Yesterday we received a new shipment of Acoustic Magic Voice Tracker Array Microphones. Much to our delight, there have been two improvements to this convenient microphone.
The previous version used a nonstandard Line Level audio input. This meant you had to use a high-end music sound card or a USB Soundpod to work with a computer. The Acoustic Magic Voice Tracker now shipping will connect to a standard sound card's Mic Level input connector. These are just usually marked "Mic."
This newest model conveniently attaches to a wall or ceiling. Simply remove the weight from the base unit. There are four pre-drilled holes within for mounting.
Be advised, this convenient microphone is not going to give you the highest accuracy and noise canceling. On our website page for this item we specifically say, "If you need the best accuracy for Speech Recognition software, look at our headsets and handheld/desktop microphones." We do sell these to people with disabilities who have no choice but to use a desktop array. It is also popular for as a Conference microphone and command and control because it is so convenient.
CLICK HERE to see this microphone.
--Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
Although we can appreciate the improvement, it sounds like the Voice Tracker microphone elements are the same which, in our opinion, still makes it a somewhat expensive substandard accuracy option. We stopped carrying the Voice Tracker because we found it offered unacceptable accuracy, is overpriced at nearly $300 and only has a range of 2 to 3 feet. We found other desktop microphones, like the Samson Q7 to be far more accurate, more noise canceling and significantly lower priced. For about the price of the Voice Tracker, one can purchase a wireless microphone with a 14 hour battery, vastly superior accuracy, 300 foot range and vastly superior noise cancellation. We initially only recommended the Voice Tracker for the physically disabled but the performance was so dismal that we just couldn't justify the price and pulled it from our site. The Samson Q7 can work reasonably well from up to 3 feet away and costs 1/4 of the price so when it comes to desktop/array microphones it is our 1st recommendation. When it comes to a wireless solution the Hybrid Samson Airline 77 with a 14 hour battery is our 1st choice and also holds the distinction of being the most accurate and noise canceling microphone we've ever tested. You'll find additional recommendations on our Microphone Comparison Matrix Note that when you purchase Speech Recognition Microphones, Digital Recorders and NaturallySpeaking software/utilities from Nuance Gold Licensed vendors you typically gain you an extra layer of Nuance Certified tech support.
Lunis Orcutt - Developer of KnowBrainer & Host of the Http://www.KnowBrainer.com Speech Recognition Forum A Nuance Gold Certified Endorsed Dragon NaturallySpeaking Vendor ALWAYS Ask If Your Speech Recognition Vendor Is Nuance Certified
KnowBrainer wrote: "We found other desktop microphones, like the Samson Q7 to be far more accurate, more noise canceling"
We made it pretty clear in our posting that it is not an optimal microphone for speech recognition. However, the Samson Q7, introduced by us, is actually best when used close to the mouth. Although you can use it at greater distances it does not have the wide angle coverage of the Acoustic Magic Voice Tracker (170°) that may be necessary for some people with severe disabilities.
eMicrophones also introduced the Samson Airline 77 to the speech recognition community, and agrees that it is one of our five best microphones for speech recognition. However, we rarely find it appropriate for people with severe disabilities since they either cannot put on a headset, the head rest on the wheel chair interferes or they cannot lay in bed with the headset on.