PD 17.1 has problems with usb audio devices

Was using PD 17 on 2018 Intel MBP. When I went from 17.0.1 to 17.1 my Phillips Speech Mike microphones (used with Dragon 15) stopped being recognized by Windows 11 VM. I was going to roll back to 17.0.1 as some people had suggested, but I then took possession of a 2021 16 MBP with M1 Max.

Downloaded the windows ARM version, but unfortunately started with 17.1. Downloaded the 22483 build, but also let it upgrade to 22489. After installing the appropriate software, the same issue happened. Microphone would not be recognized by Windows 11.

I uninstalled PD 17.1. Fresh install of 17.0.1. Fresh install of W11 build 22483. Turned off all software updates. Installed the appropriate software. Microphone now recognized and I am able to dictate.

Obviously, there is a problem with 17.1 and USB audio because it caused the same issue on M1 Mac as well as Intel Mac.

 

This may not be completely related, but in PD Version 17.1.0 (51516) sounds are corrupted. For example the chime that happens when Windows 11 completes startup is now very ragged. I tested playing YouTube videos within a browser window and those are also somewhat ragged (but better). Something appears to be wrong with audio processing.

 

I am about to be in the same position - awaiting 16" MBP with M1 Max in hopes that I can get Dragon Medical One to work. Have you tried to use an iPhone with Power Mic Mobile as a backup instead of the Speech Mike? I have a wired Speech Mike as well, my wife has a wireless version I may try to borrow to see if it works once the system arrives.

 

Audio recording/playback via SpeechMike is an issue for me too with my Windows 11 setup on Macbook Air M1. I recommend keeping the SpeechMike connected on the Mac side and setting it to operate under keyboard mode to launch keyboard shortcuts towards Dragon running within Parallels. PowerMic Mobile is a viable alternative too for DMO users.

 

Hi. Can you explain what you mean by "setting it to operate under keyboard mode to launch keyboard shortcuts towards Dragon running within Parallels?"
I understand how to keep microphone connected to Mac as opposed to windows 11, but I don't understand the keyboard mode/keyboard shortcuts thing.

Thanks

 

Hi Jon,

You will need to have access to a Windows PC with SpeechControl to configure what keyboard command each SpeechMike button triggers, you may find detailed infos in the links below

Link1: SpeechMike Button modes
Link2: Using Keyboard Mode on the SpeechMike​

Cheers!

 

Hi,

I happened to test this this morning for myself, current and future Apple clients
With latest firmware version 4.68 and Airbridge at 1.13 and Parallels v18.1.0 (53311)

SpeechMike Premium Air when using the docking or the Airbridge works 100% for myself with with Macbook Air M1 on Ventura 13.0.1 + PD18.1.0 + Windows 11 Pro 21H2 and DMO 2021.4.4

Cheers!

Albert
VocalTek Solutions Inc.

 

That's really useful information, especially since you've been able to reproduce the issue on both Intel and M1 Macs. The fact that your Philips SpeechMike works correctly with a clean install of PD 17.0.1 and stops working after upgrading to 17.1 does seem to point to a regression in the USB audio handling rather than a hardware problem.

It's also interesting that the issue occurs under both x86 and ARM versions of Windows 11, which suggests the problem is independent of the processor architecture. Your troubleshooting was very methodical--fresh installs, disabling updates, and testing on two different platforms--and the results are pretty compelling.

For anyone relying on Dragon 15 with a SpeechMike, sticking with PD 17.0.1 and preventing automatic updates appears to be a reasonable workaround until the issue is addressed. Hopefully others with USB audio devices can chime in and confirm whether they're seeing the same behavior, as that would help narrow down whether this affects all USB microphones or only specific devices.