Expert’s Rating
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
In theBuying template : Microphones for words recognitionarticle I wrote last December , I pass on out one type of microphone : handheld mics . Philips recentlyreleased Mac OS X softwarefor theirSpeechMike Pro LFH3200handheld microphone allowing it to be used with Macs and with Nuance ’s Dragon Dictate ( ) , but not withDragon Express ( ) .
The SpeechMike Pro is a descendent of the earliest dictaphones : it is a handheld mike that offers a number of buttons to insure dictation . Unlike other mike , this character of twist need that you maintain your hand in an appropriate status . While there ’s a certain amount of wiggle way , you should try and keep the mike about 4 to 6 inches from your mouthpiece . reckon on the haphazardness around you , you may be able to hold it further or closer to your mouth . With the SpeechMike Pro at the appropriate length , its accuracy is excellent , and among the serious of the many mike I have tested .
While the need to hold something in your helping hand may be seen as a restraint , it can actually be very helpful in certain position . For example , if you are doing research , moving back and forth among Word and computer screens , being able to hold this mike always in front of your mouth is virtual . While a headset would offer the same position , the SpeechMike Pro has a issue of clit take into account you to assure dictation , feed you more than just a mike .
The SpeechControl software lets you adjust a number of settings for the SpeechMike’s buttons.
The most useful button is the one that toggles the mike in Dragon Dictate — if you dictate , you know how utile this is . You may be dictate , then someone comes into your office . If you do n’t reverse off the microphone stimulant , when you ’ve land up your conversation and reckon at your screen , you ’ll see several paragraphs of text that the mic picked up .
Other clit on the SpeechMike Pro lease you move back one word at a prison term in your textual matter , and select one word , then extend the selection by one word for each press ; this is useful to edit and correct determined text . Other buttons include two black eye buttons and a diminutive trackball . This trackball is , however , difficult to use and imprecise ; I would only when I have no other pick .
you could also programme some of the other buttons , such as F1 , F2 , and F3 . The SpeechControl software lets you assign specific functions to these and other buttons . One hardheaded employment for a button ( I use F1 ) is to use it to cycle through the different speech modes in Dragon Dictate : bidding mode , bidding mode , spelling mode , and number mode . regrettably , you are somewhat special in which control you may use , since Dragon Dictate is generally not the frontmost program run on your Mac ( unless you are dictating into its Note Pad ) , so only certain commands can be program .
The SpeechControl software lets you adjust a number of settings for the SpeechMike’s buttons.
It ’s worth note that these buttons only work if you launch the SpeechControl software when you are dictating . There is no background process with a driver that tolerate this microphone to control Dragon Dictate if the software is not active . Also , the user ’s manual of arms for the machine does not explain how to practice the Mac software ; Philips has a “ workbook ” covering the Mac version of their SpeechControl computer software available fordownload .
The SpeechMike Pro seems a bit more sensitive to being in the appropriate position than other mics I have tested . This microphone is indeed designed to be book in your hand , and , as such , take for granted that the length between your mouth and your mitt — hence the mike — is relatively never-ending . If you are used to dictating while have a hand - held gadget , you likely become conversant with having the appropriate distance between the mike in your mouth . If you ’re not used to dictating while holding a registrar in your helping hand , you may notice this uncomfortable .
Macworld’s buying advice
Whether or not you will like the SpeechMike Pro LFH3200 depends on how you dictate , how often you ’re disturb ( this is where the on / off button comes in handy ) , and how well-heeled you are with a handheld mic . If you do like dictating in this manner , the ability to see Dragon Dictate from the microphone is a plus , and can make dictation a bit easier than with other mics . The truth of this microphone makes it an excellent selection for anyone using speech recognition frequently .
[ Senior contributor Kirk McElhearn writes about more than just Macs on his blogKirkville . Twitter:@mcelhearn . Kirk is the author ofTake Control of Scrivener 2 . ]
