Sony MZ-RH1 Hi-MD Walkman MiniDisc/MP3 Digital Music Player Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a violist and I needed the Sony MZ-RH1 Hi-MD Walkman MiniDisc/MP3 Digital Music Player to record myself to make audition CDs for orchestra auditions and festivals. The recording quality is excellent and the MD player is easy to use. Transferring to the computer was very simple. I used the Sony ECMMS907 Digital Recording Microphone and it worked great. For all you orchestra musicians out there looking for a recording device to make your audition tapes, this is it right here. I highly recommend this!!

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The MZ-RH1 builds on the success of Sony's earlier MiniDisc players but adds several new features, taking digital audio playback to the next level in the process. The sleek and slim audio player plays digital files downloaded in Linear PCM, ATRAC, ATRAC3, ATRAC3plus, and MP3 formats, but also serves as a pocket-sized MiniDisc recording studio for live concerts and other occasions. The dual functions make the MZ-RH1 extremely versatile, with unsurpassed CD-quality sound and an unlimited storage capacity (each 1 GB MiniDisc holds up to 45 hours of music). In addition, longtime MiniDisc users can now revive their classic MiniDisc audio libraries and upload them to PC using the MZ-RH1--a much anticipated feature among audiophiles.
Sony has improved the MiniDisc recording experience with several sonic enhancements, including an adjustable recording mode that adapts to the type of event that's being recorded. So whether you're capturing a live concert, a basement jam session, or even a business meeting, you'll enjoy crystal-clear sound that's custom fit to the occasion. The device also boasts several listening modes that match specific genres and acoustic atmospheres, such as "club," "jazz," and "pop." The MZ-RH1 even lets you adjust the mic sensitivity and recording level on the fly, helping you adapt to changing sound levels or audience noise during a concert.
Recognizing that professionals often record in dark environments, Sony added an easy-to-use button array and a backlit display. And thanks to Sony's Hi-MD next-generation formatting technology--which records in the uncompressed Linear PCM format to ensure the same sound quality as the original source--you'll enjoy studio-quality sound time and again. The playback quality is consistently excellent as well, with such features as a dynamic normalizer, which automatically equalizes the volume of each recorded track to a listenable level, and a high-capacity coupling condenser that accurately reproduces the bass.
Additional features include a high-speed USB 2.0 interface, Mac compatibility, an HD digital amplifier, complete PC storage for such files as text documents or JPEG photos, and a switchable headphone/line-level output. The MZ-RH1 comes with a rechargeable battery with a battery life of 19 hours, a set of high-powered headphones, and a remote control for easy listening and playback. And at 3.45 by 0.68 by 3.45 inches (W x H x D), the MZ-RH1 takes up only a tiny amount of space. Finally, the MZ-RH1 is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and a 90-day warranty on labor.
What's in the Box MZ-RH1 MiniDisc/MP3 player, USB cable, digital optical cable, AC adapter, remote control, carrying pouch, software CD-ROM, user's manual.

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Olympus DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)The Olympus DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder is one of those breakthrough products that makes me want to recommend it to everyone I see.
Digital voice recorders have been around for a number of years and I have owned a few, a Sony and an older Olympus model. They have previously been very disappointing, mostly because of the poor sound quality. Comparing the DS-2 to older digital voice recorders is like comparing a high-end stereo system with a Victrola.
The DS-2 is a reasonably sized, very configurable digital voice recorder. But the term "voice recorder" is not the best description of this little gem. You will discover, as I did, that the quality of recording can be so good that you can easily record music and be quite satisfied with the incredible sound. It has a built-in stereo microphone and you can also attach an external stereo (or mono) microphone using the mini-jack mic input.
The built in speaker has decent output for its size. You can also use headphones or connect to a stereo or other audio device using the headphone output jack. I use a cassette tape adapter in my car which enables me to listen to my audio notes on my car stereo while driving.
The DS-2 has 5 different recording modes. 2 of them are Stereo (Stereo HQ-Stereo High Quality recording and Stereo SP-Stereo Standard recording) and the other 3 are mono (HQ-high quality, SP-standard recording, LP-long term recording). Olympus uses two different recording formats, WMA and DSS, depending on which recording mode you are in. WMA mode is used for all stereo recordings as well as the highest quality mono mode (HQ). The DSS format is used for the 2 lesser quality recording modes, SP and LP.
Recording time for the DS-2 can be as much as 22 Hours 20 Minutes in LP mode and as short as 1 Hour 5 Minutes in Stereo HQ mode. If you are using the DS-2 strictly for dictation or general voice reminders, you will be quite pleased with the recording quality in the lowest quality mode, LP. And remember that in this mode you can record for over 22 hours. I think that is pretty amazing. If you bump up the quality to SP, you can still record for over 10 hours. HQ mode records for over 4 hours. Stereo SP mode records for over 2 hours and Stereo HQ mode records for just over 1 hour.
You can alternate recording modes and your total time will adjust according to whatever mode you happen to be in.
The DS-2 display is small but more than adequate. The text is sharp and clear, while the back-lighting makes visibility excellent during daylight or in dark situations. There is contrast adjustment
The unit uses 2-AAA batteries. You can also use NIMH batteries if you want to be able to recharge batteries. Battery life is pretty good averaging about 10-12 hour while recording or 8-10 hours of playback.
The unit also comes with a USB docking station and software which works on both Macs and PCs. This enables you to upload audio files to your computer where you can then listen to them or just store them
Here are some of the other features of this device...
-5 folders which can hold 199 files each for a maximum of 995 recordings. You can also name your folders something other than the default "Folder A, Folder B", etc. There are also some pre-set folder names available such as ""Meeting", "Memo", "Note", and so on. Although it is tedious to change folder names on the player itself, using the DSS software and making the changes via the computer is a breeze.
-VCVA (variable control voice actuator). A fancy phrase that simply means you can set the device to only record when a certain loudness threshold has been reached. This enables you to avoid recording silence thus effectively extending the total recording time. This feature is very adjustable and you can adjust it to compensate for ambient background noise.
-Mic sensitivity can be adjusted for either "Dictation" which is lower sensitivity or "Conference" which is high sensitivity.
-Timer record function lets you set the recorder to begin recording at a specified time.
-File Comments: You can enter up to 100 characters to name a file. There are also 10 pre-set comments such as "Important", "Confidential", "Priority" and so on. Although it is tedious to add file comments on the player itself, using the DSS software and making the changes via the computer is a breeze.
-Noise Cancel Function: The recorder has a feature to reduce background noise during playback. This can be useful if the recording was made in an environment with a lot of background noise.
-Alarm: You can specify a time for an alarm to sound and you can also attach a specific file to play after the alarm is turned off. This is a great feature for giving you audio reminders at specified times.
-Variable playback speed: You can vary the playback speed in intervals up to 2x. This is great for listening to long recordings in half the time.
-Index Marks: You can "mark" files during recording or playback with up to 16 index marks per file. This is handy for quickly accessing specific parts of a long lecture, for instance.
-Files can be moved from one folder to another.
-The device can also be used as external memory for your computer...for the transport of files to another computer for instance.
The features are numerous, but easily accessed via an intuitive menu system.
I absolutely love this little device. It is an excellent performer with great features at a very good price. It is an excellent value overall.

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The advantages of digital voice recorders are numerous: superior sound, long recording times, and the convenience of built-in memory (much handier than hauling around several microcassettes). Enter the high-performance Olympus DS-2, which makes professional interviewing and dictation easy and efficient. With 64 MB of internal memory delivering up to 22 hours of total recording time in Long Play mode, the device is great for archiving long meetings or lectures, or for researching huge projects that require dozens of interviews. Users also have the choice of recording at several other speeds, including extreme high-quality modes that offer far less recording time (as little as one hour and five minutes) but much better audio resolution. The latter modes are more suitable for recording soft voices or when taking down complex song ideas--a process that's further assisted by the built-in stereo microphone designed to pick up all sides of a conversation with equal clarity.
The DS-2 is a breeze to use thanks to its straightforward front panel, from which users can quickly access or move files (the recorder comes with five folders, each capable of holding 199 files), set the alarm, or change the recording mode. Multitasking users will also delight in the voice activation function, which enables hands-free recording--a must when you're busy taking notes. Voice activation also saves battery life by powering off when no sound is detected. And when you just don't have time to attend to the details on the spot, you can set the DS-2 to record automatically over a fixed span. Simply enter the start and end times and the timer function is ready to go.
And though the DS-2 is primarily a recorder, the package comes with DSS Player software for editing and archiving files. The software offers a nice way to delete long silences, eliminate small talk, or combine two small but related passages into one large statement. Users can then transfer the files (they record in high-compression DSS and WMA formats) to a PC or Mac via the included USB docking station and cable. Once transferred, you can save them in perpetuity while freeing up the internal memory to record other interviews or meetings.
Additional features include a backlit LCD screen that shows the date, time, battery life, and more; 3.5 mm headphone and microphone jacks for added flexibility; and several basic and advanced playback options, including slow, fast, skip, and repeat. And best of all, the variety of functions come packed in a chassis that fits conveniently in your hand or pocket--quite unlike the bulky tape recorders of yesteryear. The DS-2, which also comes with a pair of earphones and a carrying case, runs for 18 hours on a single pair of AAA batteries (included) and carries a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box DS-2 voice recorder, USB docking station, USB cable, stereo earphones, carrying case, DSS Player software CD, two AAA batteries, user's manual.

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Wireless Lapel Microphone Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)I teach a weekly non-denominational adult Bible study, and as the group grew larger it became difficult for some to hear me speak. I purchased an AmpliVox Buddy amplifier but found the hand held microphone to be quite cumbersome. My wife then ordered the AmpliVox S1600 wireless microphone system (with lapel mic)for me. It is an excellent product and picks up the sound easily. Even persons sitting at the opposite end of the large room (some of whom are "hard of hearing") report that they can hear and understand every word. I would highly recommend this product.
Dr. Don Shockey

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Wireless Lapel Microphone Kit, Two Frequencies, 300 ft. Range

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Sony MZM200 Professional Portable Hi MD Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm happy to relate that this digital recorder has exceeded all of my expectations. As a musician, I can tell you that this device is extremely intuitive and easy to use, much like a digital camera. I quickly learned how to convert several file formats -- wav to mp3, for example -- which means ultra-fast review of my performances. And since recording levels are automatic, I've not had to worry about distortion or poor audio quality. With sophisticated technology of this sort, I no longer need to hire engineers to capture my location performances; it's not rocket science. Kudos to Sony for this excellent product.

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This Hi-MD portable audio recorder is ideal for journalists and musicians who need to make high-quality stereo audio recordings using cost-effective removable media. The MZ-M200 recorder comes supplied with an ECM-DS70P Stereo Microphone and MDR-EO931Earbud Headphone. The recorder uses affordable Hi-MD media with 1 GB storage capacity. Three Hi-MD recording modes are supported including: Linear (PCM) 44.1kHz/16-bit, ATRAC3plus 256kbps (Hi-SP) mode and ATRAC3plus 64bps (Hi-LP) mode. In addition, three conventional MD recording modes are supported including: ATRAC 292kbps (SP), ATRAC3 132kbps (LP2) and ATRAC3 66kbps (LP4).The recorder supports USB 2.0 uploading + downloading with PC (using supplied Sonic Stage software),and USB uploading with MAC (using supplied Hi-MD Music Transfer software), allowing transferring audio recordings to a computer and storing them on the computer in .Wav file format.This Hi-MD device can also be used as a USB mass storage device, allowing storing data files on the Hi-MD disc along with audio

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Sony MZ-NE410 High Speed Net MD Walkman Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)After browsing hours and hours for a cheap alternative to buying an mp3 player and something I could run with I spent about 2 hours in Best Buy and reading reviews on Amazon.com to find what I wanted. I paced back and forth through the aisles constantly going back to the mp3 area only to find myself so close to buying this open item iPod... it was 269 for a 10 GB old style iPod, however it was kind of beat up.
I realized its really not practical to buy that thing or any other flash mp3 player for that matter... if you ever wanted to change songs you'd have to head back to your computer to add or remove songs on to your flash mp3 player. I knew about the Sony MZ-NE410 and it was on sale for 99 dollars. I use to own a MiniDisc player and hi-fidelity is a plus for a minidisc player vs. an mp3 player. Ignore those SNR (Signal2Noise Ratio) numbers on mp3 players nothing compares to a minidisc player.
Last but not least LP4... I was afraid it was going to sound horrible like a 64 kbps mp3 or even worse... LP4 is freaking amazing let me tell you. There is a quality difference but the difference is hardly noticable to the average ear. I can hear flaws but there's no distortion and its very clear. Amazing product! 99 Dollars and CHEAP MEDIA! Each minidisc holds about 320 minutes (LP4 Mode), 160 (Lp2), and 80 min (SP NEAR CD QUALITY). It is about 1 ounce lighter then an iPod and MUCH MORE PRACTICAL. Stop throwing away your money... the iPod's Hard Drive is more likely to fail since there are moving parts in a Hard Drive. I listen to about 5 or more CD's on one minidisc. I am still using the one that came with mine. Its not as thin or as small as those keychain mp3 players but its great for jogging and small enough.
The minidisc player also plays just like Sony's recent mp3 products. It buffers music into its memory while it's playing and stops spinning the minidisc after gaining filling up its buffer space. This increases battery life (about 56 hours with E2 Energizer Batteries) and the actual players life and of course for movement protection (G-Protection). Most mp3 players only play for about 10 hours. Technically an mp3 player is suppose to last longer then something with moving parts but many forget that an mp3 needs to decode the music which is like processor power in your computer and translate it to a sound unit in your player just like sound cards in your computer. YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH THIS! There's no pretty LCD but you're listening to music not watching equalizer bars go up and down and see the lapse time of the song, screw the LCD.

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The MZ-NE410 Net MD Walkman recorder has everything needed to create great-sounding music mixes. In addition to transferring music at up to 32x speed (using its LP4 mode), the unit's SonicStage Jukebox software stores and manages digital music files, custom playlists, and music transfers, making it a cinch to transfer music to the device. The MZ-NE410 offers high-speed transfer from a PC via a direct USB connection, and it can record more than five hours of music on one 80-minute minidisc (using LP4 mode). It also uses Sony's skip-free G-Protection technology, which eliminates or reduces skipping during many active uses. The MZ-NE410 is compatible with the RealOne music player and the pressplay.com online music subscription service. It plays back ATRAC3 files and supports multiple Internet audio formats, including MP3, WMA, and WAV. The unit provides up to 56 hours of continuous playback on one AA battery.
The Easy Skip group-folder function helps organize songs into albums or groups. Once the music is transferred to the MZ-NE410, you can easily skip from group to group. Besides the bundled SonicStage software and SonicStage simple burner application, the MZ-NE410 includes software for creatively organizing music. MoodLogic software goes beyond typical jukebox applications, letting you compile music by mood or tempo rather than simply by artists and song titles.
MoodLogic corrects file information by identifying and retitling mislabeled tracks during ID3 tag cleaning. It also has a feature called Music Marker, which lets you "tag" music during playback. Once the device is reconnected to a PC, MoodLogic retrieves the marks, connects to the Musiclub Web site, and provides information about the song and artist and links to download new tracks, purchase CDs, or discover similar artists.
Note: The MZ-NE410's recording features and bundled software are not compatible with the MacOS operating system
Here's how you can use the included Sonic Stage Software to manage your music files:

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Anoto penDocuments Review

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(More customer reviews)Government Techology recently reviewed Anoto penDocuments, and you can see the value it brings to field workers in both the public and private sectors. A LOT easier and cheaper than laptops or tablet PCs!

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Product DescriptionAnoto penDocuments captures your handwriting electronically as you use the Anoto digital pen. It is easy, fast, and cost-effective. Print ANY document from ANY application on ANY paper, and get INSTANT PDFs of the document with handwritten information captured on it! System Requirements: Microsoft Windows XP or Windows Vista (32-bit). 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) processor 512 MB of system memory 1 GB hard drive

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Moxi 3-Tuner 500GB HD Digital Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had mine a month now, and still haven't come close to exploiting all the bells and whistles here, but just comparing head-to-head with TiVO, it's a winner.
- No monthly fee for channel guide; MOXI gets its' channel info from Zap2It
- interfaces with your computer, opening you to a world of possibilities a standard DVR doesn't
- 3 tuners means, no "logjams" for a typical, highly-competitive evening...even when some networks seek to mess you up by starting a minute or so late
- when the already-immense hard-drive gets full, you can just hook up another one
Really was worth the extra expense for me...and, the longer I use it, the more it will save me.
The Cons -
- the PlayOn software, as well as the Rhapsody and Netflix (and perhaps Flikr) accounts, are trial memberships, so be prepared to pony-up if you like them and their flexibility
- programming Record by-hand takes a few seconds per-event longer than I'm used to with my old ReplayTV DVR, or the TiVO's I've seen my friends use
The Caveats -
- maybe I just don't know how yet, but, pictures and mp3's took some time to load from my computer via ethernet cable, but the pictures didn't stay on-screen very long...maybe there's some way to adjust that, which I haven't found yet...
- if you're on a bundle system such as Comcast or FiOS, their tech support "help" will squeal like a stuck pig because you're not renting their substandard DVR's...stick to your guns, and make sure they bring an "M-Card" for the install. As I found out from MOXI's tech support, an M-Card not only is sufficient for the 3-tuner MOXI but actually would be sufficient for a 6-channel DVR if one were to exist. In other words, "S-Card" bad, "M-Card" good.

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Want to bring the best content from your cable provider, the Internet, and your home computer to your HDTV? The Moxi HD DVR makes it easy to access it all from one menu with one remote--and all with no monthly DVR service fees. Moxi's huge 500 GB hard drive records up to 75 hours of HD and 300 hours of SD programming, and it's expandable up to 1000 hours of HD shows with a 6.0 terabyte external drive. You can also add a Moxi Mate, which allows you to access live TV as well as all of the content on your Moxi HD DVR from another room. It's an easy, inexpensive way to enjoy your Moxi on other HDTVs in your home.

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Sennheiser ME66 Short Shotgun Capsule (for K6) Review

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(More customer reviews)I had this recommended as the Microphone for bird recording. Sensitive and rugged. It lives up to the billing.
I had a moment of panic as I initially could not get any sound out of it but found my recorder needed high impendance and this is low. A transformer from radio shack fixed that.
A shock suspension system is required especially as I use in field and any bump or even rubbing of the microphone cable is picked up.

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The ME 66 is a short gun microphone head designed for use with the K6 and K6P powering modules. It is especially suitable for reporting, film and broadcast location applications and for picking up quiet signals in noisy or acoustically live environments as it discriminates against sound not emanating from the main pick-up direction.

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Olympus DS-50 Digital Voice Recorder (275 Hours) Review

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(More customer reviews)The manual does not specify the most important quality difference between recording in STXQ mode versus STHQ.
STXQ results in 128kbps WMA recording.
STHQ results in 64kbps WMA recording.
Both modes are 44.1KHz 16 bit.
The conclusion is that if you are recording music or otherwise want the highest quality, you must record in STXQ mode.
To achieve the best possible recording using an Olympus mic intended for this DS-50 recorder, consider ordering the ME51S mic, which is superior to the included ME53SA.
This is a fantastic recorder. But it is not the ultimate recorder for musicians. For example, see the Zoom H4 or the Olympus LS-10 Linear PCM Recorder.
If you have a Mac or otherwise want to convert the WMA files to the more universally playable MP3 format, consider downloading the EasyWMA program (or one of many other similar free or inexpensive programs). This recorder is compatible with Mac computers if you are willing to convert WMA files after transferring them to your Mac (setting USB class in the DS-50 menu to "Storage Class" allows drag-and-drop from the DS-50 to your PC). The manual does not make this compatibility clear, and might mislead you to think it is only compatible with Windows.
See also the Olympus DS-61 (2GB) and DS-40 (512MB) for basically identical recorders at different price points. The DS-40 is a great bargain for those with more limited budgets or who do not need as much recording capacity. The DS-61 is not yet available on amazon, but is available elsewhere.

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Olympus Digital recorder box . 275 hours 1GB record time. Removable stereo microphone. Voice Gudiance System DSS Player Software (podcasting). Ultra High Qaulity Stereo Recording Active Noise Cancellation4 WMA & MP3 Music Player 5 Files Folders/200 files per folder Time Recording Various Playback speeds

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Philips 9397 Digital Dictation Starter Kit (LFH9397/00B) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great product. Everything you need to begin digital dictation/transription is included and it was so easy to use. I had it installed and testing it within 20 minutes. I use the recorder in a large room with up to 50 people in attendance and it picks up great. I would highly recommend this product to anyone who needs to dictate and transcribe meetings.


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Utilizes the latest digital quality from dictation to transcription using the convenient Digital Pocket Memo 9370. Transfer dictations for transcription by e-mail or PC network via USB download. Then easily transcribe your documents with SpeechExec Transcribe software. An ergonomically-designed USB foot control for hands free operation and stereo headphones for perfect sound quality empower the transcriptionist. The 9370 features an asymmetrical and ergonomic design delivering unparalleled user friendly operation. Push button switch allows for quick control and single hand operation. Large graphical backlit display lets you view all vital information at a glance. DSS file format allows a higher compression rate, reduced file size, and additional information such as author name to be stored in recording header facilitating file organization. The ten dictation folders allow easy organization and archiving of files which can be transferred to your PC via a USB 2.0 cable. Includes SpeechExec Dictate, easy-to-use dictation software with settings that can be configured to the author\'s needs. An intuitive user interface, allows work to be tracked, in progress and urgent jobs can be prioritized. Efficient handling of sound files makes job retrieval simple and fast and the job status information allows work to be tracked in progress. Includes SpeechExec Transcribe, a simple workflow based transcription solution. Relevant data such as length, author name, key words and priority status are accessible throughout the transcription process. Features such as graphical position indicator, audio volume meter and audible scan function facilitate the transcription. Speed control, DSS/WAV/WMA/MP3 playback and automatic backspace provide first-class reproduction of your dictations. Package contains 9370, working pouch, 2 AAA batteries, Mini-USB cable, SD memory card, USB foot control, Earphones, USB license key, SpeechExec Dictate and Transcribe software.

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Sony PCM-M10/R Portable Linear PCM Recorder, 96 kHz/24-bit, 4GB Memory & USB High-Speed Port, Glossy Red Review

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(More customer reviews)Somebody finally got it right. This recorder sounds great, with very low self-noise and wide frequency range from the internal mics. It is easy to setup, and super-easy to use.
Other reviews cover general features. Here are some remarks about stereo recording in particular:
Stereo recording:
The two built-in omnidirectional condenser mics give you nice stereo separation when the recorder is in the midst of a sound field. I was a little surprised, as you wouldn't expect to get decent stereo imaging from omnis so close together, it's why stereo recorders/mics typically use two cardioid pattern mics. The downside of cardioids is less sensitivity for low frequencies, whereas an omni will capture those lows. Sony has a neat trick here: the omnis are set into the body of the recorder, shielded from each other, so each effectively sees its own half of the room (plus reflections of the other half). You get a nice stereo separation (though not the kind of imaging that lets you pinpoint sound sources). And you get the wide, flat frequency response of omni microphones. If anything, the bass can be a little boomy when you're too close to a sound source -- and the recorder has a low-frequency cutoff you can switch on if you want to lose some of that low-end rumble. They are nice-sounding mics.
Using your own mics:
If you want to use your own microphones, you will need a female XLR to mini stereo cable (Hosa 2' Right Angle Mini Stereo Male to 2 XLR Female Breakout Y-Cable) to plug them into the recorder. The recorder is advertised as having plug-in-power (eg, phantom power) for external mics. But that's the 2V variety of phantom power for little electret condensers, not the 48V you need for your nice condenser mics. You'll have to power them separately, either using a phantom power box like Rolls PB223 Dual Mic Phantom Power 48 Volt Power Supply or an external pre-amp. The recorder will accept both line-level and mic-level inputs.
A case!
The recorder does not come with any sort of protective case. It's an odd size, but I've found that a PSP Go Soft Carrying Case works beautifully, will also fit the official Sony windscreen, and has an extra pocket for the remote control.

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The Sony PCM-M10/R is a 96 kHz/24-bit capable recorder with electret condenser stereo microphones, 4 GB of internal flash memory and a microSD/Memory Stick Micro (M2) Slot for expanded memory.Key features of the PCM-M10 recorder include a built-in speaker, cross-memory recording, digital pitch and key control, digital limiter, low-cut filter, track mark functions, a 5-second pre-recording buffer and A-B repeat capabilityThe recorder includes a USB high-speed port for simple uploading and downloading of native.WAVor .MP3 format recorded files to and from Windows PC or Macintosh computers. The M10 offers durable construction and long battery life using conventional AA alkaline batteries.

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Olympus Linear Recorder (LS-11) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a journalist who has to cover conferences as well as one to one interviews. So far the Olympus LS-11 handheld digital recorder has performed brilliantly in the month that I've used it. It is especially good at up close and personal interviews, even with lots of background noise, as you can hear in this interview with Internet founder Vint [...]
I'm still experimenting with different settings, but the factory settings work pretty well. I haven't tried the software that came with the unit as I am familiar with the free Audacity editing package. But Audacity has its limitations, so I will give the other a try.
I really like the uncompressed PLM recording, so much so that I've not used the MP3 facility. But as I ran out of memory (despite having 8Gb on board) in the middle of an interview, I'm going to expriment with high bit rate MP3.
I bought the companion device that lets yoiui record phone calls. I've only used it once, and found it easy to set up but fiddly to use, and the sound quality was uneven.
On the downside, I found the AA batteries that came with the unit ran out surprisingly quickly. But that is a minor issue. More problematic for me (I've had a double cataract operation) is the screen quality. The characters are small and hard for me to read. This top end device could use a high quality, high contrast screen. Perhaps Olympus could talk to Research in Motion to see who supplies the screens for their BlackBerries. That really would make the LS-11 a complete package for me.


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A Compact, Lightweight Powerhouse of Audio Recording. Drawing on 40 years of experience, Olympus has put a feature-packed audio studio in one 5-ounce PCM recorder. The LS-11, with two high-sensitivity microphones and 8 GB of internal memory, is the star of the show when it comes to capturing and playing back crystal clear audio, whether for personal enjoyment, hobbies, or even important business functions.

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TASCAM DP-008 8-Track Digital Portastudio Review

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(More customer reviews)After wanting a digital multi-track for a long time, I finally decided on this model, and I'm glad I did.
One thing that is not included in a list of specs is the usability factor. I've purchased my share of electronic devices for making and recording music over the years. Just looking at a dry list of specs has often been my method of deciding on what to buy. Well, on paper the DP-008 looks good, but it's not until you use this to cut a few tracks that you realize how well it is designed. I'm SOOOO glad I didn't buy the DP-004, as this model is clearly the results of Tascam eliminating the weaker aspects of the 4 track model just in time for the 8 track version.
I have seen a lot of digital multi-tracks that look good on paper, but to use them is a real pain. The fact that the DP-008 has all the individual track knobs means that you don't have to go flipping through pages on a menu or choosing the "hot track" in some other way. Here it's all laid out logically and makes tweaking the final stereo mix a piece of cake. Sure it would be nice if there were level sliders rather than dials, but these work just fine.
I use this model to record myself playing guitar and bass, run a Boss drum machine into it, and I record vocals with an external mic though a small mixer that has some helpful effects on it. You don't need a mixer, though, as the included mics are quite good. I am able to record several tracks, "bounce" them if I want to, and then write them to a stereo master mix. Then, I export that mix on the unit itself (sounds weird, but basically you're just creating a wav file that can be seen by a computer). The final step is connecting the DP-008 to a computer and merely dragging the song files over to the computer. I then use Audacity to convert it to an ogg file or mp3.
I use Linux and the process of transferring songs to the computer is very simple. In the past you would have received a useless cd-rom with a crappy "song transfer" program and maybe some crapware to go along with it. I'm glad that Tascam has decided to treat the customer right and state it clearly: There is no need for special software. Once you export the song, it will show up as an external storage device and you can simply transfer the files over to your computer, whether it's a PC running Windows or Linux, or a Mac.

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Concentrate on your music and not on the recording process with the easy-to-use Tascam DP-008 8-track digital Portastudio, which can capture CD-quality audio wherever you roam. Using a Secure Digital (SD) memory card, you can record two tracks simultaneously and work with up to eight tracks in a multi-track project.
You can use built-in microphones to grab ideas, plug condenser mics into the XLR inputs or plug a guitar directly in to lay tracks. There's even a metronome and chromatic tuner built-in for tight-sounding tracks. The DP-008 also allows you to digitally bounce tracks to make room for more, and touches like editing and undo make recording stress-free.
Each track on the DP-008 has its own row of knobs for level, pan and effects, just like Tascam's classic cassette Portastudios of the past. The effects knob sends to a built-in stereo reverb processor with hall, room, stage and other effects. Each track also has EQ to tailor the sound for your mix. When your song is complete, mix it to a dedicated stereo track while riding levels and flipping pan as much as you want. You can export your mix, or even individual tracks, as a WAV file.
What's in the BoxTascam DP-008, USB cable, 2 GB SD card, batteries, user manual
Features and Specifications
8-track Digital Portastudio
2-track simultaneous recording
(2) XLR microphone inputs with phantom power
(2) 1/4-inch line inputs, one switchable to guitar level for direct recording
1/4-inch footswitch input and Autopunch features for punch-in recording
RCA line outputs
1/8-inch stereo headphone output
Chromatic tuner and metronome features
Stereo reverb effect on send/return path
Level, Pan and 2-band EQ controls per channel
44.1kHz/16-bit recording resolution
Records to SD or SDHC Card media, up to 32 GB supported
USB 2.0 connection to computer for backup and track/mixdown export
Built-in stereo electret condenser microphones
Backlit LCD display
Powered by four AA batteries (included) or PS-P520 power supply (optional)
Up to 5.5 hours of battery life (recording, phantom power off); up to 6 hours of battery life for playback
Measures 8.7 x 1.42 x 4.98 inches and weighs 19.7 ounces (without batteries)

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Zoom r16 Digital Stand-Alone Multitrack Recorder, with Tascam Vt1 Headphones; Microphone Cables and 10ft Instrument Cables Review

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(More customer reviews)I normally don't write gushing reviews, but I really love this little machine.
I got it last night and spent only a couple of hours to lay down a mix with 5 tracks. I have been looking for a digital means to do multitrack recording for our band, but it's always been too expensive. So the options were: either run a horribly bad live mix in a single stereo track to the laptop (mixed on the fly on one of my regular Behringer or Mackie mixers, but adjusted for the PA), or record one track at a time (which I could never get the band to do anyway).
I originally bought the recorder to work with DAW - I already have Live 8, and the recorder comes with Cubase as a bonus. But I found last night that mixing within the machine itself is pretty effortless too; bouncing tracks and layering a mix can all be done stand-alone. There's also a built-in insert and 2 built-in send/return FX loops (one for chorus/delay, one for reverb). There's a slew of built-in effects for these (i think several hundred) and room to edit custon effects. You can take the tracks and master that are the result right off the SD card, put it in the laptop for backups or MP3 creation (the recorder makes WAV files).
So it takes one major headache out of DAW recording that I've had before: the endless twiddling around with latency to get a fast enough USB I/O to overdub in real time. Now, even if there's some issue with the USB driver or with your laptop's speed etc, you can get the mix 90% ready on the recorder itself, then upload the master tracks in WAV format for post editing. It also means less cables, no waiting for PC bootup etc etc. The recorder runs on batteries, USB power or the included power adapter, so it's very flexible.
The machine is made of plastic, but feels pretty solid. In a trade-off of materials and convenience, it's a really good choice - my 16 track mackie is a real backbreaker, but this recorder can easily be lifted with one hand. The input connectors feel quite solid and 1/4" jacks click into place without any play - i actually had to pull quite hard to get them back out, so good connections.
Also very handy that it has 2 built-in condenser mics with stereo recording. They're decent enough to quickly record ideas on the fly, and it means you can carry the recorder anywhere without any wires, power supplies or cables, and record as inspiration strikes.
The only negatives I can find so far are:
- There's only one insert available. Not sure why this was done, since it should be possible to use a different one for every track, perhaps machine processor speed was the issue? In any case, you can always re-master on a laptop, and then use as many effects as you like. Plus, for live multi-tracking, chances are each player already has their effects of choice anyway, so you'll be getting those wet signals as inputs already. For studio recording, the good thing is you can run the insert to the headphones or output so you can listen with effect as you play, but you can actually record the track as a dry mix if you like, so you can change the settings later. You can also record wet.
- EQ is available per track but a little hard to access - while the faders are readily accessible, EQ has to be adjusted through the little keypad and display, and it's just not that intuitive, so you really can't adjust it well in a live setting (I think, haven't actually tried it live yet). It does have EQ gains on 3 or 4 frequency bands per track, with the frequency range adjustable per gain.
All in all, for the money this package costs, and the fact that it comes bundled with Cubase, 8 cables, an 8Gb memory card and a headset, it's pretty unbeatable!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Zoom r16 Digital Stand-Alone Multitrack Recorder, with Tascam Vt1 Headphones; Microphone Cables and 10ft Instrument Cables

This Package Contains One Zoom R16 Digital Multitrack Recorder Interface NEW;One Transcend 8gb Class 2 SD Card;One Tascam HP-VT1 Stereo Headphones;Four 20 Foot XLR to XLR Microphone Cable;Four 10 Foot Instrument Cable.Zoom revolutionizes recording with the first digital recorder with 16-track playback and 8-track simultaneous recording that uses Secure Digital (SD) memory. The new R16 recorder is three production tools in one incredibly versatile device. It's a digital multi-track recorder, an audio interface and a control surface, providing you with all the tools necessary to create studio-quality recordings anywhere. The R16 combines a remarkable level of functionality with exceptionally intuitive design. For recording purposes, the unit supports up to 32GB SD cards, allowing over 100 track hours of recording. The flexibility of SD recording not only makes the R16 lighter and more portable, it also ensures increased reliability with no concern for a crashing hard drive. You can even have respective SD cards dedicated to specific recording sessions. Back up your project on a USB memory stick. With the ability to record up to 8 tracks simultaneously, it's easy to capture a live band or even a complete drum kit. The R16 features built-in stereo condenser microphones for field recording or quick, convenient "sketch-pad" capturing of ideas and rehearsals. It also provides 8 combination XLR-1/4-inch inputs along with one Hi-Z input for direct connection of guitar or bass. And the R16 also runs on 6 AA batteries for the ultimate in multi-track portability.USB operation means you can control each function of your favorite DAW software from the R16 for easy mixing with fine-tuned control. Incorporate any of the 100+ built-in studio effects to enhance your recording and use the pro-quality mastering effects to complete that studio sound. You can even connect two R16s via USB for synchronized operation and 16 tracks of simultaneous recording.

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Sony PCMM10 Portable Digital Recorder (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a journalist who does interviews. I don't record "voice," much less music. I've used Sony's EV500 mono tape recorder--the high-end standard for print journalists--for over 20 years. My colleagues thought it was overkill to switch to stereo. When I showed them my new Sony PCM-10 (purchased in October 2009), they thought it was pretty cool, but when I told them the price, they thought it was too expensive (journalists are congenitally cheap; goes with the salary).
The PCM-10 lets you record in 10 modes, including uncompressed LPCM and compressed MP3, so we did a test recording (that is, an interview) in the highest-quality stereo mode: LPCM 96kHz/24 bit. Well! Let me tell you: Eyebrows arched. The sound was spectacular. One guy grumped--beforehand--that he didn't need interviewees to sound like Maria Callas. Mono was good enough. Then I played it back. He listened. He stroked his chin. "How much did you say that was?" he asked. Because, if you listen to a lot of recorded sound, you can clearly hear the difference.
The bottom line is this: If you record regularly--and seriously--whether it's rock concerts, garage bands, opera stars, birdsong, or interviewees, you want the best sound you can get. The PCM-10 delivers it.
There are many other things to like about this new Sony unit. It has a (mostly) aluminum case. I don't know about you, but I just hate cheap plastic cases. It's about the size of a deck of playing cards. The buttons and menus are so intuitive, I figured everything out without once cracking the manual (which, incidentally, is fairly well-written as these things go). The buttons and switches on the device are intelligently laid out and a cinch to master. And believe me, I'm no genius when it comes to this sort of thing.
The PCM-10 comes with a pair of excellent built-in omnidirectional mics. I also tested it with a Sony ECM-MS907 stereo cardioid mike and a Sound Professionals SP-BMC13 Two Channel, Boundary Style, High-Sensitivity Conference Mic, which I use when a group of interviewees are seated in a living room, at a long conference table, or a classroom. I gotta tell you: transcribing recordings of interviews has got to be the world's most tedious enterprise, but when the sound is this crystal clear, it's a lot less tedious, and far fewer sounds get smudged, which would otherwise require lots of replaying to figure out what was said. Since I use a portable rig, I find the PCM-10's powered mic jack an important feature.
Oh, and the display--black and white LCD, not color--contains all the information you need, including the all-important battery status indicator (the unit runs on two AAs for about 15 hours at 96kHz/24 bit, the highest-quality setting, and over 40 hours on a compressed MP3 setting, which is pretty darn good). Uploading sound files to a PC via the USB port is a cinch.
And yet there are some design peculiarities with this otherwise splendid unit. The case is described by Sony as aluminum. Well, sort of. The faceplate feels like aluminum, but the sides and back feel like plastic. The battery lid is definitely plastic, and the little lid that covers the slots for removable media--Sony Memory Sticks or SD Micro flash cards (up to 16 GB)--is not only plastic but incredibly flimsy, very easy to snap off. Is it really such a design challenge to design a lid that is sturdy and not apt to break? I guess it is.
But let's keep things in perspective. At this price point, the PCM-10 blows the competition away (and competing models are not any better-made, although that is not a reason to let Sony off the hook). The unit admirably does what it was designed to do: produce beautiful, portable, professional-quality recordings. And, except for the cheap battery and removable media lids, the PCM-10 is a class act.


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Sony PCMM10 Portable Digital Recorder; Personal Linear Audio Recording! The PCMM10 is a 96 kHz/24-bit capable recorder with electret condenser stereo microphones, 4 GB of internal flash memory and a microSD/Memory Stick Micro Slot for expanded memory. Key features of the PCMM10 recorder include a built-in speaker, cross-memory recording, digital pitch control, digital limiter, low-cut filter, track mark functions, a 5-second pre-recording buffer and A-B repeat capability. The recorder includes a USB high-speed port for simple uploading and downloading of native WAV or MP3 format recorded files to and from Windows PC or Ac computers. The M10 offers durable construction and long battery life using conventional AA alkaline batteries. Sony PCMM10 Features Offers solid-state storage - free of drive mechanisms Built-in high quality electret condenser stereo microphones Flexible Playback Simple Uploading to Computer Versatile Recording Functions Built-in Electret Condenser Microphones The PCMM10's electret condenser microphones have exceptional high sound quality. The microphones are omni-directional with a flat and wide frequency response and natural sound characteristics. Flexible Playback Features The PCMM10 includes both digital pitch control and key control. Digital pitch control maintains pitch while slowing down or speeding up playback speed. Key control allows changing the pitch while maintaining playback speed. Simple Uploading to Computer

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Zoom H4n Handy Portable Digital Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)After having done a quick video test for the Kodak Zi8, I decided to do something which would focus more on its audio recording capabilities. I also wanted to test the Zoom H4n, a portable flash recorded I recently purchased... so, here I am, killing two birds with one stone.
I setup the Kodak Zi8 about 5 feet from the sound source, which is an upright piano... that's me noodling on it. The Zi8 is mounted on a tripod.
About 15 feet away from the piano, I've setup the Zoom H4n recorder. This unit has an XY stereo microphone built into it. It also has the ability to record two inputs, in the form of XLR or 1/4-inch. So, we'll be hearing the built in XY microphone on the unit as well as a pair of AKG 414s which I positioned above the piano, pointing into the open lid.
"Kodak Zi8 Internal Microphone"
Here we hear the internal microphone on the Zi8. Mono, a bit noisy and perhaps a little too close to the piano to capture a clean sound. In any case, this does the trick for capturing an idea, but definitely doesn't cut it if you're looking for high-quality audio.
"Zoom H4n XY Microphone"
Here the stereo image opens up suddenly. This XY microphone which is built into the unit is capturing a very natural, coincident stereo sound. It's a very reflective room, so you hear that, as the microphone is about 15 feet from the sound source.
"Zoom H4n Pair AKG 414s"
Here we're hearing the pair of AKG 414 microphones pointing into the piano. Because the microphones are very close to the sound source, there is significantly less "room" sound. This would be more suitable for a studio recording, while the XY sound would be more appropriate in perhaps a classical or field recording.
"Zoom H4n Mix of XY + 414s"
Here we have the best of both worlds. We have a blend of the direct signal from the 414s AND some of the room sound from the XY microphone. I believe this is the best overall option in most scenarios.
Finally we return to the Zi8 internal microphone to hear the major difference when using external audio equipment. At under $200, I believe the Zi8 does a great job capturing the visual and at under $300, the Zoom H4n does a remarkable job with the audio.
[...]

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Zoom H4n is the most sophisticated portable handheld recorder with new features and improved user experience at every level. Among its many new features, Zoom\'s H4n offers superior, built-in X/Y stereo condenser mics that allow variable recording patterns at either 90° or 120°. Higher quality audio capture through its new, digitally controlled, high-quality mic preamp, the ability to use internal and external mics simultaneously for 4 channel recording, a large LCD screen,more intuitive interface and onboard reference speaker will take the user\'s recording experience to the next level.The H4n\'s onboard X/Y stereo condenser mics are arranged with the right and left mics on the same axis. This design ensures that the mics are always equidistant from the sound source for perfect localization with no phase shifting. Frequency response remains uniform throughout your recording. The result is great stereo recording with natural depth and accurate imaging every time.The mics also adjust for variable recording patterns at either 90° or 120°. Our unique design lets you rotate each mic capsule from 90° (standard) to 120° (wide-angle) stereo for the ultimate versatility in any recording situation.Everyone knows that proper miking is essential to making a great recording. The H4n is the only handheld recorder that allows you to record on four channels simultaneously by using its onboard mics with either external mics or direct inputs. You can then use its built-in mixer to blend the channels for perfectly balanced recordings. Now your recordings can be richer than ever before. Or, to get a great recording of a live performance, use the H4n\'s onboard mics to get a room mix while simultaneously recording a stereo mix from the mixing board for a live recording that is easily one of the best you\'ve ever heard.

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