How to choose a voice recorder

When choosing a voice recorder, it is worth considering the intended use of the device. Then it will become clear which design or technical specifications should be paid attention first of all.

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1. How to choose a voice recorder: the main criteria
   
2. Types of voice recorders
3. The main criteria for choosing a voice recorder
4. Choosing a dictaphone for lectures
5. Choose a voice recorder for hidden recording
6. Best Dictaphone Manufacturers

How to choose a voice recorder: the main criteria

The main criteria when choosing a voice recorder are:

1. Type of voice recorder;

2. Battery life;

3. Record format;

4. Capacity of the built-in drive and the presence of a slot for memory cards;

5. Acoustic characteristics;

6. Modes of operation of the device;

7. Additional features.

8. The manufacturer of the device is also important.

Types of voice recorders

There are no major design differences between voice recorders of various types. However, they can still be classified by acoustic parameters, the number of microphones, etc. into three groups - “music”, “semi-professional” and “universal”.

Music recorders

Musical dictaphones are distinguished by a large number of microphones (there are at least two for stereo recording), the presence of balanced line inputs, parallel recording mode, and other possibilities for the highest quality vocal capture and instrumental parts.

Of course, musical voice recorders are also distinguished by high sound quality. Therefore, they are equipped with a large internal storage and a slot for memory cards.

Semi-professional voice recorders

Semi-professional voice recorders are similar to musical ones, however their acoustic characteristics may be worse or lower. They are equipped with two omni-directional microphones for stereo recording, a user-friendly interface, a large amount of internal storage or support for high-capacity memory cards, as well as track markers and other additional functions.

These recorders are well suited for recording voice: lectures, business negotiations, interviews, etc. But because of the relatively high prices, they are unlikely to be suitable for beginning students or journalists.

Universal Voice Recorders

Universal voice recorders - a good solution for recording speech. They can be equipped with both directional and non-directional microphone; convenient control system; built-in storage or memory card support, etc. The list of features and functions of the universal voice recorder is very wide and varied.

The main advantage of universal voice recorders is a relatively low price. They are 2-3 times cheaper than semi-professional or musical ones, which makes them an optimal choice for students, novice journalists, performers, etc.

The main criteria for choosing a voice recorder

Battery life

The battery life of a voice recorder depends on the type of batteries, the type of voice recorder and its acoustic parameters. Since almost all such devices are not equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery, electricity is “supplied” to them from inserted batteries — AA or AAA format.It is extremely difficult to calculate the exact battery life from such batteries (it depends on the capacity, model, type of battery, and other parameters), the approximate "survivability" of the recorder is indicated by the manufacturer.

On average, voice recorders equipped with external batteries can work for 6-12 hours in recording mode. The exact value of the parameter also depends on the bit rate of the file being created. For example, a 320 kbps MP3 would require more electricity than a 48 kbps MP3.

It is necessary to distinguish between battery life and maximum recording time. The second parameter depends on the capacity of the internal drive or installed memory card, as well as the selected bit rate (quality). But the battery life is directly determined by the battery capacity and current consumption by microphones and other structural elements of the recorder.

Record format and capacity of internal storage or memory cards

The “weight” of the file being created and the quality of “capturing” sounds depend on the recording format. There are compressed and uncompressed (lossless) formats.

1. The most common compressed format used in voice recorders is MP3. It differs in small file sizes and direct dependence of the recording quality on the set bit rate. At the same time, if you want to capture only speech (lectures, business negotiations, etc.), high quality is simply not necessary - the speaker can be heard at 8 kbit / s.

2. To record audio, for example, musical performances or high quality speech, you need a voice recorder with support for uncompressed (lossless) formats. The most common is WMA. Files encoded in this format are distinguished by a large "weight". However, for post-production it is advisable to use it: MP3 does not tolerate any processing.

3. Of course, choosing a voice recorder with support for uncompressed formats, it is recommended to make sure that it can work with high-capacity memory cards (from 16 GB) or is equipped with a similar internal drive. But for devices that record only in MP3, the amount of recording space is not so important. Enough and small internal drives or memory cards for 1-2 GB.

4. The “size” of a file with a recording made in a compressed format directly depends on the bit rate of this recording. The lower it is, the less space is occupied by the file itself. For example, 1 hour of audio in MP3 320 kbps "weighs" about 150-200 MB, and at 8 kbit / s - already only 3-5 MB.

5. But 8 kbps is too little. This bit rate is only suitable for recording speech and then from a directional microphone (as well as without post-production). For a quality “capture” of the voice of one speaker, you need at least 24 kbps, and better, from 48 kbps and more.

6. If you plan to record conferences and other crowded events, you should choose a voice recorder with support for CD-quality recording - that is, MP3 with a bitrate of at least 256 kbit / s.

Acoustic Characteristics

Among the acoustic characteristics, the most important for the recorder, which is planned to be used for recording speech, is sensitivity. It may be in decibels or meters.

1. Sensitivity in decibels is a “purely technical” parameter. He indicates how loud speech can capture the microphone of the recorder. The lower this parameter, the more sensitive the device: captures a whisper, quiet speech or words of a distant interlocutor. But the “garbage sounds” on the recording will also be quite a lot: from aspiration to the sound of a truck passing through the window.

2. Sensitivity in meters is a more user-friendly parameter. It shows the maximum distance to the person whose speech is able to catch the device. The higher the sensitivity, the better the recorder is suitable for recording lectures, business negotiations and similar events where the distance to the speaker can be quite large.

3. For voice recorders that you plan to use to record music or similar “dense” audio, the ratio of signal to noise also matters. Noise is an internal sound distortion of a dictaphone, caused, for example, by a lack of construction or features of the materials used. The higher the signal-to-noise ratio, the more “clean” the record is.

4. The signal-to-noise ratio may be indicated by the SNR parameter. In this case, it is measured in decibels and denotes the excess of the useful signal over the volume of parasitic noise. For high-quality recording, SNR is enough up to 60 dB, and for very high-quality (for example, music or voice for further processing) - already 60-100 dB.

Dictaphone operation modes

By default, the voice recorder picks up almost all the surrounding sounds. Because of this, the recording density increases, and unnecessary noise may appear on it. To improve the quality of sound, manufacturers can add additional modes of operation, which provide the most clear acoustic picture.

The most common modes of operation are:

1. Voice activation. In this mode, the recorder independently turns the recording on and off, depending on whether the interlocutor speaks or not. This is very convenient, since there are no moments of silence in the final track, but on budget devices, the voice activation mode can be triggered with a delay, and some of the speaker’s words are simply “lost”;

2. Interview Mode. In it, the recorder “cuts off” parasitic noises on the recordings and increases the clarity of the voice. The intonation, however, persists;

3. Street mode. In it, the recorder "cuts off" everything that does not look like a voice. At the same time, intonations are lost, but the interlocutor is heard much better.

It is desirable that these modes are customized. Those. it was possible to independently set the threshold for on or off with voice activation or the level of parasitic noise in the "Street" and "Interview". Then the recording quality will be maximum.

Additional features

Additional features that will be useful in various cases include:

1. Connect an additional external microphone. Suitable for the most accurate recording of speech, multi-channel recording (for example, musical performances), recording interviews or business conferences;

2. Auto Gain. In this mode, the voice recorder independently lowers or boosts the volume of speech on the recording. Suitable for “capturing” speech, but not music;

3. The presence of built-in speaker. You can listen to recordings directly from the recorder;

4. Stereo recording. Useful when using two microphones and recording interviews or music to create “surround sound”;

5. USB powered. Useful for long recordings. Allows you to power the recorder from the power bank or network adapter;

6. Connect to computer via USB. You can do without card readers;

7. Adjust recording direction. A very useful feature if you plan to record interviews, business negotiations, conferences and similar events in which several people participate;

8. Adapter to connect to the phone. Records calls.

Choose a voice recorder, equipped with additional features, it is worth if they are needed.

Choosing a dictaphone for lectures

When choosing a dictaphone for recording lectures, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. The focus of the microphone. Useful for recording in noisy audiences - then the lecturer's voice will be heard as clearly as possible on the finished audio file;

2. Sensitivity. If the voice recorder is located far from the lecturer - it should be high (both in dB and in meters);

3. Battery life For students it is recommended to choose voice recorders with a built-in rechargeable battery, since the battery pack will last for 1-3 days of continuous recording;

4. Capacity of internal storage or memory card.For recording in high quality, it must be above 4-8 GB to accommodate the collected audio files at least one week of daily use;

5. Type - "semi-professional" or "universal." Due to the peculiar acoustic stage and directionality of microphones, musical dictaphones will not be suitable.

6. Of course, the budget is also important.

Choose a voice recorder for hidden recording

Before choosing a voice recorder for hidden recording, it is worth considering that audio files are only material evidence in court if the interlocutor is informed that his speech can be recorded. In addition, the recorder itself must support the labeling of authenticity, which show that the audio file has not been modified or modified.

When choosing a voice recorder for hidden recording, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. The presence of a jack for connecting an external microphone. This will allow you to place a “buttonhole” somewhere under your clothes, and hide the voice recorder in your inside pockets;

2. The sensitivity of the microphone. It should be high;

3. The quality of the recording. It is desirable that this was a lossless recording, but if it is impossible - an MP3 with a high bit rate.

4. And, of course, you should pay attention to the size of the device itself. The smaller they are, the easier it is to hide it.

Best Dictaphone Manufacturers

Among the manufacturers of voice recorders can be identified:

1. Zoom. One of the best producers of music, professional and business voice recorders;

2. Tascam. Produces mostly musical voice recorders;

3. Edic-Mini. Russian brand, produces universal voice recorders. The main advantage is the presence of authenticity marks on the record;

4. Sony. Known for their high-quality music devices. Dictophones belong to the average price segment, however, they are of high quality;

5. Olympus. High-quality voice recorders of the average price category.

6. Ritmix leads the budget segment. However, it has both quality and relatively “average” even for its model price.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.