How do I choose a recorder?

Edison's phonograph cylinder (invented in the 19th century) was the first reliable recording device that made transcription possible.

In fact, this invention has helped take recording to a new level of precision not seen before. Recorders have come a long way. Whether you need to record audio for a business meeting, a lecture, or an interview, a voice recorder is one of the best business tools. While there are other options on the market, an audio recorder will give you the highest quality playback sound, it's compact and lightweight for easy portability, relatively inexpensive, and will allow you to record hundreds of hours and easily transfer the recordings to your computer. With so many different voice recorders on the market, it can seem difficult to find the right one to suit your needs. Should you buy one with voice recognition software? How much memory do you need?

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT RECORDER?

It will all depend on you and the scripts you have to record. However, there are some basic questions you can ask yourself to help you find the best voice recorder for your needs: What settings will you use to record sound? Will you be outside? Inside? How big or small is the room? What about the acoustics? Will there be multiple speakers? Will they have a microphone? What specific features will make your life easier? For example, will you be recording in dimly lit areas or at night? If so, buying a backlit device will save the day. Why are you recording? Do you intend to do this for yourself, or are you hoping to rewrite the record? If you're recording just for yourself, you may want to compromise on some features. If you or anyone else will be transcribing the sound, you will want to pay particular attention to the quality of the sound and playback. How often will you record? If you plan to use it fairly regularly, a device with rechargeable batteries can help you save money.

WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A VOICE RECORDER?

There are a number of features to consider before buying a recorder. Some of the following factors may have more influence than others, but we recommend that you use the list below to compare several different models in order to find the best sound recorder for you. Both the quality of the sound and the quality of the recording will determine how clear the recordings are. The quality of the microphone and the higher bits per second (bit rate) can also produce clear recording sound. Some digital audio devices may have a variable recording setting. This means you can record the quality of audio you need at the touch of a button. For example, higher-end recorders can even produce crisp and clear recordings from the concert hall. Recorders come in all shapes and sizes, typically the size of a smartphone and weighing around several kilograms. The available memory capacity of the audio recorder will determine how long you can record before you need to transfer the files to your computer or delete them. Memory space is affected by two different factors, including the type of file (mp3, wave, etc.) and the quality of the recording. If you will be recording in places with poor acoustics, a good investment would be to buy a recorder capable of capturing top quality sound. Once you know the settings you will use to record, you can investigate and read how different recorders performed in the sound tests. You can even visit your local electronics shop to see if they have any recommendations for a particular device. Often, referrals can lead to the best product.

Do you have a favourite recorder? What features are most important to you when choosing an audio recorder? Decide and buy one. It's convenient that voice recorders are available for sale online.