Microphone placement

Correct microphone positioning is one of the most important ways to enhance recognition accuracy. Even slight variations can deteriorate accuracy significantly.

Positioning a headset microphone

• Place the microphone element to the side of your mouth to avoid noise from breathing.
• Keep the microphone element about an inch from the side of your mouth, but not touching it.
• Make sure the front of the microphone points toward your mouth. The front may be labeled with, for example, a colored dot or the word "Talk."
• Position the headset consistently every time you use it.

Positioning a hand-held microphone

• Do not hold the microphone directly in front of your mouth. Hold it below or to the side of your mouth to avoid noise from breathing.
• Keep the microphone element about 1 to 3 inches away from your mouth.
• Point the front of the microphone toward your mouth. Don't talk into the side of it.
• Be careful not to move the microphone or your head suddenly.
• Do not use a microphone stand or holder. This will make it harder to maintain a consistent position, and the stand may conduct noise.
• Hold the microphone consistently every time you use it.