Microphone for desktop --issues or alternatives --Audacity SOLVED issue

[mikeslr]

Nevermind-- tried audacity --noted below-- and was able to confirm that my mic was recognized. Well, will have to learn the ins & outs of audacity. And will reach out for help if needed. Post left to discretion of moderators. Delete if you want.

I wanted to do some voice dictation from my desktop. While using Windows 7 & Dragon Naturally Speaking I acquired an external mic which plugs into a USB-port and was found by 'Dragon' as a usable mic. I think Pupsys-Info identifies it as:

Bus 002 Device 003: ID 0d8c:0008 C-Media Electronics, Inc. C-Media USB Audio Device No Description...
Bus 002 Device 003
ID = 0d8c:0008 C-Media Electronics, Inc. C-Media USB Audio Device
USB Version = 1.10
Product = C-Media USB Audio Device
Max Current = 100mA
Class = Audio
Class = Human Interface Device

I'm fairly certain Puppys find it --meaning that both the necessary driver and firmware are present as it shows up as both "Play-Back" --which it isn't-- and "Input" options in Web-browsers under Bookworm64, F-96 and others:

C-Media found by Chrome.png (28.69 KiB) Viewed 299 times

C-Media found by Chrome(1).png (22.5 KiB) Viewed 299 times

I figured I'd try it under Jammy64 where SpeechNotes has been reported to work; [or maybe try setting up Speechnotes under Noble64]. But before getting involved in setting up Jammy64 again and experimenting with an application as complex as SpeechNotes, does anyone have a recommendation for (a) a simple voice recorder and (b) the recipe for testing whether it works.

Alternatively, do you have a recommendation for an external mic (USB-port preferred) reasonably adequate for recording voice?

p.s. I have --but have never used--Mikewalsh's portable Audacity 3.1.2

[greengeek]

Alternatively, do you have a recommendation for an external mic (USB-port preferred) reasonably adequate for recording voice?

I don't have a specific answer with regard to microphone - but I have tried quite a number of audio devices that plug in to usb ports and in 80% of cases commonly available devices perform adequately - but just not very well (if that conflicted comment makes sense...).

However - when I acquired a couple of "Ugreen" brand soundcards I was stunned how beautifully they performed.

So if you have any Ugreen mics available in your region they may be worth a try.
(Or even a normal cheap mic connected through a Ugreen usb sound card...)

[Clarity]

I use webcams with great results for my mic needs. I have a cheap $7 (ca) webcam via USB on the local PC.

Audacity has many videos and great reviews. It should be adequate for your needs with your current mic.

FYI