Buying yourself a voice recorder may seem like an easy task, if you know what you need and what you’re looking for. However, as there are so many to choose from, if you don’t know what your’re looking for, it can be tricky, and that’s where we come in. We are digital recorder experts, and we’ll talk you through them.
What even are dictation machines?
Dictation machines, enable you to capture any sounds including long conversations in a digital file such as meetings. The files are then stored on a computer, allowing you to be able to share them via: email, use them in presentations, or if you’re old fashioned even burn copies on CD’s and DVDs. Although these amazing little pieces of tech are often only used for taking notes, we think it they’re a great idea to bring into meetings and conferences so they allow you to remember everything.
And then allows you the ability to send them to any digital devices such as computers, smart phones and tablets, and this can save you loads of time and energy, when in a conference or meeting that you need to record and remember, no more writing minutes or notes, with a digital recorder, you can simple press record at the start of the meeting and your work is done.
When browsing our website or flipping through our catalogue, you’ll notice all of the Digital recorders have a flash memory, the only difference is, whether or not the memory is removable. Having a memory built in the digital recorder allows you to store files right on the device, whereas a removable memory stores files on an SM memory disc, and this is something to look for, when purchasing a digital recorder.
Things to consider before purchasing a digital machine
Connection
Taking the connection into consideration is important, because you need the ability to connect to a computer. Well the good news is, many digital machines come with a USB cable to connect the device to the computer! However, be careful because even if the recorder has a USB port, it might not come with the cable so make sure you look closely at whats included in the package.
Maximum recording time
The maximum recording time is essential and definitely something to look for, especially if you are wanting to record over long periods of time, such as a meeting. How ever, you need to watch out for the battery, because say for example, the max recording time is 1,000 hours your battery life may only be 24 hours, so to solve this issue, you may need an AC power cord, that way you aren’t relying on battery life.
Price
Obviously the price is something that you’ll look for, but making sure you get your moneys worth is important. Depending on the features you’re looking for, this price range can be anywhere from £40 to the thousands.
But which one is for you?
For the tech GURU
Well, this really depends on what you’re looking for. If you need a really techy, digital recorder with loads of handy features well you are in LUCK. The Philips Black Pocket Memo Dictation Recorder is full of them!! With an automatic gain control to improve recording quality at any volume and voice-activated recording – it starts to record when you start speaking and stops when you stop. How cool is that? The slide switch lets you turbo wind through recordings and there’s even an index tone to mark the start of each dictation, plus an end-of-tape and low battery warning so you’ll always be ready to record. It’s slightly pricey but definitely worth it!
Philips Voice Tracer Stereo Digital Recorder
If you just want to ease your way into digital recorders, you know, you’re not quite sure what you want, however you want to start using them but you don’t know if you’re quite ready and you don’t want to spend hundreds on a digital recorder just to use it once a year. Well we have the perfect one for you.
The Philips Voice Tracer Stereo Digital Recorder, has a high quality MP3 recording for notes and conversations which is what you need if you’re recording meetings etc. It is easy-to-use and features a backlit LCD screen for operation in any light level, plus 4GB internal memory and a MicroSD memory card expansion slot for virtually unlimited recording time. There’s even a built-in FM radio with record function for capturing music and programmes, and isn’t too pricey if you’re just a beginner Digital Recorder.