3 expert tips for better audio transcription quality

When recording audio that will go on to be transcribed and processed, it’s always best to work in a recording studio. Unfortunately, that isn’t always possible for everyone and every project — whether you’re a small enterprise in Brussels, a large company across Belgium, or a team working on an urgent technical service deadline. That’s why we’ve put together some simple yet effective tips and tricks to help you obtain better results, no matter where you record.

Why Audio Quality Matters for Transcription

Poor audio quality is one of the most common causes of transcription errors. Whether you need a standard turnaround or an urgent translation in Belgium, clean audio saves time, reduces back-and-forth, and ensures your final transcript is accurate from the first delivery. For technical service content — such as interviews, meetings, or product documentation — precision is everything.

The good news? A few simple adjustments before you hit record can make a significant difference in the quality of your transcription, and ultimately, in the quality of any translation work that follows.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Environment

Work in a Quiet, Controlled Space

Work in a quiet and calm environment to avoid interruptions and limit background noise as much as possible. This is especially important for companies based in busy urban areas — office noise, street traffic, and open-plan workspaces are all common challenges in Brussels and across Belgium.

• Close doors and windows before recording
• Inform colleagues that a recording session is in progress
• Avoid rooms with hard surfaces that create echo (large meeting rooms, for example)
• Choose soft-furnished spaces, such as a small office or a carpeted room, to absorb sound

Use Audio Enhancement Tools

If background noise is unavoidable, you can use dedicated apps to clean your audio file before submitting it for transcription. Tools such as Adobe Enhance Speech or Krisp are effective at suppressing ambient noise and improving overall clarity. These tools are particularly useful for enterprise teams recording remotely or in less-than-ideal conditions.

Tip 2: Use the Right Microphone

Microphone Positioning Makes All the Difference

Use an adequate microphone positioned close to the speaker. A built-in laptop or smartphone microphone might seem convenient, but it will rarely deliver the audio quality needed for accurate transcription — particularly for technical service content where terminology must be captured precisely.

• Use a dedicated USB or XLR condenser microphone for single-speaker recordings
• For multi-speaker settings such as meetings or interviews, consider using individual lapel microphones or a multi-directional conference microphone
• Position the microphone 15 to 30 cm from the speaker’s mouth
• Avoid pointing the microphone directly at the speaker’s lips to reduce plosive sounds (p, b, t)

Test Before You Record

Always do a quick test recording before your session begins. Play it back and listen for any hiss, echo, or distortion. Catching issues early avoids costly re-recordings — especially when you’re working under tight deadlines or need an urgent transcription turnaround.

Tip 3: Prepare Your Speakers and Your Content

Brief Your Speakers in Advance

Even the best microphone and the quietest room won’t compensate for unclear speech. Before recording, brief all participants on a few simple guidelines:

• Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
• Avoid talking over one another — this is crucial for multi-speaker recordings
• Spell out uncommon names, acronyms, or technical terms where possible
• Avoid filler words and long pauses where unnecessary

Provide a Glossary or Reference Document

For enterprise clients with specialised content — legal, medical, technical, or financial — providing a glossary or reference document alongside your audio file is strongly recommended. This helps transcriptionists and translators capture your terminology accurately, whether it’s for a standard project or an urgent translation needed in Brussels or elsewhere in Belgium.

Getting the Most from Your Transcription Service

Following these three tips will significantly improve the quality of your recordings and the accuracy of your transcriptions. At Tradas, we work with companies of all sizes across Belgium — from Brussels-based enterprises to businesses in Flanders and beyond — offering reliable, fast, and high-quality transcription and translation services tailored to your needs.

Need an urgent transcription or a technical translation for your business? Contact our team today and get a fast, no-obligation quote.