Methods and apparatus for providing speech recording and speech transcription services

A method of processing audio signals, comprising the steps of:

• coupling a first audio source to an audio recording device using a first communication channel, the first communication channel extending between said first audio source and said audio recording device;
• coupling the first audio source to a conference bridge using a second communication channel;
• coupling a second audio source to the recording device using a third communication channel, the third communication channel extending between said second audio source and said recording device;
• coupling the second audio source to the conference bridge using a fourth communication channel, said first, and third communication channels being separate from each other such that audio signals on the first and third communications channels do not mix;
• using the first communications channel in a bi-directional manner during a communications conference to communicate audio signals from the first audio source to said recording device;
• using the second communications channel in a bi-directional manner during said communications conference communicate audio signals from the second audio source to said recording device;
• using the third communications channel in a uni-directional manner during said communications conference to communicate audio signals between said first audio source and said conference bridge;
• and
• using the fourth communications channel during said communications conference in a bi-directional manner to communicate audio signals between the second audio source and said conference bridge.

A communication system with conferencing and transcribing services comprising:

• a conference bridge;
• speech transcript means having a plurality of inputs for converting speech signals received on said inputs into textual data without mixing the audio signals received on said plurality of inputs;
• a plurality of paired first and second communication channels, each first communications channel serving as a bi-directional communications channel, each of said second communications channels serving as a uni-directional communications channel;
• and
• switch means connected to said first and second communication channels for selectively connecting a number of said first communication channels to the conference bridge to thereby provide a bridged set of communications channels, and for connecting corresponding second communication channels to different inputs of said speech transcript means, said switch means connecting the second communication channels to said transcript means without mixing the audio from said second communications channels.