Desktop dictation microphones
For professionals dictating directly into Dragon Medical One, Dragon Professional or similar speech recognition software at their desk, the microphone is the most important hardware decision.
Philips SpeechMike
The Philips SpeechMike range covers USB speech processing devices engineered specifically for desktop dictation. They connect directly to a Windows PC running Dragon Professional or Dragon Medical One, with precision microphone arrays and programmable slide switches that control Dragon without lifting hands from the device.
SpeechMike devices are the most widely used desktop dictation microphones in Australian healthcare and legal environments. If you are setting up Dragon for regular professional dictation, a SpeechMike is the standard recommendation.
Headsets and USB Microphones
Dragon Professional and Dragon Medical One work with a range of professional headsets and USB microphones. Headsets are often preferred by clinicians who dictate in clinical environments where the SpeechMike form factor is impractical -- including ward rounds and consulting rooms where mobility matters.
For clinicians using Speech Recognition Cloud, the SRC mobile app allows dictation directly from a smartphone and delivers text to your PC -- reducing dependence on dedicated microphone hardware for mobile workflows.
Cloud dictation workflow -- Philips SpeechLive
For practices with a transcriptionist, a cloud dictation platform manages the secure routing of audio from author to typist and back.
Philips SpeechLive
Philips SpeechLive is a cloud-based dictation and transcription workflow platform that manages secure routing of audio files from authors to transcriptionists. It is hosted on Microsoft Azure with end-to-end encryption and ISO 27001 compliance.
SpeechLive includes a mobile app for dictating from your phone -- audio is automatically sent to your transcriptionist without manual file transfer. Options include human transcription, AI-assisted transcription, or a combination of both.
SpeechLive is particularly well established in Australian legal and professional services environments. Philips has also announced integration of Nuance Dragon speech recognition directly into the SpeechLive workflow, combining cloud dictation routing with Dragon's recognition accuracy engine.
- Mobile and desktop dictation app
- Secure author-to-typist routing
- Microsoft Azure hosting
- ISO 27001 compliance
- AI-assisted transcription option
- Dragon speech recognition integration
- Australian support via VRA
Foot pedals and transcription accessories
Foot pedals are among the most searched-for dictation accessories -- and for good reason. The right accessories make a significant difference to transcriptionist throughput and accuracy.
Transcription Foot Pedals
A transcription foot pedal lets a typist control audio playback hands-free during transcription -- using their feet to play, pause, rewind and fast-forward while both hands remain on the keyboard. For practices with a dedicated transcriptionist, a foot pedal significantly increases throughput compared to keyboard-controlled playback.
Philips produces foot pedals designed for use with Philips SpeechExec transcription software. Compatibility between brands is limited -- a Philips pedal is built for Philips software workflows. If you are setting up a new transcription workstation, confirm pedal and software compatibility before purchasing. Our team can advise on the right combination for your workflow.
Headsets, Lapel Mics and Accessories
Professional transcription headsets allow typists to monitor audio clearly during playback. Lapel microphones are popular with clinicians who need mobility in clinical settings -- including ward rounds and consulting environments where a desk-mounted microphone is impractical.
Other useful accessories include USB audio adaptors for older machines and Bluetooth microphone options for flexible mobile workflows. The right microphone for each environment can make a meaningful difference to speech recognition accuracy, particularly in noisier clinical settings.
Hardware and Dragon compatibility: Dragon Professional can transcribe single-speaker audio files recorded on supported digital voice recorders, provided the recording is in a compatible format (DS2, DSS, MP3, WAV, WMA). This suits professionals who prefer to dictate away from their desk using a recorder, then transcribe at the office. Confirm your specific device's output format is supported before relying on this workflow. Contact us if you need compatibility advice.
Mobile field dictation -- digital voice recorders
For professionals who need to dictate away from the desk -- in court, on-site, during home visits or in clinical environments without a PC -- a dedicated digital voice recorder provides reliable, high-quality capture.
Philips Portable Recorders
Philips produces a range of portable digital voice recorders designed for professional dictation. Philips recorders integrate with SpeechLive and SpeechExec software for automatic file routing to transcriptionists.
For most Australian professionals, Philips hardware remains the most practical choice given the ecosystem's integration with SpeechLive and Dragon workflows.
Olympus Recorders and ODMS Cloud
Olympus (now OM System) produces digital voice recorders with the ODMS Cloud platform for routing audio to transcriptionists. Their hardware has been used historically in Australian healthcare and legal environments.
If you are already using Olympus hardware and it suits your workflow, ODMS Cloud continues to function as a dictation routing platform. For new setups, our team can advise on the most practical option for your environment.
Hardware and software advice
Not sure which hardware suits your dictation setup? Our team can advise on compatible microphones, recorders, foot pedals and accessories for your specific workflow -- whether you are running Dragon, SpeechLive, or a mix of both.