Microphones and such

[ysobel]

Help me DW/LJ, you're my only ... Well, one of my only hopes.

I am trying to find a good headset microphone to use with my computer (shit going on with hands means voice dictation, but that sort of software doesn't do as well with desktop mics). Necessary criteria:

* wireless (probably Bluetooth I'm guessing).

* good sound quality, because voice dictation.

* long-lasting. Ideal would be 12 hours between charges, but bare minimum is 4ish. I can't put on or take off headsets by myself, and there are gaps where I don't have anyone here to assist me.

* preferably comfortable to wear

Any suggestions? Do any of you use headset mics (wired or not) for voice dictation, and if so what do you use?

Comments

[minim_calibre]

Let me ask a friend who I know uses voice dictation a lot.

[ysobel]

Thanks!

[minim_calibre]

He says anything Logitech has been what he's gone with, but it looks like the max charge time on their wireless models is only 6hrs.

[weaver]

The workplace I just left had just switched to wireless Plantronics devices - they came with a lot of different options, from the one-ear cyborg headset to full headphones. They lasted up to eight hours between charges (you had to replace them on the stand each night to charge) and sound quality was great. You could also switch them from computer to phone to mobile phone - but that involved pressing a button on the stand, so maybe not so useful for you. (I think there was a way to do it on the computer as well, though - i assume there would be.) The lawyers used them for dictation, which went to automatic transcription software and then to their secretaries for typing (or some lawyers did, anyway, most don't these days) so voice dictation was a big part of why they were chosen.

They were not cheap though - I work for Big Law and even they made a point of telling us that they were top of the line and too expensive to replace easily.

I think that it was this model: https://www.plantronics.com/au/product/savi-700

Hope that is helpful!

[ysobel]

Thanks! It may be out of price range but I'll add if to the list <3

[synecdochic]

Hmmm. The problem you're going to run into is that wireless mics usually have not-so-great batteries -- they prioritize "small and comfortable" over long battery life. (Although looking at things, it does look like they've gotten better since the last time I was looking.)

I found a bunch of useful information on emicrophones.com when I was looking -- they're now Speech Recognition Solutions. This guide has all the wireless mics. I was using the Samson AirLine and liked it, until it randomly stopped working with my Mac, sigh.

[ysobel]

Ooh shiny, thanks.

(And yeah, I know :/ I wish I could use wired, it's just ... Sort of not practical because I can't get the headset off so I'd be tethered to the computer)

[synecdochic]

Yeah, you're kind of in a shitty bind there! I did poke a friend who interacts with the computer entirely by dictation (which may be the same person minim_calibre also poked, heh) and maybe she will have some good suggestions...

[rydra_wong]

Okay/useful to signal-boost?

[ysobel]

Yes please. ♥

[blueraccoon]

I don't use voice dictation but I spend a lot of time on conference calls via Skype for Business. We had Plantronics headsets in my last place, and the sound quality was always excellent, but the battery I don't think will last as long as you want. I got maybe 2-3 hours on an active call before I had to either swap out the battery or switch back to speaker phone.

Plantronics and Logitech are likely your best bets, with a runner up from maybe Jabra or Sennheiser. But I'm not aware of any wireless headset that will give you 12 hours on a charge. :(