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Look at Audio Advantage by Turtle Beach

Posted By: me on 2007-03-17
In Reply to: Sound card recommendations? - Sue

It is a USB thing that looks like a flash drive and it bypasses the sound card.  It has lots of settings to adjust to improve sound.   I got it and didn't think it made much difference, but then didn't use it for a couple of days and realized that it did make a difference.  I got mine at Best Buy for about $30.  There have 3 different levels and I think Audio Advantage is the middle one (which was the only one they had at Best Buy).  You can Google Audio Advantage by Turtle Beach and probably find their website. 


Creative is a good brand of sound card and likely it isn't the sound card that is the problem, just poor quality dictation.  The USB thing above will help, but if you don't have good dictation to work work, you can only do so much.   If you don't have them also try noise-cancelling headphones.  They are rather pricey, though can probably get a good pair for about $60 or less on sale, and they make a significant difference too. 




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Try Turtle Beach

Audio Advantage.  Essentially it is an external sound card.  Plugs into USB port and then your headphones plug into it.  I have had one for about a year and cant live without it.  My problem is so called "secret" dictators.  A lot of my docs think their dictation is a secret or something and talk so low that I simply cannot hear them.  The Turtle Beach does wonders for them.  There are tons of options to play with that helps clear up noise too.  One warning though, it will render your speakers useless and you only have sound through your headphones unless you uninstall it.


I use a Turtle Beach device.

It plugs into the back of the computer and enhances the volume as well as the quality of sound.  But I needed to get an extender from Radio Shack since it plugs in the back (but if you have any USB jacks in front, that would work too). 


http://www.turtlebeach.com/products/micro/home.aspx


http://www.radioshack.com/sm-8-ft-computer-speaker-cable-1-8-jack-to-1--pi-2102967.html


 


Possible solution for the turtle dictators
Charge by the minute of dictation...

How much? Easy. Decide what you want to make per hour. Assume at least 50 minutes in any hour should be productive (interruptions, etc.) Since every minute of dictation takes roughly three times as long to transcribe, you are looking at 17-18 minutes of dictation that can be transcribed in hour (give or take depending on particulars).

So, using round figures, if you charge $1.00 per minute of dictation, you'd made $17-18/hour in the above scenario. $1.25/minute of dictation is $21.25, etc.

OK! I have to check my math - I just got up! But I think that's about right.

If/when I ever go back to my own clients, that's the way I'll set up fees: By the minute - based on difficulty/ease of the dictator and/or specialty.

This way the dictator can control costs, and there is no question/hassle about invoice - they can see how much time they submitted for transcription.

What about the fast dictators? Higher per minute rate. Sample the dictation and base the rate on charateristics of the dictator.



Cat: Kingston, Turtle: Mr. Tumnis, Beta Fish: Henry
nm
MT Advantage anyone?

I have to get some additional training and think I might go with MT Advantage.  Anyone have any experience with them?


Or, any other suggestions perhaps?


do you know someone who took advantage?

What process would I have to go through?  I'll talk to the director at my school, maybe she can help too.  As for the spelling, I think MTs are some of the worst spellers because we're used to the luxury of a spell checker.  Not bad spellers just lazy spellers.


One advantage we MTs have over - sm


most other people in that we know how to WRITE.  A friend of mine used to call it "The Power of the Pen", and it's true.  Even when you don't get the exact response you wanted when you write a letter, the fact that you were concerned enough to do it at all does NOT go unnoticed.  It raises questions in the minds of those to whom they were written.  And we have to KEEP AT IT.  Some of those with thicker skins (and skulls!) need to be reminded again and again that this country has a big problem with other countries profiting from our generosity, so-called "political correctness", and their general perception of our overall naivete.  With enough talking, blogging, letter-writting, petitioning, and educating of the American public, it might be possible to bring offshoring of American work to the forefront of the next election.  People need to be made aware that NO job is safe. 


It's sickening that big US firms are taxed to the MAX when it comes to offshoring.  What a huge windfall for THEM.  Instead, those of us that they are screwing are expected to pay the taxes that support our country's infrastructure.


If this trend continues the way it has for the past 10+ years or so, there will be no need for another country to take ours over militarily.  We'll all simply be BOUGHT.


 


 


Advantage of Laptops?

Another poster asked how many MTs use laptops, and that got me wondering what the advantage to a laptop would be.  I understand traveling, but it sounds like some use it for home. 


I guess what I'm getting at is that I'm trying to figure out how I can transcribe outside on the back deck with a C-phone and computer (I live in a rural area).  I guess a laptop, extension cords, and moving with the sun would probably be logical, but are there any problems with that scenario that anyone can think of?  Does anyone have any other ideas for outdoor transcription?  I get kind of lonely during the day, so I thought the outdoors might help.  Also, work wants me to transcribe 2 hours before breaking!  Even though I'm new with this company, I haven't met that goal yet.  Thought I would try some new scenery, if it's possible!  ');>


Don't be afraid. Use the law to your advantage. SM

Stop a minute and think about this. What other person on the planet would be allowed to do this to you? Not one. The reason he is allowed to do it is because you let him.


"Tired of working?" Hell, we're all tired of working, but we do it because we have to. You keep your chin up, girlie. Find you a rat-hole and put some money in it. Even if it's a quarter at a time. Save your change, filch from your paycheck. Get a little padding there so you will have some options.


I lived with a horribly abusive man who took advantage of me for 30 years. I'd still be living with him but he's dead. I know I'd never have left.


Don't get me wrong. I adored him, God knows why - I let those "good times" outshine the horrible times and I stayed with him till death did us part - all to the detriment of my poor children. I have a daughter who thinks it's noble to stay with an abusive man. I have a son who, I'm grateful to say, is kind to his SO, but he endured a 10-year relationship with a lying, emotionally abusive girl - all thanks to me.


Do it as soon as you can. If that guy quit his job because he's "tired of working" there's nothing he won't do. Sending a hug. I know where you're coming from.


Do you feel like you are being taken advantage of? (sm)
My guess would be yes.  If they gave you more money, would you feel better about it?  If the answer to that one is yes, then ask for more.  Otherwise, I would have to agree with the other poster who said get out.  There are places that have retirement benefits, and if not, you could always start your own IRA.  That is what I did.   I just feel like there is nothing worse than going to a job everyday feeling like you are not appreciated and being taken advantage of.   Good luck, but check out other places before you actually walk out the door, then decide.
Kinesis Advantage
I just purchased a Kinesis Advantage a few months ago. I LOVE IT. It is sturdy and easy on the hands and wrists, plus my speed has increased! They are expensive, as I paid $300.00, but well worth every single penny.
What is the advantage of having the wrist pad detachable?
x
Kinesis Advantage is my favorite!
If you go to the Kinesis website, you can see if they have a refurbished one and save $60. Depending on how much you use it, it takes a little time to get up to speed with it. However, it has a very light touch and erased any discomfort I was having once I was used to it.

I haven't tried any of the upright keyboards.
Anyone use the Kinesis Advantage keyboard? see msg....
I would really appreciate any kind of feedback on this keyboard.  It's expensive but my hands/wrists/fingers are killing me.  Since I do VR mostly, I'm wondering where the arrow keys are.  Can't tell by the pics on the Kinesis site.  Also, are the keys really low-force and do you think that helps reduce pain and discomfort when typing?  Anything you could tell me, good or bad, before I spend this much money would be so appreciated.

 

Thanks!

I think you have the Kinesis Advantage not the Freestyle...
I know the Advantage is remappable. I have the Freestyle Solo, the one with the two separate halves. I love it so much that I'm going to send it back and have Kinesis remap the delete key for me. There's no "program" key (unfortunately) on this keyboard. But I absolutely LOVE this keyboard. The keys are very low force and using it has totally gotten rid of my achy wrists.
there is an advantage having black snakes
in the basement, as they eat rodents. So keep this in mind.
What do you prefer? Rodents or black snakes?

I just hate both, but if I had to choose I would choose the black snake.
I also have astigmatism and wear Accuvue Advantage as well.
I was told the Accuvue is the best contact lens made and that it might just take a while to get used to it.
I don't experience blurriness, but it feels like the lens moves every time I blink. I can see the outer rim of the lens out of the corner of my eye every time I blink.
When I went in for a followup, they fitted me with several different lenses until I found one I was comfortable with.
Good luck!
advantage of real college is once MT collapses, you can
go back and finish your degree. Can't do that with Andrews, CS, etc.
Having IT provide phrases, sentences is its best advantage. Two words together.
But one word? By the time it arrives in the layout screen, you have typed all but the last letter.

claudicatio - semicolon

of the - bracket

I miss Word's auto correct boohoo
What is the advantage to having a book over using reliable Internet sources?
and yes I KNOW not to believe everything you google, but there are reliable sources.  Why buy a book every year?  Not arguing at all, just want to know your rationale.  Thanks!
I was told by Dell today that the only advantage to the upgrade would better graphics . He said it i

it because it also uses a lot of memory.  I decided to go with Windows XP instead.  Dell is offering a free upgrade to Windows Vista if you purchase one of their systems.   They still gave me a free upgrade option, but I doubt I will use it.


Good Luck.


Way down here now, but I'm GOING TO THE BEACH!
I have cooked for everyone one in my family and everyone in everyone else's family for the past 30 years (on the nose).

This year my daughter and I are heading east to the beach at a quaint motel with a handful of restaurants. I'm thinking stuffed shrimp this year instead of stuffed turkey!!

You have fun RadGuy!!
Yes! And a beach!
:)
Is there still one in Deerfield Beach?
..
Me too!!! The beach is the most relaxing and best!!!
I absolutely love Florida for the same reason, the beach. I'm planning Aruba next year, I simply can't wait!
I did South Beach also -
and lost the tummy area first.  I was absolutely amazed how I was never hungry and didn't crave chips, ice cream and chocolate!  I found it time consuming preparing the meals, but the results were worth it.
Myrtle Beach.
We stayed at the Royal Garden Resort through Dunes Realty (Dunes.com) and had a great time. It cost us about $800 for the week. It was right on the beach and was within driving distance of anything fun.

Hopes this help.
1.88 yesterday in Va Beach, Va.
xx
cranky beach
I would have to agree with you on the tools.  I was semi-retired for six years due to pain syndrome from what they are now calling "repetitive stress syndrome"  MT itis is what I called it.  LOL
Listening to audio again.
You should hear prompts if the C-phone is programmed to allow you the option. "Press
3 to listen...punch in the job number followed by the pound sign." The audio should come back. You need to know what number they used
to program the function and the job number.
and what number they used.
Yes, the net connection comes right up. Get the KVM that allows audio, too, though, so you don't
s
Full audio QA
If you do this, then they need to pay you QA pay in addition to line count pay.
You listen to the audio with
your mouse.  UGH!  I have tested and was a CMT in the past, but for many reasons, I did not renew in 2006.  Recently, I have been thinking of taking the test again.  I have transcribed so many years with that foot pedal that I am really a mess trying to get through an audio file with the mouse and keyboard.  How long in minutes would you say an entire audio was?  Congratulations!  The pay raise you received is a great incentive! 
audio rate
I've never been paid this way, but it seems that you would have about 3600 seconds of audio time. I have typed reports that long before (even ESL at that) and it only took me at most 2 hours, so $20 per hour doesn't sound too bad. Maybe you can up 'em to $50, though, just to be sure you're getting what your worth.
audio rates?
thanks.  I definitely don't want to be shortchanged.  thanks again.
Need help with USB plug, no audio
Just tried a new USB headset and now no audio at all. Did what I was asked to do but noticed under control panel it is not acknowleding the USB, saying SoundMax digital and cannot get the USB to show and also under sounds it says no sounds. I have unplugged several tiems, rebooted several times and have no clue as to how to get sound now. TIA.
Audio Codecs
You have to know which codec was used to compress the file and then you can usually find it and download it. Also, try to play the file in Windows Media Player and it may automatically download the correct codec.
DS2 audio format
Joan, the Bytescribe WavPlayer will play the new Olympus DS2 audio format. If I can help you let me know.
getting good audio
I am finding more and more that companies with their own platforms have pretty substandard audio.  I currently use headsets and alternate with my computer speakers, but the audio is quite bad on the current platform I use.  When using Editscript I find the quality much better.  Any suggestions on how to get better quality of sound perhaps a better headset or some other device. 
$2.39 for regular in Boynton Beach, FL.
x
Sunrise over the beach in Rodanthe, NC
nm
Anyone ever been to Flagler Beach, Florida?

I met my husband of 18 years at the beach.
I was 17 and a Junior in High School when I met the love of my life at the beach. It was wonderful - no alcohol involved and we didn't meet in a bar. We just celebrated our 18th anniversary November 14th, and have two children, a son 16 and a daughter 14.


Myrtle Beach! Nothing to be ashamed of! I would rather go there!!!nm
xx
South Beach Diet
I have had this same problem! I gain too much weight with each pregnancy, then when I finally get it off I have ended up prego again. HA. Well, it won't happen that way again. Anyhow, I did the South Beach Diet between my last 2 kids and lost 54 pounds in just a couple of months (a little over 4). I actually lost my weight in this area first. I am just starting it up again for the same reason, and because I know it works--I have done it before. The first 2 weeks are kind of hard to stick to (at least for me as all my teeth are sweet teeth), but it goes by fast actually and you won't believe when you step on the scale and each day your weight is down and you drop clothing sizes. Just typing this is enough motivation again for me to do it. I didn't exercise the last time and the weight just melted off, so I don't know about any exercises. Good luck to you! :)
South Beach Diet
When I did it the last time they only had the blue book out, now they have cookbooks too and the foods at the store so it will be even easier to stick to. I just bought a treadmill and am sad to say after 15 minutes I am dying! HA.

I have even seen the South Beach books on ebay for cheap. :)
south beach d question
would someone tell me please a few examples of 'good' carbs and 'bad' carbs, and/or what causes them to be good or bad?  Thanks.
My friend got married on the beach...sm

They rented this beautiful place for a week for the wedding and the guests - a huge mansion-type place just for them.


They wore white....she wore flowing cotton white, he wore a white shirt and white shorts, they were barefoot (actually everyone was barefoot) with she wearing foot jewelry.  These are not youngsters either (in their 50s) but a first marriage for my friend (she never found Mr. Right until she found Mr. Right - so happy for her - she deserves it and more).  It was exquisite - everyone else was dressed neat-clean-casual - slacks on women, except for her sister who was Maid of Honor......but it was real casual with the finest of food and drinks :)


I think it's up to the people getting married - never let anyone dictate such a special occasion!!! 


North Myrtle Beach
Having lived at Pawley's Island - this is some really pretty country.  Get out of the car at the Myrtle Beach Sign in the middle of the highway for some photo ops.  Also, for those of you traveling to North Myrtle Beach - please make a short trip (30 minutes with no traffic) down to Pawley's Island and see the Brookgreen Gardens and Hunnington Beach.  There are also a lot of "real" little shops at Pawley's Island with real treasures to find - not cheap souvenier stuff.  You can watch the weavers make the Original Pawley's Island Hammacks.  I know that you are all probably going for either the beach or the golf, but beware that the sewage drains into the ocean up on the Grand Strand and there is usually a daily feces report - so if it is high - don't go into the water.  I hope that ya'll have a great time.  If you get the chance - try some Shrimp and Grits, frogmore stew and some of the other low country delicacies.  You will have a blast.  Remember hurricane insurance, too - in case one is headed that way and you don't want to lose your money on your flight and accommodations. 
South Beach Diet sm
beel ala orange with brown rice and broccoli, carrots, and bamboo shoots...only thing is, they forgot the brown rice...I am still hungry. yarrr.
Does any one know one with a beach and breaker sounds?
Thanks for sharing.  This is the first time I saw something like this.