Transcription is the conversion of speech (either live or recorded) into a written or electronic text document. With the technology of today, clients can have almost anything transcribed through online delivery. Uploaded recordings can be transcribed within minutes to months depending on client need and budget.
We transcribe from one minute to thousands of hours. Our bulk transcription services are provided to clients who require one time or ongoing transcription jobs with anywhere from 10 hours to 10,000 audio / video hours, or even more. Clients who typically require bulk transcriptions include the following:
We transcribe from many formats including dss, mp3, wav, mov, mp4, aiff, mpeg4, wma, and more. We recommend that recordings be in mp3 format or converted into mp3 when possible. We have a range of software for converting newer audio and video file formats more recently popular through the use of iphones, android and other operating or recording systems.
Yes, we do provide a number of industry-specific transcription services. Our contracted transcriptionists are familiar with industry-specific terminology. Industries for which we transcribe generally include the following:
We offer an express turn-around (under 24 hours) to 1 month and beyond, with a number of options in between. Request a quote of our transcription service to receive all the relevant turn-around options and rates.
The best method is to upload your audio or video file directly through our website by selecting the ‘upload’ menu option and following the instructions provided.
Our team is as real as they come! No voice recognition software here. We have real people transcribing, proofing, editing and reviewing your documents to ensure the files are transcribed correctly.
We will email you the completed transcript in a Word document.
The transcriber will replace the word with an explanation such as (inaudible) or (overspeaking). The more keywords and speaker names you can provide the better and, if possible, a link to a website which will give the transcriber some background information would also be useful.
We will tackle poor quality audio as best we can, but please be aware that the transcripts may not be as detailed or accurate as a result. If we feel that an audio file is of such poor quality that you will not get any benefit at all from the transcription, then we will advise you before we start the work.
If you find any errors, we will amend and thoroughly check the transcript once more. We guarantee excellent accuracy and strive to produce high quality and beneficial transcripts, which are fully checked for quality before being returned to you.
After having sent you your transcripts for the given project, we will then send you an invoice by email. Invoices are submitted on a rolling basis for ongoing work. Payment terms are due immediately upon completion, unless account facilities have been agreed upon. Payment terms for clients with accounts are strictly within 14 days of the invoice date, unless otherwise established. For private individuals, payment of cleared funds is required upfront before we will commence the transcription process. VAT is added in all invoice totals at the prevailing rate.
Whether you are recording a simple dictation, or a multiple-speaker focus group, selecting the right recording equipment is an essential part of creating a high quality audio file and producing the most accurate transcription.
Digital Recording Equipment
Although analogue recording equipment is still available, we strongly recommend that you always purchase digital recording equipment. Digital recording devices will produce superior sound quality, will be more compact, easier to upload to your computer and take up less space on your online storage or hard drive. Digital recording equipment will eliminate the need for buying cassettes and mini discs that have to be converted to a digital file – which will often lose sound quality, especially if you are doing it yourself. It also means that you no longer have to mail your sound files to your selected transcription service, saving you a significant amount of time and money.
Taking the time to select the best and most appropriate recording equipment that suits your needs will save a significant amount of time and money in the long run, as badly recorded audio can be a nightmare to transcribe and will prove much more expensive when compared to clear audio files. If you are going to take the time to record important audio, you will need to be able to hear it clearly. Please do not compromise on quality when it comes to purchasing your recording equipment, as this really is a false economy and will cost more in the long-run, especially if you intend to make recordings on a regular basis.
Choosing your recording equipment – Selecting the right equipment depending on your needs.
Recording Clear Dictation
Recording dictation requires the least amount of equipment and should be fairly straightforward (as long your audio is being recorded in a quiet environment). Digital Dictaphones are widely available and at affordable prices. Just be sure that you select a dictaphone that is user-friendly and can transfer files easily to your computer for a hassle-free upload. It can also be worthwhile to select a device that records in MP3 format, as these are one of the smallest type of audio files and can reduce upload times and storage space on your computer.
iPhones, iPads and Android devices can also be used to record dictations, but please be sure there is minimum background noise and that you speak directly into the microphone. The type of device is often extremely convenient for recording dictations, as it means that you do not have to purchase new equipment, and the files produced are generally small. Uploading files to your computer is straightforward, and files can be easily sent to your chosen transcription company via applications such as DropBox, or even emailed directly to your transcription service (provided they are no longer than 15 minutes).
Recording Clear Interviews
When recording one-on-one interviews, it is recommended that you purchase not only a good quality digital recording device, but also at least one external microphone (either a bidirectional or omnidirectional microphone). iPhones, iPads and Android devices are not suitable for recording a one-on-one interviews, as these will not produce suitable quality audio.
Focus Groups and Seminars
Focus groups and seminars can prove extremely difficult to record clearly and will always require a high quality recording device, along with additional microphones (one for each speaker if possible). Although omnidirectional microphones are designed to pick up sound from all directions, they are not ideal for focus groups or seminars, due to the fact that they pick up a substantial amount of background noise, including side conversations and noisy movements (which are extremely common during focus groups!). We recommend that you provide each member of the group with their own microphone, especially if this type of audio is common in your line of work. This will ensure that your recording is clear and that you receive the most accurate transcription. Although it can be tempting and seem like a good idea, do not attempt to use one microphone and direct from person to person, as this often causes more background noise rather than picking up the audio you want!
Telephone Recordings
Please be sure to purchase the proper equipment to record any telephone interview or conference. It is not sufficient to hold a microphone or Dictaphone up to the earpiece of the telephone. Also, do not record audio from your speakerphone, as doing so will only produce a recording that is inaudible and most likely untranscribable! Call recording adapters can be purchased at relatively little cost and will produce far superior recordings.
Recording iPhone and Android Calls
We have heard that you can record incoming iPhone and Android calls using The Google Voice app (registration is required).
Recording Online Conferences (Skype calls and Google Hangouts)
Online calls and video conferencing are becoming more and more popular. Skype and Google plus (to name a couple) are often used for both one-on-one calls and online conferences. Provided that you have a decent microphone on your computer, the audio quality is satisfactory. Recording software can be purchased and downloaded at very little cost (sometimes free) and Google plus video conferences can even be uploaded directly to YouTube (which can be set to private), meaning you can simply provide your transcription service provider a link in order for them to download and transcribe your conference or call.
