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My external microphones are not activating when I start the dictation feature. I tried changing outputs in settings, under sound and keyboard. But without success. Even the AUX microphone option does not activate or work When using dictation. Every time I double click the Apple command button to Activate the dictation feature, it automatically only uses the microphone on the keyboard. What can I do?
MacBook Pro 15", macOS 10.15
Thank you for the reply. I selected my external microphone. External microphone format capability 48 Hz one channel 16 bit. No change. When I activate the dictation feature it still automatically uses the Built in keyboard mic. Even though I selected "Use this device for sound input" for my external microphone, In the MITI set up.
The keyboard microphone apparently has a: 48 Hz, one channel 32 bit float. In order for the dictation to function properly using an external microphone, do you think I will need a new external microphone that matches that format?
This is exactly the problem I have. My external mic works for everything else (e.g., voice memos, siri) but does not work for dictation. when I start dictation, the level-indicator graphic does not move. I tried it on another macbook and it does work for dictation. So this is clearly some software problem.
Also double check the Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Keyboard -> Dictation window:
Notice the Internal Microphone icon has text below it indicating the microphone used. Make sure the one you want to use is selected by clicking on the text.
Thank you again for your response. Yes I did change the Microphone setting under dictation. As well as under sound input, I selected My desired sound input/External microphone. But when I activate the dictation, Only the internal keyboard microphone activates. I've actually tried to solve this issue with one of those Apple tech genius's and they did not know what to do. Apparently it's a problem with the new Mac & Catalina.
Still I would like to figure it out.
it's a Shure MV5. it is definitely not the microphone. if I plug it into a different mac, dictation works fine. it's just this one macbook where dictation won't work. but the mic works fine for other applications on the macbook — if I ask siri a question through the mic, siri answers straight away.
Check if the input appears under the Audio Midi Setup program in Applications -> Utilities, and is configured for the supporting frequencies.
Try a lower frequency on Audio Midi Setup.
I tried to change the setting. No difference. Same problem.
Hey Andrew, I would agree with you this is definitely a software problem. I hope they'll fix it eventually.
Who made the microphone. Do you have the make and model #?
External microphone not working during the dictation feature
