Computers with MS Windows or osMAC operating systems

Carnegie Speech recommends a USB headset with the flexible boom and a noise-canceling microphone.  This is especially important in a language lab setting or any noisy environment (dorm room, LRC, etc).  The built-in microphone in your computer will not work properly.  

• External Article: (Macworld) Microphones for speech recognition
• Recommendation: Microsoft LX3000 USB headset - low cost, great performance with NativeAccent in a classroom, learning lab, etc.

Mobile Devices with Android or IOS operating systems

Mobile devices do not typically provide settings for the microphone volume.  Carnegie Speech strongly recommends the use of either wired or wireless earbuds with integrated microphone(s).