Audio & microphone setup
Choose the right microphone and configure your audio for the best dictation experience.
Choosing a microphone
Your Mac's built-in microphone works well for most dictation. External microphones help in noisy environments or when you need higher accuracy.
Recommended setups
| Environment | Recommended mic | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Home office | Desk mic (e.g., Blue Yeti, Shure MV7) | Best audio quality, minimal background noise pickup |
| Meetings / mobile | Wired headset with mic | Reliable, low latency, mic stays close to your mouth |
| Open office / café | Wired earbuds | Discreet, close mic placement, good for whispering |
| Quick use | Built-in MacBook mic | No setup needed, works for quiet environments |
Configuring your input device
- Open System Settings → Sound → Input
- Select your preferred microphone from the device list
- Speak and check the input level indicator to confirm it's picking up your voice
- Adjust the input volume slider if the level is too low or too high
Epilude uses whatever input device macOS has selected — there's no separate mic setting in Epilude.
Using Epilude quietly
Whispering works surprisingly well when the microphone is close to your mouth. A wired headset or earbuds with a built-in mic are ideal for this:
- The mic sits just inches from your mouth, so even quiet speech is captured clearly
- Background noise matters less because your voice dominates the signal
- Great for open offices, libraries, or anywhere you don't want to be overheard
Whisper-friendly setup
Wired earbuds with an inline mic are the most discreet option. Speak softly and Epilude will still transcribe accurately.
AirPods and Bluetooth
Bluetooth microphones (including AirPods) work with Epilude but come with trade-offs:
- Added latency — Bluetooth introduces a small delay compared to wired options
- Lower mic quality — Bluetooth audio codecs compress audio, which can reduce transcription accuracy
- Connection variability — Bluetooth can drop briefly, causing missed words
For the best experience, use a wired microphone or your Mac's built-in mic. If you prefer Bluetooth, keep the mic close to your mouth and speak clearly.
Tips for best audio
- Reduce background noise — Close windows, move away from fans or AC units
- Consistent mic position — Keep the microphone at the same distance from your mouth for predictable results
- Avoid wind and breath — Don't breathe directly into the mic. Position it slightly to the side
- Test before long sessions — Do a quick dictation to confirm audio quality before a long hands-free session
Related
- Microphone problems — Troubleshoot mic issues
- Transcription issues — Fix accuracy problems
- Quick start — Get started with Epilude