Deepgram Setup

Recommended for most users. Simple setup with $200 free credit for new accounts.

Step 1: Create a Deepgram Account

  1. Go to console.deepgram.com/signup
  2. Sign up with your email or Google account
  3. Verify your email if prompted

New accounts receive $200 in free credit — that's approximately 12,500 minutes of transcription.

Step 2: Create an API Key

  1. From the Deepgram Console, go to Settings → API Keys
  2. Click "Create a New API Key"
  3. Give it a name like "Voicepad Pro"
  4. For permissions, select "Member" (default is fine)
  5. Click "Create Key"
  6. Copy the key immediately — you won't be able to see it again!

Important: Save your API key somewhere safe. Deepgram only shows it once.

Step 3: Configure Voicepad Pro

  1. Click the Voicepad Pro icon in Chrome
  2. Click the Settings (gear) icon
  3. Select "Deepgram" as the provider
  4. Paste your API key in the "API Key" field
  5. Click "Save"

Deepgram Settings

Voicepad Pro uses optimal defaults for Deepgram. You can customize these in Settings:

Setting Default Description
Model nova-2 Best accuracy model
Language Auto-detect Automatically detects language
Punctuation Enabled Automatic punctuation
Diarization Enabled Speaker identification
Smart Format Enabled Format dates, numbers, etc.

Test Your Setup

  1. Click the Voicepad Pro icon
  2. Click "Start Recording"
  3. Grant microphone permission if prompted
  4. Speak into your microphone
  5. You should see transcription appear in real-time

Troubleshooting

"Invalid API Key" error

Double-check that you copied the entire API key. It should be a long string starting with a letter.

"Connection failed" error

Check your internet connection. Deepgram requires a stable connection for real-time transcription.

No transcription appearing

Make sure your microphone is working and not muted. Try speaking louder or closer to the mic.