Analogue Tapes

Analogue versus Digital

Whether transcription is charged out on an hourly basis, by audio minute or by word by word, it may cost up to three times more if the audio and/or speech quality is less than standard. This is an entirely avoidable cost overrun. If you are having your interviews professionally transcribed, your transcriber will much prefer to have high quality recordings. If the transcription is not outsourced, it may take someone who is not experienced in transcription up to ten hours to transcribe a one hour interview.

Consequently, it is important to carefully consider which recording device is best for you before you begin. A professional transcription business will be able to recommend (and in some cases, may loan for no fee or a minimal fee) the appropriate recording equipment to achieve the best result. In any event, the purchase of a recommended recorder may seem expensive at the outset, however, transcription is time consuming and can be very expensive. The price paid for a recommended recorder will quickly pay for itself – either by your time or transcription costs.

(a) Analogue Tapes

• may become lost or misplaced;
• wear out, thereby degrading recording quality over time or worse, break, resulting in wasted time and additional costs;
• are recorded with multiple interviews, which means the transcriber receives these jobs all at once which will require a longer turnaround time for completion of the project;
• recording time is normally limited to 30 to 60 minutes;
• are physical, which means a tape recorded at the office cannot be transcribed at a geographically distant location within a day's turnaroundr, if required; and
• incur courier or postage costs, if they are outsourced.

• Digital recorders generally have a much higher signal to noise ratio. Less noise reduces the risk of lost data and results in faster, less expensive and more accurate transcription. Audio quality will however depend on using a suitable external microphone or microphones properly positioned near speakers in an environment with low levels of ambient noise.
• Digital files provide the highest quality format available.
• A digital recorder allows you to transfer audio files to your PC quickly and easily with a USB docking station.
• Digital audio files do not contain any actual moving parts and cannot be "eaten" by a recorder.
• Digital systems make it possible to insert audio mid-file, which means you can add an extra paragraph without disrupting other files.
• The audio duration of digital audio files is only limited by your hard disk space. 2 unlimited hours, depending on model and expandable media options.
• Copies of files are easily created and easily archived, if required.
• A digital file recorded anywhere can be transcribed from another location, anywhere in the world, within the hour, if required, thus improving turnaround time. Without the physical constraints of tapes, users are now unlimited to the geographic location of the transcriber.