
Capture Ideas the Moment They Happen
The Micro-Speak Plus 1GB Yellow is a digital voice recorder from Talking Products, designed specifically for educational use and built with the needs of dyslexic, neurodivergent, and SEND learners firmly in mind. For any child who can speak more fluently than they can write, it removes the bottleneck between thinking and recording -- one press of a large tactile button and the idea is captured, ready to be listened to, built on, or used as the foundation for written work.
Simple to Use, Packed With Features
Despite its compact size (105 x 60 x 25mm), the Micro-Speak Plus is packed with features that matter in a classroom or home learning environment. The five large tactile buttons cover every function a child needs: Record, Play/Pause, Next, Previous, and Volume Control. The built-in speaker gives instant playback without headphones, while the 3.5mm earphone socket supports personal listening when needed. The LCD display with backlight shows recording status clearly. The device charges via USB-C and transfers files to both PC and Mac.
- 15 hours of high-quality MP3 recording: 1GB micro SD card included, with 128kbps sample rate for clear, reliable audio
- Large tactile buttons: Record, Play/Pause, Next, Previous, and Volume Control -- easy for children with fine motor difficulties to operate
- Built-in speaker and 3.5mm earphone socket: flexible playback for group or individual use
- Spoken prompts and beeps: audio feedback assists blind and low-vision users independently
- USB-C connectivity: recharges and transfers files to PC and Mac
- Expandable storage: the SD card slot accepts a larger card for additional recording time
- Rechargeable lithium battery: charges via the included USB-C cable -- no disposable batteries needed
- Compact and portable: 105 x 60 x 25mm, light enough to carry in a bag or pocket
For Schools and Classrooms
The Micro-Speak Plus is a practical classroom resource for SENCOs, class teachers, and teaching assistants supporting learners across Key Stage 1 through to post-16. It supports "talk for writing" approaches, allowing pupils to record spoken ideas before attempting written work -- a method that significantly reduces the cognitive load for dyslexic learners and those with working memory difficulties. It can be used to record oral assessments and speaking evidence for moderation, practise foreign language pronunciation, capture classroom discussions and debates, or support reluctant speakers in building confidence before an audience. Its simple interface means minimal teacher preparation is needed before handing it to a pupil, and the wipe-clean plastic casing makes it robust for everyday school use.
For Parents and Home Use
At home, the Micro-Speak Plus gives children an independent way to record ideas, plan stories, rehearse scripts, or simply capture thoughts before they disappear. For parents supporting a dyslexic or neurodivergent child with homework, it offers a practical way to separate the thinking stage from the writing stage -- children can record everything they want to say first, then use the recording to draft their written work. The rechargeable battery and USB-C connection mean it is easy to keep charged, and its small size makes it suitable for taking on trips or to appointments.
Supporting Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD and Autism
For dyslexic learners, the Micro-Speak Plus directly addresses the gap between strong verbal ability and the challenges of written expression, enabling ideas to be captured at the speed of thought rather than at the speed of handwriting. For children with dyspraxia or DCD, the large tactile buttons reduce the fine motor demand of the device, making it operable with minimal precision. For children with ADHD, the one-press recording means ideas are captured instantly before working memory drops them -- no menus, no delays, no lost thoughts. For autistic learners, the device supports predictable, structured oral work such as rehearsing scripts, practising social communication scenarios, and recording evidence of spoken language development over time.
Add the Micro-Speak Plus 1GB Yellow to your basket for fast UK delivery from The Dyslexia Shop. If you would like advice on whether this is the right tool for your child or school, please get in touch with our team.
- Model number: MIC-1GB-APY
- Colour: Yellow
- Recording format: MP3 at 128kbps sample rate
- Recording time: 15 hours of high-quality recording from the included 1GB micro SD card
- Memory: 1GB micro SD card included; SD card slot accepts a larger card for extended recording time
- Buttons: 5 large tactile function buttons -- Record, Play/Pause, Next, Previous, Volume Control
- Microphone: built-in
- Speaker: built-in for immediate playback
- Headphone socket: 3.5mm earphone socket for personal listening
- Display: LCD with backlight
- Connectivity: USB-C socket for file transfer (PC and Mac compatible) and charging
- Battery: rechargeable lithium battery; charges via USB-C
- USB cable included: USB-A to USB-C, 0.5m length
- Accessibility: spoken prompts and audio beeps for blind and low-vision users (battery level, recording status, file deletion)
- Dimensions: approximately 105 x 60 x 25mm
- Age suitability: primary school age and above; also suitable for secondary, post-16, and adult learners
- Brand: Talking Products Ltd
- Built for dyslexic and SEND learners. Bridges the gap between spoken ideas and written work -- one press captures a thought instantly, reducing cognitive load for dyslexic, ADHD, and dyspraxic learners.
- Large tactile buttons, simple to operate. Five clearly defined function buttons designed for children with fine motor difficulties, low vision, or those who find complex technology frustrating.
- 15 hours of clear MP3 recording. High-quality 128kbps audio on a 1GB included micro SD card, with a slot for a larger card if more recording time is needed.
- Ready for school and home. Supports talk for writing, oral assessments, speaking and listening activities, foreign language practice, and home learning -- all from one compact device.
- Spoken prompts for independent use. Built-in audio feedback guides blind and low-vision users without needing to read the display, making it genuinely inclusive.
What's in the Box
- 1 x Micro-Speak Plus 1GB Yellow digital voice recorder
- 1 x 1GB micro SD card (pre-installed)
- 1 x USB-A to USB-C cable, 0.5m length
Warranty
[UNVERIFIED -- please confirm warranty period with Talking Products Ltd. This does not affect your statutory rights.]
Power and Batteries
Built-in rechargeable lithium battery. Charges via the included USB-A to USB-C cable. A USB mains adapter is not included but is available as an optional accessory from Talking Products (sold separately).
Compatibility
Transfers audio files via USB-C to both PC (Windows) and Mac (macOS). Supports playback of MP3 audio files. The SD card slot accepts a standard micro SD card; a larger capacity card can be added to provide additional recording time beyond the included 1GB.
Care and Cleaning
Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth. Do not submerge in water. Keep away from extreme heat and moisture.
Accessibility Notes
The Micro-Speak Plus includes built-in spoken prompts and audio beeps to assist blind and low-vision users. These prompts announce battery level, recording status, and file deletion without requiring the user to read the display. Large tactile function buttons make the device operable with minimal fine motor precision. The 3.5mm earphone socket supports personal listening for users in shared or quiet environments.
Please note: this item may be supplied VAT exempt for users who are registered blind or partially sighted. Please contact The Dyslexia Shop before ordering if this applies.
Delivery and Returns
Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details.
- What is the Micro-Speak Plus 1GB Yellow?
The Micro-Speak Plus 1GB Yellow is a compact digital voice recorder from Talking Products, designed for educational use with children and learners who have dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, autism, or broader SEND. It records up to 15 hours of high-quality MP3 audio on the included 1GB micro SD card, features five large tactile buttons for easy one-handed operation, and connects to PC and Mac via USB-C. It is used widely in schools and homes to support speaking and listening, talk for writing, oral assessments, and independent idea capture. - How does the Micro-Speak Plus help children with dyslexia?
For dyslexic learners, the Micro-Speak Plus bridges the gap between strong verbal ideas and the challenge of written expression. Rather than struggling to hold thoughts in mind while writing, a child can record everything they want to say first, then use the playback to structure and draft their written work. This "talk for writing" approach is well-established as an effective strategy for dyslexic pupils and can be used for story planning, essay preparation, or any writing task where oral fluency outpaces written output. - Is the Micro-Speak Plus suitable for children with dyspraxia?
Yes. The five large tactile function buttons are designed to be straightforward to operate without precise fine motor control, making the Micro-Speak Plus a practical choice for children with dyspraxia or developmental coordination disorder (DCD). The simple layout -- Record, Play/Pause, Next, Previous, Volume -- means children can use it independently without needing to navigate menus or small controls. It also supports the shift away from handwriting as the primary means of capturing ideas. - How does a voice recorder help children with ADHD?
Children with ADHD often have strong ideas but struggle to hold them in working memory long enough to write them down. The Micro-Speak Plus allows an idea to be captured in the moment with a single button press -- no menus, no delays. This reduces the frustration of losing thoughts mid-task and supports the planning and sequencing stage of writing. It can also be used to record instructions or reminders that a child can replay when they lose track of what they are supposed to be doing. - Can the Micro-Speak Plus support autistic learners?
Yes. The Micro-Speak Plus supports autistic learners in a number of ways. It enables structured, rehearsed oral work such as practising scripts, preparing for conversations, or recording social communication activities. It can form part of a predictable classroom routine, and the audio feedback (spoken prompts and beeps) provides reliable, consistent cues that some autistic learners find helpful. It can also be used to record and replay instructions in a child's own voice as a memory and organisation aid. - How is the Micro-Speak Plus used in school?
In school, the Micro-Speak Plus has a wide range of applications: talk for writing (recording ideas before drafting), oral assessments and speaking evidence, foreign language practice, recording classroom discussions and debates, role-play and drama rehearsal, field trip recordings, and supporting reluctant speakers in building confidence. SENCOs and class teachers use it as a targeted intervention tool as well as a whole-class resource. Its simple interface means children can operate it independently with minimal adult support. - What recording quality does the Micro-Speak Plus offer?
The Micro-Speak Plus records in MP3 format at 128kbps, providing high-quality audio that captures speech clearly. The included 1GB micro SD card provides up to 15 hours of recording time at this quality level. If more storage is needed, the SD card slot accepts a larger micro SD card to extend recording time further. - How does the Micro-Speak Plus connect to a computer?
The Micro-Speak Plus connects to both PC (Windows) and Mac (macOS) via the included USB-A to USB-C cable. Once connected, recordings can be downloaded to a computer for storage, sharing, use in presentations, or submission as oral assessment evidence. The device also charges via the same USB-C connection. - Is the Micro-Speak Plus suitable for home use as well as school?
Yes. The Micro-Speak Plus is well suited to home learning. Children can use it to plan and rehearse written work, capture thoughts during reading or research, practise reading aloud and track their own progress, or simply record ideas before they are forgotten. The rechargeable battery and compact size (105 x 60 x 25mm) make it easy to keep charged and carry between home and school.