How to Get Digital Audio Recordings for Transcription

Transcriptions are made from TV shows, trials and other important meetings as a written record of proceedings. Someone has to listen to hours of recordings and type every word. Digital recorders have improved the process, but equipment and other factors continue to make it difficult to get quality digital audio recordings for transcription. Follow the steps to get a usable recording.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Selection of Equipment

1. Choose a recording device carefully. Know that mini disk players are excellent recorders but they require a transfer of the recordings to a PC, which may be a frustrating and slow process. Know that it is better to use a recorder specifically designed for recording voice.
2. Consider using an external microphone. Know that results come from plugging an external microphone into the recorder. Place that between the interviewee and yourself. Understand that recorders sometimes come with separate microphones that may be clipped to the interviewee's clothing. This may be ideal if you are unconcerned about recording your own words.
3. Check the settings on the recorder. Ask the subject to say a few words that you record to test the equipment. Recorders usually have a level indicator that shows whether the voice is being picked up correctly. Rewind and listen to ensure the words are clear if the recorder does not have a level indicator. Adjust the microphone position as needed.

Prepare for the Interview

4. Select your meeting place carefully. Know that background noise is a key issue of transcription. Expect the quality of the recording to be reduced if you record interviews on a train, a pub or café, a call center, shared office, or in any other noisy environment. Set up interviews in a quiet space such as a person's home. Understand that air conditioning and open windows can cause problems for recorders.
5. Let the interviewee know you want to record the interview. Ask in advance whether your interviewee has an objection to the recording. Understand that the entire interview may be useless if you do not discover objections until beginning the interview.
6. Say introductory information before turning the equipment on, unless you want that transcribed also. Explain background information to the interviewee, such as the topic and purpose of the interview. Cover this first before switching the recorder on if you are doing a series of interviews and you do not want the information repeated on every recording.
7. Think before you speak so you get the interviewee's comments. Listen to him without adding your opinion. Make brief comments to regain control when a interviewee is too talkative. Avoid excessive filler phrases like "yes, I see" and "uh huh." Realize that you obscure the source's important words on the recording each time you comment like this when the source is talking.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to turn the TV off and remove pets from the area. Use a meeting room or private office if possible.
• Check to ensure your recorder will function on a hot day.
• Realize that some transcribers convert the disks to a usable format before transcribing them for you. Expect to pay more for this service. Understand that the conversion process is slow and frustrating to transcribers too.
• Many people record interviews with common dictaphone style recorders. Know that improvements in recording technology make for satisfactory results.
• Consider placing a larger microphone between you and the interviewee if you anticipate problems with the clip-on microphone.

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