Audio recorder

[Doctor Jones]

I've searched and the latest thread I could find was in 2006, so I thought it would be OK to ask for recommendations for a new recorder? If you could provide model number I would appreciate it, thanks.

 

[Simon]

iPhone

 

[Gomer]

iPhone but you'll need a special cord if you want to record phone calls. And you can't record calls made on the iPhone unless you keep your old recorder. Really annoying.

For a plain digital recorder, I still use an Olympus DS-330 I bought seven years ago. So Olympus would be my recommendation.

 

[Mira]

I use a non-digital Olympus ... Pearlcorder J300.

 

[Schottey]

For a plain digital recorder, I still use an Olympus DS-330 I bought seven years ago.

Co-sign

*Easy to use
*Compact
*Good playback volume/clarity
*Easily portable into other devices

 

[Mediator]

I use an iPod with a TuneTalk Radio attachment. It allows you to record, download to your computer and turn into MP3 files. The quality is excellent, and when transcription software improves, you will be able to feed the file in for a transcript. So far I've tried Dragon Dictation, but it has a hard time recognizing accents or conversational speech.

 

[jrw]

I use an Olympus DS-40 and absolutely love the recording quality.

 

[Mizzougrad96]

I used an iPod when I was still in the business. With the feature where you can run audio at half or twice speed, that's one more reason to do it.

After your transfer the file to iTunes, hit Control I and list it as an audiobook or a podcast and that enables this option. It's amazing.

 

[expendable]

If you can't go the iPhone/iPod route, I recommend the Olympus. Any model with a USB port will do. I've had three digital recorders, two Olympus and an RCA I picked up at Walmart* a few years back, when I couldn't find my original Olympus (the Olympus was so old it only recorded 45 minutes in high quality and didn't have a USB connection). Stay away from the RCA. ****ty audio quality, and for some reason it didn't record some of my interviews. I've been carrying around my second Olympus for three years, and it's still going strong. It has more than paid for itself vs. the tape recorders I used to plow through.

 

[geddymurphy]

I switched from iPod with iTalk to an Olympus after the iTalk mike cut out on me one too many times. I'm sure the iPhone is better, but I have no complaints with the Olympus. For phoners, I use a mike that fits between my ear and the phone headset.

One idea that'll do in a pinch: I was in a postgame recently and realized my Olympus batteries were dead. (Totally my fault.) I scrambled and grabbed my Blackberry, then called up the "Voice Memo" app that I believe is standard on most Blackberries. Not as flexible for playback as the Olympus, but it was nice to know I had a backup.

 

[I'll never tell]

I've been looking for an app forever that makes my blackberry into a voice recorder. Mine records in 30 second segments, but no longer.

If you've got a smartphone, this makes the most sense to me. If not stay the hell away from anything that has RCA on it. I got one, and I've never seen anything chew through batteries so damn fast in my whole life.

 

[expendable]

I switched from iPod with iTalk to an Olympus after the iTalk mike cut out on me one too many times. I'm sure the iPhone is better, but I have no complaints with the Olympus. For phoners, I use a mike that fits between my ear and the phone headset.

One idea that'll do in a pinch: I was in a postgame recently and realized my Olympus batteries were dead. (Totally my fault.) I scrambled and grabbed my Blackberry, then called up the "Voice Memo" app that I believe is standard on most Blackberries. Not as flexible for playback as the Olympus, but it was nice to know I had a backup.

The record quality is not that great on my BB, but it's good enough in a pinch. I've used it several times when I left my Olympus at the office.

 

[MonsterLobster]

I use an Olympus WS-311M. It's got a USB port, great sound clarity even in a loud environment, battery seems to last a long time, you can subdivide your files into multiple folders and you can play things back in three speeds.

 

[newinthefield]

I've two Olympus. They were very different but neither was difficult to figure out, so I would recommend going with them. Also, try to find one with a USB. I haven't had the good fortune of owning one of those yet, but I know some folks who do and they love them.

 

[Suicide Squeezer]

Most efficient way to roll:

 

[Doctor Jones]

Thanks for all the responses. I noticed the first couple of Olympus recorders mentioned were high up in the $150-200 range.
To be specific, I don't have many writing opportunities, so I only write maybe 2-3 stories a month. I was looking for something in the $40-60 range. I was looking at the Olympus VN-7600 PC, which is listed at $59.99 retail.

I would like one where I could segment my interviews, and I believe this does this. Is there anything wrong with this particular model, or can someone recommend me another one?

Thanks again for all the replies, I truly appreciate it.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1517

 

[Gomer]

Yup, that'll do the trick.

 

[geddymurphy]

Mine's a VN-5200PC, which is listed at the same price. No idea what the difference is, but I doubt you'll be disappointed either way.

 

[Joe Williams]

Never disappointed with my Olympus recorders. Only have bought multiple to a) upgrade capacity and features or b) replace lost one.

 

[murphyc]

I have an Olympus VN-4100PC, think it was $35-$40 or so. Among other things, it's been caught underneath a rocking chair and accidentally run through a washing machine. Still works fine, though the 'play' button is a bit off-kilter.