Digital voice recorder

[Bruce Achterberg]

I want to buy a digital voice recorder.

I would appreciate some recommendations (preferably based on experience or comprehensive knowledge) or links to reliable, good reviews or review sites.

I would also appreciate heads up for things I should be looking out for (i.e. things I may not know unless I've gone through the buying and usage process) or any secret knowledge you've learned from your experience with recorders.

If this post seems long feel free to skip the below portion and just make a reply.

Usage
I plan to use it for recording speeches and dictating notes. It's likely I'll be buying a microphone for in the near future. I doubt mics draw enough power to need to account for that, but feel free to correct me.

Requirements
I've used tape recorders, but never digital recorders so I'm not exactly sure of what I want. That said, I have some ideas:

• Mp3. Prefer MP3 format, although open to other formats
• Compact. Anything bigger than a mobile phone, unless it's super-awesome, is too big.
• Decent storage space. Nothing lower than 64MB.
• Storage medium. Flash memory preferred, but I'm open to other options. I'll probably store recorded audio on my PC or disk, or something, but I'd like the option to bring along some recordings on the memory and play them from the recorder. Storage mediums that don't cost me excessive amounts to replace or buy more are preferable.
• Decent recording quality, with options. It doesn't have to be CD quality, but at least having the option to go close to 192kps Mp3 quality (or equivalent) would be preferable. I'd probably like to be able to record
• Good file storage options. An intuitive system that just works in terms of storing audio in files and naming audio, deleting audio, etc. I don't want to have to wrestle with systems designed by people who lack awareness of efficient and effective usability.
• Connectivity. USB 2.0 preferred but not necessary.
• Decent recording modes. No recorders that limit me to voice actuation mode. I wanted to headbutt the last voice actuated tape recorder I used.
• Non-ridiculous battery needs. I'm pretty flexible here, so long as the batteries aren't ridiculous enough to annoy me or cost me exta cash unnecessarily. Also, if there's a battery
• Availability. I want to actually be able to buy this recorder, preferably online.
• Region compatibility. I'd prefer something that doesn't need to be plugged into a US power point to charge or be powered. I'm happy with using batteries, although I am open to a power pack so long as (A) it's decent, and (B) I can somehow charge it in Australia without risking using an adaptor and breaking my recorder.

Optional requirements
There aren't essential, but it'd be a bonus if the recorder had them:

• Playback speed options. Options for different (i.e. slow, normal, fast, extra fast) playback speeds would be a nice option.
• Clean, pleasing aesthetics. Something that looks schmick would be a plus. Prefer if it wasn't pink or humourously shaped.
• Fun to use. Something enjoyable to use would be desirable (i.e. something that I'd actually look forward to use or maybe even make excuses to use ). This doesn't mean I want something funky, just something that works nicely and has "clean" (i.e. efficient; intuitive) functionality—similar to the clean functionality of Firefox 3.

I'm sure there's may be other requirements, but those are ok for now. If you have any you think are appropriate, please mention them.

Steve's recorder
Steve said he had an Olympus WS-100 digital voice recorder.

Not sure if he still uses that one, or if it's any good. My research shows it may be out of data. Are the new models better? Is it taken as a given that newer digital recorders are better than older models?

Brands
Are there any particular brands I should be buying? Any brands to avoid?

* * *

Thanks. Any feedback will be really appreciated.

Also know that people (potentially, 35 Toastmasters and a handful of other people) will probably ask me about whatever recorder I buy so your feedback could potentially help more than just me. Heck, if I get enough decent info I might even do a speech on recorders, record it with my recorder, and share it somehow.

[Brutha]

Steve's recorder
Steve said he had an Olympus WS-100 digital voice recorder.

Not sure if he still uses that one, or if it's any good. My research shows it may be out of data. Are the new models better? Is it taken as a given that newer digital recorders are better than older models?

He doesn't: Audio recording setup question
If that isn't out of date he know probably still uses that Edirol R-09 digital recorder.

Also know that people (potentially, 35 Toastmasters and a handful of other people) will probably ask me about whatever recorder I buy so your feedback could potentially help more than just me. Heck, if I get enough decent info I might even do a speech on recorders, record it with my recorder, and share it somehow.

If you want to record toastmaster speeches, we use a camera here with a build in Micro. That allows the speaker to use any bodylanguage he wants and he can afterwards get embarrased both about his tone of voice and about his bodylanguage

[Bruce Achterberg]

Originally Posted by Brutha

He doesn't: Audio recording setup question
If that isn't out of date he know probably still uses that Edirol R-09 digital recorder.

Thanks, Brutha.

For the moment though, I'd like something that doesn't cost $299 USD.

That said, I appreciate all suggestions regardless of price (because I can upgrade in the future).

Originally Posted by Brutha

If you want to record toastmaster speeches, we use a camera here with a build in Micro. That allows the speaker to use any bodylanguage he wants and he can afterwards get embarrased both about his tone of voice and about his bodylanguage

For now I'd just like a digital voice recorder. I plan to use it for more than just speeches, but I would also like a digital video camera at some point.

Keep the (overwhelming torrent of) feedback coming guys.

[Minsc]

Originally Posted by Bruce Achterberg

I want to buy a digital voice recorder.

You could give the Sansa Clip a shot: Newegg.com - SanDisk Sansa Clip Black 1GB MP3 Player
(it's technically an MP3 player but can do most of the things you're asking for, I think. It's also cheap)

It records at 22khz mono WAV. The 1gig version should hold about 6.7 hours of recordings but that's just a random calculation.

[Andreas]

I currenly use an Olympus DS-2. It's very compact, sound quality is good, and it's not that expensive at all: Amazon.com: Olympus DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder: Office Products

I use a Mac, and the only thing I dislike about it is that it records to WMA, but this wasn't an issue like I thought it would be. The included software makes organizing the recordings easily. When I want to transcode into another format, which is rare, I just use Flip4Mac - Digital Media Tools for the Mac (which is free) to export to mp3 or whatever.

Point by point:

Mp3. 128kbps Stereo WMA, but pretty easy to change to mp3.

Storage space: 64MB.

Storage medium: embedded. Records a little over 2 hours in stereo 128kbps. over 4 hours in stereo 64kbps. mono 64 even longer.

Decent recording quality, with options. Lots of options, up to 128kbps stereo. Highly sensitive mode that pics up lectures well. See amazon page for more.

Good file storage options. save recordings into one of 5 folders, you can name the folders. file system management is easy with the included DSS management software, which is kind of like itunes for recorders.

Connectivity. USB 1.1, but plenty fast.

Decent recording modes. Sound level activated and manually activated

Non-ridiculous battery needs. 2 AAA batteries. I use rechargables and these work well for a long time.

Availability. Amazon, baby! You can even get a refurb for $63: Amazon.com: Olympus DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder: Office Products

Region compatibility. Uses AAA as stated above.

Optional requirements
Playback speed options. 12 playback speeds. See Amazon.

Clean, pleasing aesthetics. Very clean asthetics, imho.

Fun to use. After looking at the designs of many different recorders, I chose this one not just because of the functionality, but because I believed in the form factor.


I encourage you to keep your eyes open and weigh all the options you can find. As for me, this one has served me well for 8 months now.. and it was a refurbished model!

[The Smiling Spirit]

My son has an RCA MP3 player with 4gigs of storage and it has a digital voice recorder in it. It works great. I've used it a few times myself. It was only about $50 usd. Just a suggestion.

[The Large Dude Scam]

Are those recorders good enough to use as portable podcast equipment when doing interviews with people?

[Dannyboy1]

Buy a Sansa Mp3 player. I got one for $50 and the sound recording is actually pretty amazing. I couldn't believe how clear it was. I'm a comedian and I use it for shows all the time when I'm testing new material. Plus, it's great because it's just drag and drop like a pocket drive. You don't need to jump through hoops with software to transfer the media.

[The Large Dude Scam]

Originally Posted by Dannyboy1

Buy a Sansa Mp3 player. I got one for $50 and the sound recording is actually pretty amazing. I couldn't believe how clear it was. I'm a comedian and I use it for shows all the time when I'm testing new material. Plus, it's great because it's just drag and drop like a pocket drive. You don't need to jump through hoops with software to transfer the media.

That one is great for podcasts interviews? And can you place it on the table and get good enough sound quality or do you need to keep it directly in front of your mouth?

Are there any youtube clips of your stand up acts? I want too see!

[Dannyboy1]

Originally Posted by The Large Dude Scam

That one is great for podcasts interviews? And can you place it on the table and get good enough sound quality or do you need to keep it directly in front of your mouth?

Are there any youtube clips of your stand up acts? I want too see!

podcast quality because I don't know what quality it needs to be, but it's better than any digital recorder I've ever had. Especially for the price. You don't need to have it in front of your mouth either.

[The Large Dude Scam]

Originally Posted by Dannyboy1

podcast quality because I don't know what quality it needs to be, but it's better than any digital recorder I've ever had. Especially for the price. You don't need to have it in front of your mouth either.

Can it record lectures as well? Did you have any clips of yourself?

[BenThere]

Hi Bruce, I've been happy for over a year with my Olympus WS-300M, which I got for about $80 US new. My use is to provide reminders to myself, and record business meetings so I don't have to work so hard at writing notes. I don't have any financial interest in your buying one too. It's from a family of products with a range of options. I think the unit I have would meet your needs.

Here's how it compares to your wish list.

Adequate sound quality for me to listen back to voice memos and conversations. I've not tried to share recordings with people not involved in the original conversations. Has a jack for an external microphone, which I've not explored. Menu allows setting the built in mic sensitivity for handheld dictation or for picking up people in a conference room.

This unit is extremely compact: by guesstimate, about 3.5" x 1.25" x .25". It's comfortable to hold, and easily fits in a pocket. For someone with really big hands, or wearing gloves, it would probably be too small and fiddly, but it's fine for me.

The lower part holds a single AAA battery. The battery holder slides off, revealing a USB jack that can plug directly into a computer. I add a rubber band around the battery pack to help it more securely stay attached, and to prevent it from sliding around in my pocket so much.

Records to WMA. Built-in stereo microphone. Cheap, tiny built in speaker. Stereo headphone jack.

Two modes: voice, record WMA to one of 5 unnamed folders (A through E); music, play back mp3's from two levels of named folders. Press a button to pick the next folder, or add an index mark while recording. Press another button, then confirm via menu, to delete a recording. Recordings are timestamped automatically. When you plug the unit in to the computer, you see folders A through E and can retrieve the WMA files.

The mp3's are put onto the unit when it's plugged into a computer, as it shows up as an extra drive. Sometimes chokes on DRM'd mp3's, but if I load them into an audio editor and resave them, it can take them. I put Earl Nightingale, Steve Pavlina, etc. on and the sound's a bit crunchy, but mostly fine for getting inspired while I drive around. (I use a headphone jack to cassette tape adapter to play through my car's speakers.) Music mp3's are barely adequate for background while driving around. As a musician, I'm not satisfied with it for serious listening. I plan to add an iPod for that function later on.

I think it's 256 MB Flash memory. 10+ hours mono, 5+ hours stereo at highest quality; 40+ hours at barely listenable lowest quality.

Voice actuation can be set or disabled via menu.

AAA batteries last a long time. I've not tried rechargeables. No AC input. If Aussie AAA's are the same as Yankee AAA's, you're set.

Half and double speed playback options.

I got mine from the Radio Shack chain, and I've seen it online at many retailers.

Overall, it's slick, clean and functional, a pleasure to use. The display lights up with a bright orange backlight during operation. A slide switch puts it on "hold" so if a control is bumped accidentally, it won't start recording or playing. I recommend it.

You didn't mention audio editing on your computer. Audacity works fine and is free for the basics: editing, trimming, merging, splitting, and converting audio files. For high end audio editing, you can't go wrong with the Emu 0202 usb and its included bundle of software.

[jetpack]

I use my iphone, my camera or my mp3 player. I hate having yet another device to deal with. The mp3 player was only $10, so, think about that before shelling out $300.

[Bruce Achterberg]

Woah. So it's been a while since I checked this thread, but I've gotten some great responses.

Thanks, guys.

A friend let me borrow his MP3 voice recorder which has been super-educational.

I learned that having a voice recorder that turns on quickly is important and that you want files as well as a navigation system that is user-friendly.

I'll look into the specifics of the posts you guys made over time. Thanks again; with the info I have so far, I should be able to get a decent recorder the first time round, which will be a nice surprise (I figured I'd perhaps not be satisfied with a few elements, but wouldn't be able to help it much).

I'm still very open to feedback, especially on the general usability of a recorder. Perhaps I'll write a few questions to cover what I mean by "usability."

[Dannyboy1]

Originally Posted by The Large Dude Scam

Can it record lectures as well? Did you have any clips of yourself?

for lectures... I will try and record my next set so you can hear the quality.

[The Large Dude Scam]

Originally Posted by Dannyboy1

for lectures... I will try and record my next set so you can hear the quality.

Great!

I am now leaning towards an Olympus DS-60. Plan to purchase it from this website: PriceJapan.com

It's only sold in Japan. I emailed them, and it's possible to change the software menus to english, but there is no english manual.

"Olympus has launched its new voice recorder that aid you in recording your class, the Olympus VoiceTrek DS-60. This brand new voice recorder features the EUPHONY MOBILE technology which guarantees a higher audio quality in MP3 or WMA, with 2GB storage capacity for 35 to 551 hours recording. Expected to last for 32 hours operation with an AAA battery. It measures 37.5×111x16mm and weighs 80g."

I hope that one will be good enough to use as a portable podcast equipment when doing interviews. Can also be used to record interesting lectures.

[Bruce Achterberg]

Originally Posted by The Large Dude Scam

I am now leaning towards an Olympus DS-60. Plan to purchase it from this website: PriceJapan.com

It's only sold in Japan. I emailed them, and it's possible to change the software menus to english, but there is no english manual.

"Olympus has launched its new voice recorder that aid you in recording your class, the Olympus VoiceTrek DS-60. This brand new voice recorder features the EUPHONY MOBILE technology which guarantees a higher audio quality in MP3 or WMA, with 2GB storage capacity for 35 to 551 hours recording. Expected to last for 32 hours operation with an AAA battery. It measures 37.5×111x16mm and weighs 80g."

I hope that one will be good enough to use as a portable podcast equipment when doing interviews. Can also be used to record interesting lectures.

Wow, that sounds pretty good.

I found a pic of it here:
The Voicetrek DS-60, new voice recorder by Olympus! : Akihabara News .com

I'm a fan of the increased quality claim and 2GB space with only a 1 AAA battery.

Oh and for those who have already posted suggestions, don't worry, this doesn't mean I'm going to go out and buy a DS-60.

Essentially what I'll do with all the feedback I get in this thread is process it, based on the info you've given me, and then use it to make a more informed decision. This could mean buying based on a recommendation, or simply being able to make a better decision about another type of recorder.

In general, I do this will most products I buy, and my products are always really good and last for years (other people's products can last for years, but "really good" usually isn't common; few people research, or at least, know how to research well. It's mostly a talent theme thing, but I digress).

[BenThere]

Bruce, I think with all your research you'll be a well informed buyer.

My only concern about "euphony mobile" is whether it's a proprietary format available from only one vendor. Will you have to depend forever on one particular program to get files off the recorder?

[The Large Dude Scam]

Originally Posted by BenThere

Bruce, I think with all your research you'll be a well informed buyer.

My only concern about "euphony mobile" is whether it's a proprietary format available from only one vendor. Will you have to depend forever on one particular program to get files off the recorder?

Does that matter? I mean if the program is included and it get files off the recorder, why would you ever want another program for it?

[BenThere]

Does that matter?

Yes, if only one program in the world reads this unusual type of file. What if that program is buggy? What if it doesn't work right on the operating system you want to use? What if the company goes out of business without fixing showstopper bugs in the world's only file reader? What if the company is in business, but farts around for five years without getting this utility program to ever work smoothly? What if buying the recorder comes with one license for the program, which requires registering online to use the program with one computer; then that computer needs repair, and the company's registration server is down?

I've seen all these issues many times over my decades of computer use. These issues make me very, very nervous about a single-vendor, unpublished file format only readable from one company's utility - and that utility from a company known for hardware, not software. (When was the last time you ever heard anyone rave about the must-have software from Olympus?)

There are many freely available audio file formats and codecs. There are also plenty widely licensed, multiple-vendor formats and codecs. Why are NONE of them good enough to take the risk on a one-shot format?

These are the reasons for my skepticism.

[The Large Dude Scam]

Good points! However the format will still be mp3 and WMA (but higher quality then usual).

I always assumed you record your stuff, plug in your USB cable and just drag and drop the files into your computer. I can't see information anywhere that a specific program would be needed to perform this task.

[BenThere]

the format will still be mp3 and WMA

Oh, that's good news! You're all set then, if "euphony mobile" is just meaningless marketing-speak for circuits that create mp3 and WMA files usable by any program.

[The Large Dude Scam]

Originally Posted by BenThere

Oh, that's good news! You're all set then, if "euphony mobile" is just meaningless marketing-speak for circuits that create mp3 and WMA files usable by any program.

I ordered one! I'll report back in a few weeks when i've managed to figure out how it works and made my first attempts to use it

[The Large Dude Scam]

It has arrived!

To try the sound quality i played a cd in my stereo and kept the Olympus DS-60 a few meters away.

It's old uncopyrighted opera music. The background noise is my computer. It picked that up too.

Download DS600011.WMA free - Uploading.com

I'll post again when i've recorded my first podcast.

[Bruce Achterberg]

Originally Posted by BenThere

Bruce, I think with all your research you'll be a well informed buyer.

Honestly, it's just patience. People often say that I do good research, but no, not really, ha.

I've put in very little effort, but what I try to do is use leverage. I.e. In making this thread, I'm essentially drawing upon the experience of others, which is far more effective than just looking at different products, since things have been pre-filtered by people and also includes their knowledge and other life experience, so you get a dose of wisdom in any responses, too.

The great thing is that this information will benefit more than just myself. Other people with similar interests will come together--as they have here--and help each other out.

Win (for me)/win (for others)/win (for other people who may later benefit directly or indirectly from this thread).

So yeah, patience, and good strategy (which is mostly about aligning with good, effective universal principals such as leverage, and the fact that we all benefit when we share things). I find most people rush to buy things. They seem to prioritise "having" instead of "quality."

(This was my attempt at sharing one of the things that people say I do well, but is really quite simple. I'd love to share more of "how" to do things like this, but alas, it's largely hard to do since you're effectively bottling talent.)

[Bruce Achterberg]

Originally Posted by The Large Dude Scam

It has arrived!

To try the sound quality i played a cd in my stereo and kept the Olympus DS-60 a few meters away.

It's old uncopyrighted opera music. The background noise is my computer. It picked that up too.

Download DS600011.WMA free - Uploading.com

I'll post again when i've recorded my first podcast.

Wow, for a 128kps, 16 bit .wma file, that's pretty darn good quality.

Thanks for the audio file upload--very useful.

[Bruce Achterberg]

Originally Posted by The Large Dude Scam

It has arrived!

To try the sound quality i played a cd in my stereo and kept the Olympus DS-60 a few meters away.

It's old uncopyrighted opera music. The background noise is my computer. It picked that up too.

Download DS600011.WMA free - Uploading.com

I'll post again when i've recorded my first podcast.

Two questions:

1. Would you be willing to record a brief clip of say, yourself talking in a public place, or something like that (if or when you get the chance). I'd like to hear how it handles recording, say, a conversation with a friend in a public place with a bit of background noise while it sits on the table you sit at. Of course, you don't have to meet all those conditions, but that seems to be the most challenging setting for a voice recorder (from my experience with using them) and since the quality of this recorder seems decent, I'm wondering if it holds up in that sort of situation.

2. Where did you purchase the DS-60 from?

Thanks.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by The Large Dude Scam

It has arrived!

To try the sound quality i played a cd in my stereo and kept the Olympus DS-60 a few meters away.

That is excellent sound quality. I am looking forward to hearing your first podcast using this equipment.