Converting Audio to Text: A Step-by-Step Guide + 5 Essential Tools

Audio to text conversions are tricky, but with the right tools and a solid understanding of the process, you can achieve great results. To help make this easier for you, we've put together a step-by-step guide to converting audio to text that covers all the essential parts of the process.

In this Cleanvoice guide, we'll cover:

• What audio to text conversions are and why they're important
• Steps to convert audio to text
• Tools you can use for successful conversions

Let’s get started.

What Is an Audio-to-Text Converter?

An audio-to-text converter is a tool that transforms sound waves and audio recordings into written text. It can be used to convert speech, audio recordings, and podcasts into written words. There are various types of audio-to-text converters available that use both AI-based natural language processing (NLP) and human transcriptionists.

Cleanvoice is an example of the former.

Our AI podcast editing suite takes audio recordings and transcribes them into text with the use of highly accurate machine-learning algorithms. At the same time, these algorithms identify all kinds of audio imperfections—mouth sounds, dead air, stutters, and more—and automatically correct them.

Why Look for an Audio-to-Text Converter?

Save Time and Effort

One of the primary reasons to seek out an audio-to-text converter is the significant time and effort it saves.

Transcribing audio content manually can be a laborious and time-consuming task. With an efficient converter, you can automate the process and have your spoken content transformed into text in minutes.

Boost Discoverability and SEO

Search engines can't "listen" to audio, but they can index and rank text. By transcribing your podcast to text, you make it accessible to search engines, potentially boosting your online visibility.  

Improve Shareability

In the era of social media and content sharing, it's essential to make your content easily shareable.

Transcribed audio content allows your audience to engage with your material in multiple ways. People can read, quote, and share specific passages, enhancing the shareability of your content on social platforms.

Criteria To Consider When Choosing Audio-to-Text Converter

Ease of Use

An intuitive and user-friendly interface can save you time and frustration.

Look for a converter that simplifies the process of uploading audio and receiving transcriptions, ensuring that the tool is accessible to users of all skill levels.

Accuracy and Quality of Transcriptions

The primary goal of an audio-to-text converter is to provide accurate and high-quality transcriptions. Opt for a tool that utilizes advanced AI and speech recognition technology to deliver reliable results, reducing the need for extensive manual corrections.

Speed

Efficiency is essential, especially when time is of the essence. Choose a converter that can quickly process and transcribe audio files, enabling you to work efficiently and meet tight deadlines.

Export Format

Consider the flexibility of export formats. The ability to save transcriptions in various file formats (e.g., .doc, .txt, .pdf) ensures compatibility with your specific needs, whether it's for documents, presentations, or further editing.

Language Coverage

Assess the language capabilities of the converter. Look for a tool that supports a wide range of languages, dialects, and accents, ensuring that it can accommodate your linguistic requirements.

Editing and Formatting Options

A feature-rich audio-to-text converter should provide editing and formatting options. This allows you to refine and customize your transcriptions, making them presentation-ready without the need for additional editing software.

Integrations

Check if the converter can seamlessly integrate with other tools and platforms you use regularly, like word processors, cloud storage providers, and video players. This will make it easier to use the transcriptions in your workflows, saving you time and effort.

Cost

Finally, consider the pricing structure and affordability of the converter. Some tools offer free or trial versions with limitations, while others require a subscription or one-time purchase.

How to Convert Audio-to-Text Using Cleanvoice

1. Sign Up for a Free Account

Visit the Cleanvoice website and hit “Try it out” to sign up for a free account for 30 minutes of free audio enhancement and transcription.

You’ll be asked for an email address and password.

2. Select Track Type

Cleanvoice can edit single-track or multi-track audio files, but you’ll need to specify which type of track you’re working with when uploading your audio.

3. Configure Features

Cleanvoice has all kinds of features—from background noise and mouth sound removal, to audio mixing and (yes) audio transcription.

If you want to use all of these features, select “Clean Everything”. If you only would like to use one or two features, you can choose what to configure.

4. Upload Your Audio Files

After you’ve configured your audio settings, it’s time to upload your files. Simply drag and drop your file into the upload window, or select “Browse” if you prefer to look through your computer for the correct file. You can also integrate with Dropbox for easy transfers.

5. Sit Back and Relax

Now all you need to do is wait for the upload to complete! Cleanvoice will automatically process your audio files, and you’ll see a notification when it’s finished.

You be able to view the transcript (along with stats about the cleaned audio) and listen to the audio with the noise removed. Once you’re satisfied, download your file in a variety of formats. And that’s all—your audio files have now been cleaned and converted to text!

5 Best Audio-to-Text Converters

Here’s a quick overview of the tools we’ll cover below:

1. Cleanvoice
2. TranscribeMe
3. Sonix
4. GoSpeech
5. Wondershare Filmora STT

Now, onto the details.

1. Cleanvoice

Cleanvoice is an AI podcast editing platform that cleans podcast audio, generates transcripts, and repurposes the content for different marketing channels.

Cleanvoice’s audio-enhancing features include mouth sounds removal, heavy breath removal, noise reduction, volume normalization, and more.

Its audio-to-text capabilities include automatic transcription in multiple languages with support for multiple speakers, tracks, and formats.

Relevant Features

• AI Audio Transcription:

Generate accurate transcripts in minutes with AI-powered audio transcription.

• Multiple Language Support:

Transcribe in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese.

• Multiple Speaker Identification:

Automatically identify multiple speakers and generate separate transcripts for each one.

• Multilingual Filler Sound Remover:

Eliminate filler sounds like uhhs and ahhs in various languages.

• Mouth Sounds & Stuttering Removal:

Ensure your audio is free from distracting clicks, smacks, and stutters.

• Dead Air Remover:

Enhance the flow and engagement of your audio content by removing silent gaps.

Pricing

Cleanvoice provides two pricing options—Subscription and Pay-as-you-go.

For the Pay-as-you-Go option, pricing begins at €10 for 5 hours, with additional selections for 10 and 30 hours. Alternatively, the Subscription plan offers monthly allowances ranging from €10 for 10 hours to €80 for 100 hours.

2. TranscibeMe

TranscribeMe offers affordable, hybrid (AI and human) transcription for audio and video files.

The platform allows you to choose the kind of transcription you’d like, from basic AI transcription to professional-grade service. Turnaround times range from 1–5 days, depending on the length and complexity of your file and the level of accuracy you select.

Relevant Features

• Human-Edited Transcription: Ensure precision and clarity in your transcribed content with trained professionals.
• AI-Powered Transcription: Benefit from the efficiency and accuracy of an AI-powered transcription service.
• Accuracy Guarantee: Get unmatched accuracy with TranscribeMe’s accuracy guarantee.

Pricing

TranscribeMe offers different packages for it’s human, AI, and translation services. Human transcription begins at $0.79/minute, while AI transcription begins at $0.07/minute.

3. Sonix

Sonix offers automated translation in over 40 languages, delivering fast, accurate, and cost-effective results.

The tool simplifies the process of transcribing, translating, and organizing your audio and video files, making it a trusted choice for millions of users worldwide.

Relevant Features

• Automated Transcription: Get fast, accurate, and cost-effective transcription with Sonix's AI-powered technology.
• Translation: Easily translate your audio and video files into over 40 languages.
• Organization: Streamline the process of organizing your media files with Sonix's intuitive tool.

Pricing

Sonix offers three pricing options—Standard ($10/hour), Premium ($5/hour), and Enterprise with custom pricing.

4. GoSpeech

GoSpeech is an automated speech recognition tool that enables users to quickly and accurately transcribe audio and video files. It also features text-audio syncing, so edits made to the transcription are automatically reflected in the audio or video file.

Relevant Features

• Automatic Speech-to-Text Conversion: GoSpeech uses its advanced AI technology to quickly and accurately transcribe audio and video files.
• Multi-Language Support: GoSpeech supports over 20 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Hindi and more.
• Text-Audio Syncing: Edits made to the transcription are automatically reflected in the audio file.

Pricing

GoSpeech offers four pricing plans—Free, Standard (€49/mo for 5 hours monthly), Prepaid (€74.50+), and Enterprise.

5. Filmora

Filmora is a video editing tool that offers STT capabilities. It can quickly generate accurate video captions with support for multiple languages and easy uploading for an efficient workflow.

Relevant Features

• Efficient Editing: Streamline your editing process with efficient editing tools.
• Highly Accurate: Filmora’s highly accurate speech-to-text technology accurately captures audio and text.
• Multilingual: Enjoy multilingual support and accommodate diverse linguistic needs.

Pricing

Wondershare Filmora STT offers three pricing options: From $4.99 to $19.99 to $29.99, every plan is equipped with advanced features and better benefits than the previous one.

Conclusion

Transcribing audio was once a painfully slow process. Now, AI-powered tools and affordable, human-assisted services have made it easier than ever before.

At Cleanvoice, we arm podcasters and podcast editors with a suite of AI tools for cleaning and enhancing audio, transcribing audio into text, and even identifying speakers in your recordings. With our cutting-edge technology, you can give your listeners the best experience possible.

Transcribe 30 minutes of audio for free and see what Cleanvoice can do.