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macOS & iOS Voice Input Setup with Spokenly and ElevenLabs

knowledge/technical/workspacemacosiosproductivityai

Overview

Voice-to-text setup using Spokenly app with ElevenLabs transcription API.

Note: This article was written using the voice input setup described here with Claude Code.

Motivation: Wrist discomfort from prolonged typing/mouse usage led to exploring voice-based interaction with AI coding agents. This setup enables hands-free coding productivity when experiencing RSI symptoms, reducing wrist strain while maintaining development workflow.

Setup Process

Application

  • Spokenly - Lightweight macOS/iOS app that connects to transcription APIs

Transcription API

  • ElevenLabs - Provides the speech-to-text transcription. Excellent voice processing quality.
  • Transcription model: scribe_v2 (non-real-time version, as of 2025-11-23 Spokenly doesn't support real-time for this model)
  • Pricing: Requires at least a Starter plan ($5/month) to use the latest transcription models

Hardware (Optional)

  • External microphone - Only needed for macOS clamshell mode (closed lid)
  • macOS privacy feature disables built-in mic when lid is closed
  • Built-in microphone works fine if using Mac with lid open or on iOS devices
  • Wired earphones work great - tiny mic you can position anywhere on desk

Workflow

  1. Hit your shortcut (e.g., right command key) anywhere you want voice input
  2. Works in any text input field - for me, most commonly used in Claude Code input area
  3. Local storage: Original audio files and transcribed text with timestamps saved locally
    • Fun to write scripts analyzing your own voice patterns and word usage

Use Cases by Frequency

1. Most frequent - Default setup

  • Wired earphones mic positioned at comfortable spot on desktop
  • Tiny, convenient, always ready
  • Primary workflow

2. Second - Night time

  • Hold microphone with hand
  • Allows speaking quietly while keeping clarity
  • When need to minimize noise

3. Least frequent - Hand fatigue backup

  • Use bottle or other objects as mic stand
  • Only when hands uncomfortable from holding
  • Should rarely occur

Voice input setup