Sony Ic Recorder.docx

1. Size As a general rule of thumb, voice recorders are not bulky. The original handheld cassette version was designed to be compact and fully portable and that aspect did not change with the advent of the digital revolution. Most electronic gadget aficionados prefer them to be small, light and barely noticeable. These same characteristics apply to consumers of voice reco rders. The dimensions of voices recorders are not drastically different, but in an age where we carry multiple portable devices, th e less noticeable a digital device the better. The table below details the dimensions and weights of various digital recorders with some of the best size/feature combinations. However, unl ike some types of electronic gadgets, higher price does not necessarily mean lighter and faster, and larger and heavier does not necessarily indicate cheaper or lower quality.

Device

Weight (oz.)

Dimensions in inches (Length-by-Width-by-Depth)

Philips LFH 0655

1.55oz.

4.1" by 1.5" by 0.6"

Sony ICD - UX 512

2.13oz.

2.13" by 4.2" by 1.5"

Olympus VN -8100 PC

2.3oz.

2.3" by 4.3" by 1.5"

Zoom H 4 N

9.88oz.

6.15" by 2.76" by 1.38"

Sony ICD - SX 712

2.38oz.

5.38" by 1.25" by 0.63"

Philips LFH 0615

1.55oz.

4.13" by 1.5" by 0.65"

Olympus DS -2400

3.9oz.

4.47" by 1.97" by 0.67"

Olympus DM -520

2.96oz.

4.33" by 1.53" by 0.63"

Olympus DS -2500

3.7oz.

4.47" by 1.97" by 0.67"

As the table indicates, there is a variation between the different models presented and their size and weight. If weight and size are a major concern, it may help to start by reviewing this aspect first and narrow down choices. After locating a recorder of adequate size and weight, all other features can then be c ompared.

2. Memory The audio files of a voice recorder are either stored internally or on a removable flash drive. Hours of available recording time depend on the capacity of the memory. Moreover, the capacity of the memory depends on how much compression is applied to each sound file. A sound file with more compression will save more memory space for more files. Highly compressed files, such as those recorded in DSS format (Olympus and Philips) or LPEC format (Sony) are much smaller than files that will be rec orded in WAV or MP3 formats. The latter two formats use less compression when storing audio data.

Removable Memory While relying on internal memory can be beneficial because there is one less thing to remember (the removable flash drive), t he user is limited to whatever memory is on the recorder. With removable memory slots, particularly if there may be a significant amount of data to record, the user can just change out a f lash drive and continue recording. A full internal memory, however, would require that the user dump the files, erase the data, and begin recording again.

Sampling and Compression It is important to note when looking at a particular voice recorder if the sampling rate can be adjusted. Adjusting a samplin g rate affects the sound quality (which is further discussed in the sound quality feature). This aspect is significant to the memory, because the lower the sampling rate, the lower the quality of recording, but the less memory used. Any normal speech patterns, such as voice memos or dictations, can be recorded at a lower sampling rate, take up less memory, and still have little effect on playback. In very simple terms, recording at a lower-quality setting with high compression and lower sampling will result in using less memory than recording less compressed f iles at a high sampling rate for a truer audio quality.

3. Ability to Edit Digital voice recorder sound files are often uploaded to a computer and further edited or altered from there. Therefore any a nd all editing or manipulation has to take place well after the file has been recorded. Some of the more advanced recorders, however, have been designed to allow editing on the recorder itself. The user can "bookmark" certain aspects of the audio for easy and quick retrieval. Keywords and other search functions can be entered so that portions of the audio featuring certain keywords and phrases can easily be retrieved. These functions may be particularly useful to a university student recording lectures or anyone regularly transcribing dictations.

4. Sound Quality Most basic voice recorders (designed primarily for normal speech) record at a sampling rate up to 44 kHz. While this rate is good enough for very audible playback, it is not the best rate for an accurate reproduction of the original audio that was recorded. For anyone hoping to broadcast a recording, a higher sampling rate, such as 96 kHz, is recommended. If it is important th at the sound be studio-grade or high-fidelity, then sound quality should be the feature at the top of the voice recorder shopping list. The specifications of a digital recorder that can be used for high-quality sound recordings will give a description such as "professional grade," "high quality sound," or have high sampling frequency rates, typically 96 kHz. Sound quality can also be enhanced by microphones. Some recorders allow for a microphone attachment to enhance sound, while others have built -in stereo microphones such as the Zoom H4N or the Olympus LS -10 S..

5. Device Compatibility Ensuring that the voice recorder will work with a specific computer, operating system, and/or software is a feature that can easily be overlooked. Because a gadget is digital, it is often assumed that it will easily work with any program or computer, regardless of the type. It is possible that the special file f ormats such as DSS or LPEC will not be able to be played on just any machine or with just any audio player software. Although most of the higher end voice recorders will account for user-friendliness with both Mac and Windows, it is important to check that particular detail before making a final decision. Any incompatibility will not allow for the most efficient and effectiv e use of the recorder when uploading data.