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Connect Claude to Speech is Cheap

This guide walks you through connecting Claude to the Speech is Cheap MCP server as a custom connector, so you can transcribe audio and video recordings in your conversations. The steps use Claude on the web at claude.ai.

What You Need​

Before starting, ensure you have:

  • An eligible Claude account: Custom connectors are supported on Claude Free (one custom connector), Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans. On Team and Enterprise plans, an Organization Owner must add the connector under Organization settings > Connectors before members can click Connect. See Claude's guide to adding a custom connector for details.
  • A Speech is Cheap account with an active plan: Pick a plan on the Pricing page if you do not have an account. Your initial API key arrives by email.
  • A Speech is Cheap API key: Keys start with sk_. Create a dedicated API key in the Dashboard named "Claude" so you can revoke it on its own. The dashboard displays keys only once. See the Dashboard guide for details.

Setup Steps​

Follow these steps to add Speech is Cheap as a custom connector in Claude:

  1. Click your name in the bottom left corner.
  2. Click Settings.
  3. Click Connectors under Customize on the left.
  4. Click Add, then Add custom connector.
  5. Fill out the form, then click Continue. Claude's dialog reminds you to only use connectors from developers you trust.
    • Name: Speech is Cheap
    • MCP Server URL: https://mcp.speechischeap.com/mcp
  6. On the next Add custom connector screen, keep the defaults:
    • Authentication: Sign in now
    • OAuth client: Use Claude's published identity
    • Request headers: none
  7. Click Add.
  8. Claude opens the connector's page. Click Connect to connect with Speech is Cheap.
  9. A Speech is Cheap page titled Connect Claude to Speech is Cheap opens. Enter your API key in the field labeled Speech is Cheap API key and click Connect.

Test the Connection​

Start a new conversation in Claude and test the integration with a sample recording:

Please transcribe this audio file using Speech is Cheap: https://cdn.speechischeap.com/podcast-sic-api-01.m4a

Claude calls the Speech is Cheap MCP server to transcribe the audio and prints the resulting text. In our end-to-end test, this 20-minute audio sample returned the full transcript in a single call.

Troubleshooting​

If you encounter issues during setup or while transcribing, check these common error messages:

  • The sign-in page stopped working The page expires after 10 minutes. Close it and click Connect in Claude again.
  • Speech is Cheap rejected that API key. (on the sign-in page) or Speech is Cheap rejected the API key. (in a conversation) The API key is invalid or has been revoked. Generate a new key in the Dashboard, remove the connector in Claude, and add it again with the new key.
  • That API key has no active plan… (on the sign-in page) or This API key has no active plan… (in a conversation) Your API key is recognized, but the account lacks an active subscription or billing method. Open the Dashboard and update your plan under the Billing section.
  • URL download errors In chat apps such as Claude, the audio or video file must reside at a publicly accessible URL that downloads directly without requiring a login, session cookies, or interactive screens. See Input Requirements for supported media formats and URL rules.
  • Try again shortly messages These messages indicate temporary service or connection interruptions. Wait a few moments and resubmit your prompt.
  • Failed jobs If a transcription job fails, you are not charged. Only completed jobs bill against your account.

Disconnecting​

To disconnect Speech is Cheap from Claude:

  • Navigate to your name in the bottom left corner, select Settings > Connectors, locate Speech is Cheap, and remove the connector.
  • Removing the connector may not delete the API key the server stores for that connection. To cut off access everywhere at once, revoke the key in the Dashboard. Revocation can take a minute or more to apply across all systems.

Related Pages​