A transcriber machine is different from a regular tape player or voice recorder in that it almost always comes with a foot pedal to allow you to control the playback with your feet, allowing your hands to stay your keyboard to type. Most of them also use headsets so you can listen to playback without disturbing anyone else.
Dictators vs Transcribers
Deciding which device to get really depends on which end of the recording you’re going to be one. If you’re the one making the recordings and doing the dictating, then you’ll want a dictator or voice recorder as their feature set is best suited for capturing audio.
If you’re going to be doing the transcribing, then get a transcriber.
Digital Transcription Software
Some programs like Dragon Naturally Speaking can to a servicable job of transcribing a recording without any human intervention provided there is only once voice on the recording.
However, anything that uses technical terms, names, jargon, meetings, or phone conversations will require the expertise of a human transcriptionist.
Manufacturers
While I almost exclusively recommend going with Dictaphones, here are some of the best manufacturers of transcribers and dictators:
- Dictaphone
- Sony
- Philips
- Panasonic
- Olympus
Recommended Transcribers:
- Dictaphone 2752
- Panasonic RR-930
- Sony M 2000
Budget Transcription Equipement
If you’re on a tight budget, get used gear. You can get up to an 80% discount by buying older models of the high end equipment.
You’re far better off getting high quality used equipment than going for the cheapest item you can find that’s brand new. eBay is a good place to start, but Amazon has a pretty good selection of used equipment as well.
The one exception I’d make is to make sure you get a new headset – maybe it’s just me, but I’d rather not use anything that’s spent a large portion of time in someone else’s ears.
