What microphone should I use?

Choosing the right microphone can be overwhelming, but here are some guidelines.

Recording your patient visits using Talkatoo can be a huge time-saver, but if the audio that is captured is of poor quality, this will affect the accuracy of the records produced.

Selecting the appropriate microphone for use with Talkatoo

Choosing the right microphone can be overwhelming, as there are many different types and styles, and they do not all operate the same way. Knowing how you will use Talkatoo will help narrow down your options.

Recording on a Mobile Device:

The microphones that current mobile phones have are quite high-end, so are very good at picking up voices in an exam room setting. Simply start your recording and set the device down on a nearby counter or table, and it will do a great job of capturing your exams on its own.

But if you’re not in the clinic with a convenient place to set the phone down nearby, such as in a surgery suite, or out in the field, it becomes more difficult.

Using a Bluetooth headset that you already have can be an option, though they tend to be less reliable and often result in lower quality audio.

Putting it in your pocket is another possibility, but can also result in poor-quality audio due to rustling fabric or simply not being close enough.

If either of these options are working for you, that’s great. If not, there are wireless options that plug into the phone, and clip onto your shirt or jacket. That way you can start the recording and put your phone safely in your pocket while you work and dictate.

*Here are a few examples of clip-on microphones:

Note that many of these mic options offer USB-C and/or Lightning connections. USB-C is now the standard for both Android and iOS devices since the iPhone 15. iPhones older than 15 would have been using the Lightning connection. Ensure you get the right connection type for your phone, and if you have an older iPhone, keep future upgrades in mind.

Recording on an Exam Room Computer

If you are recording your exams with a desktop computer with no microphone, or a poor microphone, you will need to add an external microphone.

The best choice is an omnidirectional USB microphone. USB for reliability, and omnidirectional so that it captures audio throughout the entire room.

*Here are a few examples of omnidirectional microphones you can use:

If a wired mic is not practical, such as if you are moving around a lot, in surgery for example, you can also use any of the wireless mics listed in the mobile device section above. Note that these are only really good for capturing your own voice, as opposed to the entire room. For that reason, they are not a good option for recording a whole appointment, only for recording yourself speaking.

If you have any questions, we’re always happy to discuss your workflow and offer advice to get the most out of Talkatoo.

*All products listed are general recommendations, and are not endorsed or supported by Talkatoo.