audio check, I have to go through the various microphones until it will pass the audio check. It is rather frustrating. Just now, none of the microphones would work with it.

Using another user and headset.

Anyone having similar problems? Anyone have a solution?

Thanks so much,

Jim

FlexyMike Dual Ear Headset

spiderharp — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:54:19 EST

The last news was that the Flexymike was coming out in February. Does anyone have any news on when/if it's coming out?

Thanks.

Bad signal quality with the audix om 2

wheelstb — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:36:51 EST

During the audio check the yellow and green bars are intermingled and they both spike to the top of the box. Unfortunately I purchased the wrong cord for the microphone so, I have the microphone connected to XLR female to female adapter and an XLR to 3.5 mm cord. I have the 3.5 mm jack plugged into the buddy 6G soundcard.

I also have a second-generation Andrea soundcard and a P100 converter but neither of them are available at the moment.

Is this another case where the male ends are not making a connection with the soundcard or what could the problem be

Buddy 7g

philosopherva — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:05:38 EST

I have a Window7 SP1 -- HP EliteBookd 8560p. I use a docing station. I have my Dragon profile on a USB thumb drive. I plug both the thumb drive and my sound pod into the docking station.

My Buddy 7g USB sound pod has worked flawlessly for over a month on this new machine (and for almot a year since I bought it). After reading other comments on this forum, I always turn the laptop off, rather than suspend.

This morning, when I booted up, the laptop would not recognize the sound pod -- the device manager shows an unknown device. I have

1. Moved the sound pod and the profile drive to built in USB ports (off the docking station)

2. Deleted the object in Device Manager and allowed the system to redetect.

3. Rebooted with the sound pod attached.

Nothing has worked so far. Does anyone have an idea what else I can try?

How to use the WNC-1500 in Dragon 12.5

Lunis Orcutt — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:18:03 EST

We believe that Nuance made a significant change in Ver. 12.5 that was designed to auto-detect Bluetooth dongle's. Unfortunately, this has resulted in NaturallySpeaking not being able to properly identify the Andrea Electronics WNC-1500 wireless microphone. Fortunately, Andrea Electronics came up with a workaround. Unfortunately, you will not have the option of creating a new sound source or training an existing sound source with the WNC-1500. You will quite literally have to create a brand-new user profile from scratch.

1. Depending on which flavor of NaturallySpeaking you are using, you should open your old user profile (note that you may have to choose a different microphone in order to open your profile) and export your vocabulary and commands. If you're using NaturallySpeaking Pro or Legal 12.5, use the Vocabulary/Manage Vocabulary menu so that you can preserve your pronunciations. The professional versions of NaturallySpeaking also include an option to export your personal commands. If you are using Dragon Premium 12.5, you will have to copy your C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Nuance\NaturallySpeaking12\Users\(your username)\current\MyCmds.dat file in Windows XP or C:\ProgramData\Nuance\NaturallySpeaking12\Users\(your username)\current\MyCmds.dat file in Windows 8/7/Vista and paste your commands into a new profile (at the same Windows address). Premium users will be limited to exporting to vocabularies as a standard text file via the DragonBar Vocabulary/Export custom word and phrase list menu. Unfortunately, anyone using the WNC-1500 with the Home Edition will quite literally have start over with a new user profile.

2. When you reach the new user prompt labeled Choose a speech device (in green) select the default Mic-In jack (most common) rather than USB even though in most other circumstances, you would want to go with the USB setting. This will prevent NaturallySpeaking from confusing the WNC-1500 as a Bluetooth microphone with a Bluetooth dongle.

3. Continue with setting up a new user but note that if you're using Pro or Legal 12.5 you might as well skip general training because you're going to overwrite the training when you import your previous vocabulary via the Manage Vocabularies menu, which is a good thing! You will also have the option of importing your previous commands via the NaturallySpeaking Command Browser/Manage/Import. However, if you're using Dragon Premium, you might want to consider the short training, importing your vocabulary via the Import custom word and phrase list menu and using Windows Explorer to copy your MyCmds.dat file to the new user (as noted in step #1).

Amazing service Thank you

Osteoman — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:47:29 EST

Ordered a Phillips Speechmike Premium on Sunday and it arrived today from TN. I'm in Texas. Also, of note, last week I got on the Knowbrainer site and opened the chat window and spoke with Lunis directly.

This is the kind of service I strive to achieve in my practice and I hope we are as successful as Knowbrainer is.

Thank you. (It does make a difference!!!!)

Problem with Philips Device Control Center

Marblemouth — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:51:28 EST

I am experiencing crashes while using Dragon medical 10.1. It all starts when the buttons on my Philips speech Mike premium fail, then I get an error message, and then Dragon locks up. The error message is as follows “Dragon is having trouble with the application or module ‘PDCC, SDK engine sink’ please close the application and try again”. The problem is not resolved by shutting down Dragon, usually I have to reboot the computer. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. I think this is primarily a Philips device control center issue. This problem didn't start until January when I finally installed my new Philips speech Mike premium. Prior to that, I had been using an older version of a Philips speech Mike.

With Dragon Professional 12.5 can't use Andrea WNC 1500

Trionalaw — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:23:43 EST

Since I installed the "patch" I cannot get Dragon to recognize my WNC 1500. In the Windows sound controller it says the Andrea wireless headset is working properly. I have gone into properties and tried each of the headset icons. Nothing.

When Dragon would let me use "prepare user profile for use" it just started with the volume check and of course I was too low.

The WNC 1500 is my favorite and most accurate headset microphone. I truly miss it.

Any ideas?

Thanks so much,

Jim

Plantronics, theBoom, then Audio-technica??

Callcenterguy33 — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 01:35:48 EST

Hi,

I thougt theboom was patented technology for noise-cancel, so thought it would be an improvement on plantronics or jabra noise cancel 8-figure mics for noisy call centers.

But then, Knowbrainer came out with an article saying audio-technica athcom is better if not equal in noise cancel tech than theboom... But I don't understand... Theboom is supposed to use noise cancel tech different than 8-figure mic, supposed to be better, but audio-technica athcom is not even 8-figure...

And then I saw that audio-technica has the bphs1 which looks really comfortable but now the mic is cardioid... Completly different type of tech...

I tried understanding which one was better for me but barely found any info on cardioid headsets for noise cancel or on why athcom would be better or even equal to theboom...

I am looking for the best headset to work with 8 hrs a day that would pick up less background/ambient/non-local noises than the typical jabra or plantronics noise cancel headsets...

Can someone help me understand this... And all the hype about audio-technica? And if the bphs cardioid mic headset could be good for me???

thank you

john aka callcenterguy33

Which USB soundcard?

ChrisW — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:02:04 EST

It would appear that I have some background interference arising from my original Andrea external USB soundcard and am looking to replace this. I use this particular soundcard with the AT Pro8 at home and when I travel. I was wondering which soundcard would be the best replacement? The new version of the Andrea soundcard or the Buddy 7G?

Regards,

Chris