Academic & Research Transcription

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ISO 9001 & ISO 27001 Certified

We are proud to be ISO 27001 (Information Security Management) and ISO 9001 (Quality Management) certified. These internationally recognised certifications are testament to Pacific’s consistent delivery of quality services and products to clients, and successful management of information security, through a continual improvement process.

Everything you need to know about recording good quality audio for accurate transcripts

Recording Audio

Pacific Transcription’s experienced typists can produce transcripts of most file formats recorded on digital audio and video recording devices. If our transcription software cannot ‘read’ the file, the file format can be converted into a more compatible format. Alternately, before recording your audio, change the settings on your recording device to record in a more compatible format.

Our preferred file formats include: .mp3, .wma, .wav, .dct, .dss, .ds2, .dvf, .msv, .ogg, aiff, .m4a, .mp4, .vox, & .aac.

Before recording audio we suggest reading our article on choosing a recorder to ensure that you have the correct recording device for your requirements.

Pacific Transcription sells a vast range of products for recording interviews, meetings and focus groups, including recorders, microphones and more. To find out more please visit our online store.

A researcher standing with arms folded in front of shelves of academic books

Recording Audio Tips for Interviews and Focus Groups

Before Recording

During Recording

Ensure the recorder is equidistant from participants and not too close to you: If anything, sit further away from the recorder, as the interviewee’s response is most important. Try not to move the recorder once it is in place. So that we can identify interviewees for the transcript of audio focus group recordings, ask them to repeat their names each time they speak, as it is not always possible to identify speakers from audio alone. If you require speakers to be identified, it may be useful if someone present can keep a speaker log.
Encourage participants to speak one at a time: If aside discussions or laughter occur whilst you are recording your interview, wait for it to quieten down before you ask your next question – laughter in particular can drown out what is being said and create uncertainty in a voice recording transcript.
Small ambient noises can obscure speech: Remind participants to try not to rustle paper, click pens or drum their fingers on the table during the interview. Use hand gestures to let speakers know you are listening.
Don’t hesitate to repeat key sentences for clarity: It is better to do this during the interview, than struggle with indistinct audio after the interview.

Need Further Information?

For guidance on the best digital voice recorders on the market to record focus groups, read our Recording Focus Groups blog post, or click here to download a brochure containing this information. Our transcription specialists are here for you. To learn more about academic transcription, contact us or call us today on 1300 662 173.

Turnaround

Our standard turnaround is chosen by the majority of our academic clients.

Turnaround time does depend upon volume and complexity and can increase during peak periods.

Need a quicker turnaround? We can fast track your transcription with our express interview transcription services. Contact us for details on faster turnaround times and options.

Consider our discounted flexi option. Self-funded students and clients who upload 20 audio hours or more in one batch may qualify for our discounted flexible turnaround option.

Confidentiality

Pacific Transcription adheres to the Australian Privacy Principles and international equivalents and conforms with university contractor agreements.

Security

All audio files and transcribed documents sent via client login are SSL encrypted for maximum security.

Our internationally recognised and certified quality assurance and data security processes, including ISO 27001 (Information Security Management) and ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ensure we deliver high quality, secure services every time.