Audio Setup Wizard

When you run the microphone test in the Audio Setup Wizard you will receive a final test score once you're done. This result may vary due to several factors. To really demonstrate where these test score values are coming from and how to interpret them, we will walk you through the "Extended" test in the Audio Setup Wizard along with sharing some important guidelines about your microphone and soundcard.

It is recommended that you go through the "Standard" test first in the Audio Setup Wizard before you do the "Extended" test since the "Extended" test doesn't set a microphone level for you (the results are based on your current mixer settings).

Extended Test

Here's how to run the "Extended" test in the Audio Setup Wizard:

1. First, make sure that your microphone is plugged in correctly and that your microphone is properly placed in between the corner and center of your mouth. Also ensure that the microphone element is facing your mouth. If you are using the battery box (pre-amp), make sure it's set to "High" and that your batteries are working.
2. Start the Audio Setup Wizard by selecting it from Start Menu, Programs, Dragon NaturallySpeaking (or by double clicking on "Audio.exe" from your "C:\NatSpeak\Program" directory).
3. When the first dialog box appears, press {Alt+1}.
4. Before you start the test, make sure you have something to read for about one minute (or simply talk). When doing tests with this utility, speak naturally (continuously). Do not pause between the words.
5. Click on the little button up in the top left hand corner of your screen to start a "New Test".
6. Start reading/talking for about one minute. When done, press {Ctrl+m} to turn off the microphone.
7. The are several "values" listed in the top left hand corner of your screen. The one you are interested in is "Speech to Noise". The Speech to Noise value will appear on the right.
   Here are the different values:

Results

• 0-15 is "Unacceptable"
• 16-21 is "Below Average"
• 22-27 is "Average"
• 28 and above is "Above Average"

• Your results may vary depending on your soundcard, your voice type and where your microphone is placed. Getting a "Below Average" reading doesn't necessarily mean that your performance won't be adequate. Note that the placement of your microphone is imperative.

• When going through the regular Audio Setup Wizard test in NaturallySpeaking (before the General Training begins) it's very important to keep on reading the text until you're notified to stop (when you hear a "beep"). Otherwise, you will receive a "lower" test result than you should since the Audio Setup Wizard isn't done collecting and evaluating its information.

• To get an accurate reading on "Distortion", you need to speak until the calculated value appears. You want the lowest possible number here.