Research Clients

Recording interviews and focus groups whilst achieving high quality sound demands equipment specifically designed for recording conversation. Recorders with separate microphones and the choice of a high quality setting are ideal.

We recommend the Olympus DM-450 as an excellent interview recorder. It is the preferred choice of over 50% of our clients, with features such as:

• Detachable stereo microphone
• .wma format (which can be used on all PCs without software)
• 2 Gigabyte memory
• Mac compatible
• Easy copying of audio without software

Medical and Legal Clients

Sterling Transcription recommends Olympus dictation recorders which are intuitive and easy to use. Audio dictation files are easily transferred from these devices to your computer, ready for upload to your account.

For professional medical, legal or business dictation, Sterling Transcription recommends the Olympus DS5000, which includes features such as:

• High quality recording
• Rechargeable battery
• Compatible with any PC without the need to install any software, ideal for professionals on the move

Larger Clients

For clients such as hospitals, radiology practices, medical practices with more than six doctors and law firms, Sterling Transcription is able to provide a dictation system to suit your entire organisation, comprising a combination of systems such as handheld recorders, VPNs and PC-based recording software. Please call FREEPHONE 0800 910 1410 or email us to discuss the requirements for your customised installation.

Audio recording tips

Before Recording

• Before the interview, ensure you have the correct recording device for your requirements. If you’re still using a cassette tape recorder, we would strongly recommend upgrading to a digital recording device.
• Using a digital recorder will not only greatly improve your sound quality, but will also considerably reduce your transcription costs. It is also far simpler to store and backup digital audio recordings. For interviews and focus groups, Sterling Transcription recommends the Olympus DM-550.
• Ensure the recorder is set to the highest quality setting and that the audio format is suitable. For example, on an Olympus recorder, use standard play (SP) or high quality (HQ) mode. If you have the option to record in different audio formats, we recommend .wma or .mp3.
• Choose an appropriate location to conduct the interview. Avoid excessive background noise, whether general chatter from a public place, a radio in the office, or even a loud air conditioner. Background noise can make a recording very difficult to hear, even if you can hear everything while the interview is taking place.
• Before pressing record, learn where the pause button is – very useful for any unexpected interruptions!
• Record telephone interviews using speakerphone. Plug in devices should be avoided if possible as those often have variable audio quality for different speakers. When recording through speakerphone, ensure that the surroundings are quiet, and that the recorder is not placed too close to the speaker.

During Recording

• Place the recorder so that it is equidistant to all participants and not too close to yourself - remember, the interviewees' responses are the most important. Avoid moving the recorder during recording.
• To enable accurate speaker identification, request that speakers say their names each time they speak. This provides the transcriptionist with greater opportunity to distinguish between speakers.
• Speaker identification based solely on the audio recording is not always possible. Where the accurate identification of speakers is critical, we recommend keeping a log of the speaker order and if possible the first couple of words spoken in each turn.
• Encourage participants to speak one at a time. Wait for laughter or side comments to subside before asking your next question – laughter in particular obscures all other speech.
• Small ambient noises close to the recorder can obscure speech in the recording. Remind participants to avoid drumming their fingers on the table or rustling paper.
• A mobile phone near the recorder can cause loud interference on the recording, even when the phone is turned to silent - ask participants to turn off their mobile phones or place them as far away from the recorder as possible.
• Repeat key statements made by participants for clarity. If you are worried that the recorder may not have picked something up due to interference, overlapping speech/laughter or ambient noise, repeat it at the time, rather than look over your transcripts and wonder what was said!
• Keep spare batteries on hand, just in case! Alternatively if a power outlet is available, use a power adapter for your recorder.

 After recording

• Specify the template that you would like your interview/focus group transcribed into. There is a Sterling Transcription standard template available, but we are happy to comply with your specific formatting requirements, saving you time at the other end.
• We can also provide NVivo, Atlas TI and Leximancer compatible documents - please ask us for more information about the compatibility options available, in particular NVivo or Atlas TI synchronization.
• Send us a vocabulary list of commonly used words or place names - this helps to ensure you will receive the most accurate transcript possible, particularly if specific jargon or acronyms are used.
• Our standard transcription style is slightly edited, as requested by 95% of our clients for ease of readability and analysis. Strict verbatim and conversation analysis transcription styles are available upon request (surcharges apply).
• Let Sterling Transcription know your desired turnaround time or the specific deadline for the return of your transcripts - we offer a range of turnaround options from same day to two weeks.
• If you have any specific requirements regarding speaker naming, please let us know to begin with to avoid additional editing time.
• Sterling Transcription can also help you meet your university grant budgeting requirements through pre-payment of your transcription account.

Audio Recording Software

We transcribe dictations recorded using Express Dictate dictation recording software!