Greetings Perplexed! The first place I checked for reviews was the
Consumer Reports web site but one must have a subscription to access
their complete database so I found no free reports for digital voice
recorders at Consumer Reports. However, the web site Epinions
contains 199 customer reviews on various recorders beginning
http://www.epinions.com/elec-Audio-Portable-All-7396802-Voice_Recorders.
Choosing the right recorder for your needs depends on how much storage
time you require. Regarding the file types, WAV files seem to be the
way to go on saving and transferring. There are machines where the
sound records can be saved in WAV or mp3 format but if WAV is best
recognized PC file, then I would want a recorder that records the
information in WAV to avoid extra processing steps.
WhatIs.com defines a WAV file as "A Wave file is an audio file format,
created by Microsoft, that has become a standard PC audio file format
for everything from system and game sounds to CD-quality audio. A Wave
file is identified by a file name extension of WAV (.wav). Used
primarily in PCs, the Wave file format has been accepted as a viable
interchange medium for other computer platforms, such as Macintosh.
This allows content developers to freely move audio files between
platforms for processing, for example."
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci213473,00.html
WhatIs.com also offers a good definition of MP3 at
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci212600,00.html
For recorder to PC transfer, recording in WAV seems be the best choice
for flexibility and quality sound, and because it is the most
universal. Also, the latest fashion in recorders are removable memory
sticks, much like the removable storage cards in digital cameras.
This enables the user to extend the recording capacity of the unit
during long meetings. The recorders that feature these sticks are
more expensive but the convenience would outweigh the cost with this
feature.
In looking for suggestions for you, I tried to find general
information on a recorder and then match it to an Epinions, Amazon or
magazine review so you would have someone's personal experience with
the unit.
The first possibility I located was at
http://www.next-wave-solutions.com/sonyicdmcs1.html and is the Sony
ICD MS515 which has the memory sticks and a separate package for
purchase that is a PC transfer unit. A reviewer at Amazon highly
recommended the unit and the review may be accessed at
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/electronics/B000063LEU/customer-reviews/026-2573518-0402834
Another choice for you might be the Panasonic RXR320. I found
information on it at http://www.ahernstore.com/rrxr320.html. There
are two reviews of that unit on Epinions at
http://www.epinions.com/content_53798866564 where the consumer states
in part "What amazed me the most was the quality of the audio in HQ --
it's rated at 16 khz, higher than the competing SONY model. Testing it
in various interview situations, it would almost do in a pinch for
broadcast although the sound that comes from the tiny speaker leaves a
bit to be desired. We attached various microphones to the 320,
including a Sennheiser shotgun mic (which was truly overkill). The
sound actually was better using just the small internal mic."
The Sennheiser mic sounds like a good external one according to this
customer. External microphones can be used with many units to improve
the sound and distance capabilities.
However, the other review of this Panasonic unit wasn't as promising.
The reviewer at http://www.epinions.com/content_61303918212 stated "I
loved this little gizmo but I returned it after one day. The reason:
contrary to the specifications on the Panasonic website, the software
that is supposed to enable you to transfer your recordings to your
computer's hard drive did not work with Windows 2000. I sent Panasonic
customer support an email requesting help with this but still 3 days
later have received no response."
At this point, I have answered your questions in general and I'd like
to pause and ask you review the links I have provided and the various
product reviews at Epinions. As you do this, if you would make a list
of specs you find attractive, I will then research those specs to
assist you in finding more detailed information on a particular
unit(s). Also, it would help me to know your price range and the
occupation in which you work since others in your occupation may have
offered their opinions on the net in a particular job forum instead of
a general review site. Aslo, after reviewing the definitions of WAV
and MP3, you may prefer one format to the other, so please let me know
that as well.
I ask to refrain from rating my answer until I can address your
additional questions - simply utilize the Google Answers "Request A
Clarification" feature. To me, your question is not cut and dried
because any additional information you provide to me will assist in
finding you the best unit(s) for your consideration. I look forward
to your clarifications and to assisting you in making an informed
purchase.
SEARCH PHRASES:
"digital voice recorder" review
definition WAV file
sony MS515 review
high quality sound digital recorder
digital voice recorder to PC |
Request for Answer Clarification by
perplexed-ga
on
22 Nov 2002 04:45 PST
Hi Journalist-ga
Your answers to date have been extremely helpful. I’ve looked up all
your references and learned a lot about what I’m looking for.
To answer your own questions;
The specs I find attractive are,
1. -most important of all is sound quality when played back (not from
the recorder but from a pc with good speakers.)
2. Price is not so important, up to $500 –though actually I’ll be
purchasing in the UK so about £300.
3. I want it for recording my own speech in quiet surroundings
usually, but sometimes for note-making in the car or train.
4. I think WAV is best. MP3 is a contraction and must involve some
quality loss, though my children tell me that MP3 music CDs are
indistinguishable from WAV and much more convenient.
From what you have provided I’m leaning in favour of the Sony
ICD-MS1VTP. I’d like that if it records at 16khz but worried by the
Panasonic review comment “Panasonic RR-XR320 is also v good. it's
rated at 16 khz, higher than the competing SONY model” Is he right in
saying this? Also, the Sony ICD MS515 seems v attractive and perhaps
does record at 16khz?
Is a foot-pedal control, for ease of transcribing available on both
these Sonys?
If so, then I think that that would settle the matter.
Thaks for your speedy and useful reply and apologies for my slow and
unclear response
All the best
Perplexed(but less than I was!)
|
Clarification of Answer by
journalist-ga
on
22 Nov 2002 15:57 PST
Alrighty. Concerning the Sony ICD MS1VTP, the specs on the site
located at http://www.wackodeals.com/sonicdigvoic5.html read "**HIGH
QUALITY SOUND: 11 KHZ - SP MODE / 8 KHZ - LP MODE." However, the
official Sony site located at http://www.sony.com/index.shtml does not
list the recorder as a current product. Instead, I found only the
MS515VTP so I would wager that Sony upgraded the model to 16 khz and
adjusted the model number. The MS515VTP page is located at
http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer/ss5/home/digitalvoicerecorders/memorystickrecorder/icd-ms515vtp.shtml
and states "HIGH QUALITY SOUND-"NEW LPECTM CODEC"-16KHZ."
A link on that specs page (
http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer/ss5/home/digitalvoicerecorders/memorystickrecorder/icd-ms515vtp_specs.shtml
)to more information read in part "UP TO 171 MINUTES RECORDING TIME
WITH SUPPLIED 8MB MEMORY STICK offers the option of more than an hour
(64 min) of super high quality sound in SP mode with 16kHz sampling,
and 2 11/42 hours (150 minutes) of high quality sound recording with
8kHz."
Also, I discovered this concerning the MS515VTP vs. the MS515 on a
site located at http://www.theprogrammers.com/digitalrecorders.html:
"OVERVIEW:
Exact same recorder as ICDMS515, but it comes bundled with Dragon
Naturally Speaking™ Preferred Voice-to-Print Software Ver. 6.0 to
convert your recorded files into text." As you'll notice on the first
Sony specs page for the MS515VTP, it states it comes with that
software bundle - "INCLUDES DRAGON NATURALLY SPEAKINGTM PREFERRED
VOICE TO PRINT SOFTWARE Ver. 6.0" I really think this new model is
the old MS1VPT upgraded since the reviewer wrote about it.
TheProgrammers.com also provided a page on optional products for the
Sony line and they offer a foot pedal:
"WAVpedal® is a simple, easy-to-use interface that allows you to
control the playback of WAV; Sony MSV; Sony DVF; BCB/PC Dart; Digital
Voice VoicePower; MP3; Olympus DSS; Voice-It SRI; Microsoft Network;
Voxware; and Windows Media files on your computer with our foot pedal.
The pedal control of voice files allows you to easily type into your
word processor while listening to the voice all from your PC. No need
for transcription equipment."
More of the pedal specs are located at
http://www.theprogrammers.com/wavp.html and the text offers system
requirements as well so you can check to see if your CPU meets the
standards for using the pedal option. And concerning the Naturally
Speaking software, please visit
http://www.scansoft.com/naturallyspeaking/ to learn more about this
seemingly great software.
I'm going to jump in here and tell you that if you have never used a
foot pedal to transcribe, you will find it SO helpful. The time it
takes to use one's hand to turn on, off and rewind takes up so much
time. The foot pedal is a must for transcribing, in my opinion.
The official Panasonic site didn't include the khz in their specs for
the RR-XR320, at least not where I could find them. Also, the specs
stated "After you record onto an SD Memory Card, you can transfer
files to an SD-compatible PC* through the included USB Reader/Writer.
With this function, you can save audio files in folders, edit them,
and also convert them into .wav files to attach to email messages."
Back to the MS515VTP, it stated about the pedal option "This bundle
enables the transcription of WAV files generated from digital voice
recorders, so recorded notes are easily typed into text using your PC
and the supplied foot control and listening device."
I may be misunderstanding the comparison but it seems to be saying
that the Panasonic converts to WAV while the Sony records in WAV.
I'll let you make your own interpretation on that because I couldn't
find a clear explanation. The wording of the claims varied on the
Panasonic model.
However, the web site
http://www.askdirect.co.uk/search/Panasonic_RRXR320.html does state
the 16 khz capability: "16 kHz Sampling Frequency (HQ mode) for high
quality sound and high power for clear, easy-to-hear results."
The RR-XR320 specs page (official Panasonic site) is located at
http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/portable_audio/sd_recorders.asp#pc
Concerning the recorder to PC playback sound quality, that would
basically depend on the type of mic you utilized (internal or
external) and the type of speakers you have attached to your CPU. I
did various searches to try to ascertain a comparison for this but
didn't have any luck with the Sony or Panasonic.
In my opinion, the Sony MS515VTP far outshines the Panasonic because
of the foot pedal and the software. If I were going to purchase a
unit, I would choose the Sony - it just seems to be the most complete
for options and I really like the sleek design. Of course, you must
choose for yourself but I wanted to get my two cents worth in. lol
Also, the Sony offers a Zoom mic option at
http://www.theprogrammers.com/digitalrecorders.html#ecmz60. Specs on
the mic read in part "Super Uni-Directional Characteristic focuses on
sound directly ahead of the microphone, while sharply reducing the
pickup of side and rear sounds." Since you said you would be
recording in noisy situations, this mic looks like a good investment.
I have learned a great deal about digital voice recorders while
researching your question. On a side note, I own a Sony ICD-35 which
is a mini-model and inexpensive, and I must say the sound recording is
excellent. Even when I'm in my car in heavy traffic, it picks up my
voice clearly. It was originally a $70 to $100 model and I lucked
into it for $10 at a closeout sale. It has been a great investment
for my current needs and I love the flash memory - the batteries diem,
I don't lose my files...but I must say I'm now lusting after the
515VTP with all those bells and whistles! ;)
Should you need further clarification on any points before rating my
answer, please request it and I will be happy to continue my research
in this area.
SEARCH PHRASES:
sony
sony ICD MS1VTP khz
LDEC CODEC khz
Panasonic
Panasonic RR-XR320 khz
PC playback MS515VTP quality
PC playback RR-XR320 quality
sound quality PC MS515VTP
sound quality PC RR-XR320
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