Audio transcription is a common requirement in various sectors like legal, academics, insurance, law, banking, media and more. For example, legal firms need audio transcription for converting recordings of complex court proceedings to comprehendible text format. Likewise, other such support to document meetings, video conferences, phone calls, seminars, and so on, and improve accessibility, sharing and retention. Today, there are advanced AI-powered software tools that boost the ease and speed of transcription of live or recorded audio or videos into text. Audio transcription services can improve the accuracy of machine-generated documentation.
Audio transcription tools that you should give a try in 2022
Text distribution channels outnumber audio distribution channels and text documents require only small bandwidth. With the help of transcription tools, audio files can be converted into text and repurposed into different formats like whitepapers, reports, blogs, articles, and more. Let’s take a look at the top transcription tools available today.
- The FTW Transcriber
The software is compatible with both Windows and Android operating systems. Professional transcribers can rely upon this software as it offers features like automatic timestamps and enhanced audio quality. The tool can be downloaded freely and can be used on smartphones and tablets. It has a bookmark feature and is compatible with all word processors.
- Transcribe
This is a speech to text software that can convert interviews, audio notes, meetings, speeches and lectures to over 80+ languages. It offers two options for transcription. One is transcribing your file by typing it out and the other option is by using Transcribe’s dictation feature which converts voice with the help of voice recognition. It securely preserves the confidentiality of the data.
- Otter
Otter.ai translates speech to text using artificial intelligence and machine learning. The software shows captions for live speakers and we can record audio from our phone or any web browser to transcribe it. Along with the text, the software adds speaker ID’s, notes and images. This eliminates the need of third party tools for simple enhancements.
Products of Otter are:
- Otter Live Meeting Notes
- Otter for Teams
- Otter for Education
- Otter Live Notes for Zoom
- oTranscribe
This free tool is ideal to transcribe recorded interviews. The software has the feature of easily navigating through the transcript. The transcribed text version is exported to Google docs, Markdown or Plain Text and will be saved automatically in the browser’s storage. With interactive timestamping, the transcripts are easily navigable.
- Trint
The AI tool can be used for both personal and business purposes. The tool can convert the audio files into 31 different languages of the text version. Each word of the file will be converted into text and the text needs to be edited to make it accurate. It has the option of adding markers, and speaker names and leaving comments for specific sections.
- Happy Scribe
The software caters to transcription and subtitle needs. It is compatible for 60 different languages. It has speakers and timestamps with personalized vocabulary. Happy Scribe can work in tandem with your proofreaders and editors in a single platform.
- Amberscript
The audio file can be converted automatically to text. Subtitles can be added automatically to the video with a subtitle generator. The speech recognition engine processes the request once the audio file is uploaded. There is an online text editor with which the text can be edited and exports the transcript in Text, SRT and VTT.
- Express Scribe
The software has keyboard hotkeys and pedal support to transcribe audio file faster. It is compatible with wide range of formats including encrypted dictated files. Express Scribe can work well with Microsoft Word and FastFox Text Expander. The transcribed file can be automatically forwarded to the client to save time.
Advantages of Using Audio Transcription Tools
- Transcribing audios is a tedious task and these advanced tools can ease the job and help you complete it faster
- Cost-effective with enhanced accuracy and security
- Effectively removes the verbal debris
However, when it comes to accuracy, automated transcription tools may not measure up to the audio transcription services provided by a reliable company. This is because technology cannot understand clarity and nuances and conveying these aspects in the transcript is essential for readers to understand the written text. Transcription tools may misinterpret certain words and this can lead to wrong spelling, which will lead to the intended message being unclear or even inaccurate. The software takes time to learn and understand nuances and relying on one particular software can lead to errors in the transcript.
Bottom line
Technological advancement in the field of AI has eased tedious audio transcription tasks. Professional human transcriptionists are essential if you are looking to achieve 99% accuracy. Even if you use automated transcription, have your work checked by a digital transcription service provider to get a highly accurate and clean final text transcript.
