UPDATED 18 MAY 2026: A clear recording is vitally important when obtaining transcripts as it impacts on the quality of the transcript. Quality, speed, and accuracy of audio transcription depend hugely on the clarity of the audio used for transcription.
Here are some tips which will help you achieve this result.
Interviews
- Background Noise
Record in a quiet place. Try to be alone a quiet place while recording; and if you are at work ask your staff and colleagues not to disturb you. Coffee shops are NOT great places to record. Try to keep away from traffic sounds which generally add to the background noise. A soundproof room is a good idea; but if this is not available you can place things like heavy curtains, furniture and carpets to absorb noise. If, however, a noise DOES occur, please repeat what was said during the interview. Please record one minute of silence before the interview begins. This will allow the transcriber to identify and cut out ambient sound using their software.
- Multiple Voices
If there is more than one person in the room while recording, make sure that they stay calm while you are recording. Do not let people speak at once and ask people to identify themselves before they speak. It’s also important to make sure that the listener understands what is being said. If everyone talks at once, the transcript will suffer.
- External Microphones
Use good quality microphones, preferably, external microphones for better recording quality. These microphones are good at recording even very small sounds so keep away from external noise and chatter.
- Pace of speech
Ensure that you speak steadily and comfortably and in a consistent tone. So, if you have a habit of speaking quickly, please speak slowly.
- Trial Recordings
It’s a great idea to do a trial run before the actual interview. Go to the place where you’re going to record and make a recording of about five minutes. Have a listen to it and if there is any major noise or interference you can make plans to correct this. You can also send it to your transcriptionist for comment.
Meetings
- Background Noise
It’s difficult to ensure a completely quiet space to record if you are in a busy office, but there are steps you can take, for example simply asking people to be quiet, and turning off fans, sound systems and air conditioners. Please record one minute of silence (ambient sound) before the interview begins. This will allow the transcriber to identify and cut out ambient sound using their software.
- Multiple Voices
Please ask each speaker to clearly identify themselves at the beginning of the meeting and when they speak for the first time. Please also provide the transcriber with full details of each speaker and their role in the meeting.
Please see points 3 – 5 above