Dictaphones or digital voice recorders (DVRs) are ideal for recording voice notes, interviews, lectures, meetings, and telephone conversations. The term dictaphone is a brand name that refers to the version that uses cassette tapes to record, as opposed to newer digital voice recorders (DVRs) that store audio in memory.
Digital Voice Recorder (DVR)
o Use your USB port to save typing time by directly transferring audio files from your DVR to your computer
o With the DVR there is no need to rewind; When you’re done recording, simply press the play button to play immediately
o Each audio file you record on your DVR is automatically saved with a number with date and time
o The DVR usually has between 2 to 5 folders to separate the audio for better organization
o Some DVRs allow you to move messages between folders and split or delete messages
o You won’t cause a distraction during meetings or conferences by changing tapes and you won’t miss anything important while doing it
o Some DVRs come with software that automatically converts the voice file to text for easy transcription
o Newer DVRs have expandable memory and come with external memory cards. Keep an eye on this as it gives you more flexibility with recording time and makes it easier to download audio to your computer.
o The DVR normally runs on 1-2 AAA alkaline or rechargeable batteries
cassette tape/dictaphone
o Choose between Mini, Micro or Standard; Mini cassettes (15 min per side) contain half the content of Standard and Micro (30 min per side)
o Cassette tape dictaphones can be played on any player having the respective size
o With digital, you only have a limited amount of space to store recordings (if you don’t have an external memory card), whereas with a cassette tape dictaphone you can simply swap tapes if you run out of space.
o The battery life is longer in a dictaphone than in a digital voice recorder
o A dictaphone is a cheaper alternative
o There is no digital storage on a dictaphone cassette tape
o Reuse cassettes: you can buy a machine that automatically erases micro and mini cassettes
o Many come with specific equipment to record telephone conversations
Portable or desktop voice recorder?
Desktop DVRs or Dictaphones are generally cheaper and are ideal for recording phone conversations or used in conjunction with transcription software. There are numerous models of portable dictation machines that vary in size and capacity, but all are ideal if you’re on the go or need a dictaphone or DVR for moments of inspiration.
Button or thumb slide recorders?
Push-button cassette recorders usually have the ability to insert dictations, but it can be very difficult to find the point you want. With the slider thumb switch, it’s much easier to review and control with rewind, rewind, insert, play and stop review capability.
What mode?
There are three levels of recording quality and different recording times. The longer the recording time, the lower the quality.
High Quality (HQ) – 43 min approx.
Short Play (SP) – 65 min approx.
Long Play (LP) – 121 min approx.
Advertisers usually show the longest recording time, so keep in mind that your Dictaphone or DVR will record less than half of it in high quality. This is particularly important for DVRs, as the higher quality mode uses a lot more memory, and you don’t want to be in the middle of a meeting or interview and find out you’re out of memory.
There are usually two levels of sensitivity available on a Dictaphone or DVR. LOW is best for dictation as the microphone tends to be unidirectional in this mode and will focus 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
o Voice Activation System (VAS): Dictaphones or DVRs with VAS will automatically record when they hear your voice (or other sound) without you having to press any buttons. Ideal for when your hands are tied.
o Alarm: to remind you when to record o a timer that you can set to automatically record between two times
o Tie-clip microphone – for hands-free recording
o Headphones: to play when you don’t want to disturb others
o Rechargeable batteries and battery level indicator
o Microphones can be integrated or detachable. If you want your Dictaphone or DVR to get a higher quality recording, such as music, look for one with a microphone jack.
o Speakers – Most are built in, but some models have detachable speakers that can be used for presentations.
o Digital storage – some come with more than others
o Hands-free or foot control: keep your hands free to type or play an instrument
o Auto Rewind: Automatically reverses the desired number of seconds for input or playback
Transcribers and docking stations
All digital transcription systems require you to use a foot pedal connected to your computer. This allows you to transcribe files from your Dictaphone or audio DVR to text by listening and typing a few seconds at a time.
Docking stations make it very easy to download the files you’ve recorded to your computer. Some docking stations also recharge your recorder’s batteries, which is ideal if your recorder gets a lot of use.