Microphone placement

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

If you are having trouble with audio quality after optimizing your microphone placement, see Troubleshooting audio and recognition.

Using your Mac's built-in microphone

• Keep your mouth a consistent distance from your device's microphone. Consult your Mac manual if you’re not sure where the microphone is on your computer.
• Keep your face directed towards your Mac. Avoid turning your head while dictating.

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.
• Depending on the microphone you are using, you may need to manually set the input level (gain). See Microphone Setup for more information.

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.
• Depending on the microphone you are using, you may need to manually set the input level (gain). See Microphone Setup for more information.