Use your SpeechMike Ambient
Utilization options
You have different options to use your SpeechMike Ambient, depending on your work environment and personal preferences.
Use the mounting clip
Attach the mounting clip to the upper backside of your SpeechMike Ambient.
Use the clip to attach the SpeechMike Ambient to your clothing, for example in a breast pocket or directly on your shirt by pinching it directly to the fabric.
Note
Use the mounting clip to attach the SpeechMike Ambient to your clothes, as you would with a clothes peg. Do not attach the mounting clip behind the fabric of your shirt to hold it in place just with the magnet.
Ensure that the microphone array of your SpeechMike Ambient is aligned vertically.
Use the neck strap
Attach the neck strap to the upper backside of your SpeechMike Ambient.
Hang the SpeechMike Ambient around your neck using the neck strap.
Note
Ensure that the microphones of your SpeechMike Ambient are not covered (e.g. when you cross your arms in front of it) and that the SpeechMike Ambient is positioned freely and vertically to enable the best sound quality.
Use in the docking station
Insert your SpeechMike Ambient into the docking station.
When recording, ensure that you are not to far away from the SpeechMike Ambient in the docking station. The optimal distance is 40-50 cm or 15-20 inch.
Use on a desk
Place your SpeechMike Ambient lengthwise on a desk between both speakers.
When recording, ensure that you are not to far away from the SpeechMike Ambient. The optimal distance is 40-50 cm or 15-20 inch.
Note
We recommend to use the Ambient mode when using the SpeechMike Ambient on a desk. See Using the optimal audio mode for more information.
Create a recording
Recording and playback of dictations with the SpeechMike Ambient requires dictation software such as Philips SpeechLive or the SpeechLive Mobile App.
For more information on how to use SpeechLive or the SpeechLive Mobile App visit www.speechlive.com/help.
Note
Make sure that the distance between the SpeechMike Ambient and the wireless adapter / docking station is not more than 25 meters (82 feet). For more information, see Learn about wireless technology.
If there are any objects between the SpeechMike Ambient and the wireless adapter, reduce the transmission distance if possible.
When recording, try to position yourself in line with the wireless adapter and ensure that your body is not obstructing the signal.
Customize the SpeechMike Ambient
Use the Device Control Center software to customize the SpeechMike Ambient to suit individual user needs.
The software allows to assign different functions to each key, enable or disable certain features and also to start and control applications with the SpeechMike Ambient.
Customize SpeechMike Ambient keys and settings
Connect the SpeechMike Ambient to your computer via the docking station. Alternatively, you can connect the SpeechMike Ambient to your computer via a USB-C cable, as long as the wireless adapter and the SpeechMike Ambient are both paired to the same computer.
Download and install the latest version of SpeechControl (Philips Device Control Center) from https://www.dictation.philips.com/speechcontrol.
Start Philips Device Control Center:
If the option to start the Philips Device Control Center automatically was selected during installation, open the program by clicking the
icon in the notification area of the Windows task bar.
To manually start the program, open the Windows start menu in Windows and select Philips Speech Control > Philips Device Control Center.
The current settings are automatically downloaded from the connected SpeechMike Ambient.
On the Device tab, configure device settings and select the function to be assigned to each key.
Click the Upload button to save the new settings.
Note
The SpeechMike Ambient can be reset to its factory default configuration by clicking the Defaults button. Click the Upload button to save the default settings.
Tip
To test settings and key functions, use the Device test section on the Device tab.
Use application shortcuts
The Device Control Center software allows to start and control other applications with the keys on the SpeechMike Ambient.
The Device Control Center software includes pre-installed profiles that make the SpeechMike Ambient ready for immediate operation with Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech recognition software and Microsoft Powerpoint. Additional profiles for other applications can be programmed.
Download and install the latest version of SpeechControl (Philips Device Control Center) from https://www.dictation.philips.com/speechcontrol.
If the option to start the Device Control Center automatically was selected during installation, the application
icon appears in the notification area of the Windows task bar.To manually start the program, open the Windows start menu in Windows and select Philips Speech Control > Philips Device Control Center.
Right-click on the application
icon in the notification area of the Windows task bar and verify that Activate application control is enabled. If the option is disabled, the configured settings and buttons will not function for any of the target applications.
Default profile
The default profile is applied automatically when there is no profile assigned to an application in focus. This profile is set up to control Dragon NaturallySpeaking with your SpeechMike Ambient. The following settings are defined:
SpeechMike Ambient key | Assigned shortcut |
|---|---|
g Record | Record (push to dictate) |
e Play/Stop | Play from cursor position |
V Rewind | Move cursor backwards |
W Fast forward | Move cursor forwards |
• EOL/•• PRIO | Mark backwards |
INS/OVR | Open correction window |
Powerpoint profile
Use this profile to control Powerpoint presentations with the SpeechMike Ambient. The following settings are defined:
SpeechMike Ambient key | Assigned shortcut |
|---|---|
g Record | Black screen |
e Play/Stop | White Screen |
V Rewind | Go to previous slide |
W Fast forward | Go to next slide |
• EOL/•• PRIO | End slide show |
INS/OVR | Show/hide cursor |
Note
Philips cannot guarantee the proper function of all assigned shortcuts, since shortcuts can differ among versions and languages.
Program a custom profile
It is possible to program shortcuts for other applications to control application functions with the keys of the SpeechMike Ambient.
Connect the SpeechMike Ambient to your computer via the docking station. Alternatively, you can connect the SpeechMike Ambient to your computer via a USB-C cable, as long as the wireless adapter and the SpeechMike Ambient are both paired to the same computer.
Download and install the latest version of SpeechControl (Philips Device Control Center) from https://www.dictation.philips.com/speechcontrol.
Start Philips Device Control Center:
If the option to start the Philips Device Control Center automatically was selected during installation, open the program by clicking the
icon in the notification area of the Windows task bar.To manually start the program, open the Windows start menu in Windows and select Philips Speech Control > Philips Device Control Center.
On the tab Application control, click the Add button to create a new profile.
Browse and select the application executable and click on Open. A profile for the selected application will be added to the list of profiles.
Note
Exit the target application during configuration. Open the application when the device configuration settings are saved.
Select a button from the button column and click the
icon to assign a shortcut. You can assign different shortcuts for pressing and releasing a key.The shortcut editor window is displayed.
Enter name for the shortcut and click the Add button to add an operation for the shortcut. The following options are available:
Hotkey: Assign a keyboard shortcut
Text: Enter the text to be inserted when a key on the SpeechMike Ambient is pressed
Start application: Start an application by pressing a key on the SpeechMike Ambient
Mouse button
Dragon NaturallySpeaking command
Delay
You can add one operation or a sequence of operations for every shortcut.
Click the Finish button to save the new settings.
Note
The Device Control Center cannot be used to program application shortcuts for Philips SpeechExec software. Shortcuts for Philips SpeechExec can be configured in the General settings menu of SpeechExec. See the SpeechExec application help for more information.
Tip
Application control configuration settings can be saved into files and imported later to apply the same configuration settings to several devices.
Use the motion sensor
The SpeechMike Ambient features an integrated motion sensor that detects when the device is put on the table and is being picked up again. The motion sensor can mute and unmute the microphone automatically or custom functions can be programmed, e.g., to pause and to continue recording. Use the Device Control Center software to enable automatic muting of the microphone (Device > Advanced settings > Microphone motion control) or to program custom functions (Application control tab).
Using the optimal audio mode
You can change the audio mode of your SpeechMike Ambient with SpeechControl (Philips Device Control Center).
Connect the SpeechMike Ambient to your computer via the docking station. Alternatively, you can connect the SpeechMike Ambient to your computer via a USB-C cable, as long as the wireless adapter and the SpeechMike Ambient are both paired to the same computer.
Download and install the latest version of SpeechControl (Philips Device Control Center) from https://www.dictation.philips.com/speechcontrol.
Start Philips Device Control Center:
If the option to start the Philips Device Control Center automatically was selected during installation, open the program by clicking the
icon in the notification area of the Windows task bar.To manually start the program, open the Windows start menu in Windows and select Philips Speech Control > Philips Device Control Center.
The current settings are automatically downloaded from the connected SpeechMike Ambient.
On the Device tab, under Advanced settings scroll down to the Audio mode section, here you can switch between different audio modes:
Ambient mode
This mode is used for the following use cases:
Single user applications where there is no disturbing noise in the room
Conversation recordings that do the speaker separation within the software (e.g. Microsoft Dragon Copilot)
Dictation mode (single speaker)
This mode is used for single-user dictation applications like DMO, SpeechExec, SpeechLive.
When the SpeechMike Ambient is worn it separates the user from other disturbing voices in the room and sends a mono audio signal to the computer.
In any other position (in the docking station or when lying on the desk) the SpeechMike Ambient switches to Ambient mode.
Integrator mode 1
This mode is used for conversation recordings where the backend software does not have speaker separation built in. The SpeechMike Ambient separates the user from other voices in the room and sends a stereo audio signal to the computer. This mode is only available via the SDK or the SpeechControl software.
Integrator mode 2
This mode is used for conversation recordings where the backend software does not have speaker separation built in. The SpeechMike Ambient separates the user from other voices in the room and sends a stereo audio signal to the computer. This mode is only available via the SDK or the SpeechControl software.
Change the audio mode via buttons
You can also change the audio mode directly on your SpeechMike Ambient:
Hold the Command button, then press Record to switch between the different audio modes
When switching between the audio modes, the display will show an icon of the currently selected audio mode:
Ambient mode
Dictation mode
Integrator mode 1*
Integrator mode 2**only visible if the Integration mode was enabled via the SDK or SpeechControl software
Upgrading the firmware
Your device is controlled by an internal program called firmware. As a part of ongoing product maintenance, the firmware is upgraded and errors are corrected.
It is possible that a newer version (an ‘update’) of the firmware has been released since you purchased the device. In this case, you can easily update your device to the latest version.
Use SpeechControl (Philips Device Control Center) to upgrade the firmware of your device. You can download the latest version of the application here: https://www.dictation.philips.com/speechcontrol. Please follow the steps outlined below to upgrade your device.
To upgrade your device:
Connect the SpeechMike Ambient to your computer via the docking station. Alternatively, you can connect the SpeechMike Ambient to your computer via a USB-C cable, as long as the wireless adapter and the SpeechMike Ambient are both paired to the same computer.
Start Philips Device Control Center:
If the option to start the Philips Device Control Center automatically was selected during installation, open the program by clicking the
icon in the notification area of the Windows task bar.To manually start the program, open the Windows start menu in Windows and select Philips Speech Control > Philips Device Control Center.
Note
Make sure that you're using the latest version of Philips Device Control Center.
On the Device tab, click on Firmware upgrade.
Click on the desired upgrade version from the Available firmware versions list.
If the Available firmware versions list is empty, you can also manually check our website for firmware upgrades.
Download the firmware update for your SpeechMike model from www.philips.com/dictation.
Click the Import button and select the folder with the firmware files to be imported.
Click the Upgrade button.
Choose Yes, upgrade the device to install the new firmware.
The firmware upgrade takes about 30 seconds.
Caution
Do not disconnect the dictation microphone from the computer during firmware upgrade. This might damage your product.
Supported shortcuts
You can activate/deactivate some functions of your SpeechMike Ambient by pressing certain key combinations:
Function | Shortcut | Hold buttons for: | Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
Set pairing mode (see Pairing for more details) | Command + Insert/overwrite/append | 3 seconds |
|
Incognito mode on/off When you turn the incognito mode on/off, it overwrites all LED, display and sound settings:
| End-of-letter/priority + Record | 3 seconds | When active, the incognito icon is displayed on the screen. |
Display the serial number and firmware version | Command + Play | 3 seconds | The serial number and firmware version is displayed on the screen. |
Change the audio mode | Hold the Command button, then press Record to switch between the different audio modes | - | When switching between the audio modes, the display will show an icon of the currently selected audio mode:
*only visible if the Integration mode was enabled via the SDK or SpeechControl software See Using the optimal audio mode for more information about the different audio modes. |
SpeechMike Ambient in Dragon Copilot
On computers, the Dragon Copilot can be used with two different client applications:
Web client Dragon Copilot
Desktop client
Both clients support the Philips SpeechMikes with several professional functions:
Selecting a SpeechMike as an audio input device
Configuration of button assignments to software functions
Showing the record status via the SpeechMike Record LED
Configuration options for specific input devices
Select your microphone
In the microphone selection dialog, all SpeechMikes appear with the string as they are recognized in the Operating system. For example, the SpeechMike Ambient will appear as SpeechMike III, because it has not been fully integrated yet.
Note
The web client uses the selected microphone automatically after you choose it from the Dragon Copilot microphone list.
Configure buttons
When Dragon Copilot detects a supported input device connected to your workstation, it displays a warning instruction:
Note
The SpeechMike Ambient and SpeechMike Premium with Conversation mode are designed for ambient recordings, so you can disregard the statement that handheld microphones are unsuitable for ambient recordings.
Select Enable buttons to allow the buttons on your SpeechMike to invoke button actions in Dragon Copilot.
Select Microphone buttons in the Microphone screen in Settings to customize the actions assigned to the buttons on a SpeechMike device when it connects to your system.
Important
A UI alert shows that handheld devices aren't optimized for multiparty ambient recording. Since the SpeechMike Ambient has the Ambient recording audio mode enabled by default, you can create both a monologue and a multiparty ambient recording.
Select a microphone to configure the button actions.
If the device is connected to your system, you can press a button on the device to highlight the Button actions section for that button, then select an option from the drop-down list.
Your selections are automatically saved and applied whenever a device of that same type (for example, SpeechMike) connects to your system.
The button actions are also platform-specific, based on the platform you use when you make the selections (for example, web or desktop).
Note
The user interface shows a SpeechMike Premium even if a SpeechMike Ambient is connected.
The Enable buttons toggle appears only if the device connects to your system and is selected as the input device. If you disable the button actions, you can still activate ambient recording or voice input by selecting the buttons in the Dragon Copilot screen or using a keyboard shortcut.
Some button actions are available only on the desktop platform.
Administrators can change the default actions for device buttons.
Default button assignments in Dragon Copilot
In Dragon Copilot, the default button assignments are as follows:
SpeechMike | SpeechMike Ambient | Assigned Copilot function |
|---|---|---|
Record | Record | Press-and-hold (standard dictation) |
Play | Play | Ambient recording |
Fast Forward | Fast Forward | Next field |
Fast Rewind | Fast Rewind | Previous field |
EOL/Prio | E | Transfer text |
Instruction | N.A. | not available |
Ins/Ovr | I/O | Show/hide dictation clipboard |
Ins/Ovr | I/O | Show/hide dictation clipboard |
F1 | N.A. | Previous section |
F2 | N.A. | Next section |
F3 | N.A. | None |
F4 | N.A. | None |
Back (command) | C | Accept defaults |
Reconfigure the SpeechMike Ambient buttons
By default, Dragon Copilot assigns the RECORD button for dictation recording and the PLAY/PAUSE button for Ambient recording. Microsoft appears to intend that the dictation recording uses "Press and Hold" with the large ergonomic record button, while the Ambient recording function does not require such an ergonomic position.
If users want to change that, Dragon Copilot unfortunately does not allow assigning any functions other than dictation recording to the RECORD button.
Some users may want to swap the functions and remap the keys for ergonomic reasons - e.g., they would like to start Ambient recording with the convenient big RECORD button.
Therefore, the button functions have to be swapped on the SpeechMike Ambient.
To do this, use the SpeechControl software.
In the SpeechControl “Device > Button configuration” settings, swap the functions of the Record and the Play/Pause button.
Assign the PLAY function to the RECORD button
Assign the RECORD function to the PLAY button
Upload the settings to the SpeechMike Ambient.
Then, SpeechMike Ambient shows the intended behavior when the Record button is pressed.