Apple Dictation Microphones Considering the purchase of a high-quality microphone for accurate Mac OSX speech recognition and voice control needs? Here we feature a few select external USB microphones for Mac users wanting a far better computer microphone than the tiny one that may be built into their MacBook or iMac computer -- or an Apple Cinema Display.

USB Desktop Mics For Mac Dictation We find USB connected microphones to be the most reliable, hassle-free and straightforward way to deliver highly accurate voice interpretation for speech recognition. They're also great for upping the quality of your online chat and Skype sessions, Podcast recording, voice-over work, and all your other vocal and music recording needs. In particular, there's a wide range of affordable, Apple-friendly USB condenser mics that are driver-free, plug and play compatible with any audio-based software app for Mac OS X. Many deliver exceptionally clean, clear and full-range high-fidelity voice reproduction without necessarily costing a fortune. Many in the $20-$50 USD price range deliver excellent audio response far superior to Apple's internal mics. USB Portable Mics For MacBook Dictation You might be suprised to learn how lousy a MacBook's internal microphone sounds if you compared audio files of it with nearly any stand-alone condenser mic. There's a handful of excellent and highly portable tiny USB microphones for more accurate MacBook dictation, podcast recording, vocals and music when traveling.

The Go-Mic Direct may be a great option for speech recognition and more on the go. It features a high-quality condenser element which pivots, making it easy to direct it optimally towards your voice as you dictate. 4-Pole Analog TRRS Microphones Analog speech recognition headsets for PC's with SEPARATE 1/8' plugs or many PC-style microphones are NOT Mac compatible. Adobe acrobat for mac pro. But starting after 2010, Apple started supporting unifying 4-Conductor TRRS audio jacks on it's Mac, iPhone and iPads and shipping earbuds with a tiny microphone built into the on-wire control. You have to shop carefully, but more and more mic headsets and desktop analog microphones now support the single 4-Pole TRRS mic + headset/earbud connection to work on a modern Mac or iOS device. Worst case scenario you can use an Analog-To-Digital USB audio dongle to allow use of older-style PC microphones or mic headsets that have two separate plugs. Proximity Helps Sound Capture Quality In general, you'll want the microphone within close proximity to your mouth - ideally 4' to 18' - with your sound input levels adjusted accordingly.

A quality USB microphone will deliver better sound than your PC or Mac's built-in mic. Here is a roundup of the best offerings available on the market today. Be heard loud and clear with one of these top-rated USB microphones. Shure MV5 is a solid USB mic that boasts very decent quality at reasonable price (probably the best in up to $100 category). It is portable and highly compatible with Windows, Mac, iPad, iOS, iPhone and Android.

If using a conventional studio mic - you may find a desk-clamp boom-arm with spring suspension to be a handy accessory for optimal mic placement during your Apple speech to text dictation sessions. Mics with foam or screen pop filters can help your recording quality as well.