---
title: "Prepare local voice input"
description: "Local transcription needs a ready speech model, a usable microphone and the relevant macOS permissions."
slug: "prepare-local-voice"
category: "getting-started"
language: en
editorial_status: published
capability_status: available
reviewed_at: 2026-10-13
keywords: ["local transcription setup","CueSpec speech model","voice readiness"]
---

# Prepare local voice input

Local transcription needs a ready speech model, a usable microphone and the relevant macOS permissions. A connected text-refinement server is not required for the raw local transcription path.

## Establish readiness
Open CueSpec settings and inspect the status overview. Check the local model’s readiness separately from service health and account state. Complete the model preparation shown by the app and wait for readiness before recording a useful draft.

Choose a predictable input device. Start with a familiar computer microphone or headset rather than an unverified glasses connection. Record one short sentence and inspect the resulting text. If a headset disconnects during the test, recheck which device is capturing audio before continuing.

## Use a controlled sentence
Try “List three options, but do not edit files.” Confirm that the number and the negative instruction survive transcription. A sentence that sounds clear to you can still produce a materially different request.

First successful transcription verifies that specific setup and sentence. It does not establish whisper accuracy in an office, resistance to other voices, or readiness of optional cloud refinement. If speech is absent, fix the input path first; if speech is present but words are wrong, move to accuracy troubleshooting. Keep these failure classes separate so you do not repeatedly download a model for an unrelated microphone problem.

## Related reading

- [Transcription takes longer than expected](/transcription-slow/)
- [Local transcription and optional text refinement](/transcription-vs-refinement/)
- [What can be local and what needs a connection](/offline-scope/)
- [CueSpec product facts at a glance](/product-facts/)