Shopping for Analog & Digital Transcription Foot Pedals

In dictation and transcription workflows there are several situations that require the use of foot controls. These foot controls (or foot pedals as they are often called) come in all shapes and sizes, and offer different features depending on end use, or system compatibility. At DTP we offer all different styles (Analog, Digital, USB, Serial Port, 3 button, 4 button) and brands (Dictaphone, Philips, Olympus, Infinity, Panasonic, Sony, & Sanyo) of footpedals to suit all of your Transcription & Dictation needs.

Analog Transcription Foot Control
Analog transcriber machines have several features that can be controlled via foot pedals. A three button analog footpedal can operate the Play, Stop, Fast-Forward, and Rewind functions of your transcriber machines (features available on most cassette tape transcribers). This allows the transcriptionists hands to remain free, increasing productivity. Many transcription systems or kits come with an included foot pedal, but due to constant use this is the most likely accessory to need replacing.

Older, cassette based, transcription systems often have brand or model specific foot pedal connections. This allows only specific foot pedals to be used on a particular Transcriber Machines. If shopping for a replacement foot controller for an analog transcription machine, you want to be sure that you purchase a foot pedal that is compatible with your transcriber. There are many different styles of connection plugs commonly used on transcription foot controllers. Each style is specific to certain transcriber machines, but several styles can be used with more than one model of transcription products.

8 pin mini DIN plug – most Olympus models - IN-19
8 pin mini DIN plug – Panasonic RR-830, RR-930, RR-980 – IN-20
8 pin mini DIN plug – Sony M-2000 & M-2020 – IN25
6 pin DIN plug – Philips/Norelco that use 6 pin – IN-110
3.5mm Stereo Plug – Philips/Norelco 700 Series & Philips 9750 Digital Transcriber – IN-210
14 pin plug – Dictaphone using 14 pin plug – in-577
RJ11 modular plug – Dictaphone models ending in 40’s & 50’s using a modular phone plug – IN-585

We know that it can be confusing trying to make sense all of these foot pedals, connections, and analog transcriber machines. If you have any questions, or need help finding the right foot pedal for your cassette tape transcription workflow, please call us 877.387.2838 or email us at sales@dtpss.com, and one of our Dictation Professionals will assist you.

Digital Transcription Foot Control

In today’s fast paced digital world it is no surprise that analog cassette based transcription systems are being phased out. The changes in the way we can record, store, and transmit dictation audio, and the common availability of computers, has opened the door to numerous digital transcription options. With these new methods of transcribing come new features and capabilities amongst Digital Transcription Foot Pedals.

The biggest difference between PC Computer and Cassette Tape Transcription is that with PC Transcription you don’t need a desktop transcriber machine; you just need a computer and software. That being said, you do still need to pay attention to system and software compatibility as you shop for a digital foot control. Digital transcription footpedals commonly use one of three types of connections to connect to your computer; USB, 9 pin serial port plus, or 15 pin serial port plug. Check your computer, system requirements, and software guides to find out what kind of digital transcriber foot controller you need.

USB

9 pin serial port

15 pin serial port