diff --git a/scripts/api.py b/scripts/api.py
index 9a3e218..bcfd5b2 100644
--- a/scripts/api.py
+++ b/scripts/api.py
@@ -659,7 +659,7 @@ async def transcribe_audio(request: Request, audio: UploadFile = File(...), auth
     except Exception as e:
         if os.path.exists(tmp_path):
             os.unlink(tmp_path)
-        raise HTTPException(status_code=500, detail=str(e))
+        return JSONResponse({"ok": False, "error": str(e), "error_type": "transcription_failed"}, status_code=500)
 
 @app.get("/api/dreamer/status")
 async def dreamer_status(auth: str = Depends(require_auth)):
@@ -872,7 +872,7 @@ Keep the full description to 150-250 words. Do not speculate beyond what is visi
         except Exception as e:
             if tmp_audio_path and os.path.exists(tmp_audio_path):
                 os.unlink(tmp_audio_path)
-            raise HTTPException(status_code=500, detail=str(e))
+            return JSONResponse({"ok": False, "error": str(e), "error_type": "transcription_failed"}, status_code=500)
 
     # ── Voice only ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
     elif audio is not None: