High pass filter

MSRS can apply a high pass (low cut) filter to reduce the bass frequencies which makes the voice more intelligible. Typical values for voice with dynamic microphones is 150Hz. Please note this option increases CPU demands slightly so do not use it unless required.

Multiband noise gate

A noise gate is a dynamic range expander that automatically turns off a channel when it is below a set volume level. A multiband noise gate is a bit more complex in that it does this using many separate frequency bands. This can be useful to reduce background noise, hiss or hums but it must be carefully adjusted.

The default value is -27dB. If it is set too high, soft parts of the voice might be cut off. If it is set too low, it will not reduce the noise. You should adjust noise gate settings after record volumes have be adjusted properly since any change in record level will affect gating.

Break recording into files of length

After recording for a set duration MSRS automatically starts a new file and sends the previous file for transcription or archiving. Thus MSRS breaks recordings into files of manageable lengths. By default this is 20 mins (0:20:00). If you are sending files by email, or require a faster turnaround time you can reduce this to 5 mins (0:05:00). But take care with shorter files because the number of files can become unmanageable if recording for many hours a day. To reduce the number of files MSRS creates you can increase the time up to an hour (1:00:00) but remember files are only sent after an hour so this might lower the transcription turnaround time.

Note: The file duration might not be exactly this length if you use the "Align file break to time of day" option (see below).

When breaking overlap for length

When MSRS 'breaks' between files it will continue recording the old file for a set number of seconds in case an important word is recorded over the break. The default overlap length is 10 seconds.

Align file break times to time of day

When this is ticked, MSRS breaks files at neat time-of-day boundaries rather than at exact file durations. For example, when ticked, if your file break time is 0:20:00 and you start recording at 12:47 MSRS creates files (12-47, 13-00, 13-20, 13-40, 13-00 etc.). If left unticked MSRS would break files (12-47, 13-07, 13-27 etc.).

The following audio formats are used for encoding sound that is to be sent or backed up. Internally MSRS uses unfiltered and ungated wav files for playback. That way both the processed and unprocessed sound can be used.

• DCT (Dictation)

  The dictation file format is a compressed (selectable codec) format that stores the recording and notes within the file. The benefit of the DCT format is that, unlike WAV or MP3, it can store 3 or more channels separately in one file. DCT file formats also include extra information such as check sums, and file management and tracking information so it can be managed with other automated software (see www.nch.com.au/delegate or www.nch.com.au/etools for more).

  Full Multichannel or Mixdown

  If you are recording 3 or more channels, MSRS can send all channels for transcription (so the typist can listen to specific speakers) or mix down the recording to a stereo or mono track. Multichannel recordings can be useful where people talk over each other but because they take so much more file size they are not recommended for internet or long term archiving purposes. Note: Full Multichannel recordings can only be stored in the DCT file format.

• WAV (Microsoft Wave)

  Wave files are very popular because they are native to Microsoft Windows systems. Wave is a container format that can house a variety of different uncompressed and compressed codecs, like PCM or GSM (respectively). Wave files cannot contain extra information like text notes within the file, so an XML notes file must be used (see section Save additional information and notes in XML below).

• MP3 (MPEG Layer-3)

  MP3 is a very popular format choice for audio compression, but it is a format that was designed for music, and not voice, so you may get better results if you stick with using Wave or DCT. Like Wave files, MP3 files cannot contain extra information like text notes within the file, so an XML notes file must be used (see section Save additional information and notes in XML below).

All of the above file formats can be opened with Express Scribe which is free and can be downloaded from www.nch.com.au/scribe.

Select Compression Codec

WAV and DCT files have selectable compression codecs. To select the codec, click on the Select Compression Codec button. The recommended codec for voice transcription and archiving is GSM6.10 but you can compare other formats using our samples page www.nch.com.au/acm.

Stereo or Mono

Normally a mono recording is all that is required. But if you select a stereo codec, MSRS will pan the channels from left to right so the listener can easily distinguish between speakers. Wire microphones from left to right with left being the lowest channel and right being the highest. Stereo files take double the file space.

Save additional information and notes in XML

When ticked, MSRS creates and sends a XML file with each recording that contains recording information including date, notes, time-stamped comments and any prompt data. XML files are designed to be used with database programs but can also be viewed with Internet Explorer or searched for contents using Windows Explorer.