If the users are still experiencing technical issues with calibration the ticket can be routed to Enterprise Clinical Support.

Microphone Setup
Microphone setup should be performed during the Initial Experience. But a microphone can be setup at any time for any reason. If you are changing microphones, you will need to perform the Microphone Setup again.

Select Microphone Setup from the Control Bar Menu.

The Microphone Setup window will appear.

Microphone
If you have not installed a microphone at this time, you can connect it now. If you have a microphone installed, you can select it from the drop down menu.

laptop microphone 
Linking with the Mobile Microphone
You can use your iPhone or iPad as a microphone source for M*Modal Fluency Direct.

Record Button
Select the microphone button or keyboard key that you wish to use to start and stop recording. Click the X to remove the selection.

Calibration
The calibration process is a single screen that will calibrate your microphone to your specific voice and surroundings. You will be prompted to read a paragraph to complete this process.
Microphone calibration will control the volume level of the input source which has a direct effect on recognition quality. This is not the same as the volume slider, which controls the volume level of speakers.

Microphone calibration will stay with your profile, regardless of what computer you are using as long as you are using the same type of microphone. New microphones will require a new calibration.

The calibration process will adjust automatically as you read the paragraph included on the wizard. It will require a minimum of 20 seconds of audio to adjust the gain properly.

Once you have finished calibrating the microphone, you can click OK to close this window.

Advanced Options

Additional options are available by clicking the Advanced Options link. These options allow you to assign a device button for recording Commands and Text.

Device Button
Click the ADD field to bring up the Add a Device Button screen. From here you can add a Device Button by clicking in the Device Button field and pressing any microphone button.

Recording Mode

Stand Recording: This option recognizes the difference between dictation and commands and accepts both options.

Text Only Recording: Selecting this option sets the device button to be used for recording text only. When using this button, you will only be able to dictate. Commands will not be recognized as commands, only as text.

Command Only Recording: Selecting this option sets the device button to be used for commands only. When using this button, you will only be able to speak commands. Dictating non-command terms when using this button will not result in dictation.

Recording Behavior

Hold to Talk: Use this option when you will be using the microphone sporadically and you wish to use the push button to activate the microphone. With this mode, you will hold the record button during the entire dictation and release the button when finished.

Toggle to Talk: This option allows you to select a microphone button or key press, which will begin your recording session. When finished recording, pressing the button or key press will end the recording session. This method is commonly used with headsets.

Suggested Microphone Habits
The best speech recognition quality comes from optimally recorded audio. Follow the habits below in order to achieve a better experience. The General Dictation Habits section is applicable to every microphone type.

General Dictation Habits

-Check the microphone settings to verify the microphone you intend to use is selected and the record buttons are appropriately set.
-Gather your thoughts and assemble any pertinent information prior to dictating.
-Dictate in a quiet area, with minimal background noise. Calibrate microphone if environment changes.
-Speak in full thoughts or sentences, consistently and evenly, avoiding fragmented dictations.
-Use correct verbiage and grammar – including punctuation.
-Speak clearly, at a regular pace – articulate properly without over enunciating or speaking too slowly.
-Enunciate words that can be misunderstood: abduction vs. adduction and hyper vs. hypo
-Avoid using slang, acronyms, and/or coined terms.
-Be sure to wait until recording has begun before beginning to dictate and only releasing the record button (if using Hold to Talk) or recording is turned off (if using Toggle to Talk) after dictation is complete. This prevents words from being "clipped" from the start or tail end of the dictation.
-Stop recording when taking a pause from dictation. This is to prevent capturing other conversations or background noises.
-Avoid heavy breathing or coughing into the microphone while recording.

-Never allow another person to dictate under your login. This will negatively affect your recognition quality.
-It is best to mention any issues to your in-house Help Desk as it may or may not be related to the hardware.

Handheld Microphones

-"Hold to Talk" is the recommended setting for when using a handheld microphone. This option allows you to press down a microphone button, key press, or foot pedal which will begin and sustain your recording session. When finished recording, release the button to end the recording session.

-Release the record button when pausing so as not to record typing, ambient noise, or conversations. When dictating, hold the device approximately 4-6 inches off to the side of your mouth.

-When turning your head, please remember to keep the microphone at a constant distance near your mouth.
-Place the handheld device in the palm of your hand with the thumb able to reach the record button. Your index finger will rest near the trigger button on the bottom side of the device. Be careful not to squeeze tightly so as not to accidentally press the trigger button.

Headsets:

-"Hold to Talk" is the recommended setting for when using a headset microphone. This option allows you to press down a microphone button, key press, or foot pedal which will begin and sustain your recording session. When finished recording, release the button to end the recording session.
-"Toggle to Talk" is an alternate recording mode. This option allows you to select a microphone button, key press, or foot pedal which will begin your recording session. When finished recording, pressing the button again will end the recording session. This mode is less desirable because it is easily left on during pauses between dictations which allows for typing noises, conversations, or long periods of silence. This could insert undesired text or degrade one's voice profile over time.

-Release the record button when pausing so as not to record typing, ambient noise, or conversations. If using Toggle to Talk mode, be sure to turn the microphone off when pausing.
-Headsets should be worn on the head with the microphone positioned off to the side of the mouth.

Gooseneck Microphones

-"Hold to Talk" is the recommended setting for when using a gooseneck microphone. This option allows you to press down a microphone button, key press, or foot pedal which will begin and sustain your recording session. When finished recording, release the button to end the recording session.
-"Toggle to Talk" is an alternate recording mode . This option allows you to select a microphone button, key press, or foot pedal which will begin your recording session. When finished recording, pressing the button again will end the recording session. This mode is less desirable because it is easily left on during pauses between dictations which allows for typing noises, conversations, or long periods of silence. This could insert undesired text or degrade one's voice profile over time.

-Release the record button when pausing so as not to record typing, ambient noise, or conversations. If using Toggle to Talk mode, be sure to turn the microphone off when pausing.
-Gooseneck microphones are best utilized with a foot pedal for complete hands-free dictation.
-They should only be used in quiet environments such as a personal office.
-It is recommended to stay at a constant distance from the top of the microphone. It is optimal to be 8 inches away, however, it is more important to maintain a constant distance facing the microphone, even if that distance is more or less than 8 inches away.
-Moving away and back to the microphone while dictating is not recommended.

Mobile Devices

-"Toggle to Talk" is the default recording mode when using a mobile microphone. This option allows you to use the button within the app as well as select a key press or foot pedal which will begin your recording session. When finished recording, pressing the button again will end the recording session.
-Toggle the microphone off when pausing between dictations to prevent typing noises, conversations, or long periods of silence from being recorded. This could insert undesired text or degrade one's voice profile over time.
-Moving away and back to the microphone while dictating is not recommended. When turning your head, please remember to keep the microphone at a constant distance near your mouth.
-It is recommended to stay at a constant distance from the microphone. It is optimal to hold or position the device 6-12 inches, however, it is more important to maintain a constant distance facing the microphone, even if that distance is closer than 6 inches.
-If using a handheld mobile device such as an iPhone, it is optimal to hold the phone in the palm so that fingers are not in contact with the screen. Dictation should be directed towards the bottom of the device.

If using a mobile tablet such as an iPad, it is optimal to prop the device on a stand so as not to block the microphone on the backside of the device. Dictation should be directed towards the top of the device.

-The M*Modal Mobile Microphone app also offers an optional "Hold to Ear" recording mode which allows the user to turn the microphone on when holding it to his or her ear. Taking the phone down from one's ear will then turn the microphone off. This setting is only available within the app.
-Like with any microphone, it is recommended to turn off the recording in between dictation, during long pauses, and when setting it down/moving onto the next task such as typing. Extraneous, non-dictation noises could be recorded and misinterpreted as text.

Switching Microphones Disclaimer

-It is strongly recommended that users do not frequently switch between microphones types.
-If you must switch microphones, it is important that you run the calibration process for the new microphone.
-In addition, the system will require time to train for the new microphone audio to achieve optimal quality and performance.

To order a mic:

 Michigan Medicine recommends the Phillips handheld USB microphone, model 3500, Plantronics Blackwire C725-M USB headset, or Plantronics Savi 8210 UC wireless headset. Department admins can help with ordering.