A superior audio quality speeds up the rate of transcription and makes for a more accurate typed document or transcript. The quality of the recording that you send to your transcriptionist will depend on the recording equipment you use, as well as the recording environment. As long as you are mindful of the factors that influence audio quality and make the necessary adjustments to your environment, the resultant audio quality will be such that it allows for a fluid rate of transcription. Bear in mind that charge rates are adjusted where audio quality is poor.

If you are still in the process of choosing a recording solution, either a computer based solution or a specialised recording device, please ensure that you purchase a solution that is best suited to dictation and one that will produce a file format that is compatible with the software used by transcriptionists. Etranscript provides you with information about both recording devices and file formats in order to assist you in making the best possible choice for your requirements.

When recording dictation, refer to the user manual you received when purchasing your recording device. Make a few trial dictation recordings in order to obtain the best possible audio quality. This will assist us in turning your work around quicker and presenting you with a flawless document.

The obvious noises such as a slamming door or a ringing telephone will render portions of your dictation inaudible. The not-so-obvious noises such as air conditioners, fans, white noise or pink noise will reduce the clarity of voice tones. You are not expected to switch the air conditioner off while you are dictating, merely increasing voice projection will compensate for the muffling effect of these subtle background noises.

It might be necessary for you to dictate while driving, walking, eating, looking after the kids etc (we've heard them all ... dictation recorded on trains, planes and automobiles, airports, bathrooms and restaurants). As long as you remain mindful of the recording environment and compensate where necessary (repeat a phrase that may have been drowned out by a siren or a barking dog), we will be able to transcribe your recording. We will do our best to discern your input and if all else fails, indicators will be inserted for you to fill in the omitted portions.

It may happen that you are not able to find a suitable environment in which to record your dictation. In such instances, merely compensate for noise and interference by increasing voice projection. We will then do what we can with the audio quality that we receive. It will be helpful in such instances to save the audio file in a high resolution sound format such as wav format, which will allow us to process this sound file to gain clarity.

Pointers when Recording Dictation

Pause dictation if your desk telephone or cell phone rings, especially if these are set to ring at maximum volume.
Increase voice projection in noisy environments.
If dictating while driving, kindly pause dictation to allow the siren of an emergency vehicle to diminish before resuming dictation. Keep your car radio, CD player or TV switched off during dictation.
If dictating at home, be mindful of noises such as the TV, radio, or noisy children that may impact on the audio quality.
Repeat phrases that you think may have been drowned out by a ringing doorbell or a barking dog.

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