A Buyers Guide to Dictaphones and Digital Voice Recorders

 

Dictaphones, or Digital Voice Recorders (DVRs), are ideal for recording voice memos, interviews, conferences, meetings, and phone conversations. The term dictaphone refers to the version that records using cassette tapes, while the newer Digital Voice Recorders (DVRs) store the audio in memory.

Digital Voice Recorder (DVR)

• Use your USB port to save typing time by directly transferring audio files from your DVR to your computer.

• With the DVR, there is no need to rewind; when you finish recording, you simply press the play button to playback immediately.

• Your DVR automatically saves each audio file you record under a number with a time-and-date stamp.

• The DVR usually has between 2 and 5 folders to separate audio for better organization.

• Some DVRs allow you to move messages between folders and split or delete messages.

• You won't disrupt meetings or conferences by switching tapes, and you won't miss anything crucial while doing so.

• Some DVR's come with software that automatically converts the voice file to text for simple transcription.

• Newer DVR's have expandable memory and come with external memory cards. Look out for this, as it gives you more flexibility with recording time and makes it easier to download audio to your computer.

• One or two AAA alkaline or rechargeable batteries typically power the DVR.

Cassette Tape/Dictaphone

• Select Mini, Micro, or Standard cassettes (15 minutes per side). Hold half of the content of Standard and Micro (30 minutes per side).

• Any player that fits the appropriate size can play Cassette Tape Dictaphones.

• With digital, you only have a limited amount of space to store recordings (if you don't have an external memory card). However, with a cassette tape or Dictaphone, you can simply exchange tapes if you run out of room.

• Battery life is longer in a Dictaphone than a Digital Voice Recorder.

A dictaphone is a cheaper alternative.

• There is no digital storage on a Dictaphone cassette tape.

• Reuse the cassettes; you can buy a machine that automatically erases micro and mini cassettes.

• Many are equipped specifically for recording phone conversations.

A desktop or portable voice recorder?

Generally less expensive, desktop DVRs or Dictaphones are perfect for recording phone conversations or working in tandem with transcription software. There are numerous models of portable Dictaphones varying in size and ability, but they are all ideal if you are on the road or need a Dictaphone or DVR for times of inspiration.

Push buttons or thumb slide recorders?

Push-button cassette recorders usually have the ability to insert dictation, but it can be very difficult to find the point you want. The thumb slide switch simplifies review and control by providing rewind, insert, play, and stop functions.

Which Mode?

There are three levels of recording quality and differing recording times. The longer the recording time, the lower the quality.

High Quality (HQ): 43 minutes, approx.
Short Play (SP): approx. 65 minutes.
Long Play (LP): 121 mins approx.

Advertisers usually display the longest recording time, so keep in mind that the Dictaphone or DVR will record at less than half of that high quality. This is especially crucial for DVRs, as the higher quality mode consumes significantly more memory, and you don't want to run out of memory midway through a meeting or interview.

There are usually two levels of sensitivity available on a Dictaphone or DVR. Low mode is best for dictation because the microphone is uni-directional and focuses on your voice. HIGH sensitivity picks up sound in all directions along with unwanted background noise.

Dictaphones and Digital Voice Recorders: Other Features to Consider 

• Voice Activate System (VAS): Dictaphones or DVR's with VAS will automatically record when they hear your voice (or other sound) without having to push any buttons. This feature is particularly useful when your hands are occupied.

• You can set an alarm to remind you when to record or a timer to automatically record between two times.

• Tie-clip microphone for hands-free recording

• Earphones—for playback when you do not want to disturb others.

There are rechargeable batteries and a battery level indicator.

• You can choose between built-in or detachable microphones. If you want your Dictaphone or DVR for a higher quality of recording, such as music, then look for one with a microphone jack.

• Speakers: Most models come with built-in speakers, but some models feature detachable speakers for presentations.

• Digital storage varies in its availability.

• Hands-free or foot control: Maintain your hands free for typing or playing an instrument.

• Automatic backspace: This feature automatically reverses the desired number of seconds for input or playback.

Transcribers and Docking Stations

To use any digital transcription system, you must connect a foot pedal to your computer. This enables you to transcribe files from your Dictaphone or DVR from audio to text by listening and typing a few seconds at a time.
 
Docking stations make it simple to download the files you have recorded to your computer. Some docking stations also recharge the batteries on your recorder, which is ideal if your Dictaphone is in high use.

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