TechJumper
12-25-2000, 12:04 AM
KOSS SB-5 Voice Recognition Microphone
-------------------------------------
INTRODUCTION
------------
KOSS's long standing history of quality and perfection of sound is unwaivered in the SB-5, the first in the companies entrance to voice recognition quality microphones. The research and testing put into KOSS's products is evident in the SB-5, making it one of the premire headset voice recognition microphones availible.
TESTING
-------
To prove the microphones worth, I put the SB-5 through a series of tests, benchmarking its performence, and comparing it to similar microphones. The tests:
+Noise Canceling capabilities
used the mic while playing viola
+Sound Quality
played Gershwin through the earphone
+Compatability
tested it on many different systems
TESTING SPECIFICATIONS
----------------------
CPU- 450 mhz intel pentium
Sound Card- Sound Blaster Platinum
Connection- standard audio jack
Voice recognition: Dragon Naturally Speaking 5.0
TESTING RESULTS
---------------
The SB-5 perfomered very well during testing. Remarkably, the boom blocks much of the backround noise, despite the lack of a boom filter. Other highlights of the testing include the mics earphone. This 'MegaBass' ear speaker out does many full stereo speaker sets. The downside is that there is only one earphone, but this also allows conversation while you listen. My voice recognition rate was approx 89% while playing the viola and 95% the rest of the time. Since the microphone requires no special drivers or software, it worked well on all systems.
WHAT YOU GET/HOW MUCH IT COSTS/WHERE TO FIND IT
-----------------------------------------------
Many voice recognition microphones cost an upwards of 120 dollars, making it impossible for many to afford after forking over the money for the voice recognition software you wish to dictate to, but the SB-5 costs an affordable 20 dollars at RadioShack. Included in the package from Radioshack was a note card explaining the basic features, setup, and operation of the SB-5, along with a RadioShack, 30 day money back guarentee.
CONCLUSION
----------
The KOSS SB-5 proved to be an all-in-one voice recognition dictation solution, while maintaining an affordable price and excellent quality. Future models of this microphone will undoubtedly have boom filters, to help cancel backround noise, but there is little distortion as it is. The microphone is very adjustable with an adjustable boom and headband. KOSS's future in the industry of voice recognition looks very promising if they continue to maintain the degree of excellence and quality that is displayed in their debut VR microphone- the SB-5.
----Copyright Kiss Systems 2000----
-------------------------------------
INTRODUCTION
------------
KOSS's long standing history of quality and perfection of sound is unwaivered in the SB-5, the first in the companies entrance to voice recognition quality microphones. The research and testing put into KOSS's products is evident in the SB-5, making it one of the premire headset voice recognition microphones availible.
TESTING
-------
To prove the microphones worth, I put the SB-5 through a series of tests, benchmarking its performence, and comparing it to similar microphones. The tests:
+Noise Canceling capabilities
used the mic while playing viola
+Sound Quality
played Gershwin through the earphone
+Compatability
tested it on many different systems
TESTING SPECIFICATIONS
----------------------
CPU- 450 mhz intel pentium
Sound Card- Sound Blaster Platinum
Connection- standard audio jack
Voice recognition: Dragon Naturally Speaking 5.0
TESTING RESULTS
---------------
The SB-5 perfomered very well during testing. Remarkably, the boom blocks much of the backround noise, despite the lack of a boom filter. Other highlights of the testing include the mics earphone. This 'MegaBass' ear speaker out does many full stereo speaker sets. The downside is that there is only one earphone, but this also allows conversation while you listen. My voice recognition rate was approx 89% while playing the viola and 95% the rest of the time. Since the microphone requires no special drivers or software, it worked well on all systems.
WHAT YOU GET/HOW MUCH IT COSTS/WHERE TO FIND IT
-----------------------------------------------
Many voice recognition microphones cost an upwards of 120 dollars, making it impossible for many to afford after forking over the money for the voice recognition software you wish to dictate to, but the SB-5 costs an affordable 20 dollars at RadioShack. Included in the package from Radioshack was a note card explaining the basic features, setup, and operation of the SB-5, along with a RadioShack, 30 day money back guarentee.
CONCLUSION
----------
The KOSS SB-5 proved to be an all-in-one voice recognition dictation solution, while maintaining an affordable price and excellent quality. Future models of this microphone will undoubtedly have boom filters, to help cancel backround noise, but there is little distortion as it is. The microphone is very adjustable with an adjustable boom and headband. KOSS's future in the industry of voice recognition looks very promising if they continue to maintain the degree of excellence and quality that is displayed in their debut VR microphone- the SB-5.
----Copyright Kiss Systems 2000----