Acoustic Magic Launches Next-Generation Array Microphone

SUDBURY, MA -- Acoustic Magic Inc. launched the Voice Tracker desktop array microphone, designed to bring clarity to users of speech recognition wordprocessing/command and control software as well as to teleconference participants. Enclosed in a charcoal gray casing, the Voice Tracker fits under a computer monitor or on a conferencing stand and employs a "listening beam" that electronically follows speakers located in different locations around the room. The beam acts as an acoustic searchlight, picking up voices but spatially filtering out background noise. Because the device is freestanding, users are liberated from headsets and handheld dictating machines -- allowing them to move around while dictating. According to ScanSoft, the Voice Tracker is the only digital array microphone on the market that can scan a full 180 degrees and contains eight microphone elements. The Voice Tracker is certified by ScanSoft for use with its Dragon NaturallySpeaking software. "This product will revolutionize the dictation process for customers who want to dictate to their computers but don't want to wear a headset," said Anke Conzelmann, product marketing manager at ScanSoft. According to Acoustic Magic president and CEO, Bob Feingold, the VoiceTracker will prove indispensable for physicians, attorneys, accountants, and other professionals who regularly dictate notes and correspondence. "Our goal is to integrate voice recognition as seamlessly as possible into the professional lives of our customers, dramatically increasing efficiency, "Feingold said, noting that the new microphone will also improve clarity inteleconferencing.