Fact · Dictation on Mac
Apple's Mac troubleshooting page for Dictation says that if you use an external microphone, you should make sure its input volume is sufficient.
Checked against its source on October 16, 2026
In the source's own words
“If you’re using an external microphone, make sure its input volume is sufficient.”
Use Dictation on Mac (Mac User Guide), Apple Inc., Apple Support, macOS User Guide, n.d., Dictation troubleshooting section.
Open the original- What it measures
- The sentence follows Apple's instruction to connect an external microphone when the Mac has no internal microphone and to select it in Sound or Keyboard settings.
- What it does not show
- Apple does not give a level or a number for sufficient input volume. Set it by testing your own voice in the same room.