Willow Voice supports any microphone input connected to your Mac, and setting it up right can make a huge difference in the accuracy and speed of your dictation.
How microphone setup works
You can choose which microphone to use in the Willow Voice settings. Just open the app, go to Settings → Microphone, and you’ll see a list of available input devices.
Once you select a microphone, Willow will automatically use that input whenever it’s available. For example, if you’re using the built-in mic but then connect your AirPods to listen to music, we’ll continue using the built-in mic unless you’ve explicitly chosen your AirPods as your dictation mic (which we don't recommend).
Built-in mic vs. external mics
Most Macs have high-quality built-in microphones. If you're not using an external mic, we strongly recommend sticking with the built-in mic. In fact, it often outperforms wireless headphone mics (like AirPods) which can sound tinny or muffled—leading to lower accuracy in your transcriptions.
If you do have a high-quality external microphone (like a USB mic or desktop boom mic), definitely use it. You'll notice even sharper results and better pickup in quiet or noisy environments.
Some quick microphone tips
Try not to speak too far from your mic. Staying within a few inches helps a lot.
Avoid loud background noise if you can. Things like music, fans, or people talking nearby can reduce accuracy.
For best results, use a stable, high-quality mic input and stick with it.
If you’re using Bluetooth headphones, expect occasional drop-offs in mic quality. Wired or built-in is usually better.
Need to troubleshoot?
If you’re not sure your mic is working correctly, or if dictation quality drops unexpectedly, double check your microphone input in the Willow settings. You can also visit System Settings → Sound → Input on your Mac to make sure your preferred mic is selected and working properly.
Still having trouble? You can always reach out via [email protected]