Simple Recording Tips to Improve Audio Quality

The need for fast turnaround time is what drives most to use an automatic transcription service over other alternatives. People know that a speech-to-text service is not only faster than DIY but also more affordable than hiring a professional. However, what a lot of people don’t consider is how audio quality affects transcript accuracy. With this in mind, it’s important to make sure the audio you intend to convert into a transcript is recorded as clearly as possible.

There are some simple recording tips to improve audio quality, which will, in turn, increase the accuracy of your transcripts.

Here are a few things to keep in mind for future recordings:

1. Record in a quiet setting — Avoid a lot of background noise. Things like music, traffic, and the buzz of a busy coffee shop will make it difficult to sort the words you speak from what’s going on behind you.
2. Speak clearly, loudly, and slowly — If it’s accuracy you’re looking for, enunciate your words a little more than you would in a normal conversation.
3. Avoid talking over the other person —  If there do happen to be multiple people involved in a recorded conversation, make sure that people are not talking over one another.
4. Invest in quality recording equipment — It doesn’t have to be expensive, but a dedicated mic or recording device will go a long way in improving audio quality. You could also opt to use our app for iOS or Android.

If you aren’t sure if the audio you have is a good fit for automated transcription, ask yourself:

• Is the background noise-free?
• Are speakers close to the mic?
• Is conversation free of overtalk?

If you can answer yes to these three questions, chances are you’re in good shape. 

Wrap-up

Transcript quality depends heavily on your audio quality. Follow these simple steps to ensure that your next transcript is a usable one. While automatic transcription is not perfect, it can get pretty close to capturing everything that is said in a clearly recorded conversation. And for any errors that do come through, our editing tool is an easy way to make corrections, name speakers, and customize your format.