A superior recording will enable continuous transcription, with few delays caused by repeated playbacks whilst trying to accurately interpret what was said. The advantages of using good quality equipment (and where necessary consumables) cannot be emphasised enough.

If you are considering purchasing an audio recording system, we would definitely recommend that you opt for a digital system. There are many manufacturers offering competitively priced devices, often with the capability of attaching external microphones required for group discussions. Those offered by Olympus and Philips, provide excellent recording quality, with entry level models offering an excellent range of functions at reasonable prices. A sound investment at the outset can result in significant cost savings over a relatively short period of time, and we recommend that you discuss your requirements with an audio specialist before deciding on the system to purchase.

Don’t forget, digital audio recordings offer superior audio clarity. The savings made from transcription costs can mean that the purchase of this equipment will recoup initial outlay expenses within a very short timeframe.

Personal recordings (such as report dictation or one-to-one interviews)
1. Please find a quiet environment in which to make your recording – even radios playing in the background can make a recording virtually impossible to understand. Whenever possible close all doors and windows.
2. For interviews, please ensure that if only one microphone is available, preference is given to placing this near to the interviewee. Since the interviewer has presumably commissioned the transcript, the chances are that the answers given by the interviewee are critical. The questioner probably already knows which question prompted a specific answer and can fill in any gaps that may occur in their own speech.

Conference / Focus Group Recordings
1. Important - ask speakers to introduce themselves before they commence speaking. This will enable us to correctly identify delegates, resulting in an accurate transcript. It is often impossible to determine who is speaking unless this introduction rule is strictly adhered to, failing this the organiser will need to review the transcript upon receipt and insert names, where identifiable. This, of course, is neither an efficient or cost effective solution.
2. Wherever possible, avoid having coffee breaks within the recording period. Noises from crockery, general discussion about beverage choice, etc, and indeed noisy biscuit munching, can all obliterate speech, leaving significant gaps in audio capture.
3. If necessary ask people to speak up or move a microphone closer to these individuals. Background noise is often more apparent on recordings than it seems at the event, and voices can often disappear when delegates are softly spoken.