Transcribe IC Recorder Audio: Free AI Tools & Easy Steps

How can I transcribe audio recorded with an IC recorder?

Audio recorded with an IC recorder or voice recorder can be easily converted to text using AI transcription services.

You can easily get started with free AI transcription websites!

This article thoroughly explains how to transcribe audio files recorded with an IC recorder, covering supported file formats, steps to transfer to a PC, and recommended websites and apps.

What you'll learn in this article:

• 3 recommended methods to transcribe IC recorder audio
• Notes on audio file formats like WAV, MP3, AAC, FLAC, and a compatibility list
• Steps from transferring audio from an IC recorder to a PC to completing transcription
• Recommended free AI transcription websites and apps

3 Recommended Methods to Transcribe IC Recorder Audio

There are several ways to transcribe audio files recorded with an IC recorder or voice recorder.

It's also possible to transcribe for free.

1. Use Free AI Transcription Websites/Apps (Recommended)

To get straight to the point, the most recommended method for transcribing audio files recorded with an IC recorder is to use AI transcription websites or apps.

When you upload an audio file, the latest speech recognition AI automatically transcribes it.

The main features are that it's very easy to use and the quality is very high.

Just upload the file recorded with your IC recorder to start transcription.

What's more, transcription is completed in just about 1 minute.

Since speech recognition is a field where AI particularly excels, it's possible to transcribe with accuracy comparable to a professional writer.

Furthermore, some AI transcription websites are available for free.

This article introduces recommended AI transcription websites and apps, so please take a look!

2. Transcribe by Typing on a PC While Listening to the Recording

You can also transcribe audio recorded with an IC recorder by manually typing it out on your computer keyboard.

Naturally, doing it yourself is free.

However, this requires time and effort for the task.

When a non-specialist types manually, the time required for transcription is at least 3 times the length of the audio file.

For 1 hour of audio, it will take at least 3 hours even if you work smoothly, so if you want to save time and effort, using an AI transcription website is recommended.

3. Outsource the Recorded Audio to a Professional Transcriber

Another method is to outsource transcription to a professional transcriber.

However, this method is not free.

When outsourcing transcription, you can:

• Request a company specializing in transcription services
• Hire a freelance transcriber through crowdsourcing sites

These are the available options.

Transcription Service (AI App, Individual, Company) Comparison Summary [Sites, Apps, PC, Smartphone]

For those who don't know which transcription service to choose, we have compared and summarized recommended apps and sites. We also explain how to choose the optimal transcription service for your purpose.

IC Recorder Audio File Formats and Considerations

When transcribing audio recorded with an IC recorder, one important consideration is the audio file format.

Since AI transcription websites and apps support different file formats, it's recommended to check this in advance.

Main IC Recorder Audio File Formats and Compatibility

As of 2026, major IC recorder manufacturers sold in Japan include brands like SONY, OLYMPUS (OM Digital Solutions), TASCAM, Roland, and ZOOM.

Products from all these brands can record in widely used audio file formats.

The main file formats and their compatibility with the AI transcription website Mr. Transcription are as follows:

Mr. Transcription widely supports WAV and MP3, as well as formats like AAC, FLAC, M4A, and 3GP.

Basically, if you set your IC recorder to WAV or MP3, you won't have any problems with any AI transcription website or app.

For AAC format (SONY, etc.), it's recommended to check compatibility in advance.

AAC format audio files, available on some devices like SONY IC recorders, may or may not be supported by AI transcription websites and apps.

While it allows for higher quality recording than MP3 format, it's recommended to check if the AI transcription website or app you want to use supports it in advance.

※Mr. Transcription supports AAC format.

High-quality formats like FLAC also require compatibility check (OLYMPUS, etc.)

Some IC recorders, such as certain OLYMPUS (OM Digital Solutions) models, can record in FLAC format, which is a high-quality (high-resolution audio) format.

FLAC format is a file format for recording ultra-high-quality audio for purposes such as music.

Some sites and apps may require conversion to standard formats like MP3 before transcription, so be careful with settings when recording with an IC recorder.

※Mr. Transcription supports FLAC format.

Audio from smartphone/PC voice recorders can also be transcribed by AI.

Audio files recorded with voice recorder apps on iPhone (iOS) and Android smartphones can also be transcribed in the same way as files recorded with standalone IC recorders.

The advantage is that you don't need to buy a dedicated IC recorder and can use it for free, but file format still requires attention.

Smartphone voice recorders use file formats such as:

• iPhone (Voice Memos): M4A
• Android (Easy Voice Recorder, etc.): M4A, 3GP, AMR

M4A files are supported by many transcription websites and apps, but 3GP and AMR files from Android smartphones often require conversion, so be careful.

※Mr. Transcription supports M4A and 3GP files.

Additionally, audio recorded with Windows' "Sound Recorder" can also be transcribed by AI.

Audio recorded with Windows Sound Recorder is saved in M4A format, so it can be directly uploaded to AI transcription websites.

Mr. Transcription's Supported Files and File Sizes. How to Make Unsupported Files Supported

We will guide you on Mr. Transcription's supported files and what to do when you have unsupported files.

[Free] Recommended Transcription Steps for IC Recorder Audio

From here, we will explain the specific steps to transcribe audio recorded with an IC recorder using an AI transcription website.

We will use the steps for Mr. Transcription as an example.

Step 1: Transfer IC Recorder Audio Files to Your Computer

First, transfer the audio files recorded with your IC recorder to your computer.

The transfer method varies by model, but generally it's one of the following:

• USB connection: Connect the IC recorder to your computer with a USB cable and copy the audio files.
• Via microSD: Remove the microSD card from the IC recorder and read it with a card reader on your computer.

Audio files are often saved in folders like "VOICE" or "RECORDER."

Copy WAV or MP3 files to your computer.

※For smartphone voice recorder apps, you can also directly upload to Mr. Transcription using the app's sharing function.

Step 2: Upload Audio Files to the AI Transcription Website

Simply open Mr. Transcription's top page and drag and drop the audio files you transferred to your computer.

You can also upload by clicking the "Select file" button.

Step 3: Select Language and Click "Transcribe"

Select the language for transcription from the dropdown menu and click the "Transcribe" button.

Then, the AI will automatically transcribe, and all you have to do is wait for it to complete.

Even long audio data can be transcribed in just about 1 minute.

Step 4: Check and Utilize the Results

Once transcription is complete, you can check the text on the results screen.

The following can be done on the results screen:

• Edit text: Correct transcription results on the spot.
• Download text file: Save the transcription results.
• Download SRT subtitle file: Use for video subtitles.
• AI summary, analysis, meeting minutes creation: AI automatically summarizes key points of meetings and interviews.
• Partial playback/editing function: Play back original audio for specific sections and edit text.

The AI summary, analysis, and meeting minutes creation function is particularly useful when transcribing meeting recordings.

For more details, please refer to this article!