Looking for a good digital voice recorder is just as difficult as finding the right TV or searching the best soundbars in the market. You need to weigh in a lot of factors, from which you can determine the best voice recording device that will fit your needs and budget. Today, I will give you some tips on how to use product specifications when choosing the perfect digital voice recorder.
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What is a digital voice recorder?
A digital voice recorder is more and more becoming an indispensable tool for recording audio information from an interview, lecture, or doctor’s diagnosis for transcribing later. In contrast with cassette tape recorders where the data are stored in a magnetic tape, digital voice recorders allow audio to be transferred to another device through a USB cable or any digital distribution cable.
What should you look for in a digital voice recorder?
Not all digital voice recorders are the same. Practically, they offer the same function, but you will notice some key differences. Here are some factors that you need to consider when looking for the right device. You can also check out some voice recorders reviews for further information on different
Audio Quality
For those who may be on a tight budget, purchasing an inexpensive voice recorder may be the best option. However, know that the features may not be as great as those that cost more. In a nutshell, less expensive gadget means having fewer features, and the audio quality may be a bit compromised.
Recording Time
Some voice recorders allow more than a thousand hours of recording time. However, that will depend on the quality of the audio that is being stored. Higher-quality audio files are bound to take up more memory, which results to shortening the recording time.
Ease of use
The buttons of the video recorder should not be too complicated to use. Look for a digital voice recorder that is easy to configure, without the need to read the manual from cover to cover just to start recording.
Fortunately, most of the digital recording devices in the market are designed to make recording as easy and fun as possible.
File Capacity
Voice recorders have varying file capacities ranging from 2 GB to 8 GB (and even more). The file size of recordings depends on file settings. If you would like to reduce file size, you should make adjustments on your voice recorder’s settings.
You can also use an audio record wizard, which can help convert your audio files into another file format that produces a smaller file size. For instance, a WAV file tends to have a much larger file size compared to the same file in MP3 format.
Price
There are voice recorders that cost less than $50, while others are above $400. The difference in prices may be due to several factors, including the number of features, the brand, and the quality of build.
Specifications of a Digital Voice Recorder
The difference in specifications of digital voice recorders will eventually dictate its price and the quality of output that it produces. Here’s a list of specifications for an ideal digital voice recorder:
High-quality sound recording: You want your recordings to be clearly heard when playing back the audio.
Ultra-thin shape, small size: A handy, compact-sized voice recorder is ideal.
Long-time voice recording: You may never know how much time you will need when recording interviews or lectures. Therefore, look for a voice recorder that can capture long recording time.
Battery capacity: Choose one that can record for 12-15 hours before draining out. You wouldn’t want to be left behind recording a great lecture when your battery capacity is only good for 4 hours.
Memory: Bigger memory allows you to store more audio data.
Recording Bit Rate: A fast bit rate is more efficient in receiving an audio file. However, a faster bitrate eats up the memory of the device more.
Recording Format: Look for a device that outputs the sound in common file formats such as WAV or MP3.
Support System: It’s going to be less of a burden if the voice recorder is compatible with multiple operating systems, whether Windows or MacOS.
Uses of a digital voice recorder
Aside from its conventional uses in recording interviews, lectures, dictations, or doctor’s diagnosis, you may also use the digital voice recorder in other ways.
- If you like to share your thoughts online – say, inspirational messages or an entire lecture series – you can use the digital voice recorder to make your own podcasts.
- Are you a writer who’s constantly running out of ideas? Having a digital voice recorder in tow allows you to record any new idea that pops into your brain, so that you have audio notes on possible topics that you can write about in the future. You can even use the record as background sound whenever you feel the need to get immersed in a particular situation captured on audio.
- You can use a digital voice recorder to record conversations that you can use as evidence later. This is especially helpful in meetings, private discussions, or important talks that you can use in the future.
- If you’re a lecturer or professor, you can pre-record your lectures in a digital voice recorder. From there, you can upload the sound file to a class manager system where your students can download the audio clip and listen to what you have to say. It’s a great way to unburden yourself from having to prepare live lectures, and also to keep a digital copy of your talks.
If you’re planning to buy a digital voice recorder for yourself, make it a habit to always check the specifications. In addition, never hesitate to ask the salesperson for a demo so you can have a better perspective on which kind of digital voice recorder to purchase.
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