Monologue works with any microphone your Mac recognizes. With a good setup, you’ll get faster, more accurate transcriptions.
During initial setup, you'll see a dedicated microphone testing screen:
Visual Microphone Test
You'll see "Let's check your microphone" as the screen title
Below it shows your current microphone: Usually "Auto Detect" (uses system default microphone)
A dropdown menu lets you change devices if you have multiple microphones
The prompt asks: "Say something—do you see the wave reacting?"
Speak normally and watch for visual feedback showing your microphone is working
Click "Continue" when you see the wave responding to your voice
💡 What to expect: Visual wave patterns should appear when you speak, confirming your microphone is active and detecting sound
Choosing Your Microphone
Default Option: Auto Detect
Best for most users — automatically uses your Mac's default audio input
Includes built-in microphone on MacBooks and iMacs
Automatically switches when you connect headphones or external mics
No configuration needed — works immediately
Manual Device Selection
If you have multiple microphones, use the dropdown to choose:
Built-in microphone (laptops and all-in-ones) — recommended for fastest response
Wired headphones — recommended for fastest response
USB microphone (recommended for better quality)
Audio interface (for professional recording setups)
Bluetooth headset or AirPods — convenient, but expect a slight starting delay due to wireless connection
A note on Bluetooth: Wireless mics like AirPods or Bluetooth headsets can have a small delay when recording starts. For the fastest experience, use your built-in mic or wired headphones.
Advanced Microphone Settings
After initial setup, access detailed settings in Monologue→Settings→ "Mic & audio" tab:
Audio Level Monitoring
Watch the visual feedback during the microphone test
Speak normally and observe the wave animation
Waves should be clearly visible when you speak at normal volume
Troubleshooting the Microphone Test
No wave animation appears:
Check if your microphone is muted in system settings
Try speaking louder - the test needs clear audio input
Select a different microphone from the dropdown if available
Grant microphone permissions if prompted
Wave is very small or barely visible:
Move closer to your microphone (6-8 inches is ideal)
Speak louder without shouting
Check your Mac's Sound Input settings to increase input volume
Make sure you're facing the microphone directly
Audio cuts in and out:
Check for background noise that might interfere
Ensure stable connection for wireless/Bluetooth microphones
Try a wired microphone for more reliable connection
Audio Enhancement Options
Once setup is complete, these additional options are available in Monologue Settings:
Sound Effects
Enable audible feedback when starting/stopping:
Toggle "Sound effects" in Mic & Audio settings
Provides confirmation when recording begins and ends
Music Interruption
Choose how Monologue handles other audio:
None: Keep other audio playing
Mute: Mute system volume while recording
Pause: Pause other audio playback while recording
Silence Detection
Enable "Trim silence automatically" to:
Remove quiet sections before transcription
Ignore fully silent recordings
Improve processing efficiency
Input Device Management
Change microphone: Select different input devices in preferences
Monitor levels: Real-time audio level indicators
System integration: Automatically detects new devices when connected
Recommended Microphones
For Different Use Cases
Everyday use: Built-in microphone or AirPods (included with your devices) Remote work: Blue Yeti Nano ($99) - clear conference calls and dictation
Content creation: Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB ($169) - versatile and portable
Professional: Shure SM7B ($399) - broadcast quality for serious work
Wireless freedom: Rode Wireless GO II ($299) - for mobile recording