🔉 How to Convert Audio to Text - FREE & No Time Limits

Kevin Stratvert
27 May 202105:10

TLDRIn this video, Kevin demonstrates how to convert audio into text using free tools available on Windows 10. He combines the built-in Windows dictation tool with a virtual audio cable, allowing users to transcribe both live and pre-recorded audio. Kevin guides viewers through setting up these tools step by step, showing how to configure sound settings and use dictation to convert audio from sources like videos or podcasts into text. The method works for all major languages, is free, and has no time limits. He also addresses minor issues with punctuation and word accuracy.

Takeaways

  • 🔉 You can convert audio into text using tools that come with Windows 10.
  • 💻 The Windows Dictation Tool is built-in and can be activated with the Windows key + H.
  • 🎙️ Pressing the microphone icon on the dictation tool starts transcribing audio into text.
  • 📂 You can transcribe live speech or pre-recorded audio using this method.
  • 🔗 To transcribe pre-recorded audio, you'll need a virtual audio cable, which is free to download.
  • 🎧 VB Audio Software provides a reliable virtual audio cable for feeding sound into the dictation tool.
  • ⚙️ Configure your sound settings to route output through the virtual cable for transcription.
  • 📝 Once configured, you can use the dictation tool to transcribe audio from videos, podcasts, or other recordings.
  • ✅ The tool may miss some punctuation but generally provides accurate and readable transcription.
  • 📢 The video encourages feedback and suggestions on using this transcription method in the comments section.

Q & A

  • What app does Kevin use to convert audio into text?

    -Kevin uses the dictation tool that comes with Windows 10.

  • How do you launch the Windows dictation tool?

    -You can launch it by pressing the Windows logo key and the H key together.

  • What does Kevin recommend if you want to transcribe pre-recorded audio or video files?

    -Kevin recommends using a virtual audio cable to transcribe pre-recorded audio or video files.

  • What virtual audio cable does Kevin suggest using?

    -Kevin suggests using a virtual audio cable made by VB Audio Software.

  • How can you download the virtual audio cable?

    -You can download the virtual audio cable from the VB Audio Software website, and it's free.

  • What changes do you need to make in sound settings for the virtual audio cable to work?

    -You need to set the output device to 'Cable Input' and the input device to 'Cable Output' in the sound settings.

  • How does the virtual audio cable help with transcription?

    -The virtual audio cable takes the output of audio (e.g., from a video player) and feeds it into the dictation tool for transcription.

  • What should you do after completing the transcription?

    -After completing the transcription, you can restore the default sound settings on your computer.

  • Does the dictation tool work for live audio input only?

    -No, while the dictation tool works well for live audio input, it can also transcribe pre-recorded files using the virtual audio cable.

  • What is one potential drawback of using the dictation tool for transcription?

    -One potential drawback is that the dictation tool might miss some punctuation and a few words could be inaccurate.

Outlines

00:00

🎤 Introduction to Converting Audio to Text

Kevin introduces the topic of converting audio to text using a Windows 10 app combined with a virtual audio cable. He assures viewers that the process is simple, supports all major languages, is free, and has no time limits. Kevin sets the stage for a step-by-step tutorial.

🖥️ Using Windows 10 Dictation Tool

Kevin explains how to use the built-in dictation tool in Windows 10 to transcribe live audio into text. He walks through launching the tool by pressing the Windows key with 'H' and shows how to start and stop recording audio. The transcription process works smoothly for live audio, and Kevin demonstrates by testing the tool with some spoken words.

🎧 Transcribing Pre-recorded Audio or Video

To transcribe pre-recorded audio, Kevin introduces a virtual audio cable tool. He explains that it helps route the output from apps, such as video players or podcasts, into the dictation tool. He recommends downloading this free software from VB Audio Software, which will be used to capture any sound output and transcribe it.

🔧 Setting Up Virtual Audio Cable in Sound Settings

Kevin details how to configure the virtual audio cable by adjusting sound settings in Windows 10. He guides viewers to change the output device to 'cable input' and the input device to 'cable output,' explaining that this will redirect audio output into the virtual cable for transcription. He also notes how to revert the settings once the transcription is complete.

📝 Transcribing a YouTube Video with Windows Dictation

Kevin demonstrates the full process by transcribing the audio from a YouTube video. He opens Windows Dictation, plays a video, and sets Notepad as the active text field for transcription. The dictation tool begins transcribing the audio in real-time, and though it may have minor errors, Kevin finds the result readable and understandable.

👍 Wrapping Up: Feedback and Encouragement

Kevin concludes the video by encouraging viewers to share their experiences with the transcription method. He invites them to comment if they successfully transcribed a file and reminds them to subscribe if they found the tutorial helpful. Kevin signs off by thanking viewers and expressing hope to see them in future videos.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Dictation tool

The dictation tool is a built-in feature in Windows 10 that converts spoken words into text. In the video, it is launched by pressing the Windows logo key and the 'H' key together, and it plays a central role in converting live or recorded audio into text.

💡Virtual audio cable

A virtual audio cable is software that routes audio output from one application to another. In the video, it is used to send audio from a media player to the dictation tool for transcription, essential for transcribing pre-recorded audio or video.

💡Windows 10

Windows 10 is the operating system referenced in the video. It includes the dictation tool, a free tool that can be used for converting audio into text. This serves as the base platform for the transcription process.

💡Transcription

Transcription refers to the process of converting spoken language into written text. In this video, transcription is the main objective, achieved by combining the Windows dictation tool with the virtual audio cable.

💡Sound settings

Sound settings are the configuration options within Windows where the user can adjust audio input and output devices. In the video, the presenter changes the output device to 'cable input' and the input device to 'cable output' to facilitate the transcription process.

💡Audio-to-text

Audio-to-text is the process of converting spoken audio content into text format. The entire video is focused on demonstrating a free and time-unlimited way to achieve this using built-in tools in Windows.

💡Output device

The output device is the hardware or virtual device that sends audio from the computer to a speaker or other application. In the video, the output device is changed to the virtual cable input to reroute the sound to the dictation tool.

💡Input device

An input device is a hardware or software interface that sends data (in this case, audio) into the computer. In the video, the input is set to 'cable output' to ensure the sound from the video or audio file is processed by the dictation tool.

💡Free tool

The video emphasizes the use of free tools, namely the Windows dictation tool and the virtual audio cable. The presenter highlights that there are no costs or time limits for using this method to convert audio to text.

💡Video transcription

Video transcription involves converting the spoken content from a video into text. In the video, this is achieved by playing a YouTube video and using the Windows dictation tool along with a virtual audio cable to transcribe the spoken words.

Highlights

How to convert audio into text using free tools on Windows 10.

Using the built-in dictation tool in Windows 10.

Launch the dictation tool by pressing the Windows key and H together.

How to use the dictation tool to transcribe live audio.

Introduction to Virtual Audio Cable for pre-recorded audio transcription.

Download Virtual Audio Cable from VB Audio Software.

Configure the output device to 'Cable Input' in sound settings.

Configure the input device to 'Cable Output' to reroute audio.

Using Virtual Audio Cable to transcribe audio from video players or podcasts.

Starting the Windows Dictation tool and transcribing a video.

The dictation tool generates fairly readable transcripts but may miss punctuation.

Switch back to your default sound settings after transcription.

Kevin shows how to convert video audio into text using Notepad and dictation.

The system works with any sound output and major languages.