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

# whisper-1 withdrawn: use gpt-4o-mini-transcribe

> whisper-1 is withdrawn and now returns 503. Change model to gpt-4o-mini-transcribe, and remove response_format if you used SRT, VTT, or timestamps.

`whisper-1` was withdrawn on October 28, 2026, and requests for it now return 503. Switch to the replacement model below: the endpoint and request format stay the same, but subtitle and timestamp formats are no longer available.

* **Published**: October 28, 2026
* **Last checked**: October 28, 2026
* **Status**: Withdrawn

## Key facts

| Item | Details |
| - | - |
| Withdrawn model | `whisper-1` |
| Withdrawn on | October 28, 2026 |
| What you see | HTTP 503 with `no available channels for model whisper-1` |
| Replacements | `gpt-4o-mini-transcribe` for everyday transcription, `gpt-4o-transcribe` when accuracy matters most |
| Endpoint | Unchanged: `POST https://api.laozhang.ai/v1/audio/transcriptions` |
| Response formats | The new models accept only `json` and `text` for `response_format` |

## Who is affected

| Scope | Details |
| - | - |
| Affected | Transcription requests with `model` set to `whisper-1`, including requests for SRT or VTT subtitles or timestamps |
| Not affected | `gpt-4o-mini-transcribe`, `gpt-4o-transcribe`, and the speech models `tts-1`, `tts-1-hd`, and `gpt-4o-mini-tts` |

## How to migrate

| Step | What to do |
| - | - |
| 1 | Change `model` from `whisper-1` to `gpt-4o-mini-transcribe` |
| 2 | If the request sets `response_format`, remove it or set it to `json` or `text` |
| 3 | Test with a short recording, check the transcript in the `text` field, then move all traffic |

```bash theme={null}
export LAOZHANG_API_KEY="YOUR_LAOZHANG_API_KEY"

curl --fail-with-body --max-time 300 \
  "https://api.laozhang.ai/v1/audio/transcriptions" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $LAOZHANG_API_KEY" \
  -F "model=gpt-4o-mini-transcribe" \
  -F "file=@audio.mp3"
```

Prices for both replacement models are in the [model catalog](https://docs.laozhang.ai/en/models.md), and the final charge is in your [call logs](https://api.laozhang.ai/log). For language, prompt, and file-upload details, see [Transcription and speech API](https://docs.laozhang.ai/en/api-capabilities/audio-transcription.md).

## What if I need subtitles or timestamps

`gpt-4o-mini-transcribe` and `gpt-4o-transcribe` cannot return SRT or VTT subtitles or `verbose_json` with timestamps; those values return an error. LaoZhang API does not offer a replacement model for this yet. If your workflow depends on subtitles or timestamps, contact the site owner or support and describe the use.

## FAQ

### What happens if I still call whisper-1?

The request returns HTTP 503 with a message that the model has no available channel. It is not routed to another model.

### Will whisper-1 come back?

There is no timetable. If that changes, this page and the [announcement index](https://docs.laozhang.ai/en/changelog.md) will be updated.

### What do I need to change after switching to gpt-4o-mini-transcribe?

Usually only `model`. If you set `response_format`, remove it or set it to `json` or `text`. The endpoint, API key, and file upload stay the same.

### Does it handle Chinese differently?

Both replacement models handle Chinese. Set `language=zh` and put names and product terms in `prompt`; see [Set the language and add a prompt](https://docs.laozhang.ai/en/api-capabilities/audio-transcription.md#set-the-language-and-add-a-prompt).

### Which model is more accurate?

`gpt-4o-transcribe`, with the same one-line change to `model`. Its price is higher than `gpt-4o-mini-transcribe`; see the [model catalog](https://docs.laozhang.ai/en/models.md).

## Related documentation

* [Transcription and speech API](https://docs.laozhang.ai/en/api-capabilities/audio-transcription.md): parameters, examples, and FAQ for transcription and speech
* [OpenAI speech-to-text guide](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/speech-to-text): supported audio formats and file size limits
* [Model catalog](https://docs.laozhang.ai/en/models.md) and [call logs](https://api.laozhang.ai/log)


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