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If you are having trouble with audio quality after optimizing your microphone placement, see Troubleshooting audio and
recognition.
Using your Mac's built-in microphone
l Keep your mouth a consistent distance from your device's microphone. Consult your Mac manual if you’re not
sure where the microphone is on your computer.
l Keep your face directed towards your Mac. Avoid turning your head while dictating.
Positioning a headset microphone
l Place the microphone element to the side of your mouth to avoid noise from breathing.
l Keep the microphone element about an inch from the side of your mouth, but not touching it.
l Make sure the front of the microphone points toward your mouth. The front may be labeled with, for example,
a colored dot or the word "Talk."
l Position the headset consistently every time you use it.
l Depending on the microphone you are using, you may need to manually set Gain. See Microphone Setup for
more information.
Positioning a hand-held microphone
l Do not hold the microphone directly in front of your mouth. Hold it below or to the side of your mouth to avoid
noise from breathing.
l Keep the microphone element about 1 to 3 inches away from your mouth.
l Point the front of the microphone toward your mouth. Don't talk into the side of it.
l Be careful not to move the microphone or your head suddenly.
l Do not use a microphone stand or holder. This will make it harder to maintain a consistent position, and the
stand may conduct noise.
l Hold the microphone consistently every time you use it.
l Depending on the microphone you are using, you may need to manually set Gain. See Microphone Setup for
more information.
Related topics:
l Microphone Setup
l Getting started with dictation
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