Digital Voice Recorders - mp3 - which to get?

[rad]

Our language Dept want to buy a digital voice recording device that you can record onto and then can be transfered to the computer as an MP3 format.

 

If anyone has any recommendations that they don't mind sharing, it would save effort researching.

 

Thanks

[SteveBentley]

All that I've encountered record either a native format or uncompressed WAV - encoding MP3 on the fly isn't practical, especially on a portable device with limited horse power. The software that comes with the device will let you convert but there will be a bit of looking at a status bar involved.

 

It depends what purpose the recordings are for, you can go for anything from a £30 Olympus dictaphone up to a professional HHB Flash Mic for £800 or more.

[dhicks]

Our language Dept want to buy a digital voice recording device that you can record onto and then can be transfered to the computer as an MP3 format.

 

The TTS Easi-Speak:

 

Easi-Speak MP3 Recorder, Player, Microphone from TTS

 

Robust, records directly to MP3, easy to transfer files (acts as a USB stick), charges via USB, excellent value for money. They do a 5-pack complete with USB charging hub for £150-ish.

[3s-gtech]

We have the above. Pretty natty - if our MFL department can use it from the box, must be good.

[Alis_Klar]

I find the single multicolour LED status indicator VERY cryptic. I usually tell staff not to attempt deleting files from the device just do it from windows. Even worse the Easi Speak Pro has a full dot matrix display but they still choose to use the cryptic multicolour LED as the main indicator.

 

From the Manual

Status LED

The Status LED provides you with a clear indication of what is happening with your Easi-Speak. Please take note of the following information so that you can get the best results.

• Flashing Orange: Ready to Play/Record MP3 file

• Steady Orange: Ready to Play/Record WAV file

• Steady Green: Playing (or fully charged)

• Flashing Green: Paused

• Steady Red: Recording

• Flashing Red: Memory nearly full

• Flashing Red/Green: Charging

• Flashing Orange/Green: Battery low

 

A standard USB mp3 AAA powered dictaphone would be better as if the easi-speak's have not been charged you have to wait to use them whereas AAA batteries can just be swapped out for instant use.

Edited October 18, 2013 by Alis_Klar

[pavlovs_dog]

We use Zoom H1 recorders, they are about £80.

We have used some expensive kit in the past, but these have been just as good and easier to use.

We just use Audacity to convert multiple .wav files to mp3 (although they do come with Wavelab).

[gwendes]

I love my Tascam DR-05. Recorded some brilliant audio for interviews, at live music gigs and pub open mics. Think they're around £90... the mics are amazing quality for the price and it'll record various formats. Screen is great and it's easy to configure. Audio out goes to my SLR too

 

ADDED: £79.99 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tascam-DR-05-Digital-Recorder-recorder/dp/B004OU2IQG/ref=sr_1_2/280-6514997-4735617?ie=UTF8&qid=1382103125&sr=8-2&keywords=tascam+dr-05

 

Bargain. (records straight to MP3 on microSD cards)

Edited October 18, 2013 by gwendes