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What Is A Digital Voice Recorder?

Voice recorders are indispensable tools when it comes to documentation of audio information, especially during class lectures, interviews, meetings, presentations and court sessions.

In the past, Dictaphones were popular involving mini-cassette recorders using mini-cassette tapes to record voice sound. Now, voice recorders have become more compact in size yet simultaneously more powerful and packed with features. Recorders nowadays are referred to as digital voice recorders, employing memory cards as a means to record the documented sound and voice data, instead of the rudimentary cassette voice tapes. Most digital voice recorders even have allowance for expandable memory and this often involves the use of external flash memory cards.

File Formats

Digital voice recorders come in different file formats - the more common ones are WMA and DSS. WMA or Windows Media Audio was developed by Microsoft as an answer to the earlier MP3 format and is incorporated in most sound recorders today. The advantage of this format is that it produces a superior range of sound quality. The disadvantage is that Microsoft may impose some restrictions, such as fees and access, in using this format. DSS format or Digital Speech Standard format is utilized by recorders due to its ability to send audio files via e-mail. The playback is also excellent and the file information can be shown for better archiving and reference.

One popular brand manufacturer of audio recorders employs the ADPCM format (great for entry-level users) and also the WAV format in their products. WAV, with its uncompressed sound, is of a superior quality, but the file size is an issue, with a single file taking up to 4 megabytes.

MP3 allows file compression while retaining a good level of sound quality. It cuts out inaudible segments but is more commonly known for downloading and storing music.

Once The Recording Has Been Made, What Next?

There are two main methods of uploading files from your voice recorder to your computer depending on the model that you're using. The first method is to upload via a USB device and the relevant software, recognizing the device, would automatically open up your file. The other method would be to insert your memory card into your memory card reader and open the file manually. Once the files are uploaded, you can then edit them using the editing software that comes with your voice recorder. Typical features include the Three Function (Play/Rewind/FF) and A-B Repeat function.

What Features Are Important?

Before you start, you need to recognize the important features in the many models and brands of voice recorders on the market. What should you look for when planning to purchase a video recorder? Does a cheap price tag translate into good quality? Does a higher memory capacity compensate for all the other downplayed features? First of all, a recorder that has excellent memory capability is considered reliable, especially during instances of long recordings. Recording time is crucial because you would not want to delete any recording just because the capacity of your recorder has been exhausted. However, the quality of the recording should not be compromised so it's best to choose a model that offers clear and crisp quality during playback.

A built-in microphone eliminates the inconvenience posed by wires and clips. There are many excellent models of voice recorders that have integrated microphone features, although external microphones may prove better during sessions involving many speakers and voices. A good voice recorder must also have USB ports for easy connectivity and downloading of files to any Mac or PC.  It must also have an additional slot for memory cards. Battery life is also very important - most digital recorders use AAA alkaline batteries which are generally rechargeable. You don't want to run out of battery and be faced with a long wait before you can get back into recording action.

The Top Brands For Voice Recorders - Sony, Olympus, And Panasonic

The Olympus range has impressive sound quality and there are models with built-in music players.

The DS- 3O offers 66 hours and 40 minutes of total recording time and has 256 MB of internal memory. The Olympus DS- 2300 has a 16MB picture card that offers visual LCD quality in a very stylish design. On the downside, it only records in WMA format and the software isn't easy to edit.

The Sony ICDSX25VTP Digital Voice Recorder comes in a slim design and is USB compatible. It has the Digital Voice Editor Software and advanced microphone features. The integrated voice software can translate audio recording into text on connection to a PC. However, the playback volume is low and the manual is pretty exhausting.

The M-Audio Microtrack 24/96 is a compact and practical recorder that is low on cost and high on functionality.  Taking its size into account, its deceptively diverse range of functions results in a surprising package. There are numerous options for input, including an S/PDIF digital input. It also has the ability to record to a high resolution and sample rates, with a maximum of 24 bit. However, there are inevitable sacrifices made for its cheap price. Its recording is limited to stereo and is unable to record to a single channel. Overall however, it has all the major necessary functions you would expect in a compact recorder.  Its user friendly nature especially makes this an appealing option.

Finally, the Panasonic RR US380 Handheld Digital Voice Recorder presents 16.5 hours recording time and has a Digital Voice Activated System that automatically records once a sound is picked up. However, it's not the best for file conversion i.e. although you can transfer the files into WAV files, if you want to further convert them into MP3 or WMA, you have to obtain further software.

The Olympus range of digital video recorders ultimately gets the top spot due to the impressive recording time and the additional features of a music player. The Sony and Panasonic brands come in handy, stylish packages and may appeal if you want portability and convenience. However, all these digital products allow you to connect them directly to any PC and make instant file uploads without any hassle. The USB port allows for seamless transfer anytime.

Choosing the best recorders involves a careful evaluation of the features of each one. Think carefully about your sound recording requirements so you can purchase the product that will satisfy all your needs. With digital video recorders, you can save time and accomplish more, plus keep your handy gadgets with you at all times.

Glossary

Those of you who are unfamiliar with the various file format and other terminologies involved in digital voice recording may find the following helpful:

WMA format - Windows Media Audio format

DSS format- Digital Speech Standard format

WAV format -- or WAVE/ Waveform format

ADPCM format -- Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation format

USB flash drive -- Universal Serial Bus

MP3 -- MPEG standard used for encoding audio data

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