Audio Transcription - Speech to Text
The Audio Transcription feature converts spoken words from audio files into written text. This powerful tool can transcribe various types of audio content with high accuracy, making it perfect for creating written records of meetings, interviews, podcasts, and more.
What You Can Transcribe
The transcription feature can handle various types of audio content:
- Meeting recordings and conference calls
- Interviews and conversations
- Podcasts and audio content
- Video audio tracks
- Voice notes and memos
- Educational lectures and presentations
- Customer service calls
- Legal proceedings and depositions
How to Access Audio Transcription
- Log into your AI Text PCM account
- Click on "Transcriptions" in the main navigation menu
- Click the "Create Transcription" button (usually a plus icon)
- You'll be taken to the transcription creation page
Creating Your First Transcription
- Upload Audio File: Click the upload area or drag and drop your audio file:
- Supported formats: MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, and more
- Maximum file size: Check your plan limits
- Audio quality: Higher quality audio produces better results
- Configure Settings: Adjust transcription options:
- Language selection: Choose the primary language of the audio
- Speaker identification: Enable if multiple speakers are present
- Timestamps: Include time markers in the transcription
- Punctuation: Add punctuation marks automatically
- Start Transcription: Click the "Transcribe" button
- Wait for Processing: The AI will process your audio file
- Review Results: Once complete, review and edit the transcription
Supported Audio Formats
- MP3: Most common format, widely supported
- WAV: Uncompressed audio, high quality
- M4A: Apple's audio format
- FLAC: Lossless compression
- OGG: Open source format
- AAC: Advanced audio coding
Transcription Settings
Language Selection
Choose the primary language of your audio:
- English (various dialects)
- Spanish
- French
- German
- Italian
- Portuguese
- And many more languages
Advanced Options
- Speaker Identification: Distinguish between different speakers
- Timestamps: Include time markers for each segment
- Punctuation: Automatically add punctuation marks
- Profanity Filter: Censor inappropriate language
- Technical Terms: Better recognition of specialized vocabulary
Managing Your Transcriptions
Viewing Transcriptions
- Transcription List: See all your transcriptions in one place
- Search Function: Find specific transcriptions quickly
- Filter Options: Sort by date, language, or status
- Status Tracking: See which transcriptions are complete or in progress
Editing Transcriptions
- Text Editor: Make corrections to the transcribed text
- Word Count: Track the number of words transcribed
- Save Changes: Preserve your edits automatically
- Export Options: Download in various formats (TXT, DOC, PDF)
Tips for Better Transcription Results
Audio Quality
- Clear Audio: Use high-quality recordings when possible
- Minimize Background Noise: Record in quiet environments
- Good Microphone: Use quality microphones for better results
- Proper Volume: Ensure audio is neither too quiet nor too loud
Content Preparation
- Clear Speech: Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
- Avoid Overlapping: Let one person speak at a time
- Minimize Interruptions: Reduce background conversations
- Technical Terms: Spell out complex terms if needed
Common Use Cases
Business Applications
- Meeting minutes and notes
- Interview transcriptions
- Conference call recordings
- Training session documentation
- Customer feedback analysis
Content Creation
- Podcast episode transcripts
- Video subtitles and captions
- Blog post creation from audio
- Social media content from voice notes
- Educational material documentation
Personal Use
- Voice memo transcription
- Personal journal entries
- Lecture notes from recordings
- Interview preparation
- Creative writing from voice recordings
Common Issues and Solutions
Upload Problems
- File Too Large: Compress your audio file or upgrade your plan
- Unsupported Format: Convert to a supported format (MP3, WAV)
- Upload Failed: Check your internet connection and try again
- File Corrupted: Try uploading a different copy of the file
Poor Transcription Quality
- Background Noise: Use audio with minimal background noise
- Multiple Speakers: Enable speaker identification
- Accents or Dialects: Choose the appropriate language setting
- Technical Terms: Consider using specialized transcription settings
- Audio Quality: Use higher quality audio recordings
Processing Delays
- Large Files: Longer files take more time to process
- Server Load: Wait times may vary during peak usage
- Check Status: Monitor the processing status in your dashboard
- Contact Support: If processing takes unusually long
Usage Limits and Tracking
Your transcription usage is subject to monthly limits:
- Audio minutes per month: Total audio duration you can transcribe
- File size limits: Maximum size per audio file
- Processing time: May vary based on file length and quality
- Current usage: Track your usage in the dashboard
Export and Download Options
- Plain Text (TXT): Simple text format
- Word Document (DOC): Microsoft Word format
- PDF Document: Portable document format
- Subtitle Format (SRT): For video subtitles
- JSON Format: For technical applications
Privacy and Security
- Secure Processing: Audio files are processed securely
- Data Protection: Your audio content is protected
- Temporary Storage: Files are deleted after processing
- Account Security: Only you can access your transcriptions
Best Practices
- Test with Short Files: Start with brief audio to test quality
- Review and Edit: Always review transcriptions for accuracy
- Save Important Files: Keep backups of important audio
- Use Appropriate Settings: Choose the right language and options
- Monitor Usage: Track your monthly limits
Next Steps
Now that you understand audio transcription, explore these related features: