Speech Recognition Solutions SpeechWare TableMike

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Summary

Windows Set-up

Default Playback and Recording Devices

Verifies correct audio device selection for playback and recording in Windows.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking Set-up

Dragon 15 Setup

Guides setup for Dragon 15 versions, including automatic microphone detection.

Older Dragon Versions (12-14) Setup

Provides options for integrating TableMike with older Dragon versions (12, 13, 14).

Mac Set-up

Preliminary Audio MIDI Setup

Adjusts audio settings in macOS Audio MIDI Setup for optimal TableMike performance.

Dragon for Mac Setup

Details microphone calibration for TableMike with Dragon Dictate on Mac.

Operating Instructions

Push Button and Mode Controls

Explains the functions of the push button, volume controls, and mode selection.

Indicator Light and Mode Descriptions

Describes the LED indicator and the differences between Normal and Long Distance modes.

TableMike Configuration Utility

Downloading the Configuration Utility

Provides instructions on how to download the free TableMike configuration software.

Configuring the TableMike Utility

Details how to program TableMike buttons for various functions using the utility.

Troubleshooting and Common Questions

Microphone Operation and Accuracy Issues

Addresses common problems like the push button not working and incorrect microphone accuracy.

Mac and Software Integration Issues

Covers troubleshooting for Mac setup and integrating the microphone with speech software.

USB Cord and Audio Quality

Addresses issues related to USB cord options and audio playback quality.

External Microphone and Foot Pedal Usage

Explains connecting headset mics and using foot pedals with the TableMike.

The SpeechWare TableMike is a high-quality USB microphone designed for speech recognition software, internet telephony, and other audio applications. It is available in three versions: 3-in-1, 6-in-1, and 9-in-1, all sharing the same core microphone element and circuit board, ensuring consistent high performance.

Function Description:

The primary function of the TableMike is to capture audio with exceptional accuracy and sensitivity, converting it into a digital signal for computer use. It incorporates advanced digital signal processing (DSP) to effectively filter out external noise, enhancing clarity and recognition accuracy, particularly for speech recognition tasks. A key feature is its speech equalization and "auto-gain" technology, which automatically adjusts the microphone input volume. This allows users to vary their distance from the microphone element (typically 10-20 inches) without significant degradation in audio quality, providing flexibility in placement and usage.

The TableMike connects to a computer via a specially insulated USB cable, ideally to a dedicated USB port to ensure optimal performance. Upon connection, Windows® or macOS will automatically install the necessary USB sound drivers, and the device will typically be set as the default recording and playback device for all applications.

Usage Features:

The TableMike offers several user-configurable features to optimize its performance for different scenarios:

Microphone "Push" Button: This button on the base unit controls the microphone's on/off behavior, which can be configured in three modes via a small slide switch located on the bottom of the base:
- Always On: The microphone is continuously active, and neither the push button nor an optional foot pedal will affect its status.
- Press to Talk: The microphone is active only when the push button (or optional foot pedal) is depressed and turns off immediately upon release.
- Press to Lock: This is often the preferred setting for most users. Each press of the button (or depression of the optional foot pedal) toggles the microphone between on and off states. The behavior of this button (and an optional foot pedal) is determined by the slide switch on the base, which may require a pen or paper clip to adjust due to its small size.
Volume Up and Volume Down Buttons: These buttons are present on the 6-in-1 and 9-in-1 versions and control the volume of the integrated speaker. It's important to note that these buttons do not affect the microphone's input volume.
Mode Button (Long Range vs. Normal): This crucial control allows users to switch between two distinct operational modes:
- Normal Mode (Blue Indicator Light): Designed for short-range dictation (2-10 inches) and VoIP use. In this mode, auto-gain is minimal, external noise rejection is high, and speech equalization is inactive, resulting in the most natural playback sound quality. It is best suited for moderate to high noise environments.
- Long Distance Mode (Green Indicator Light): Ideal for long and variable range dictation (10-20 inches) with active speech equalization and auto-gain control (AGC). Auto-gain is most intense, and external noise rejection is moderate. The playback sound in this mode may sound "artificial" due to the advanced digital signal processing, which is advantageous for speech recognition but might not be preferred for non-Dragon applications. This mode is best used in low ambient noise environments and offers greater distance flexibility.
Indicator Light: This LED on the base unit provides visual feedback on the microphone's status:
- Red: Indicates the microphone is muted (off).
- Green: Indicates the microphone is on and in Long Distance mode.
- Blue: Indicates the microphone is on and in Normal mode.
Foot Pedal Control (6-in-1 and 9-in-1 versions): These versions include a specific jack on the back of the base for an analog foot pedal. When an inexpensive analog foot pedal is connected, it will follow the same on/off behavior configured by the slide switch on the bottom of the TableMike base (Always On, Press to Lock, or Press to Talk). It's crucial to understand that an analog foot pedal only controls the microphone's on/off state and does not directly control Dragon or other applications. For software control, a USB foot pedal with SpeechWare's "Octopus USB Controller" (OUC) is recommended.
Headset Microphone Jack: An ordinary headset microphone can be plugged into the mic jack on the back of the TableMike. When an analog microphone is connected, it benefits from all the advanced features of the TableMike, including speech equalization, auto-gain technology, and advanced digital signal processing, with the resulting digital signal fed to the computer via the USB cable.
TableMike Configuration Utility: An optional, free downloadable utility from SpeechWare allows users to program the volume up and volume down buttons on the TableMike. This utility enables assigning up to six functions (based on single push, double push, and long push sequences for each button). Programmable functions include emulating built-in or user-created Dragon commands, inserting boilerplate text, initiating Dragon hotkeys, emulating Windows keys or key combinations, launching applications, folders, documents, or websites, and initiating various Windows functions.

Maintenance Features:

Windscreen: An optional foam windscreen is provided. It can be used to cover the microphone element to prevent "popping sounds" caused by airflow from breathing, especially during close-range dictation. It also offers an additional layer of protection against dust and saliva, helping to maintain the microphone element's cleanliness and longevity. While more beneficial in Normal mode, its use in Long Distance mode is considered more optional as the benefits are reduced.
USB Cable: The TableMike uses a specially insulated USB cable. Users can purchase shorter or longer USB cords if the provided length is not ideal for their setup, ensuring flexible placement and connection.

Setup and Integration:

Windows Setup: After physical connection, Windows® automatically installs drivers. Users should verify that "USB TableMike" is selected as the default recording and playback device in the Sound control panel. For 3-in-1 models, external speakers/headsets are needed for playback if the TableMike is the default playback device.
Mac Setup: A preliminary setting tweak is recommended. Users should go to 'Audio MIDI Setup' in the Utilities folder, select 'USB TableMike', click the 'Input' tab, and choose '44000.0 Hz' and '1ch-16bit' from the Format menu.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking Setup:
- Dragon 15 (Home, Pro, Legal, DMPE4): Dragon 15 simplifies microphone handling. After connecting the TableMike, Dragon will prompt the user to select it as the sound source. Users can also run a microphone check via Settings > Microphone > Check Microphone.
- Older Dragon Versions (11, 12, 13, 14): For these versions, it is recommended to add the TableMike as a new "source" to an existing user profile. This preserves personalized words and commands while allowing for limited reading and training with the new microphone. The process involves navigating to "Manage Dictation Sources" (Dragon 13/14) or "Open User > Source > New" (Dragon 11/12) and following the prompts to select "TableMike."

The SpeechWare TableMike is designed for durability and high performance, providing years of reliable service with proper care and usage.