Stenomask

A stenomask is a voice recording device used to create clear audio recordings in environments with significant ambient noise. It is a close-talking microphone enclosed within a sound-dampening mask, typically held close to the user's mouth. The mask serves to isolate the speaker's voice and minimize the recording of extraneous sounds, such as traffic, background conversations, or equipment noise.

Stenomasks are commonly employed in various professional settings where high-quality audio capture is critical despite challenging acoustic conditions. These settings include:

• Legal professions: Court reporters often use stenomasks to create accurate transcripts of courtroom proceedings.
• Law enforcement: Police officers and detectives may utilize stenomasks during interviews or interrogations conducted in noisy environments.
• Broadcast journalism: Reporters working in the field may use stenomasks to record interviews or reports from locations with significant background noise.
• Medical transcription: Some medical transcriptionists employ stenomasks for transcribing dictated notes in environments with distractions.

The design of a stenomask typically includes a microphone positioned close to the mouth, coupled with a sound-absorbing material that surrounds the microphone. The mask may be made of materials like foam, rubber, or plastic, which effectively attenuate external noise. The user speaks directly into the mask, ensuring that the microphone primarily captures their voice, resulting in a cleaner and more intelligible recording.