MacSpeech Scribe just released by MacSpeech lets Mac users record their voice to a digital voice recorder and then have MacSpeech Scribe transcribe it for them. The only certified digital recording devices for MacSpeech Scribe are the iPhone, iPod Touch (2G+ plus a mic) and some of the Olympus digital voice recorders.

Two of the Olympus digital voice recorders certified for use with MacSpeech Scribe are the Olympus DS-3400 and DS-5000, both from the Professional series of digital dictaphones from Olympus, these are serious digital dictaphones. They both come with DSS Player Version 7 Plus for Mac which simplifies the task of getting the audio off the recorder. The software lets you also setup users on the recorder, set noise cancelation levels, playback and edit your recorded dictation and direct record using your digital dictaphone as a high quality mic.

Out of the box both the DS-3400 and DS-5000 will record in DSS Pro digital audio format, these files have a suffix of .ds2 – files of this format can not be loaded into MacSpeech Scribe so some file conversion needs to take place, this is where DSS Player Version 7 Plus can help. On a Mac it is not possible to set the DS-3400/DS-5000 to record in .aif format by default.

For file conversion you have two options. 1. you can manually convert each file 2. you can set DSS Player Plus to automatically convert audio every time your DS-3400/DS-5000 is connected. Both are very simple:

Manually Convert DS-3400/DS-5000 Audio To .aif Format

To manually convert .ds2 audio files to .aif on a Mac using DSS Player Version 7 Plus simply right-click on the .ds2 file you want to convert and select Convert to AIFF File, your converted file will be placed in the same download folder tray as the original file. If you want to save the .aif file to an alternative location simply highlight the audio file to be converted and click the Convert to AIFF File icon .

Automatically Convert DS-3400/DS-5000 Audio When The Recorder Is Docked

If you prefer to convert every audio file during download to your Mac when your digital dictaphone is connected then open the DSS Player Preferences and click the Download tab. Here you can tick “Convert to AIFF file during download” which will have the desired affect. Your .aif files will appear in the download tray folder configured and are then ready to be loaded into MacSpeech Scribe.

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In a recent press release from Philips Dictation Australia yet another innovative product has been added to their product line. This one though is a little different to the norm, this really is something different and something that I am sure will be very popular is the LFH2370 Philips Media Player Typing Set.

The innovation with this product is the clever thumb controller that sits under your keyboard which allows the control of audio playback through Windows Media Player 11, iTunes and WinAmp on Windows machines and iTunes and QuickTime on a Mac. Previously people typing notes from audio played back through media player type software had to constantly switch from their word processor to stop/start/rewind audio adding a huge amount of time to the transcription process. With this little device it will make typing notes from audio a much easier, less time consuming experience.

Using the two buttons on the USB thumb control the audio can be controlled in the following ways:

• Playback : To start continuous playback, press and release the right key. The status LED glows green during playback.
• Pause : Press the right key again to pause audio playback.
• Fast Forward : Press and hold the right key during playback. When “forwarding” reaches the desired position release the key.
• Fast Rewind : Press and hold the left key while playback is paused. When rewinding reaches the desired position release the key.
• Backspace : Double click the left key to backspace the audio by three seconds.

The media player typing set LFH2370 comes with the USB thumb control, stereo headset and Philips Media Player control software and is RRP $200.00 incl. GST.

The media payer typing set is also available as part of the Philips Writers Set, known as LFH087 which comprises the media player typing set and Philips Digital Voice Tracer 682 digital voice recorder.

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This is a hot topic in the transcription world currently. The new DSS Pro (.ds2) audio format now in use by default on all the Olympus digital dictaphones: DS-2400, DS-3400, DS-5000 and DS-5000iD. It is a hot topic for a couple of reasons, often a transcriber can not play the new .ds2 audio files because:

1. Transcriptionist has an older Olympus transcription kit (AS-2300 or AS-4000)
2. Transcriptionist uses free Express Scribe software

There are a number of ways to get around this glitch and the options depend on what you have already and what operating system you use. I will try to cover all possible solutions, if I miss one please let me know and I will update this post. What I will say right from the outset is that these solutions are work arounds for typists who choose not to stay up-to-date with the latest software. By purchasing an Olympus AS-5000 transcription kit (or just the DSS Player Pro transcription module software AS-5002 if you already own an RS-28 Olympus foot pedal) all these issues will go away. The latest DSS Player Pro transcription module is fully compatible with the DSS Pro (.ds2) audio files.

So let me try and cover all options for those who do not have the latest DSS Player Pro transcription module.Dictation with Olympus DS-3400/DS-5000/DS-5000iD Mac or Windows User – Typist with Olympus AS-4000 transcription kit on Windows

The AS-4000 transcription kit comprised a foot pedal, headset and DSS Player Pro version 4 transcription module software. Using the DSS Player Pro version 5 software which comes with the DS-3400/DS-5000/DS-5000iD the DSS Player Pro version 4 transcription module can be updated, free of charge, to DSS Player Pro version 5 transcription module. Thereby giving you a transcription kit compatible with the new .ds2 audio files. However, you must have an RS-28 transcription foot pedal, the older RS-26 transcription foot pedal will not function with DSS Player Pro version 5 transcription module. The upgrade will generate a new licence key specifically for the DSS Player Pro version 5 transcription module. You must write this licence key down and keep it safe. I suggest write it on a post-it note and keep it with the DSS Player Pro version 4 software CD and licence key.

Dictation with Olympus DS-3400/DS-5000/DS-5000iD Mac User – Typist with Olympus AS-2300/AS-4000 transcription kit on Mac

As you will likely already know, the functionality of the DSS Player Version 7 Plus on the Mac lacks some of the functionality of the DSS Player Pro v5 software for Windows. One key feature missing is the ability to set Classic Mode on your Pro Series recorder through the Mac software, this can only be done using the Windows dictation module. Therefore you will either need a Windows machine to install the DSS Player Pro v5 dictation module to change the default recording mode on your dictaphone or if you run Windows on your Mac using virtualisation software (VMWare Fusion, Parrallels, VirtualBox) you can set it using your Windows virtual machine.

If you do not have a Windows machine available your options are: 1. Upgrade your transcription kit to an AS-5000 or 2. Auto convert on download all dictation recorded on your DS-3400/DS-5000/DS-5000iD to .aif format which can be transcribed by older Olympus transcription kits on Mac. On your Mac select Preferences and then click the Download tab. Then tick “Convert to AIFF file during download”, see below.

Dictation with Olympus DS-2400 – Typist with Olympus AS-2300 transcription kit on Windows

The AS-2300 transcription kit comprised a foot pedal, headset and DSS Player Standard version 4 transcription module software. Using the DSS Player Standard version 5 software which comes with the DS-2400 the DSS Player Standard version 4 transcription module can be updated, free of charge, to DSS Player Standard version 5 transcription module. Thereby giving you a transcription kit compatible with the new .ds2 audio files. However, you must have an RS-28 transcription foot pedal, the older RS-26 transcription foot pedal will not function with DSS Player Standard version 5 transcription module. The upgrade will generate a new licence key specifically for the DSS Player Standard version 5 transcription module. You must write this licence key down and keep it safe. I suggest write it on a post-it note and keep it with the DSS Player Standard version 4 software CD and licence key.

Dictation with Olympus DS-3400/DS-5000/DS-500iD on Windows – Typist with Express Scribe on Windows

For this combination we have a few options:

• Set the recorder (DS-3400/DS-5000/DS-5000iD) to record in .dss format (known as Classic mode) by default instead of .ds2
• Convert the audio from .ds2 to .dss before sending to the typist
• Typist purchases the DSS Player Pro version 5 dictation module (AS-5001)
• Typist purchases the DSS Player Pro version 5 transcription kit (AS-5000)

Set the recorder (DS-3400/DS-5000/DS-5000iD) to record in Classic Mode by default

Using the DSS Player Pro version 5 dictation module it is possible to set the DS-3400/DS-5000/DS-5000iD to record by default in the .dss audio format, this is know as “classic mode”. This is set in the dictation module software itself and the setting uploaded to the recorder. View ourvideo demonstrating how to set Classic Mode.

Convert the audio from .ds2 to .dss before sending to the typist

With the files from the recorder loaded into the DSS Player Pro dictation module it is possible to convert the file format from .ds2 to .dss by simply right-clicking on the file and selecting “Convert Dictation..” and then select the audio format you want to convert to, the choice includes .dss

Typist purchases the DSS Player Pro version 5 dictation module (AS-5001)

This is the cheapest option for the transcription typist. The dictation module software is the same software that comes with the DS-3300/DS-5000/DS-5000iD, this can be installed on a Windows PC and can be used when receiving a .ds2 file simply for audio file conversion to .dss. If you are an independent or outsourced transcription business this is a cost effective solution as the AS-5001 (DSS Player Pro dictation module) is only RRP $160.00 incl. GST. By using the DSS Player Pro version 5 dictation module you can continue to use Express Scribe. Do not be tempted to ask to borrow the software CD that comes with the recorder, the licence is a single user licence and would have been used and registered when the person using the recorder would have installed their software.

Typist purchases the DSS Player Pro version 5 transcription kit (AS-5000)

This is for the serious transcriptionist. The AS-5000 kit comes with all you would need, Olympus RS-28 foot pedal, transcription headset and DSS Player Pro version 5 transcription module. This is the perfect accompaniment to the DS-3400/DS-5000/DS-5000iD recorders and can be set to automatically receive and load transcription from these recorders. All the features available in the dictation module are passed to the transcription module like prioritisation and audio notes. The RRP for the AS-5000 kit in Australia is $525.00 incl. GST – note this kit will accept audio from ALL Olympus digital voice recorders.

Dictation with Olympus DS-2400 – Typist with Express Scribe on Windows

It is not possible to set the DS-2400 to record in “classic mode” like the Pro series dictaphones. So this leaves the transcriptionist with only a couple of options.

• Typist purchases the DSS Player Pro version 5 dictation module (AS-5001)
• Typist purchases the DSS Player Standard version 5 transcription kit (AS-2400)

Typist purchases the DSS Player Pro version 5 dictation module (AS-5001)

As just covered above, this is the cheapest option for the transcription typist. The dictation module software is the same software that comes with the Pro series recorders DS-3300/DS-5000/DS-5000iD and can be installed on a Windows PC for audio file conversion from .ds2 to .dss. If you are an independent or outsourced transcription business this is a cost effective solution as the AS-5001 only RRP $160.00 incl. GST. By using the DSS Player Pro version 5 dictation module you can continue to use Express Scribe.

Typist purchases the DSS Player Standard version 5 transcription kit (AS-2400)

The AS-2400 transcription kit consists of a RS28 USB foot control, headset and DSS Player Standard transcription module. This software is capable of playing .ds2 audio files from the DS-2400 recorder. It can also play audio from the Pro Series recorders (DS-3400, DS-5000, DS-5000iD) however some of the audio functionality is lost when playing through the Standard transcription module.

Dictation with Olympus DS-3400/DS-5000/DS-5000iD Mac User – Typist with Express Scribe on Windows

This is were we can take advantage of the generosity of Olympus. With each of the Pro Series recorders comes a single use licence for DSS Player Pro v5 dictation module for Windows and DSS Player Plus v7 for Mac. If the person doing the dictation has a Mac they will use the Mac licence. Meaning their Windows dictation module goes unused. The person dictating therefore has the option of giving this software (and therefore the unused Windows licence key) to his Windows based typist for him or her to use to convert the .ds2 audio from the person dictating to .dss format. The dictation module on Windows has the ability to convert .ds2 to .dss. On a Mac .ds2 can only be converted to .aif files, although .aif is a format that can be used by Express Scribe there is a large file size difference between a .ds2 file and a .aif file, this may cause a problem if emailing the file.

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So there I was, on my early morning commute down to Sydney on the train, checking my email in between games of FlightControl when BAM! this graphic jumped out at me from an email:

MacSpeech Dictate Upgrade to Version 1.5 Announced

Being a reseller for MacSpeech Dictate since its release back in February 2008 I thought I might have, you know, been told it was coming. So as a reseller and user of MacSpeech Dictate I was just a little surprised. MacSpeech Dictate is the worlds leading voice recognition software for Mac OS X. Launched at MacWorld in 2008 it won Best In Show that year.

Here is what we know from the MacSpeech press release:

• Upto 20% more accurate transcription.
• New vocabulary editor.
• New accents added – some American accents and also European.
• Compatibilty enhancements, e.g. with Microsoft Word for Mac.
• Added 100 websites for use with the Jump To command.
• Some user interface tweeks.

Still no deferred transcription via a digital voice recorder, yeah yeah standard answer … “it’s coming soon” I hope.

MacSpeech Dictate 1.5 Release Notes

So that all sounds great, essentially for us Aussie users we will benefit from the improved accuracy and also the vocabulary editor which will let you train Dictate for unusual words and abbreviations that you may often use, for me its “Puffufel Valve”.

Of note, this upgrade is only compatible with those of us running Leopard. If your MacSpeech Dictate is on Tiger you should either upgrade your OS or just stick with MacSpeech Dictate version 1.3 (although you will still receive your free upgrade pack if you registered after 1st April as I will mention below).

Here are some common questions we received in the office today about the upgrade announcement:

Q: I just bought MacSpeech Dictate last week, will I still have to pay for the upgrade?

A: From what I have read and heard the answer is no. Anyone who registered (not bought) their licenced copy of MacSpeech Dictate on or after the 1st April 2009 will receive a free upgrade to version 1.5

Q: Can I just pay for the upgrade now and download the upgrade?

A: No, the upgrade will only be available as physical media. Just like your original MacSpeech Dictate you will receive a CD and a DVD. My understanding is that this is no minor upgrade to the original software but in effect a whole new version.

Q: How much will the MacSpeech Dictate version 1.5 upgrade pack cost?

A: No confirmed pricing so this is just a guess, I would say it will be approximately AU$79 incl. GST and then a small shipping cost on top of that. As I said, its a guess so don’t hold me to it.

Q: I want to buy MacSpeech Dictate, when will you be selling version 1.5 boxed.

A: There is no firm date for us in Australia as yet. I managed to grab a few minutes with the guys at the MacSpeech distributor in Sydney today, MacSense, for chat. They estimate version 1.5 boxed available around 1st June but this is a very rough estimate. They will work as hard as they always do you get us the software as quickly as they can.

Q: I can’t wait for MacSpeech Dictate version 1.5 to come, I need it now, what do I do.

A: Simply buy MacSpeech Dictate version 1.3 as it is still available. By registering your licence you will get the free upgrade to version 1.5 when it arrives in Australia.

Q: MacSpeech have announced that the upgrade is available now, where can I get it in Australia?

A: Yes it is available but only in the USA. We will need to wait until MacSense, the Australian MacSpeech distributor, receive their upgrade disks. It is estimated that these upgrade disks should be available within a couple of weeks.

Q: Will you be selling the upgrade?

A: No, Dictate Australia will not be stocking the MacSpeech Dictate version 1.5 upgrade disks. We will advise everybody to go direct to the distributor for upgrades, MacSense in Sydney.

Most of the questions we received today have been covered, please leave a comment if you have further questions. Keep an eye on this blog for updates.

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I love my job. One of the main reasons for that statement is that I get to speak to broad range of people from all walks of life all across Australia daily. One minute it might be a family member in the bush who wants to record a grandparent telling stories of their life for future family generations to hear and for them to transcibe into a family history record. Next minute it might be a journalist in Melbourne looking for the best voice recorder to grab quick, clear soundbites of someone in the news ready for them to quote in a story later that day.

One thing most people who buy a digital voice recorder have in common is the need to listen to the audio while typing up notes or a verbatum account of the audio. For those who are not in the know, this usually involves playing the audio back through Windows Media Player or QuickTime flicking quickly to Word to type a few words then flicking back to the audio player to stop and rewind so you can hear the last sentence or two again. This in itself will very quickly become tedious and a truely painful experience.

This is where transcription software can and does help. Both Olympus and Philips have their professional transcription kits for people who do this kind of thing day in and day out, but for your average person who has an occassional need to transcribe some audio you need to look at Express Scribe from NCH Swift Sound.

Express Scribe from NCH

NCH is an Aussie company based down in Canberra. They have been around for a fair few years and I have watched them grow over time from quite a small outfit to the giant in the digital audio software world, not just in Australia but all over the World.

What do I like about Express Scribe? It’s price and it’s functionality. The price can’t be argued with its $0. It’s functionality is certainly not lacking. Included in the software is variable playback speed, auto file loading from network or email and background noise reduction or extra volume boost for those not so well recorded audio files.

Express Scribe is available for both Windows and Mac. The Mac version supports alot less audio file formats than the Windows version which covers just about anything you can throw at it, except at the time of writing this post, the new DSS Pro (.ds2) audio format.

So how does it work? You take your audio file (from a digital voice recorder, from your email, downloaded from the web etc) and load it into Scribe (much like putting a tape in the palyer in the old days). Once loaded and ready to play you flip to your Word document and using the configured playback keys (or USB foot control) you play/stop/rewind your audio while typing your notes from it without leaving the Word document. Trust me, this saves a mountain of time.

Express Scribe does have an area where you can type called the Typepad but in my opinion better to type directly into Word or whatever word processing software you use to get the benefits of spell checker real time.

Setting playback control. With Express Scribe you have the option to use any keys on the keyboard for stop/play/rewind (and a load of other audio manipulation functions) or a USB foot pedal like the cheap and nasty VEC’s or the more classy three pedal Philips 2310/2320 and four pedal 2330. By default Express Scribe comes pre-configured with a number of F (function keys) to perform various tasks like stop/play/rewind. You can either go with these presets or you can set your own. In this screen shot you will see I have set my arrow/cursor keys to take on the stop/play/rewind function. Just about any keys and any key combinations can be used.

Express Scribe - Setting Playback Control Keys

Selecting audio file types. As I mentioned above the Windows version of Scribe can take a multitude of varying audio file formats, here is the latest list from the NCH website:

Express Scribe on Windows:-

wav, mp3, dct (encrypted dictation), ra and rm (RealAudio), sri (VoiceIt), dss (Olympus, Lanier and Grundig), au, aif, msv, dvf, mp2, vox, compressed wav (including PCM, uLaw, ALaw, ADPCM, CELP, SBC, Windows Media, DSP TrueSpeech, GSM 6.10), Philips Digital Recorder format, Sanyo Digital Recorder format and more.  Please note that DSP TrueSpeech is not currently supported on Vista.

Express Scribe on Intel Mac:-

wav, mp3, aiff and dct file formats.

Windows people be warned, although the software can take all those formats they are not “on” by default. You will need to check the tick box list of audio files to make sure the file type you want to transcribe is ticked. Obviously the more common audio formats are on by default but many are not. Settings -> File Types is where you will find the audio file list.

Sony DVF files. To play audio files from Sony digital voice recorders which produce .dvf files you will need to download and install an additional plugin from Sony. This is quick and easy to do and I recommend a reboot after install. The Sony plugin can be downloaded from here.

You can download the Windows version of Express Scribe from us here at Dictate Australia. We don’t get a commission or anything for the download, remember it’s free software, I just got tired of sending people daily to the NCH website so I had them brand a version for Dictate. Click the NCH logo and box to be taken to the download page.

A word of caution when installing. As this is free software NCH try to take install time as an opportunity to dump other software onto your PC. Personally I am not a fan of this and prefer the in application advertising method which is much less intrusive. Nonetheless, a tip for you. During the install process you will be given the opportunity to install other “recommended” software which can be selected via tick boxes. Do not tick any of the boxes, you only need Express Scribe and nothing else.

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