The Best Microphone For Dictation / Speech

Dictation is a fairly simple technique to communicate with other people. It is simple to dictate to a smaller audience but when it gets bigger you cannot just depend on your vocal cords. You need to get your hands on the best microphone for dictation that can deliver your speech with a decent degree of clarity.

The best microphone for dictation would help the audience understand what you have to say. In case otherwise, you will have to encounter static, annoying noise, and other audio-related issues.

Moreover, it is not only public speaking for which you need the best microphone for dictation. If you happen to be a researcher, you would know how crucial it is to record each and every step of the process. This can be used to identify the timeline of the errors and can be used to reproduce the exact experiments. In such cases, the best microphone for dictation would also come in handy.

Besides these two, there are a number of other situations where you would need the best microphone for dictation. Therefore, we have compiled some of the best microphones for dictation that are available. The list is pretty comprehensive and versatile and most likely than not, you would find a piece for yourself.

So, without any further ado, let’s dive right into our list of the best microphone for dictation. However, before going into detailed reviews, let’s take a bird’ eye view of what the best microphone for dictation has to offer.

The Best Microphone For Dictation | 10 Best Picks

1.Audio-Technica Pro 8Hex-Helps You Deliver Noise-Free and Clear Speeches

Audio Technica is one of the leading manufacturers of audio equipment around the world. The company is fairly popular among the sound engineers and technicians because of the quality that they produce. The product that we have at hand is a similar one and would make a great addition to your audio gear.

8Hex Pro is a head-worn microphone and this design is what makes it very versatile. It can be used for a number of purposes including giving public speeches, delivering lectures, and even live streaming if you have appropriate supporting equipment. The thing I like about the design of this best microphone for dictation is its lightweight and how easy it is to set up.

The construction of the microphone is rugged but despite that it is pretty comfortable to wear. The cushioning pads have been built-in that make it very comfortable for the users. One could wear it for hours without getting tired. Plus, the design gives you the liberty to move around and use hand gestures which a lot of speakers depend on when they want to emphasize something.

Moving on, the mic features a hyper cardioid pattern which means it strictly takes the sound source from one direction only. Thus, the audience would not hear even a bit of noise while you are delivering your speech. Furthermore, it is not just ideal for a public speaker but also for vocalists who play the instruments simultaneously.

Usually, when you play the guitar or piano while singing in the mic, it catches the sound of those instruments as well. However, with this microphone, the audience would be able to listen to your vocals with more clarity. Though you would have to set up an additional microphone for instruments, it will make your entire performance much better.

Moving on, it is a wired microphone and the wire that comes with it is not as long which might cause a bit of headache. However, it is not something that you cannot work around by moving the receiver a bit closer to mic. The connector is XLR which should support pretty much all the receivers that are available in the market.

The bottom line is, it is the best microphone for dictation that would make your speeches much better. Furthermore, it features a solid construction which would definitely translate into better durability and longevity. However, the most important of all, the sound quality that you get with this microphone is unbeatable. Therefore, if you are looking for the best microphone for dictation, this microphone deserves a shot.

2.Shure WH20XLR Dynamic Headset Microphone- It Ain’t Amazon’s Choice For No Reason

The next entry to our list of the best microphone for dictation is from Shure which is also a very popular brand. The company has delivered some of the best performing and durable products in the market. The product we have at hand is no different either which is also why it is Amazon’s choice on Amazon.com.

First thing first, as mentioned in the name, it is a headset microphone but what sets it apart is the comfort that it provides. It is very light-weight at just about 0.15Kg which means it can be worn for hours. Plus, it has the elastic headband adjust that makes the fit more secure while maintaining the comfort. The point is, it is one of the most comfortable headworn microphones that are available in the market. This is what makes it the best microphone for dictation.

Moving on, another praiseworthy feature of this unit is the availability of different connectors. I have personally only used the one with male XLR but you can get your hands on phone plug and female connectors as well. Thus, if you happen to have an uncommon receiver or want to use it on your desktop, laptop or smartphone you would not have any problem. However, do remember that the connectors are not interchangeable.

Another feature that improves the convenience is the flexible microphone boom. You can collapse it to make storage and transportation much easier.

Moving on, the polar pattern on this unit is unidirectional or cardioid which means it can only pick up sound from one direction. What it essentially means is that the microphone would only pick up the sound from your mouth. All the potential noise sources would be able to project their sound into the mic. Thus, you would get a noise free and clear speech. This is what makes it the best microphone for dictation.

The dynamic frequency range of this microphone is 50-15,000Hz which is pretty decent. However, the response to frequency is not as consistent as one would hope. But it is something that matters if you have to record vocals not if you are using it for dictation. All you want is a clear sound output which this microphone is pretty good at.

Furthermore, the cable size on this microphone is decent enough and the quality of cable is very rugged. The cable would not break regardless of how you roll it. Moreover, the microphone also comes with foam windscreen and clothing clip for noise reduction and easy attachment respectively.

All in all, it is a pretty decent unit and would make the best microphone for dictation especially if you count in the comfort factor. The response at different frequencies is not consistent but that would not matter in the best microphone for dictation. In a nutshell, it is a great piece of audio hardware that deserves a chance if you are looking for the best microphone for dictation.

3.Blue 1967 Yeti Pro USB Condenser Microphone-Looking For Versatility? Say No More.

Microphones, in general, are not very versatile. You have one for the one job but have to look for a different one for another. However, it is not the case with the Blue Yeti, the product that we have at hand right now. It is one the expensive options that are available in the market but trust me it is worth every penny that you spend on it. And this is what makes it the best microphone for dictation.

From a design point of view, it is a desktop microphone that comes with a built-in stand as well. The construction of the unit is pretty sturdy so durability is not going to be one of the problems. However, the weight of the unit is a bit lighter than it should be, which makes it fall over anytime it is subjected to a bit of air pressure. But it should not be much of an issue as it is designed for indoors where excessive air is not a problem anyway.

What makes this microphone so versatile is the fact that it has multiple polar patterns. These patterns include stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional modes. Thus, instead of switching between microphones for different jobs you have one microphone that does it all. And this is what makes it the best microphone for dictation.

Moving on, this best microphone for dictation features something called cutting-edge A-D converter. What this technology does is it separates the analog circuit paths so you can use it with preamps and professional studio mixers.

Another impressive feature about this microphone is that it has two connectivity options. These include USB and XLR connectors. Thus, you can also connect it with different devices depending on the job that you are supposed to perform.

Moreover, the microphone has a built-in headphone amplifier that can be used to connect the headphones. This would let you listen to the sound that the microphone is recording in real time. This in turn, would allow you to make the necessary adjustment to make the sound more captivating.

The dynamic frequency range is pretty wide and remains consistent throughout. This is the key for any microphone that claims to be a versatile one. Fortunately, it does a pretty decent job at it which makes it the best microphone for dictation.

Lastly, the microphone has very simple operation. All you have to do is to plug the cables in and it would start working. In case it becomes unresponsive, simply remove all the cables and reattach them and it would start picking the audio again.

The bottom line is, if you are tired of switching between different microphones for different jobs, it is the best microphone for dictation. The price of the unit is quite hefty but for the features that you get it is totally worth it. Thus, if you dabble between different jobs and have some spare money to spend, this best microphone for dictation deserves a place in your audio gear.

4.Sennheiser ME 3 II Dynamic Microphone-Well Performing Microphone with Affordable Price Tag

The next microphone to make it to our list of the best microphone for dictation is Sennheiser ME 3. Sannheiser is a fairly popular company and has delivered some of the excellent pieces of audio hardware in the market. The product we have at hand is not any different either.

First thing first, it is a headworn microphone which provides a really secure fit. From a comfort point of view, it is not as good as some of the high-end microphones but it would not cause any annoyance. However, the weight of the microphone is really light which kind of compensates for the lack of adequate paddings. The point is, you can use it for a decent amount of time without getting tired. Moreover, the construction quality is pretty solid which means durability would not be a problem.

Furthermore, the microphone comes in plain black color so it would not be easy to conceal. So, if that is something that you really care about you would have to browse for other options.

Moving on, the polar pattern on this microphone is unidirectional like it should be on the best microphone for dictation. The microphone would pick up the sound from one direction only which would reduce the noise. Furthermore, the microphone makes the best microphone for dictation particularly if you are delivering a speech. It is a dynamic microphone that is preferred over condensers when it comes to speaking to a live audience.

The microphone features an audio jack that can be used to plug it in wireless transmitters. However, beside that, you can also use it with your desktops, laptops and smartphone in case you want to record something. Using the XLR convertor would not be an ideal option as it would compromise the audio quality of the microphone. Thus, before purchasing the microphone make sure that you have the appropriate receiver.

Moving on, the quality of audio is very nice with this microphone. Beside dictation, it can be used for singing as well. The dynamic frequency range is wide and flat which makes it a decent enough option for vocalists as well. However, the sound output might not be as loud as you get from other microphones designed specifically for vocalists.

All in all, it is quite a decent microphone especially for the price tag that it comes with. The combination of dynamic design with unidirectional polar pattern does open a lot of opportunities for you to explore. It is the best microphone for dictation but also decent enough for other activities like singing. Therefore, if you are running a little short on budget and want to get something decent, this is what you should give a shot to.

5. JOUNIVO USB Desktop Microphone-It Cannot Get Any Cheaper

Jounivo is not a giant when it comes to standings in the market of audio hardware. However, even with the very little that they have to offer, they have made quite an impact. They have sold quite a decent number of units and it all has to do with the cheap prices that they offer.

The microphone that we have at hand costs just about $16 which is nothing compared to the microphones that have been mentioned so far. It cannot get cheaper, quite literally. However, despite such a cheap price, you are getting quite a lot of features.

For starters, it is a desktop microphone that uses USB both as a connector and power source. Plus, the boon of the microphone is quite long which allows you to speak directly into it. The construction of the unit is quite solid and despite the flexible boon it offers a decent durability. Moreover, the resting stand of the mic has an anti-slip pad as well to make sure it does not fall off the table.

The polar pattern on this unit is omnidirectional which means it can pick up sound from all directions. Thus, it can be used for a number of reasons. The researchers can benefit a lot from it. All they have to do is to place it in the middle of the lab and keep speaking the procedures they are carrying out. The omnidirectional pattern would make sure the microphone picks the sound regardless of where you are speaking from. This is what makes it the best cheap microphone for dictation.

Moreover, the people who want to start their podcast and cannot afford fancy hardware can also get benefit from it. Plus, the people who are into live streaming would also find it delightful.

Moving on, the omnidirectional microphone does have a drawback of picking up the noises as well. However, it is not the case with this one as it has Intelligent noise cancellation technology built into it. Thus, it will only pick up the sound that you want, not the sound of air or other noise around you. This is what makes it the best microphone for dictation.

The operation of this cheap microphone for dictation is also quite simple. All you have to do is to plug it in your desktop or laptop and it would start working. However, you must keep it in mind that it does not support Android and Raspberry Pi. Therefore, make sure you have the appropriate operating system to avoid regretting later.

All in all, it is a treat for people who are looking for the best microphone for dictation at a cheap price. The price of the microphone is as cheap as it gets but despite that it has decent enough features. The audio quality is great and the availability of USB connectivity takes things to the next level. It is definitely not as great as high-end units but it is the best that you can find in the cheap price. This is what makes it the best microphone for dictation.

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6.Sennheiser SC 75 MS-Affordable Two-in-One Package

Sennhesier SC 75 MS is the two-in-one package where you get both the headset and the microphone. The company itself is a really popular one and is known for delivering quality audio hardware in the market. And the same remains true about this product as well. Moreover, the price tag on this microphone/headset is quite affordable which makes it the best budget microphone for dictation.

This product is designed for the people who digitally interact with their audiences like in Zoom or Skype video calls. The headphones let you hear the feedback of the audience with great clarity and the mic delivers your speech to them in crisp clear. This is what makes it the best microphone for dictation.

The design of this budget microphone for dictation is rugged and very comfortable to wear. There are enough paddings to make sure you do not get tired even after extensive use. For the ear pads you can choose from two options including the soft leather or the acoustic foam. The choice solely depends on your liking and does not have impact on the quality of sound.

The headphone uses neodymium speakers that deliver HD sound which makes it a natural and clearer experience. In the off times, you can use it to listen to music as well to entertain yourself. The noise cancellation is built-in which would not just make the conversation clearer but also make the music more enjoyable.

As of the mic, it is also pretty great when it comes to recording the audio. You would be stunned by the results that it delivers. Moreover, the boom is bendable to make sure the mic stays in place. The polar pattern of the mic is unidirectional which means it will filter out the noise coming from other directions. Thus, you would be able to communicate with your audience in great clarity.

Moving on, for the connections both USB and earphone jack is available and these are interchangeable with each other. Thus, you do not have to worry about the connectivity while getting this unit.

All in all, it is a pretty great package for the people who are into live streaming or dictate their lectures online. The headset also has an impressive quality which would let you listen to the feedback in excellent sound quality. Plus, the tag on the unit is affordable as well which makes the affordable and the best microphone for dictation.

7.Audio Technica AT2020- Gives You Natural, Clear And Crisp Audio

This is the second entry of the Audio Technica on our list of the best dictation microphones. However, this time, it is with a slightly different product, one that is Amazon’s choice on Amazon.com.

It is a desktop microphone that has a tripod like stand to support the entire unit. The construction quality is solid and also it is one of the most good-looking microphones that are available on the market. However, looks are not the only thing that this best dictation microphone can flex, it is packed with a lot of nifty features as well.

The polar pattern of the mic is unidirectional or cardioid which by far you must have an idea about. These are the best dictation mics because they are able to pick the sound from only one direction. Thus, the noise from the surroundings cannot make it into it and consequently the voice remains clear and crisp.

Another handy feature on this unit is the availability of earphone jack. You can use the headset to listen to what the microphone is recording in real time. Thus, if you feel you need to make some adjustment you can do it with the dials that are available or by modifying your own speech. Thus, by making the adjustment in real time, you would be able to record a crisp clear and natural sound. This is what makes it the best dictation mic.

Beside that, the mic features USB for connectivity which is what a lot of users demand these days. You can easily plug it in your laptop or desktop to get it up and running. And you would not have to install any additional drivers as well. However, before getting this device make sure that it is compatible with the operating system that you are using.

All in all, it is a pretty great device and the best mic for dictation because of its capabilities to record crisp clear audios. Moreover, the dynamic range of the mic is also pretty wide and consistent which vocalists would find pretty useful. And most importantly, it comes with a very reasonable price tag which makes it the best mic for dictation.

8.Nuance Dictaphone Power Mic- Unit That Can Be Stored In Pocket

Nuance Dictaphone is unlike any of the other microphones that have been mentioned so far. It is the microphone that takes the dictation to a whole other level. The product is targeted at doctors, lawyers and the authors. It is the device that is packed with a lot of features that would come in handy. In the nutshell, this is the best microphone for voice recognition.

However, first thing first, it features a remote control like design which is extremely easy to hold. You would see a number of buttons on the unit that are used to navigate between different documents and recording. The microphone even features a trackpad that can be used to move the cursor on the laptop or the PC.

The best thing about this unit is that it gets the power supply directly from the PC. Therefore, unlike other devices, you would not have to worry about the battery running out.

The microphone features a unidirectional pattern which lets it capture very accurate sound. Plus, it can be used to communicate with AI of different platforms as well. This is what makes it the best microphone for speech recognition.

Beside these, it even has its own speaker that can play the sound in pretty decent quality. Moreover, the option to increase or decrease the playback speed is also available. This would come in handy in situations when you either want to skim through the documents or have to pay attention at some tiny detail.

All in all, it is the best microphone for speech recognition because of its abilities to capture the sound in natural quality. Moreover, it offers a number of handy features as well. However, if you utilize the full potential of the unit you should also install Nuance Dragon it will take the speech recognition to an entire level. Therefore, if speech recognition is crucial to what you do this is the best microphone for voice recognition.

9.SoundTech GN-USB-2-Speech Recognition At Affordable Price

As we begin to approach the end of the list of the best microphone for dictation, we thought to include another option that would also make the best speech recognition microphone. The SoundTech GN is a desktop mic which is different to what we discussed earlier but it can also be used as the best speech recognition microphone.

However, in order to use it for this purpose, you would have to install third party applications. This should not be a problem as there are a number of applications that are available at different stores.

Moving on, the construction quality of the microphone is really solid. It features a metallic construction which should tell how durable it is going to be. Moreover, the gooseneck is bendable but pretty solid as well. Under normal circumstances, it would not break, so this is one less thing for you to worry about.

Furthermore, anti-skid rubbers are installed at the bottom of the microphone which hold the microphone in place. Thus, until and unless you physically move it from one place to another, it would not move.

The polar pattern on this microphone is unidirectional which would effectively minimize the noise from the surroundings. Moreover, there is additional noise cancelling mechanism in place as well. Thus, you would be getting the audios with almost zero noise and that would help in speech recognition. This is what makes it the best speech recognition mic.

All in all, it is the best speech recognition mic you can get your hands on at an affordable price. The sound quality is great and would be much easier to transcribe when you want to.

10.Philips SpeechMike- Dictation Was Never Easier

The last device to make it to our list of the best microphone for dictation is the beast of all. It is unique and unlike any other microphone that has been mentioned so far. It is in fact a Dictaphone, one that is powered with its own batteries.

This unit is targeted at people who want something portable but reliable. Thus, the individuals who are doctors, lawyers, researchers, or authors would find it absolutely delightful.

All the basics of this microphone are pretty great and deliver impressive results. However, what sets it apart is the other features that are packed inside in the device as little as this. For starters, it has a motion sensor built in. This sensor would turn the Dictaphone off when it is not in use to conserve the battery.

Moreover, it comes with a docking station that charges the unit in no time and also helps in smart pairing. It also offers a high degree of customization to the user. You can assign the buttons the function of your own liking. This is something that you would rarely find in microphones.

Furthermore, the unit is one of if not the best microphone for speech recognition. Three mechanisms for noise reduction are in place that ensure only and only your reaches the final stage. This is why you would get the studio like audio that can be used for speech recognition.

The bottom line is, it is one of the most high-end microphones that are available on the market. The price of the product is quite expensive but the features that it offers kind of makes up for that. Thus, if you are someone who is willing to spend big bucks on a Dictaphone this is what would make your investment worth it.

Buyer’s Guide For Selecting The Best Microphone For Dictation

We hope you have found the right microphone for you from the ones that we have enlisted. However, if you are still confused, these are the factors that might help you in making the decision.

1. Type of Microphone

The first thing that you need to do before purchasing the microphone is to figure out the job type that you want. The type of microphone would depend on the job you intend on carrying out with it.

For example, if you are someone who lives streams, the best option would be headworn microphones, particularly the one that has a headset in it as well.

Similarly, if you happen to be a doctor, lawyer or author you would find the desktop microphone more convenient than others. Furthermore, if you are someone who has to travel a lot, the Dictaphone would be the best option.

Thus, in order to find the right microphone, figure out the type that you want and look for that type only.

2. Polar Pattern

When it comes to dictation, there is one thing you must look for and that is the polar pattern of the microphone. In general, the best microphones for dictation are the ones with unidirectional and polar patterns. This polar pattern minimizes the noise around you and delivers very clear and crisp audios.

However, if you are someone who dabbles with other activities as well then omnidirectional and multi-pattern mics would be the best for you.

3. Compatibility

Computability is probably the most important thing that you need to look at while finding yourself an appropriate mic. Imagine getting a microphone that you want to use with your desktop but end up finding that it has XLR connection. Or getting a microphone that does not connect with the operating system of your laptop or desktop. You would end up banging your head against the wall.

Thus, in order to avoid regretting later, you must look if the microphone that you are getting is compatible with your setup or not.

4. Battery

Most of the microphone get the power supply directly from desktop or laptops which is why it should not be of any concern. However, when you get a battery powered microphone then you must look for the capacity and the running time of the microphone.

Conclusion- The Best Microphone For Dictation

So, this is all we had on the best microphone for dictation. We hope this article has helped you in deciding and finding the right microphone for you. If there is anything that you would want to add or ask about the best microphone for dictation let us know in the given section. We would love to respond. Thank you.

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