Finding free software to play DS2 (DragonSpeak) files with foot pedal support can be a bit tricky, but there are some viable options for transcription and dictation that might help you, though you might need to use third-party foot pedal software. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Express Scribe (Free Version)
Express Scribe is a popular transcription software that supports foot pedals for controlling playback. While it is often used for audio transcription, it can also work with DS2 files if you convert them to a compatible format, such as MP3 or WAV. The free version offers basic functionality, and you can use it with most foot pedals for hands-free playback control.
– Foot Pedal Support: Yes, with proper configuration.
– Format Compatibility: It doesn’t natively support DS2, but conversion tools can help.
– Free Version: Yes, with limitations.
2. Audacity
Audacity is a free, open-source audio editing software that can handle various file types, including WAV and MP3, but it doesn’t directly support DS2 files. If you can convert your DS2 files to a more common format, Audacity will work with foot pedal devices (with proper setup).
– Foot Pedal Support: Requires a third-party plugin like “Pedable” to enable foot pedal support.
– Format Compatibility: Supports WAV, MP3, and other audio formats (requires conversion).
– Free Version: Yes.
3. Transcribe! (Free Trial)
Transcribe! is another transcription software that allows you to slow down, rewind, and control audio playback. While the free trial is limited, it might serve your immediate needs if you’re looking for short-term usage. Transcribe! does support foot pedals for hands-free control.
– Foot Pedal Support: Yes, supports various pedals.
– Format Compatibility: You would need to convert DS2 files to a supported format like MP3 or WAV.
– Free Version: Yes, but limited in terms of time.
4. oTranscribe (Free, Web-Based)
oTranscribe is a free web-based transcription tool that might work for basic audio transcription. However, it doesn’t have native support for DS2 files and doesn’t directly support foot pedals, though you can try using browser extensions or workarounds to control playback.
– Foot Pedal Support: No direct support, but foot pedals might be usable with third-party tools.
– Format Compatibility: You would need to convert your DS2 files first.
– Free Version: Yes.
5. VLC Media Player (With Plugins)
VLC Media Player is a free, versatile media player that can handle multiple audio and video formats. With the right foot pedal plugin or setup, you could use VLC for audio playback, though it doesn’t natively support DS2 files. Converting DS2 to a playable format (like MP3 or WAV) would be necessary.
– Foot Pedal Support: Can be configured using third-party foot pedal software or plugins.
– Format Compatibility: You need to convert DS2 to a supported format.
– Free Version: Yes.
File Conversion Tools
If you are dealing with DS2 files (which is often associated with digital dictation), you’ll need to convert those files into a more standard audio format like WAV or MP3. You can use the following free tools for conversion:
– Audacity (with plugins to handle DS2 files)
– Switch Audio Converter
– Online Audio Converters
By converting the DS2 files into a format supported by the transcription software, you can integrate it with foot pedal functionality using the above options.
Conclusion
While there is no single free tool that perfectly handles DS2 files and foot pedal support without some workarounds, using a combination of software like Express Scribe or Audacity with a foot pedal and file conversion tools should get you the functionality you need.
