> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.slng.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Speech-to-Text Overview

> Access STT models from multiple providers through a single platform. The execution layer routes each request based on language, accent, noise, and cost.

For the full, current list, see [Speech-to-Text Models](/models/stt).

## Which approach should you use?

| I need to...                                       | Use                                            |
| -------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Transcribe pre-recorded audio files                | [HTTP](/examples/stt-http)                     |
| Transcribe in real time from a microphone or call  | [WebSocket Streaming](/examples/stt-websocket) |
| Process large volumes of recordings asynchronously | [Batch Transcription](/batch-guide)            |

## Which model should you use?

| I need...                               | Recommended model                   | Why                                           |
| --------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| Lowest latency for English voice agents | Deepgram Nova 3 (SLNG-hosted)       | Deployed on SLNG infrastructure               |
| Hindi transcription                     | Deepgram Nova 3 Hindi (SLNG-hosted) | Dedicated Hindi model in AP South             |
| Broadest language coverage              | Soniox                              | Wide multi-language support                   |
| Medical terminology                     | Deepgram Nova 3 Medical             | Specialized medical vocabulary                |
| Indian languages                        | Sarvam AI Saaras                    | Domain-aware recognition for Indian languages |
| European languages                      | Reson8 STT                          | Dutch, French, German, Spanish, and more      |

## Quick example

```bash theme={null}
curl https://api.slng.ai/v1/stt/slng/deepgram/nova:3 \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer SLNG_API_KEY" \
  -F "audio=@recording.wav" \
  -F "language=en"
```

Response:

```json theme={null}
{
  "text": "Hello, how can I help you today?",
  "confidence": 0.97,
  "duration": 2.5,
  "language": "en"
}
```

See [HTTP](/examples/stt-http) for complete examples in cURL, JavaScript, and Python, and [WebSocket Streaming](/examples/stt-websocket) for real-time transcription.