What is the difference between audio transcription and audio translation?

When we transcribe a file, we type what is being spoken in the same words and same language as the audio file. When we translate a file, we convert the words being spoken in your files into text in another language.

What’s a source language? What’s a target language?

The source language is the language that your original document or audio recording is in. The target language is the language that you’d like your final translated document to be in. Let’s say you have a German audio recording, and you’d like an English transcript of it. The source language is German; the target language is English.

What languages do you work with?

We can work with over 200 languages.

Do you work with regional dialects?

Yes. We strive to hire translators from diverse backgrounds so we can accommodate requests for regional dialects such as Belgian Dutch, Brazilian Portuguese, and Québécois French.

I know my target audience, but I’m not sure which language is best. Can you help me decide?

We’ll be happy to help you determine the most relevant language for the culture you are trying to target.

Who works on my translation projects?

Each project is completed by a translator who has demonstrated native-level fluency in English and in the project’s target language. We evaluate each translator to measure proficiency with text translation, audio transcription, audio translation, and technical terminology. Depending on the specific languages and content of your project, your translator will either be based in the United States or in the most appropriate country for the source language.

How do you ensure translation quality and accuracy?

We have several bilingual Account Executives who oversee your projects from start to finish. They audit each translated document to ensure the translation you receive is accurate and its content can be clearly understood by audiences speaking your target language.

Will Ubiqus On Demand keep my files confidential?

Ubiqus On Demand takes great measures to guarantee that your information will remain private. Our linguists are required to sign non-disclosure agreements when they start working for us. We also run background checks on translators. Ubiqus On Demand has also put in place several technical safeguards to protect your data from security breaches and other risks.

How do you determine the cost of a translation project?

It depends on whether we’re providing document translation or audio translation. For document translation, we charge on a per-word basis. For audio translation, your cost is based on the number of minutes in your audio or video recording.

Can you provide an estimated cost for my translation project?

Absolutely! For audio translation, we’ll need to know how long your audio or video recording is, as we charge on a per-minute basis. We can provide an estimated cost for document translation based on the document’s word count.

Do I have to pay for transcription if I only need translation of my audio files?

If you only need a transcript in one language but not in the other, you only pay for one service. This can be a little confusing, so here are a few scenarios to help clarify things:

  • Katie has a French audio recording. She would like an English transcript of that recording. Katie pays for translation but does not pay extra for transcription.
  • Mary also has a French audio recording. She would like to create two transcripts, one in French and the other in English. Mary needs to pay for both documents: a transcription fee for French-to-French and a translation fee for French-to-English.
  • Louis has a French audio recording that he wants to transcribe into French. He only pays for the transcription.

How long will it take for you to complete my translation project?

Translation project turnaround times depend on the length of the document or recording and the complexity of the language in the document. Most translation projects can be completed in five business days. Larger or more technically complex projects may take significantly longer – we’ll review your project and then provide you with an estimated date of completion.

How do I submit my audio files?

For digital files (MP3s, .wav files, etc.), simply sign up as a new client, then upload your file.

If you have physical audio recordings like cassette tapes, you can mail them with a submission form to our office:

Ubiqus On Demand
61 Broadway
Suite 1400
New York, NY 10006