Audio transcription or interview transcription can be performed by software or by transcribers. Let’s take a closer look at each of these alternatives:
- Audio Transcription Software
You have probably already found some programs developed especially for audio transcription on the internet. When installed on the computer, this software can automatically convert audio files into text. However, although audio recognition techniques have developed a lot in recent times, to date, there is no program capable of replacing the perception that only human beings have.
In other words, there is still no software that can make a transcript with the same quality as the work of a transcriber adequately prepared for the task. And this happens because the audios can have variations that, according to the evaluation of these programs, can be considered insignificant. However, a more attentive and well-trained listener can consider these details to make the transcript reliable and even better. This is the case, for example, of:
- noises
- overlapping speeches
- references to proper names
- lots of people talking
- speeches too slow or too fast
between others.
The Professionals For Audio Transcription
The Independent Professionals
Independent professionals — freelancers or “freelancers” — are self-employed people without a connection to any company. Precisely for this reason, self-employed transcribers may offer less professional transcription services. In that case, you need to be careful. First, such professionals are not always well prepared for the task. Instead of delivering an audio transcription service, they can do simple audio typing. “But what’s the difference?” – you must be asking yourself. Well, the difference is that audio typing does not have the techniques applied in transcription, guaranteeing excellent service.
In addition, they can make all sorts of serious mistakes. For example, when there are unpopular words in the audio, these professionals may use the term “unintelligible” or ignore that part of the recording. Finally, as there is not so much professionalism involved, a contract may not be signed between client and transcriber. This represents a risk since, in this case, independent professionals have no impediment not to delivering their services beyond the agreed deadline.
The Specialized Services
Unlike transcription software and independent professionals, specialist companies offer guaranteed quality audio transcripts. In these businesses, the process usually works: the client submits the audios for evaluation by a team. Based on that, a quote and a deadline for delivery of the transcript are offered. With the proper equipment and sound quality improvements, skilled transcribers can finally begin manual transcription. In this case, using automatic converters is not allowed, and the professional takes, on average, 6 to 8 hours of work for every 1 hour of audio. Once finalized, the work is submitted for a technical review.