844-897-3935To successfully provide TypeWell services in a remote setup, both the transcriber and the consumer (or reader) must have the appropriate equipment and a stable internet connection. This article outlines the basic technology requirements for the most common remote scenarios, and highlights common pitfalls to avoid (especially with audio setup).
If you have a unique setup or need specific product recommendations, contact us directly—we’re happy to help!
When the Transcriber Is Remote
This is the most common remote setup: the transcriber is off-site, and the class, lecture, or meeting is happening in person at the reader’s location.
In this scenario:
- The audio is streamed from the reader's location to the remote transcriber in real time.
- The transcript is streamed from the transcriber back to the reader’s location for viewing.
Equipment at the Reader’s Location (on-site)
To send clear audio to the transcriber and display the transcript for the consumer:
- Device: A computer, tablet, or other web-enabled device to:
- Display the live transcript (see display options below)
- Transmit audio to the transcriber using a video call
- Internet: Fast and reliable connection (wired preferred; strong Wi-Fi may suffice)
- Microphone setup (more on this below!): A microphone system to capture clear audio from the speaker, typically:
- A microphone worn by the speaker (clip-on or wireless preferred)
- A wireless transmitter and receiver pair to relay the audio to the reader’s device
- Audio transmission tool: A video conferencing app (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet) installed on the reader’s device to stream audio to the transcriber
About the microphone setup at the Reader's location —
The microphone setup is one of the most critical components of a remote TypeWell service, yet often the most overlooked.
The goal is to send clear, intelligible audio of both the instructor and key student comments to the remote transcriber. The ideal solution depends on the type of session:
- For lectures or meetings with one primary speaker, a clip-on or wireless microphone worn by the speaker provides excellent clarity.
- For interactive classes or group discussions, a high-quality tabletop or omnidirectional microphone is recommended to capture both the instructor and student voices. Multiple mics or an integrated classroom mic system may be needed in larger spaces.
Important: Built-in laptop mics, webcams, or cheap Bluetooth mics typically produce poor audio quality and are not suitable for transcription.
Equipment at the Transcriber’s Location
To receive audio and provide real-time transcription:
- Computer: Running TypeWell Premium Transcriber software
- Internet: Fast, stable connection to receive real-time audio and transmit the live transcript
- Audio tool: Zoom, Google Meet, or another conferencing tool to hear the class
- Headphones: To ensure clear, undistorted audio for accurate transcription
Transcript display options
At the reader’s location, the live transcript can be displayed using one of the following methods:
- TypeWell Web Linking — allows the reader to view the full transcript in a browser (preferred for maximum access)
- Zoom manual captions using TypeWell’s Zoom Linking feature — requires Zoom host to provide a 3rd-party Closed Captioning API token; captions appear as subtitles within Zoom
- StreamText — third-party caption streaming service (optional; used if required by the institution)
When the Reader Is Remote
In this setup, the transcriber is on-site at the class or meeting, and the reader (e.g., student or participant) is located elsewhere.
In this scenario:
- The transcriber hears the audio in person.
- The live transcript is streamed over the internet to the remote reader.
Equipment at the Transcriber’s Location (on-site)
To capture and transmit the live transcript:
- Computer: Running TypeWell Premium Transcriber software
- Internet: Fast and stable connection to transmit the transcript using one of the following methods:
- TypeWell Web Linking
- Zoom manual captions using TypeWell’s Zoom Linking feature
- StreamText
Equipment at the Reader’s Location
To view the live transcript:
- Device: A computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access
- Internet: Fast and reliable connection for uninterrupted access
Related Articles
- When to Use Remote TypeWell Services
- Remote Linking Methods → This article explains the differences between Web Linking, Zoom Linking, and StreamText, and helps you choose the best method for your needs.
- Remote Troubleshooting