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ElevenLabs Scribe is ElevenLabs’ speech-to-text service, available through a web transcription workflow and an API. Use Scribe v2 to transcribe uploaded audio or video; use Scribe v2 Realtime when an application needs live or near-live results. You do not need to code for basic web transcription, but API and realtime integrations require development or an integration layer.
What is ElevenLabs Scribe?
ElevenLabs is widely known for text-to-speech and voice generation, but Scribe handles the reverse task: it converts spoken audio into text. Scribe is part of the ElevenLabs platform, not a separate company or simply a voice-generation feature. The name can refer to the speech-recognition model, the Speech to Text product in the web platform, or the API used to build transcription into another application.
The distinction matters when choosing a workflow. The website is the straightforward option for transcribing a recording yourself. The API is for software, services, or automated pipelines. Scribe v2 is designed for submitted media and batch processing; Scribe v2 Realtime is designed to stream recognition results into an application while speech is happening. See ElevenLabs’ speech-to-text documentation and its model overview.
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| Scribe v2 | Scribe v2 Realtime | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Uploaded interviews, podcasts, calls, and media archives | Live captions, voice applications, and other interactive use |
| How it works | Submit a file or supported source and receive a completed transcript; larger workflows can use asynchronous processing | Connect a realtime integration and receive results as speech is processed |
| Latency | Batch/file workflow, not intended to deliver words live | ElevenLabs advertises approximately 150 ms latency; actual application latency depends on the full connection and processing path |
| Pricing shown | $0.22 per audio hour | $0.39 per audio hour |
Realtime is not just a faster way to upload a recording. It has a different integration pattern, and an application must account for streaming connections, concurrency, and how it handles partial or evolving results. For prerecorded audio where a finished transcript is enough, batch Scribe v2 is usually the more fitting path. Model and price details can change; consult the model documentation and current speech-to-text pricing.
#1 Best Overall
- [Natural Audio Clarity] Operated with frequency response of 50Hz-16KHz, the podcasting XLR mic delivers balanced audio range, likely to resonate with your audience. Directional cardioid dynamic microphone corded will not exaggerate your voice, while rejects unwanted off-axis noise for vocal originality and intelligibility during your PS5 gaming streaming video recording. (Tips: Keep the top of end-addressing XLR dynamic microphone AM8 facing audio source, and suggested recording range is 2 to 6 in.)
- [XLR Connection Upgrade-Ability] To use XLR connection, connect the podcast microphone to an audio interface (or mixer) using a separate XLR cable (NOT Included) . Well-connected and smooth operation improves audio flexibility to make you explore various types of music recording singing. The streaming mic isolates the pristine and accurate sound from ambient noise with greater no interference and fidelity. (RGB and function key on mic are INACTIVE when using XLR connection.)
- [USB Connection with Handy Mute] Skip the hassle of setting something up and plug the cable to play the dynamic USB microphone directly, which suits for beginner creators or daily podcast. You can quickly control the gamer mic with tap-to-mute that is independent of computer/Macbook programs to keep privacy when live streaming. LED mute reminder helps you get rid of forgetting to cancel the mute. (RGB and function key are only available for USB connection, but NOT for XLR connection)
- [Soothing Controllable RGB] RGB ring on the desktop gaming microphone for PC, with 3 modes and more than 10 light colors collection, matches your PC gears accessories for gaming synergy even in dim room. You can control the RGB key button of the dynamic microphone USB directly for game color scheme gaming or live streaming. Configured memory function, the streaming microphone RGB no need to repeated selections after turnning off and brings itself alive when power on. (Only available for USB connection)
- [More Function Keys] Computer microphone with headphones jack upgrades your rhythm game experience and gets feedback whether the real-time voice your audience hear as expected. Get the desired level via monitoring volume control when gaming recording. Smooth mic gain knob on the PC microphone gaming has some resistance to the point, easily for audio attenuation or boost presence to less post-production audio. (Only available for USB connection)
What Scribe can return
- Transcribed text and language information: The API response can include the recognized language, a language probability, and transcript text.
- Word-level timestamps: Start and end times for words can support subtitle preparation, audio-text highlighting, searchable recordings, and editing workflows.
- Speaker diarization: Scribe v2 can assign speaker labels, with documentation describing support for up to 32 speakers. A label such as
speaker_0marks a turn; it does not tell you the person’s real name. An editor or your application must map labels to participants. Overlapping speech, similar voices, poor microphones, and interruptions can make labels less reliable. - Dynamic audio tagging: The system can tag some non-speech events, such as laughter or music. Treat this as useful context, not a complete sound-effects log.
- Automatic language detection and multilingual transcription: ElevenLabs describes support for 90+ languages. Its pages have also used a different exact count, so avoid treating one headline number as a guarantee for every language, accent, or mixed-language recording. Test code-switching and specialist vocabulary on representative audio.
- Keyterm prompting: You can provide important names, brands, or technical terms to guide recognition. ElevenLabs’ documentation currently gives different limits on different pages; check the live API reference or account interface before designing around a specific maximum. The pricing page lists an additional $0.05 per hour for keyterm prompting.
- Entity detection: An API option can identify selected entity types, such as names, payment-card numbers, or medical conditions. The help page describes it as API-only, and pricing lists an additional $0.07 per hour. Detection is not the same as redaction: it does not by itself guarantee that sensitive information is removed, securely stored, or handled in compliance with a regulation.
- Multichannel transcription: When a recording preserves separate audio channels, Scribe can process up to five channels independently and provide channel-based speaker identifiers. This differs from diarization, which infers turns from sound. Separate microphones or isolated channels can make participant attribution more dependable, but multichannel mode has a shorter documented duration limit.
These features and options are described in the capabilities guide and API reference. Whether a feature appears in the web workflow can depend on the current interface and account.
How to transcribe a file on the ElevenLabs website
For a one-off transcription, you do not need to write code. The exact navigation labels can change, but the stable workflow is:
- Sign in to an ElevenLabs account.
- Open the platform’s Speech to Text or transcription feature.
- Upload an accepted audio or video file.
- Select or confirm the Scribe model offered for the task; Scribe v2 is the current batch choice in the product documentation.
- Enable available options you need, such as speaker diarization or timestamps. Use prompting or entity detection only if the interface offers them and they fit your use case.
- Start transcription, then review the result against the recording.
- Copy or export the transcript using the formats currently offered by the interface.
A transcript can save substantial typing, but do not assume it is ready to publish or use as an authoritative record. Check proper names, numbers, dates, prices, email addresses, acronyms, speaker assignments, language switches, noisy sections, overlapping speech, and timestamp alignment. For subtitles, quotations, legal records, research, and other high-stakes work, human review is essential.
Rank #2
- [Convenient Setup] Plug and play recording USB microphone for PC, with 5.9-Foot USB cable included for computer PC laptop, is connected directly to USB-A port for recording music, computer singing or podcast. The office condenser microphone for computer is easy to use and install. (NOT compatible with Xbox and Phones)
- [Durable Metal Design] Solid sturdy metal construction design, the computer microphone for Zoom meetings with stable tripod stand is convenient when you are doing voice overs or livestreams on YouTube. Durable material extends the service life of the voice-over microphone.
- [Mic Volume Knob] Gaming condenser USB mic compatible for PS4 with additional volume knob itself has a louder or quieter adjustment and is more sensitive. Your voice would be heard well enough through the zoom microphone USB when gaming, skyping or voice recording. Also, you can adjust your volume to zero and protect your privacy.
- [Widely Use] USB-powered design, the condenser microphone for recording no need the 48v Phantom power supply, works well with Cortana, Discord, voice chat and voice recognition. The podcast microphone for Mac, with USB-B to USB-A/C cable, is compatible with desktop, laptop or PS4/PS5, which meets most of your daily recording needs.
- [Clear Output Voice] Cardioid condenser microphone for PC captures your voice properly, producing clear smooth and crisp sound. Great computer recording mic for gamers/streamers/youtubers focus on the main source and reduces background noise. The streaming microphone does the job well for broadcast ,OBS and teamspeak.
See the Speech to Text product guide for current web-product details.
How to use the Scribe API
The documented batch endpoint is POST https://api.elevenlabs.io/v1/speech-to-text. The request uses multipart form data, an ElevenLabs API key, a file, and the model ID scribe_v2. Keep your API key in an environment variable or secrets manager rather than putting it in source code.
curl -X POST "https://api.elevenlabs.io/v1/speech-to-text"
-H "xi-api-key: $ELEVENLABS_API_KEY"
-H "Content-Type: multipart/form-data"
-F "model_id=scribe_v2"
-F "[email protected]"The API response can contain fields such as text, language_code, language_probability, and a words array with word text, start and end times, speaker identifiers, and other metadata. Use the structured response rather than treating it as plain text if your application needs synchronization, diarization, or downstream indexing.
Rank #3
- Custom three-capsule array: This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings, music recording and more
- Blue VO!CE software: Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples
- Four pickup patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics, for vocals, instruments and podcasts
- Onboard audio controls: Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the audio recording and streaming process
- Positionable design: Pivot the mic in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality thanks to the adjustable desktop stand and track your voice in real time with no-latency monitoring
The API also documents options for diarization, timestamp granularity, keyterm prompting, entity detection, multichannel processing, and asynchronous work. Exactly one of file or cloud_storage_url must be supplied for the documented conversion request. Review the current endpoint reference for parameter names and availability before implementing; SDK interfaces can change too.
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Handling longer jobs with webhooks
For large transcription pipelines, asynchronous processing and webhooks can return a result when a job completes. A robust integration should generate a unique internal job ID, retain the source filename and media hash, and pass correlation metadata where supported. Make webhook handling idempotent, track completed and failed jobs, and provide a retry or polling fallback. Do not assume notifications arrive exactly once or in order. Follow ElevenLabs’ current security guidance for validating webhook requests.
Supported media and limits
The capabilities documentation lists common audio formats including AAC, AIFF, OGG, MP3, OPUS, WAV, FLAC, M4A, and WebM. Listed video formats include MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV, WMV, FLV, WebM, MPEG, and 3GPP. It gives a standard maximum duration of 10 hours, a multichannel maximum of one hour, and up to five channels.
Rank #4
- 360 Degree Position Adjustable Gooseneck Design --Plug and play USB microphone Pick up the sound from 360-degree with high sensitivity, in the best possible location for sound to your PC gaming, dragon voice dictation, and talk to Cortana
- Mute Button & LED Indicator --One-click to mute/unmute your microphone for pc, Build-in LED indicator tells you the working status at any time
- Intelligent Noise-Canceling Tech --Premium omnidirectional condenser microphone with noise-canceling technology can pick up your clear voice and reduce background noise and echo
- USB Plug&Play(1.8/6ft USB Cable) -- No driver required. Just need to plug & play for the microphone to start recording, well compatible with Windows(7, 8, 10 and 11) and macOS. (NOT compatible with Xbox/Raspberry Pi/Android)
- Solid Construction--Adopting premium metal pipe and heavy-duty ABS stand to make sure that you will be satisfied with our computer mic quality
There is a documentation discrepancy on file size: the general capabilities page lists 3 GB, while the API reference describes a limit below 5 GB. Confirm the limit for your specific endpoint, account, and plan before uploading very large files. Other documented request details include a minimum audio length of 100 ms. For oversized or long recordings, split media into logical chunks, preserve each chunk’s time offset for recombination, and use asynchronous processing where appropriate.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How much does ElevenLabs Scribe cost?
On August 18, 2026, ElevenLabs’ API pricing page listed usage-based rates of $0.22 per audio hour for Scribe v2 and $0.39 per audio hour for Scribe v2 Realtime. It listed entity detection at an additional $0.07 per hour and keyterm prompting at an additional $0.05 per hour. Prices exclude taxes and can change; check the current pricing page before budgeting.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →| Usage | At listed base rate |
|---|---|
| 10 hours, Scribe v2 | $2.20 |
| 100 hours, Scribe v2 | $22.00 |
| 10 hours, Scribe v2 Realtime | $3.90 |
These are simple calculations from the listed rates, before taxes and any add-ons. Budget on audio duration, not transcript length. Also check whether web-platform allowances and API usage are billed or credited separately for your account. Parallel request capacity is another operational constraint: concurrency limits describe how many jobs may run simultaneously, not your total monthly allowance. For archive processing, queue jobs, cap parallel uploads, use backoff for rate limits, and record retries so a timeout does not lead to accidental duplicate submissions or charges.
Best Value
- 【Crystal Clear Audio Quality】Our Omnidirectional pattern condenser microphone accurately captures your voice, making it perfect for dictation, online classrooms, and more.
- 【Active Noise-Cancelling】Come in CMTECK CCS2.0 SMART CHIP with Omnidirectional Polar Pattern, which can effectively block the background noise. The pop filter prevents plosives from overloading the microphone, ensuring only your voice is heard.7
- 【Convenient Mute Button with LED Indicator】You can quickly mute/un-mute the microphone with the Mute Button and the built-in LED light lets you know the working status(Greenlight: Connected; Red light: Mute mode).
- 【Easy to use】 No drivers needed, just plug and record without external power supply, directly connect the microphone to a USB compatible device, well compatible with Windows(7, 8 and 10), Mac OS and PS4 (NOT compatible with Raspberry Pi/Linux/Android）
- 【Mini size with Adjustable Gooseneck】Adopted flexible and adjustable gooseneck metal pipe, easily adjust position 360 degrees to suit user comfort. The compact and stable base maximizes your desktop space.
How accurate is Scribe?
ElevenLabs says Scribe achieves 98% accuracy in major languages including English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and German. That is a vendor claim, not a universal independent benchmark. Accuracy on your recordings will depend on microphone quality, noise, crosstalk, accent, speaking speed, audio compression, vocabulary, code-switching, and whether people speak over each other. Keyterm prompting may help with names and specialist terms, but it cannot fix every recognition error.
For a fair evaluation, choose representative recordings from your actual workflow, manually create reference transcripts, and compare the output using word error rate. Include the accents, environments, languages, and terminology you expect in production. Also evaluate diarization and timestamp quality separately: a transcript can get most words right while still assigning a turn to the wrong speaker or placing a word at a poor time.
Privacy, retention, and sensitive recordings
The API reference says enable_logging=false enables zero-retention mode, but also notes that zero retention may be limited to enterprise customers. Do not assume the setting is available or that it answers every data-handling question. Before submitting confidential or regulated audio, verify plan eligibility, storage and retention behavior, regional processing, data-processing terms, and how both media and transcripts are handled.
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Scribe alternatives: choose by workflow, not headline accuracy
Scribe is a speech-recognition service, so the closest comparisons are hosted transcription APIs such as OpenAI Speech to Text, AssemblyAI, Deepgram, Google Cloud Speech-to-Text, Amazon Transcribe, and Microsoft Azure Speech to Text. Each may differ in language coverage, regional deployment, integrations, feature set, and commercial terms; current competitor pricing and performance are not established here, so compare them using your own representative recordings and requirements.
Whisper is an open-source model option for teams willing to manage their own deployment and infrastructure. If you want a ready-made meeting workspace with collaboration and notes rather than a transcription engine, evaluate meeting-focused tools such as Otter.ai. For creators who need transcript-led audio or video editing, Descript represents a different category. Those products are not interchangeable with an API merely because all can produce text from speech.
Quick Recap
Who should use ElevenLabs Scribe?
- Good fit: Developers who want hosted batch or realtime transcription, ElevenLabs users adding speech recognition to an existing workflow, and teams that need timestamps, speaker labels, multilingual processing, or webhooks.
- Test first: Podcasters, journalists, researchers, and businesses whose accuracy depends on particular accents, noisy recordings, mixed languages, overlapping speech, or specialist vocabulary.
- Consider another category: Organizations requiring confirmed self-hosting, a specific cloud region or compliance arrangement, or independently benchmarked results for a narrow domain; and users seeking a complete meeting assistant or extensive transcript-editing workspace instead of an API.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
