Reliable Audio Recording for Local Government Meetings 

Producing meeting minutes has never been easier with today's AI-powered software. But accurate transcription starts with a clear digital audio recording. Speech2Data portable table-top recorders can be taken anywhere and quickly set up to record from built-in microphones or microphone inputs or when connected to a room's existing A/V system. 

For busy clerks juggling multiple responsibilities, Speech2Data delivers reliable recordings without complicated equipment or technical assistance.

Key Challenges

Capturing Multiple Speakers with Clarity

CHALLENGES

  • Multiple speakers talking over one another, making it difficult to identify who said what
  • Background noise from papers, movement, HVAC systems, or a public audience.
  • Speakers too far from microphones or inadequate microphone coverage
  • Echoes, room noise, and inconsistent recording levels
  • Recording both the room and remote participants on a teleconferencing line.

THE SPEECH2DATA SOLUTION

  • Multichannel recording captures separate microphone tracks, making it easier to identify different speakers.
  • Dugan automixing automatically adjusts microphone gain, reducing background noise from unused mics while maintaining consistent overall gain as different people speak.
  • Flexible microphone connections allow microphones to be positioned closer to speakers for clearer recordings.
  • A hybrid recording USB-C input captures remote participants alongside in-room conversations.

Keeping Recording Simple and Flexible 

CHALLENGES

  • A clerk or staff member does more in a meeting than just make a recording.
  • Laptop software recording or using inadequate handheld recorders increase the risk of operator error including failing to start recording or accidentally deleting a recording
  • Meetings can take place in a variety of locations including public auditoriums, conference rooms and in the field. 

THE SPEECH2DATA SOLUTION

  • One-button recording and intuitive touchscreen controls simplify operation without extensive technical training.
  • Purpose-built tabletop design combines portability with professional recording capabilities.
  • Standalone operation eliminates the need for a computer or recording software.
  • Flexible microphone connections accommodate different room layouts and recording requirements.
  • Battery or AC operation allows recording in locations where convenient electrical power may not be available.
  • Mark time stamps automatically or manually and annotate the audio using the touch panel display web browser connection

Supporting AI-Powered Transcription & Meeting Minutes

CHALLENGES

  • Using AI to edit meeting minutes or make transcriptions depends heavily on the quality of the original recording, particularly when multiple people speak.
  • Adding notes and identifying speakers—or correcting them afterward—can be difficult and time-consuming.
  • Recordings from handheld devices must be transferred, properly named, and stored in the correct location on the organization's network.

THE SPEECH2DATA SOLUTION

  • Multichannel Recording: Preserve up to eight separate audio channels in a single file (S2D VT800), helping compatible transcription and summarization software distinguish between speakers.
  • Easy Indexing and Annotation: Set index points automatically or on demand, and add notes using the touchscreen or an attached keyboard and browser interface,
  • Instant Review: Listen to any part of an ongoing recording while recording continues uninterrupted. 
  • Connect to your Network: The Speech2Data Recorder can be recognized on your organization’s network for file archiving with other meeting data.
  • Thumb Drive Backup. Record simultaneously to the flash drive and inserted Thumb Drive.  

Recording Setup Examples

  • Connect Microphones Directly

    Plug two microphones directly into the Ethercon connections for a take-anywhere solution or just use the internal mics. Or use the included Break Out box to attach up to 4 mics. 

  • Record from Your Installed PA System

    Attach up to 8 lines from your current PA system (or up to 7 if one of the recorder's 8 channels is assigned to the USB-C port for teleconferencing participants)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get recordings out of the unit—to archive, share with others?

Speech2Data recorders create either a WAV or multi-track MP4 audio file to a removable Micro-SD flash card when recording. These files include all indexing points, time stamps and notes made by the operator. For extra safety, you can make a simultaneous backup copy to a thumb drive. Speech2Data recorders can also be recognized as a connected device on your organization's network file management and integration with related tex files.

How do index points and notes work?

Index points can be toggled on to be added automatically whenever a speaker changes. This creates a time stamp and an index point that you can navigate to on the unit, even while a recording is being made. 

You can also manually add index points. The Record Button can be set to create index points when you tap it. You can navigate back and forth to these points for playback (even during recording). Also you can rename and add notes to index points using the unit's touchscreen display OR, simply plug in a keyboard and mouse to navigate and type notes.  

How do Speech2Data recorders compare to other digital recording solutions?

There is no direct comparison. That's because alternatives range from small handheld devices that have been packaged as "meeting recorders" to multi-track recording devices that are intimidatingly complex yet still lack the special recording features of either the S2D-VT300 or S2D-VT800. 

Handhelds have small controls, and even something as basic as starting and stopping a recording can take navigating screens and multiple button pushes. Their small displays bury important functions or lack it altogether. You can't attach a keyboard or mouse. You can't automatically generate a backup file to a USB thumb drive. Some record only in stereo. 

You can also spend a lot more and end up with more complexity, pro-audio features designed for music recording, and more need for training, technical support, or even software add-ons. 

Compare Our Digital Audio Recorders

Both Speech2Data recorders offer the same straightforward recording experience. Choose the model that fits the number of microphones your application requires.

Feature S2D-300VT S2D-800VT
Independent Recording Channels 3 8
Microphone Connections 2 Direct XLR or 1/4" inputs 2 Ethercon inputs support up to 8 microphones attached to Breakout Boxes
Dugan Automatic Audio Mixing Included Included
Standalone Recording Yes Yes
Internal & USB Recording Supported Supported
Remote Meeting Audio Supported Supported
Explore S2D-300VT Explore S2D-800VT