eMicrophones, Inc. thoroughly tests every microphone shown on this web site. Speech Recognition microphones offered on our web site consistently score 98-99% or better with typically moderate office noise levels. We try to test computer microphones from every manufacturer. If you do not see a microphone here, it is likely because it did not pass our high standards for accuracy, reasonable noise canceling ability, comfort, usability and cost.

Each microphone is tested three in three phases. The first phase of testing is performed in-house. Next it goes to an engineer who has been working with audio equipment for 50 years and speech recognition for 10 years. Finally, microphones that look good to us and the engineer are sent to clients for evaluation. Their evaluations are based on real life work conditions.

The in house phase of testing looks at sound quality, accuracy and background noise elimination on our desktop and notebook workstations. The test begins by reading a standard 100 word paragraph. The 100 words include a Text Macro, various commands such as New Paragraph, Period and Comma. The very best microphone we have ever tested or used is the Sennheiser MD431II. This is used as a reference standard since it routinely yields 100% accuracy on the test paragraph even with high levels of background noise. Of course we must enunciate clearly for the tests to be valid.

The first phase begins with the standard paragraph being read with low background noise. This gives an initial feel for whether the microphone is set up correctly and has potential for further testing. The next step is to read the standard paragraph with recorded noise played back at a level equivalent to that of a typical open cubicle office. The sound comes from speakers behind the dictator. The next reading is with the noise coming from the front of the reader. A reading of the standard paragraph is next done with noise coming from the front and rear. The sound echoes off the walls.

If a microphone passes the intial phase it is sent to Birger Petterson, a retired engineer, recognized as a technical expert in Speech Recognition microphones. He performs an extensive technical engineering evaluation from an audio perspective as well as comfort and ruggedness view. If a microphone easily breaks under his testing, a new unit is tested in the same way. Two broken microphones and the microphone is outright rejected.