Dictation Product News

5 Tips for Finding the Right Dictation Microphone

September 21st, 2015 by Ima Admin

Shopping for a dictation microphone can be a bit confusing. There are tons of options, features and styles out there; finding the right combination is challenging. But it’s definitely possible. This handy guide provided by Olympus will help you sort your options!

So what makes a good dictation microphone? How do you separate the wheat from the chaff? Where do you even start? We’re here to help.

Step 1: Determine Your Use Case

First things first: What do you want to do with your dictation microphone? If you’re in the market for a device that interfaces in real time with speech recognition software and/or an EHR/EMR system, you’re in the right place. For our purposes here, “dictation microphones” are devices without internal storage that are used in relatively close proximity to a computer or laptop. They’re meant to efficiently and clearly turn spoken words into actionable data.

If you need a mobile dictation solution (i.e., a portable device with internal memory for storing recordings) you’re not looking for a dictation microphone. Those are digital voice recorders, like the Olympus DS-7000.

Digital dictation microphones from Olympus.

Step 2: Think About Security

Whether you’re at a hospital, a law firm, a government office or a business, keeping sensitive information safe and out of the wrong hands is a big deal. When you’re considering a dictation microphone, be sure to consider:

  • Individual user profiles, which can be used to tell who did what with a device, when
  • Device PIN locking, to keep unauthorized users from utilizing the dictation microphone
  • Real-time 128- or 256-bit file encryption capabilities

These features alone won’t ensure the integrity of your files, but they’ll certainly add an extra layer of security on top of whatever your IT staff already has in place.

Step 3: Make it Clear

RecMic DR-2200What do you do with a dictation microphone? Dictate, of course! Unfortunately, dictations are no good to anyone – the recorder, a transcriptionist or your speech recognition software – if they’re not crisp, clear and easily understood.

Problem is, we haven’t yet seen a hospital or law firm with an in-house recording studio. Dictation microphones are used in the real world – with its buzzing fluorescent lights, office chatter, waiting room TVs and noisy traffic. To compensate, you need to make sure whatever dictation microphone you choose comes equipped with a professional quality microphone, rather than the kind of tinny mic you’d find on a webcam or headset. Even better, some dictation microphones allow for adjustable recording sensitivity, allowing the user to modify mic settings based on their environment.

Step 4: Customize It

Security? Check. Clear recording? Check. Now, think about how your dictation microphone will function outside just “press record, speak, stop.” Do you need customizable controls? A trackball, allowing you to scroll or tab through fields in EHR/EMR software? Barcode scanning capabilities? Slide switch controls? Push button operation?

Whatever you need, there’s probably a dictation microphone out there that has it. Olympus’ RecMic DR-2300, for instance, offers barcode scanner compatibility. The RecMic DR-2200 gives users a precise slide switch and four programmable function buttons. The RecMic DR-1200 has the same programmable functions, but swaps the slide switch out for simple “record” and “play/pause” buttons.

Step 5: Get Dictating

Once you’ve decided on the feature set you want, you need to ensure that your dictation microphone will be easy to deploy within your IT ecosystem. After all, the best device in the world is no good if you can’t actually use it. Make sure whatever dictation microphone you choose:

  • Integrates out of the box with leading speech recognition (and EHR/EMR, if necessary) software suites
  • Offers plug and play operation via a standard USB cord
  • Includes device configuration software for administrations and a software development kit for IT users

Olympus® Digital Voice Recorders Receive Highest Designation From Nuance Communications Inc.

September 20th, 2015 by Ima Admin

Olympus, the market leader in portable digital voice recorders, professional dictation devices and Linear PCM music recorders, has earned the “Nuance Certified” designation and received the highest rating of six dragons for its DS-7000 and DS-3500 Professional Dictation Systems, as well as its DS-2500 digital voice recorder. All the devices passed rigorous tests conducted by Nuance using its Dragon NaturallySpeaking product and meet the highest criteria for performance and quality. The following summary helps give an overview of the features of each the DS-7000,DS-3500 and DS-2500.

The DS-7000 Professional Dictation System from Olympus sets an industry standard in portable audio recording equipment and digital voice recorders. Proving a seamless workflow with Dragon Naturally Speaking, the DS-7000 has been specifically designed for accurate voice recognition and high voice quality. Dictations can be recorded and transcribed directly by Olympus Dictation Management System (ODMS) software, utilizing the Dragon Engine or by using the Background Voice Recognition feature. The outstanding recording quality offered by the DS-7000 ensures that Voice Recognition is simple and accurate.

The DS-7000 provides an array of professionals who rely on dictation – from lawyers to doctors to law enforcement, among others – with a dependable tool that features real-time 256-bit file encryption, a redesigned, independently housed microphone, slide switch control, enhanced battery life, and a color LCD which ensures the information displayed on-screen is clear and easy to read.

The DS-3500 Professional Dictation System digital voice recorder is designed to dramatically increase efficiency and streamline operations in any professional environment. The push button controlled recorder is the perfect blend of premium features and ease of use.

Through Olympus’ ODMS software, both the DS-7000 and DS-3500 can be implemented seamlessly in a variety of business settings that require the ability to record and transcribe high volume, sensitive data without compromising security or efficiency.

The DS-7000 and DS-3500 audio recorders incorporate many additional unique and innovative features, including:

  • An improved, speech-optimized microphone featuring independent housing and variable recording modes
  • A durable, precise slide switch (DS-7000) or ergonomic push button controls (DS-3500)
  • Enhanced security, with device password protection and real-time 128- or 256-bit file encryption
  • A 2-inch color LCD (TFT) display
  • Dual memory card slots, with support for SD and microSD up to 32 GB
  • Full integration into professional digital workflows
  • A longer-lasting, rechargeable Lithium-ion battery

The DS-2500 digital voice recorder includes many features of Olympus’ professional dictation systems in an accessible, easy-to-use push button recorder and is the ideal solution for any office that relies on accurate, small-scale dictation and transcription, as well as individuals who need professional-level recording capabilities.

The Olympus DS-2500 digital voice recorder features:

  • A compact, professional-quality microphone, with variable recording modes to capture superior audio files in any condition
  • Up to 303 hours of recording time with the included 2 GB SD card (expandable to 32 GB)
  • Intuitive, ergonomic push-button controls
  • Up to 37 hours of recording time on two AAA rechargeable Ni-MH batteries (included), enhanced by innovative Variable Control Voice Actuator recording mode, recording only when sound is detected, ensuring you’re only recording what is needed
  • Backlit LCD screen for consistent viewing, even in bright conditions
  • Simple file management, with five internal folders and easy USB connection to computers running Windows® XP, Windows Vista® and Windows 7, or Mac OS®