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If transcription quality is poor, start by checking microphone input level and recording environment.

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Quick Checklist

Quiet Environment

Minimize background noise

Good Microphone

Use a quality mic positioned correctly

Proper Distance

6-12 inches from your mic

Check Levels

Input volume around 75%

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Microphone Settings

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System Input Level

1

Open System Settings

Click the Apple menu (Apple icon) and choose System Settings.
2

Go to Sound

Click Sound in the sidebar.
3

Select Input

Click the Input tab.
4

Select Your Microphone

Choose the microphone you want to use.
5

Adjust Input Volume

Speak at normal volume and adjust the slider until the level meter reaches about 75%.
What to expect: The input meter should move consistently when you speak, without clipping at the maximum level.

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Testing Your Setup

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Voice Memos Test

  1. Open Voice Memos app
  2. Record yourself speaking for 30 seconds
  3. Play it back and listen for:
    • Clarity of your voice
    • Background noise
    • Echo or reverb
    • Distortion
If that did not work: Switch to a different microphone (wired headset if available), then run the same Voice Memos test again.

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Troubleshooting Poor Quality

  • Speak more clearly
  • Check microphone input level
  • Add misheard words to Custom Vocabulary
  • Move to a quieter environment
  • Check if correct microphone is selected
  • Reduce input level (may be too high)
  • Check for Bluetooth interference if using wireless
  • Use a headset or directional microphone
  • Move to a quieter location
  • Reduce input sensitivity
  • Wait a moment before speaking after pressing the shortcut
  • Speak slightly louder
  • Check that push-to-talk isn’t being released too early

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Speaking Tips

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For Best Results

  • Speak at a natural pace (not too fast or slow)
  • Enunciate clearly without over-pronouncing
  • Keep a consistent distance from the microphone
  • Pause briefly between sentences

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Things to Avoid

  • Mumbling or trailing off
  • Speaking while eating or drinking
  • Moving around while recording
  • Covering the microphone

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Still Need Help?

  1. Check Common Issues for quick fixes across shortcuts, permissions, and BYOK.
  2. Check Permissions to confirm microphone and accessibility setup.
  3. Contact us with your macOS version, Utter version, and a short test example.