Digital dictation uses three groups of devices: USB dictation microphones for the fixed workstation, portable dictation recorders for dictating on the move and foot switches that typists use to control playback. This guide compares the devices in our shop by these groups. All technical information is taken from manufacturer datasheets, manuals and product pages. The manufacturers have discontinued many of these devices. We mark this in every row and provide availability and successor models on request.
Three device groups for three tasks
- Dictating at the desk: a USB dictation microphone connects to the PC and controls recording, playback and function keys of the dictation software. It is suitable for conventional dictation and for speech recognition at the workstation.
- Dictating on the move: a dictation recorder stores dictations internally and transfers them to the PC via USB or a docking station.
- Transcribing dictations: a foot switch controls playback in the transcription software while the hands stay on the keyboard.
USB dictation microphones for the workstation
The three Olympus models of the DR series differ in how they are operated. The DR-1200 records via buttons and has a trackball, the DR-2100 uses a slide switch without a trackball, and the DR-2200 combines slide switch and trackball. All three have four function keys on the front, one programmable key on the back and a fixed 2.5 m USB cable. OM System, the current brand of Olympus, lists the series as a legacy product. The successor is the RecMic II series.
The Nuance PowerMic III has a track point button with left and right mouse buttons for cursor control, programmable buttons and an antibacterial surface. Nuance offers it with a 90 cm or 2.7 m cable. The previous model PowerMic II is only documented in a manufacturer datasheet from 2008. The manufacturer has not published an official end-of-life date. We will confirm on request whether and in which version the device is available.
The Grundig Digta CordEx is a wireless USB dictation microphone with a docking station that serves as radio base and charger. Grundig states a range of up to 8 m and an operating time of approx. 8 hours of recording.
Portable dictation recorders
The Olympus DS-7000 has a four-position slide switch, a 2-inch colour display and a metal housing, and encrypts dictations in real time with 128 or 256 bits. Olympus discontinued the device in June 2018; according to OM System, the successor is the DS-9500.
According to the manufacturer, the Grundig Digta 7 Premium is currently available. It has a 4-function slide switch, 4 GB internal memory, two microphones for stereo recordings in WAV and MP3 and dictation encryption with 128 or 256 bit. Via USB it can also be used as a dictation microphone on the PC. Depending on the version, the set includes the Digta Station 447 or 447 Plus docking station. Grundig offers the set with different software; we will tell you which version we supply on request.
Foot switches for playback
The Olympus RS28 has three configurable pedals, a 1.8 m cable and a non-slip mat. Olympus only names its own software (ODMS and DSS Player) for it. OM System currently offers the RS-28N model. The VEC Infinity is a digital USB foot control with a flat profile and a weight of 2.3 lbs. VEC currently lists the Infinity USB-3 generation.
The devices compared
| Device | Group | Controls | Connection | Status according to manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympus DR-1200 | USB dictation microphone | buttons, 16 mm trackball, 4 F keys | USB 2.0, 2.5 m cable | discontinued |
| Olympus DR-2100 | USB dictation microphone | slide switch, 4 F keys | USB 2.0, 2.5 m cable | discontinued |
| Olympus DR-2200 | USB dictation microphone | slide switch, 16 mm trackball, 4 F keys | USB 2.0, 2.5 m cable | discontinued |
| Nuance PowerMic III | USB dictation microphone | buttons, track point with 2 mouse buttons | USB, 90 cm or 2.7 m cable | successor PowerMic 4 available |
| Nuance PowerMic II | USB dictation microphone | buttons, track point with 2 mouse buttons | USB, 9 ft cable | predecessor of the PowerMic III, no official end-of-life date published |
| Grundig Digta CordEx | wireless dictation microphone | slide switch, OLED colour display, 3 programmable function keys | 2.4 GHz radio, docking station with USB | discontinued |
| Olympus DS-7000 | portable dictation recorder | slide switch, 2-inch colour display | USB 2.0, docking station depending on version | discontinued |
| Grundig Digta 7 Premium Set | portable dictation recorder | slide switch, 2 configurable function keys | USB, Digta Station 447 | available |
| Olympus RS28 | foot switch | 3 pedals, configurable | USB, 1.8 m cable | discontinued |
| VEC Infinity IN-USB | foot switch | pedals, number not stated by manufacturer | USB | successor generation Infinity USB-3 |
For discontinued and older devices, we clarify availability, version and possible successors with you before you order.
Software for recording and playback
For recording at the Windows workstation, ProRecorder supports USB dictation devices and USB dictation microphones according to DEVACON, also on thin clients. For playback, ProPlayer Advanced includes drivers for common USB foot switches. The product pages do not name specific device models. You can check whether your device works with the software using the free trial versions ProRecorder Demo and ProPlayer Demo.
Matching products in our shop
- Olympus DirectRec DR-1200, DR-2100 and DR-2200
- Nuance PowerMic III and Nuance PowerMic II
- Grundig CordEx
- Olympus DS-7000 and Grundig Digta 7 Premium Set
- Olympus RS28 foot switch and Infinity IN-USB foot switch
- All devices in the dictation hardware category
Further reading on devacon.eu
- USB dictation device or headset: a comparison for speech recognition
- The right choice of microphone for optimal speech recognition
- ProPlayer: playback software for dictations on Windows and terminal servers
Advice and enquiries
For availability, successor models and the right combination of device and software, call us on +49 30 81453320, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
