In today's world, it is becoming easier to record your own thoughts or conversation with your interlocutor. Suffice it to recall the global distribution of smartphones that have the Dictaphone application and a lot of text editors. But it is still much more convenient to use a real voice recorder for these purposes. In this article we will not talk about the benefits of such a device, we will just show you how to try not to lose the choice of a voice recorder.
Main selection criteria
About analog models should be forgotten. They are now sold for a pittance, but it is becoming more and more difficult for them to find audio tapes. And the transfer of material to a computer in the case of using an analog voice recorder is very difficult. Therefore, consider only the purchase of a digital model, focusing on the manufacturer specified specifications.
Recording format
Digital voice recorders can write sound in both compressed and uncompressed form. In the latter case, the format is usually WMA. Also, the files will weigh much more, but the quality will be higher. If you regularly experience a shortage of free space on your computer, then you can limit yourself to a voice recorder that writes sound in MP3 format. Just make sure that the bit rate is at least 256 kbps. With a smaller parameter, the sound quality deteriorates significantly.
Recording time
Another important characteristic of the recorder is the recording duration. But first you need to decide on the batteries that will provide the device autonomous operation. This may be a built-in battery or familiar AAA batteries. The first option may turn out to be inconvenient, since the voice recorder is capable of being discharged at any time; you can do nothing with it. And you can just change the batteries. However, it should be noted that in the case of batteries, the operating time depends only on them - to increase this parameter, you will have to fork out for Duracell or Energizer products.
The sales assistant will tell you only the approximate recording time. In the detailed form, such a parameter is indicated by the manufacturer only on its official website. If you go to it and read the full specifications, you can see that the recording time varies depending on the selected format and bit rate. Focus on those recorders that can provide more than 100 hours of sound recording.
Connecting accessories
If you are going to record your thoughts using a voice recorder, then the cheapest model that does not allow you to connect any accessories will be suitable for you. In the case of recording lectures, the situation changes - it is desirable to be able to connect a much more sensitive external microphone to the device. And if the recorder is purchased to save the interview, then you should pay attention to the most expensive segment. It contains devices with stereo recording capability. Included with them can go many accessories - including just two external microphones.
Convenience management
It will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with how the menu is implemented in the voice recorder. Unfortunately, when you buy a voice recorder in an online store, you lose the opportunity to personally evaluate its menu. However, no one bothers to read all sorts of reviews, in which the menu signs in detail.
Most Popular Dictaphone Manufacturers
In the old days, voice recorders were very popular. Every second journalist and many students used them. And now almost everyone who was dissatisfied with the minimum level of sales has left this market (from now on it is much easier to use a smartphone to record sound). In the Russian retail, you can find devices from three brands. Sony and Olympus provide, as a rule, voice recorders that are close to the title of "professional". The most expensive models even got a color LCD display, which greatly simplifies management and makes the design more attractive. Well, voice recorders Ritmix can be called budget crafts. Be careful, some of them do their job much worse than the cheapest mobile phone! Well, the most real professional voice recorders produces Zoom.
Common Customer Mistakes
Perhaps the main problem of dictaphones is their rare necessity. Only journalists use such devices almost constantly. For many buyers, the recorder has been gathering dust for years. But this device could carry in the glove compartment of the car, writing down your ideas and plans in traffic! Pressing one button is much easier than launching the corresponding application on a smartphone.
Also, some buyers were unpleasantly surprised by the quality of the recording. This usually applies to those who bought a cheap voice recorder. That is why you first need to read reviews and reviews!
