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Using speech-to-text
What is speech-to-text in basebox?
With speech-to-text in basebox, you can convert spoken content into text. This saves time typing and lets you work on the go or in situations where writing is impractical.
basebox offers two separate paths for this, and they differ in one important respect:
- Live recording via your microphone – Your recording is transcribed automatically and inserted into the chat as text.
- Uploading an audio file – The file is not transcribed automatically. You tell basebox what to do with it in your instruction (e.g. "Transcribe this recording").
Video files are not supported
basebox cannot process video files – they can neither be uploaded nor read. If you need the audio from a video, extract the audio track first and upload it as an audio file.
Method 1: Live speech input via microphone
When it's useful: For spontaneous input, notes, or whenever you'd rather speak than type.
How to use direct speech input:
- Find the microphone icon – Click the microphone icon next to the send button in the chat
- Grant browser permission – Allow basebox to access your microphone (appears the first time)
- Select a language – You can specify German or English; independently of that, the spoken language is detected automatically
- Start recording – Recording begins automatically after you select a language
- Speak clearly – Speak clearly and at a normal pace
- End recording – Stop the recording when you're done
- Check the text – The spoken content is automatically inserted as text in the chat
What happens next: You can use the transcribed text just like normal text input – edit it, add to it, or send it directly.
Understanding browser permissions:
The first time, your browser will ask for microphone access:
- Chrome/Edge: Popup in the top left with "Allow" or "Block"
- Firefox: Notification in the address bar
- Safari: Permission in the browser settings
Important: Live recording will not work without microphone permission.
Method 2: Uploading an audio file
When it's useful: For meetings, interviews, talks, or other content you've already recorded.
Unlike a live recording, an uploaded file is not transcribed on its own. Your instruction decides what happens to the recording – either a transcription, or you use the file as the basis for a different task.
How to work with an audio file:
- Upload the file – Drag and drop the audio file into the chat, or use the paperclip icon
- Add an instruction – Tell basebox what should happen, e.g. "Transcribe this recording" or "Summarize the key points of this meeting"
- Wait for processing – Depending on the length of the recording, this can take a few minutes
- Use the result – The text appears in the chat and can be used directly
Recording length: You can upload audio files of up to one hour in length.
For the audio formats that are supported – including MP3, WAV, and M4A – see Supported file formats.
Tips for optimal recognition quality
For live recordings:
Optimize your environment:
- Quiet environment – Minimize background noise
- Good microphone – Use a headset or external microphone if possible
- Stable distance – Keep about 20–30 cm from the microphone
Adjust how you speak:
- Articulate clearly – Speak clearly and not too fast
- Normal volume – Don't whisper, don't shout
- Take pauses – Short pauses between sentences help recognition
For audio files:
Recording quality:
- High audio quality – At least 16 kHz sample rate
- Mono or stereo – Both are supported
- Low compression – Uncompressed or losslessly compressed recordings give the best results
Optimizing content:
- One speaker – Works best with a single person
- Clear speech – Dialects can affect accuracy
- Short segments – Split up very long recordings
Supported languages
Currently available:
- German – Optimized for German language and terminology
- English – For English-language content
Language selection: You can set the language manually to German or English. Independently of that, basebox detects the spoken language automatically – your profile setting plays no role here.
Common problems and solutions
Microphone doesn't work:
Problem: No recording is possible Solutions:
- Check browser permissions and grant them again
- Enable the microphone in your system settings
- Try a different browser
- Reload the page and try again
Poor recognition quality:
Problem: Text is inaccurate or incomplete Solutions:
- Speak more clearly and slowly
- Reduce background noise
- Adjust the distance to the microphone
- Select a different language
Audio file isn't processed:
Problem: Upload or transcription doesn't work Solutions:
- Check whether you added an instruction – without one, an uploaded file is not transcribed
- Check the file format – see Supported file formats
- Clear the browser cache
Practical use cases
For meetings and discussions:
- Live notes during video conferences
- Creating meeting minutes from recordings
- Quickly dictating action items
For content creation:
- Dictating blog articles instead of typing
- Collecting ideas on the go via voice memo
- Transcribing interviews for further editing
For documentation:
- Documenting work steps verbally
- Speaking project reports instead of writing them
- Following up on customer conversations
After transcription: making further use of the text
What you can do with the transcribed text:
- Edit it directly – Correct errors and add to it
- Have it summarized – basebox can analyze the text
- Structure it – Organize it into bullet points or chapters
- Translate it – Convert it into other languages
- Process it further – Use it as a basis for other documents
Important note
Recognition quality depends heavily on audio quality and how you speak. Always check the transcribed text for accuracy, especially for important documents.
Tip
Start with short test recordings to get a feel for the optimal settings.
Problems with speech recognition or questions about audio quality? Contact support