If you want to become a professional transcriptionist, the transcription pedal is one of the tools that will help you the most.
Do you know why it is so helpful and what is the best transcription pedal? Read this post and find out this and even more exciting information.
Because if you are looking for a solution to be super productive, you have another option, and in this post, we tell you what it is so you can decide on the most convenient one!
What is the foot pedal in transcription, and what is it used for?
A transcription foot pedal is a tool with which you control the audio with your foot; it is designed to keep your hands free to concentrate on typing.
A transcriptionist without a transcription pedal must use their hands to operate the audio. This will waste seconds; if you add them up, you will be amazed at how much time is wasted.
A transcription foot pedal has four buttons and can be configured to perform different functions: rewind, play/pause and fast forward.
The pedals can be pressed intermittently or constantly and are easy to install. They are simply connected via USB and configured according to the transcription software.
Advantages of using a foot pedal to transcribe
Using a transcription pedal achieves more speed when typing, which means typing more words in less time.
Herein lies the efficiency and productivity of a transcriptionist: typing as many words per minute as possible.
This is made possible by using a transcription foot pedal, but not just any foot pedal; you have to make sure it is the best.
Best 3 foot pedals for transcribing
Here is a selection of the best transcription pedals on the market and their main features.
This selection is based on conversations with professional transcriptionists and the reviews of these products on Amazon and other platforms.
We would also like to clarify that we are not affiliates of this platform and do not receive any commission. Our goal is to show you outstanding models so that you can speed up your transcription process with quality transcription pedals.
1. VEC in-USB-3 Infinity
Infinity VEC is one of the most popular and highest-rated alternatives: 4.6 out of 5 stars. It is a device built to last and costs approximately $65.
✔️ It is ruggedly built and designed to achieve the highest performance and user comfort.
✔️ It has more surface area to keep securely on the floor so it won't slip.
✔️ Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.8 x 1.97 in.
2. Philips ACC2310
Philips ACC2310 is a 3-pedal model with rewind, fast forward and playback functions; it costs $84 and is rated 4.4 out of 5.
✔️ Ergonomic design for comfortable use over long periods
✔️ Non-slip pad keeps device secure to the floor
✔️ Dimensions: 6.69 x 2.2 x 7.87 inches
✔️ Weight: 658 grams
3. Executive Communication Systems ECS Infinity
The Infinity foot pedal from Executive Communication Systems is the most reviewed transcription foot pedal on the market. It has over 2500 reviews, rating 4.5 out of 5 stars.
It is especially ideal for medical transcription.
✔️ It is priced at $65
✔️ Designed with the highest quality components that guarantee its functionality for years
✔️ 1.9 inches long x8 inches wide x 7.6 inches tall and weighs two pounds
Best 3 softwares to transcribe using a foot pedal
To use a transcription pedal, you need specialized software; in addition to the functions we have already told you about, you can include audio slowdown, skip and skip to the following dictation, among others.
The software allows you to configure the functions to your preferences; the options available will depend on what is available in the chosen software.
Examples of such software are Olympus ODMS, SpeechExec Pro by Philips, and NCH Express Scribe.
Commonly you need to connect the PC transcription pedal, or laptop transcription pedal, via a USB cable, open the transcription software, and you are ready to start transcribing quickly and smoothly.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequent concerns regarding the transcription pedal.
Can I transcribe without using a transcription pedal?
Yes, the foot pedal is helpful because it allows you to write faster, but if you want to save time and money, the solution is to make transcriptions automatically.
We invite you to enter ScriptMe and find out what this service offers you, with which you will save a lot of time and money.
You only need to upload the audio file; in a matter of minutes, you will have a file with the transcription.
This transcription will be pretty accurate; however, if you want to modify any word or expression, you have the easy-to-use transcription editor at your disposal.
This quality transcript, produced in just a few minutes, can be exported in different file formats. You can upload content to social networks and share it with whomever you choose.
What are the disadvantages of using a transcription pedal?
If they have not been used before, it cannot be obvious to figure out how to set them up correctly.
Additionally, some pedals lock up and unexpectedly stop working. It takes patience to unplug, reconnect and restart the transcription software.
Another disadvantage is if you transcribe for many hours at a time, you will feel muscle fatigue because it forces you to maintain a particular posture.
And some pedals may be incompatible with specific transcription software. Always ensure their compatibility and avoid making the mistake of buying a non-compatible device.
How long do transcription pedals last?
The lifetime of a transcription pedal varies greatly. It depends on the amount of intensive use, the quality of the materials and the location's environmental conditions, including the humidity level.
We regret that we cannot give a more specific answer; the life span ranges from a few months (less than one year) to 5 or 7 years.
Conclusions
The transcription pedal is a handy and essential tool if you want to be a professional transcriptionist.
There are various models with varying prices, depending on the quality of materials, functions, tools and platforms with which they are compatible.
Despite its advantages, like any device, it is fallible, and if you want to take your productivity further, automatic transcriptions are the solution.
ScriptMe offers accurate transcriptions very fast and in more than 30 languages. Contact us, and we will tell you all the advantages of our automatic transcription and translation service.
