Andrea Speech Recognition Microphones & Accessories

Quick Comparison of the Andrea Microphone Models

We sell a number of Andrea microphones. In an attempt to help you sort out the differences, we present the following table. In general the term "NC" refers to noise canceling, "ANC" refers to active noise chandelling. "VM" refers to volume and mute controls. And "USB" refers to inclusion of an in-line USB sound adapter which does the analog to digital conversion.

Notes:

* The NC 181 series is the replacement for the previous NC91 microphone. All models are monoaural.
**The NC 185 series is the replacement for the previous NC95 microphone. All models include two speakers and stereo sound.

Andrea ANC-750 -Back in stock!

This is a high quality microphone extremely well suited to speech recognition applications and includes active noise cancellation technology.

Product Features:

• Incorporates both of Andrea's patented Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) microphone technology
• Significantly improves voice clarity for desktop speech-enabled applications.
• A unique speaker housing design optimizes the earphone's acoustic performance and offers digital, CD-quality sound.
• Particularly well suited for small office/home office (SOHO) and distance learning communications.

Andrea Electronics Specification Sheet on the ANC-750

Comments: This is a solidly performing microphone with a long and successful history of use with speech recognition software. Unlike the NC-91 and NC-185, the "ANC" microphones contain circuitry for active noise cancellation. We have found that a rare sound card does not provide enough voltage to power the microphone - in this case it is necessary to use the ANC microphone with either an external USB sound adapter (any of the adapters we sell, including those by Andrea, VXI, & Buddy will power the ANC mics) or the Andrea APS-100 auxiliary power supply.

Retail Price: $79.95
Our Price: $ 55.95

If your budget is extremely tight, consider purchasing a "barely used" version of this product from our stock of returned items. Learn more ...

Andrea ANC-700 - Back in stock!

This microphone is identical to the ANC-750 but has only a monaural headset earpiece. It shares all of the other features listed for the ANC-750 and is a high quality microphone very well suited to speech recognition applications.

Features:

• Incorporates both of Andrea's patented Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) microphone technology
• Significantly improves voice clarity for desktop speech-enabled applications.
• A unique speaker housing design optimizes the earphone's acoustic performance and offers digital, CD-quality sound.
• Particularly well suited for small office/home office (SOHO) and distance learning communications.

Andrea Electronics Spec Sheet on the ANC-700

Comments: The ANC 700 is a high quality noise canceling microphone with a long history of providing excellent results with speech recognition software. It includes noise canceling circuitry and, as a result, has a bit more demands in terms of voltage from the associated sound card. There are, in fact, a few sound cards that do not provide adequate voltage. In such cases we recommend using the ANC-700 with either an external sound card (any of the cards we sell will work with this microphone) or in conjunction with a external voltage source like the Andrea APS-100 (see below).

How does this microphone compare with other more expensive microphones sold on the site? We consider it comparable to the VXI TalkPro mics in terms of quality. We believe you will get better results with any of the UmeVoice (theBoom) mics, the Radio Shack "Sennheiser Knockoff", and the Sennheiser ME3.

Andrea ANC 700
MSRP: $69.95
Our Price: $ 46.95

If your budget is extremely tight, consider purchasing a "barely used" version of this product from our stock of returned items. Learn more ...

Andrea NC181

This is a "workhorse" microphone and is Andrea's replacement for the NC91. It is very cost effective and can be expected to give good results with VoIP and speech recognition applications. This basic model includes only monaural sound (only one speaker) and standard 3.5 mm connectors.

Features:

• High Fidelity Monaural PC Headset with noise canceling microphone
• Includes Andrea's Noise Cancellation Microphone Technology with Highest Voice Recognition Industry Rating
• Pro-flex wire microphone boom for accurate microphone placement
• 40mm speaker with CD quality deep base sound and large comfortable ear cushion
• Stainless steel adjustable headband
• 8 ft. long shielded cable

Comments: This microphone is essentially identical to the previously marked Andrea NC91. It is a simple, well performing microphone which will give good results with speech recognition and VoIP applications. If you want the mute switch and speaker volume control, look at the NC-181 VM. If you want an included USB adapter, consider

MSRP: $24.95
Price: $ 24.95

Andrea NC-181VM

This is similar to the NC181 but includes an in-line volume and mute control. It can be expected to provide good results with speech recognition and VoIP applications.

Features:

• High Fidelity Monaural PC Headset with noise canceling microphone
• Includes Andrea's Noise Cancellation Microphone Technology with Highest Voice Recognition Industry Rating
• Pro-flex wire microphone boom for accurate microphone placement
• 40mm speakers with CD quality deep base sound and large comfortable ear cushions
• Inline volume and mute controls
• Stainless steel adjustable headband
• 8 ft. long shielded cable

Comments: This microphone is identical to the NC181 (and its predecessor, the NC91) with the addition of an inline volume and mute control.

MSRP: $29.95
Our Price: $ 29.95

Andrea NC-181VM USB

This is the top of the line in the NC-181 series by Andrea and includes both the inline mute/volume controls and the PureAudio USB digital audio which includes Andrea's complete PureAudio Voice Solutions Software Suite (on an included CD). The USB interface assures compatibility with virtually any PC hardware.

Features:

• USB 2.0 Full Speed Operation Device Class Specification V1.0 Compliant (Digital Audio Device)
• In-line Digital Volume and Mute Controls
• Power On / Data Transmit LED Indicator
• Win98 SE / Win 2000 / Win XP and Vista Compatible
• Mac OS9/10 (without Andrea Software) Compatible
• Andrea Noise Cancellation Microphone Technology with Highest Voice Recognition Industry Rating
• Pro-Flex Wire Microphone Boom for Accurate Microphone Placement
• 40mm Speaker with CD Quality Sound and Large Comfortable Ear cushion
• Stainless Steel Adjustable Headband
• Windsock for Minimal Breath Popping
• Reversible for Left or Right Side Usage
• Folds Flat for Storage and Portability
• Extra Long 8 Foot Shielded Cable
• Includes Andrea Voice Solutions Software Suite

Comments: This is a solid "work-horse" microphone. We particularly like the association of the microphone with the high quality Andrea Pure Audio USB sound adapter, which assures solid performance with virtually any operating system and any hardware which accepts USB. We consider this microphone to be generally comparable to the significantly higher priced VXI TalkPro USB 100.

MSRP: $49.95
Our Price: $ 49.95

Andrea NC-185

This is the simplest of the NC-185 series and includes stereo speakers and 3.5 mm connectors for attachment to your pc. The only difference between this microphone and the NC-181 shown above is the presence of two speakers and stereo sound.

Features:

• High Fidelity Stereo PC Headset with noise canceling microphone
• Includes Andrea's Noise Cancellation Microphone Technology with Highest Voice Recognition Industry Rating
• Pro-flex wire microphone boom for accurate microphone placement
• 40mm speakers with CD quality deep base sound and large comfortable ear cushions
• Stainless steel adjustable headband
• 8 ft. long shielded cable

MSRP: $29.95
Our Price: $ 29.95

Andrea NC-185VM

This is a well performing cost-effective microphone with large, comfortable speakers and includes in-line volume and mute controls.

Features:

• High Fidelity Stereo PC Headset with noise canceling microphone
• Includes Andrea's Noise Cancellation Microphone Technology with Highest Voice Recognition Industry Rating
• Pro-flex wire microphone boom for accurate microphone placement
• 40mm speakers with CD quality deep base sound and large comfortable ear cushions
• Stainless steel adjustable headband
• Inline volume and mute controls
• 8 ft. long shielded cable

MSRP: $34.95
Our Price: $ 34.95

If your budget is extremely tight, consider purchasing a "barely used" version of this product from our stock of returned items. Learn more ...

Andrea NC-185VM USB

This is the top of the line in the Andrea 185 stereo microphone series and includes both inline volume/mute controls and the high quality Andrea PureAudio USB adapter.

Features:

• USB 2.0 Full Speed Operation Device Class Specification V1.0 Compliant (Digital Audio Device)
• In-line Digital Volume and Mute Controls
• Power On / Data Transmit LED Indicator
• Win98 SE / Win 2000 / Win XP and Vista Compatible
• Mac OS9/10 (without Andrea Software) Compatible
• Andrea Noise Cancellation Microphone Technology with Highest Voice Recognition Industry Rating
• Pro-Flex Wire Microphone Boom for Accurate Microphone Placement
• 40mm stereo Speakers with CD Quality Sound and Large Comfortable Ear cushions
• Stainless Steel Adjustable Headband
• Windsock for Minimal Breath Popping
• Reversible for Left or Right Side Usage
• Folds Flat for Storage and Portability
• Extra Long 8 Foot Shielded Cable
• Includes Andrea Voice Solutions Software Suite

Comments:

MSRP: $54.95
Our Price: $ 54.95

Andrea NC-91 - Out of Production and no longer in stock (replaced by NC 181 above)

The NC-91 is Andrea's work-horse microphone and is highly rated by Nuance for use with NaturallySpeaking. It is inexpensive, functional and utilizes a passive noise cancellation system.

We consider this a good "starter" microphone but recommend other selections for advanced users and those using NaturallySpeaking in environments with lots of noise contamination.

Product Features:

• Stainless steel adjustable headband
• Pro-flex wire microphone boom
• High Quality Earphone with Large Comfortable Ear Cushion

Spec Sheet on Andrea NC-91

Comments: This microphone is being discontinued and replaced by the essentially identical NC-181 (see above). We have only limited stock of this microphone and expect to discontinue this microphone when the last one sells in March or April of 2009.

Retail Price: $29.95
Our Price: $ 21.95

Andrea NC 7100

This stylish microphone was marketed for use with the iMac but works equally well with newer Macs and any PC with a USB port.

Features:

• Features proprietary noise canceling microphone technology to enable clear, digital audio input for speech recognition, chat, voice-enabled web browsing and online gaming on a USB-enabled PC or Macintosh computer.

• Enjoy high fidelity, digital quality sound input without the need for a sound card.

• Frost plastic headset comes with a variety of cool iMac insert accessories matching Apple's strawberry, tangerine, lime, grape, blueberry and graphite colors.

System requirements: An open USB port and a headset or speaker output jack. PC: Windows 98 SE (Second Edition), Windows Me (Millennium), Windows 2000, or Windows XP Apple: Mac OS 9.0.4, OS 9.1, OS 9.2.1 and OS X 10.1

Comments: Functionally, this is equivalent to the newer NC-181VM USB but uses an older version USB sound adapter. Unless the extra $5 dollars will kill you or you want the fancy transparent plastic included with this microphone, we recommend purchasing either the 181VM USB (one speaker) or 185VM USB (two speakers). Both are shown above.

MSRP: $79.95
Our Price: $ 44.95

If your budget is extremely tight, consider purchasing a "barely used" version of this product from our stock of returned items. Learn more ...

Andrea NC-71

This microphone was introduced by Andrea Electronics and was designed specifically for speech applications running on the iMac® line of Apple products. It has a longer than usual plug and is not recommended for computers other than the iMac and older Macintosh computers requiring a "plaintalk" microphone.

MSRP:$39.95
Our Price: $ 19.95

Andrea PureAudio Duplex USB Adapter

This is Andrea's latest contribution to the speech recognition world and is a top class in every way. It is small, works beautifully, and relatively inexpensive. It is about the size of thumb drive and has input jacks for both the microphone and speaker plug from your headset microphone. Unique to this device is employment of Pure Audio noise reduction algorithms. The result is extraordinarily low noise ceilings and excellent results with speech recognition products.

Although Andrea previously included a mini CD with an audio software package including Audio Commander, Audio Wizard, and Voice Center, they now provide access to this software using via web download. Please see the link below for details on these products - none are needed in order to use this device with speech recognition software.

Additional Information:

• View specification sheet from Andrea
• Pure Audio Specification Sheet from Andrea
• Download Pure Audio Drivers and accessory software

Special Note: A few users have had troubles with the drivers that come with this device and Andrea has posted updated drivers for the Pure Audio series of products at this location: Software Update for USB Audio Products. Scroll to the bottom of the page.

Comments: This seems to be a remarkably good product and works extremely well with speech recognition software. It clearly has lower noise ceilings than other USB sound adapters (see sample Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech/noise ratio obtained with an Andrea 91 microphone below). Please note, though, that this microphone is not compatible with the Sennheiser ME3 unless used with an Andrea P-100 power plug adapter. It is fully compatible with every other microphone we sell, including the UmeVoice (theBoom) microphones.

MSRP: $49.95
Our Price: $ 44.95

If your budget is extremely tight, consider purchasing a "barely used" version of this product from our stock of returned items. Learn more ...

Andrea USB Sound Adapter

THIS IS THE PREFERRED SOUND ADAPTER TO USE WITH THE SENNHEISER ME3.

This is a sound adapter to use when you have concerns about whether your computer's internal sound card is adequate for the task. When using this adapter the analog to digital conversion occurs outside of your computer and the digital signal enters your computer through a USB slot.

This is our preferred sound adapter as it works with all microphones sold on our site, including the Sennheiser ME3.

Instructions for using a USB sound adapter

Comments: this is a highly reliable sound adapter which works with virtually every non-USB microphone we sell. It is monoplex, meaning that the USB connection only deals with the microphone input and does not provide sound out. The adapter includes a small jumper cable that connects from your PC sound output jack to the back end of the Andrea adapter, so you can still plug both plugs from your microphone (mic and sound out) to the front end of the adapter. This is the most reliable adapter and our preferred adapter for use with the Sennheiser ME3.

Andrea USB Sound Adapter
Usual Retail: $49.95 Our Price: $ 35.00

If your budget is extremely tight, consider purchasing a "barely used" version of this product from our stock of returned items. Learn more ...

Andrea P-100 Power Plug Adapter

This is a small adapter made by Andrea Electronics and which transfers voltage which would otherwise be routed to the middle connector of a standard 3.5 stereo audio plug to the the tip connector. It is necessary for use of Andrea ANC microphones (the ANC-700 and ANC-750) with newer sound cards and is packaged with these microphones when purchased new.

This adapter is also useful in allowing the Sennheiser ME3 to be used with full duplex sound adapters such as the Buddy-5G and VXI Duplex (two-way) Adapter.

Price: $ 4.75

Andrea APS-100 Auxiliary Power Adapter

Andrea PCTI-3 PC-Telephone Interface

This unique device is designed to allow maximum telephone and computer connectivity. It allows simultaneous connection and communication via a headset microphone, computer, and wired telephone.

Features:

• 3-way switching of an Andrea headset to a PC, a phone, or both.
  
  Enabling headset users to connect to their PCs and their telephones simultaneously to allow voice-enabled computing and telecommunications functions easily and efficiently.
  
  
• Connects an Andrea PC headset to most telephones (both single line and digital PBX) and to a PC.
  
  
• 3-way conferencing in position allows person on headset, person on phone, and person VoIP through computer all to communicate simultaneously.
  
  
• Use the headset while on the phone instead of the phone handset.
  
  
• Use the headset with the PC for speech recognition, VoIP, or any PC audio output
  
  
• Single control point for flexible connections without plugging and unplugging cables, including:
  
  
  • Select handset or headset
  • Adjust headset speaker volume
  • Mute Headset microphone
  • Control computer speakers (on/off)
  • Select PC, Phone or Both

More Information:

Andrea Product Specifications

Comments: this is a unique conferencing device which allows simultaneous connection of your headset, PC, and wired telephone. It can be used with speech recognition software. Because it accepts a microphone with standard 3.5 mm (1/8 inch), it allows you to use your traditional PC microphone with either your phone or PC. It works with most G & K style phones but is not compatible with cordless phones or phones with handsets having built in keypads.

MSRP: $99.95
Our Price: $ 89.95

Andrea BT-200 Bluetooth Headset

Directly from Andrea: The Andrea Electronics Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headset, BT-200, is the ideal solution for hands free mobile communications in all life's noisy environments allowing users to have clear, noise free conversations while using a cell phone, PC applications such as VoIP and speech recognition programs or gaming systems such as PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360®.

Ambient noise is often an issue with many handsets and headsets that can make conversations difficult in loud environments. Andrea's PureAudio noise reduction technology eliminates these problems.

From your cell phone call in your car or airport to your VoIP call in the office, Andrea's PureAudio technology ensures your communications won't be impacted by where you are.

Features:

• Military grade noise cancellation (NC) boom microphone (providing approximately 20dB of noise reduction)
• Microphone tip has integrated wind suppression (for 11.5dB of wind noise reduction)
• Multi-device Bluetooth pairing.
• Bundled with USB receiver which enables wireless PC connection to Bluetooth headset
• Light weight with small form factor convenient for portability
• One touch button operation for call, answer, end and volume control
• Headset operates up to 30 feet from handset

Comments: This is a cost effective Bluetooth microphone which will pair directly with your cell phone, bluetooth equipped PC or a non-Bluetooth equipped PC using the included dongle. We don't view the accuracy of this microphone to be on par with other Bluetooth microphones we sell, including the Sennheiser BW900, but the for price it is an easy entry into the wireless arena. Like all Bluetooth microphones this suffers from sometimes quirky connection issues. The documentation that comes with the device is a bit skimpy in our opinion (compared to a full manual coming with many other wireless products).

MSRP: $89.95
Our Price:$ 89.95

Foam Replacement Kit for Andrea Microphones (R100)

This simple kit includes a replacement foam piece to cover the microphone element and two replacement foam ear pieces. It is intended for use with all of the wired andrea microphones sold on this site, including the NC91, ANC700, ANC750, etc.

Price: $ 6.00