1. Use A Good Microphone
Microphones are simple devices that convert sound waves into analog electrical signals and then to digital ones. They have several characteristics and qualities that determine their performance, including frequency response, sensitivity, and more. There are two major types of microphones: dynamic and condenser. Dynamic mics are great for recording loud vocals and instruments in noisy environments, while condenser mics are excellent for studio use. Using a good microphone is one of the most important things you can do to improve your transcription quality. A bad mic can make a huge difference to your audio, especially if you’re recording interviews or vlogs.
2. A Quiet Environment
A quiet environment when recording is one of the most important things you can do to improve your transcription quality. This will help ensure that your audio is clear and free of background noises, and you won’t have to deal with any echoes or other disturbances that can cause errors in your transcription. The sound of breathing, chair shuffling and note-taking can all be amplified during a recording session and can make it hard to transcribe. You can avoid this by making sure that your interviewees are comfortable with the microphone and recording equipment before they begin speaking. This will allow you to place the microphone in a location that is best suited to their voice and tone projection, which will result in superior audio recording.
3. One Sentence At A Time
One of the best ways to make your recordings as accurate as possible is to record each sentence separately. This allows you to spot any typos or grammatical errors and correct them before they go live. The result is a much more polished product. A little extra time and effort can go a long way to improving your transcription accuracy.
4. Take Regular breaks
Transcribing audio for hours at a time can be very tiring, so it’s important to take regular breaks while recording. This will prevent fatigue from affecting your accuracy and help you to produce high-quality work. According to research, taking breaks from a task helps you perform better. However, it is important to choose the right kind of break for your needs. It can be as simple as a quiet moment, or as involved as stretching your legs, or even doing a quick activity that will keep your brain active and engaged.
5. Check Your work
A word error rate (WER) is a good indicator of transcription accuracy, as it calculates the number of grammatical errors, spelling mistakes and other types of typos in a transcript. There are many factors that influence the word error rate, such as the quality of the audio, the number of speakers and how often interjections occur. For example, transcribed audio that is recorded in a specialized subject area will be more difficult to transcribe than general, everyday topics. Whether you’re transcribing interviews, court proceedings or research, accuracy is crucial. It can save time and money, improve your reputation, and earn you more work.