Automatic transcription using f4x

The f4x transcription service is provided by the E-Science Office for researchers in the Faculty of Education and makes it possible to have audio files (e.g., interviews) automatically transcribed into text files. The resulting raw transcripts can then be edited in MAXQDA.

The service is only available for faculty members. Alternatively, the free software NoScribe can be used to create automated transcriptions locally and in compliance with data protection regulations. 

Go to the order form

F4x transcription service

F4x is a service provided by Dr. Dresing & Pehl GmbH that includes the following functions:

• Automatic text generation: automatically generates a text from the speech of your audio and video files
• Optimized for natural language: ideal for interviews, podcasts, and dictations
• Speaker differentiation: automatically divides the text produced by different speakers into separate paragraphs (optionally with time stamps)
• Pause detection: detects pauses in speech
• Direct postproduction: import with time stamps and postproduction in MAXQDA possible
• High data protection standards: established program with servers in Germany and encryption
• Versatile file formats: output in Word (docx), f4transcript (rtf), and subtitles (srt) for use in videos
• Support for 47 languages: wide range of available language options

How the transcription service works

1. Fill out the order form and send us the encrypted files via UHHShare or UHHCloud (mp3, wav, mp4, or m4a up to 2 GB per file).
2. We take care of the transcription and provide you with the written raw data in one of the file formats listed above.
3. You review the transcripts and add any necessary information required by your transcription guidelines.

Important information

• Rights to process data: data processing by third parties in the cloud requires all necessary rights be in place
• Limited usability: f4x service currently only available via the E-Science Office given current internal and legal requirements
• f4x for students: students not able to use this service via the E-Science Office but can purchase discounted time allotments directly from the provider
• Note about quality: quality of the raw transcripts can be affected by poor quality of audio recordings, regional dialects, and simultaneous speech— we can advise on how to optimize audio recordings

If you have any questions, special requirements for a transcription, or you need suitable hardware for your recordings, don’t hesitate to contact us.