Digital Equipment
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Going digital for language samples is a relatively easy process. Digital files improve the overall sound quality of the language sample, simplify the transcription process, and allow more flexibility and portability of the audio files. There are three basic steps to working with digital audio files: 1) record the language sample with a digital recorder, 2) transfer the audio file to your computer, and 3) transcribe the sample. |
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Digital Recorders: There are a multitude of digital recorders on the market. For an inexpensive audio recorder, you should consider the Olympus VN-702PC which offers quality recording and ample recording time. Price $55. Buy Now
Transfer Files: Most digital recorders come with a USB cable for connecting the recorder to your computer. Some recorders save the files on memory cards which can then be accessed from your computer using a card reader. Typically, with either the USB cable connection or card reader, the device appears as an extra drive on your computer. You can either access the files directly from this drive or copy/paste the files to a folder on your computer.
Playback Options: There are several options for controlling the playback of digital files for transcription. If you're doing a lot of transcription, invest in a good foot pedal control as it will reduce the transcription time. If you're just getting started or your budget is limited, check out the software options.
- Foot Pedal Controls
For transcribing audio files, we suggest using Start-Stop Universal Transcription System which retails for $189. Utilize a foot pedal to manipulate the audio file while you type your transcript directly into the SALT editor. Buy Now
For audio and video files, we suggest using the Start-Stop Pro Gold Combination System which retails for $269. This functions like the foot pedal control for audio files except you can manipulate audio and/or video files. Buy Now - Software Options
There are software programs available for controlling the playback of digital audio and video files while you type. Sound Scriber, for example, is a free downloadable program from the University of Michigan with a feature called "walking" which plays a small stretch of the file several times, then advances to a new piece, overlapping slightly with the previous one. Once tailored to your sample and typing speed, this feature allows for almost hands free operation. Another free downloadable program is Express Scribe from NCH Software which uses system-wide hot keys to allow control of the playback while you type the text into the SALT editor (or any other editor).