VoiceRecorder -- Engadget

VoiceRecorder posts

XA-LM1 LessonMaster audio recorder throws a guitar tuner, microSD card reader into the mix

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Aug 26th 2009 at 2:56PM

Voice recorders always seem like no-brainer gifts for musicians, but sound quality (in all but the pricier units) is generally pretty lacking, and lets be honest here -- rarely do you find yourself humming a tune that doesn't turn out to be something you heard on a TV commercial. But what do we know -- maybe you're the next Don Fagan, and you need a high quality recorder at hand whenever and wherever inspiration may strike. JVC Japan has given this some thought, it seems, and they've gone and packed the XA-LM1 LessonMaster stereo mics, a digital audio recorder supporting either PCM wave files (48kHz/16bit) or MP3s (up to 192KB), 2GB microSD card, 23mm speaker, metronome, and a chromatic tuner. Unless you can read Japanese the tuner might be of limited use to you, but then again this could be a good excuse to learn. Look for it in early October for around ¥26,250 (€195).

[Via Engadget Japanese]

Continue reading XA-LM1 LessonMaster audio recorder throws a guitar tuner, microSD card reader into the mix

Sony's PCM-M10 digital audio recorder brings pro quality to laypeople, Southern Californians

by Darren Murph posted Jul 19th 2009 at 6:54PM

Remember when Sony outed its PCM-D1 digital audio recorder and charged $2,000 for it with a straight face? Even today, the aforementioned player (along with the still-pricey PCM-D50) stands as one of the best in the sector, but Sony has just introduced the newest PCM unit with an equally impressive specs list and a price tag that even the amateur can swallow. Over in Nashville, the outfit has busted out the PCM-M10, which goes down as the least expensive flash-based recorder from Sony "capable of recording 96kHz/24-bit stereo audio using either the internal condenser mics or an external mic / line input." There's 4GB of built-in memory, a Memory Stick Micro slot and a (gasp!) microSD compartment. Sony also tossed in a built-in speaker, a 5-second pre-recording buffer, digital limiter and the ability to record directly to MP3. The Seth and Ryan-approved recorder should ship this October for $399, and you can catch a glimpse now by peeking the video just past the break.

[Via Brad Linder]

Continue reading Sony's PCM-M10 digital audio recorder brings pro quality to laypeople, Southern Californians

Mintpass's mintpad set to freshen up the pockets of American gadget lovers soon

by Tim Stevens posted Mar 24th 2009 at 9:17AM

The mintpad looks at first like a little pale runt of a PMP, but inside it's just dying to show you all it can do -- scheduler, camera, chat device, music player, video player, voice recorder, even web browser with flash support. Perhaps most importantly, though, it's finally set for official export out of South Korea. The WiFi device is currently undergoing translation and localization for a number of regions, including the US, work that is set to be completed sometime in the April showers to May flowers time frame. If it can ship here at the $150 price point that it goes for at home, it could be a hit. We can't wait to get our hands on one, but for the moment will have to get by watching the twitchy guy in the video after the break play with his.

Continue reading Mintpass's mintpad set to freshen up the pockets of American gadget lovers soon

Mini microphone spruces up voice recording possibilities on iPhone / iPods

by Darren Murph posted Feb 24th 2009 at 10:22AM

Not that this is the very first microphone designed to function with Apple's iPhone or anything, but it's certainly amongst the cheapest and most universal that we've seen. The Mini Microphone reportedly plays nice with the iPhone 3G, iPod touch and iPod nano, giving 'em all that extra special voice recording oomph that's so badly needed. The best part(s)? It's only $14.99, and it's barely bigger than a valve stem cover to boot.

[Thanks, Junior]

Samsung's YP-VP1 voice recorder with VoicePix photo tagging

by Thomas Ricker posted Feb 9th 2009 at 6:35AM

Here's something we don't see everyday, a sexy voice recorder with a built-in digital camera. Samsung's YP-VP1 made its first appearance at CES, apparently, and now sees its official Korean launch. The 2GB / 4GB recorder features a directional mic that records up to 30 hours in 192kbps max quality with support for MP3 / WMA playback (up to 50 hours) tossed in for grins. As to the camera, a VoicePix function allows you to tag a recording with a photo -- something that should help with searching for specific items later on.

[Via DAPreview and AVING]

5-in-1 multi-function MP3 player could use a plug from Billy Mays

by Darren Murph posted Jan 18th 2009 at 2:53PM

In theory, we can't really harsh on a diminutive little gizmo that can play back MP3s, record voice notes, capture live video, snap a few stills and double as a card reader in a pinch, but there's just something about this thing that screams infomercial. As for specs, it's got 2GB of built-in memory, a microSD expansion slot, USB 2.0 connectivity, a rechargeable Li-ion and a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. Unfortunately, the thing's selling for an almost astronomical $60 before shipping, which definitely pushes it into "won't ever sell without Billy Mays' endorsement" territory. Seriously, check the vid after the jump if you think you're immune to coercion.

Continue reading 5-in-1 multi-function MP3 player could use a plug from Billy Mays

Nickelodeon and friends unveil more Npower gizmos

by Darren Murph posted Aug 19th 2008 at 5:04AM

We've never been big fans of giving your tween some Nickelodeon-ized gizmo when you can simply hand down your current gear and use it for an excuse to upgrade, but apparently not everyone sees it that way. Nickelodeon, Viacom and Imation have jointly announced the latest line of kid-friendly Npower gizmos, which includes a digital voice recorder, a digicam and a webcam based on the "breakout hit" iCarly. Additionally, the outfit is churning out SpongeBob SquarePants-themed speakers, boomboxes, MP3 players and digiframes, and there's even a few Dora the Explorer toys thrown in for good measure. All the (inflated) prices and shipping details are down there in the read link -- we won't bore the uninterested any longer by fleshing it out here.

[Via Electronista]

Logitec's LIC-iREC01 puts a stereo mic on your iPod

by Darren Murph posted Mar 5th 2008 at 4:29PM

There's no shortage of microphones for one's iPod, but Logitec is looking to earn the business of those still on the hunt with its LIC-iREC01. Put simply, this dock connector appendage is said to work on "all generations of iPods" (with dock connectors, obviously), and provides a built-in stereo mic for voice recording on the fly, an additional audio input for connecting something more sophisticated, and a mini-USB port for keeping your PMP synced while this thing is plugged in. At the moment, pricing details are unknown, but those camped out in Japan can look for it to land in their neighborhood later this month.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Olympus pushes out DS-5000 and DS-5000iD non-fascist Dictators

by Darren Murph posted Feb 12th 2008 at 3:34AM

Olympus, who seems to be single-handedly keeping the digital voice recorder market alive and well, has cranked out yet another duo in the sector today, and neither of 'em come cheap. The DS-5000 and DS-5000iD both offer up support for dual memory cards (SD / SDHC and microSD) and feature a backlit LCD, digital dictation software, USB connectivity, up to 28 hours of battery life and a new QP recording mode for enhanced sound quality. The latter also features an integrated fingerprint scanner for the super sleuths in the crowd, and there's even an optical barcode scanner if you're looking to really transform your voice recorder into something MacGyver would approve of. Sure, both units come with a transcription kit, USB cradle, carrying case and 512MB microSD card, but we're still a little hesitant to lay down $499.99 / $599.99 to pick either of them up.

Tascam DR-1 digital recorder can slow things down without changing pitch

by Darren Murph posted Jan 18th 2008 at 9:22AM

At first glance, the Tascam DR-1 doesn't seem too different from all of its other digital recorder buddies out there, but let's see the other guys record WAV / MP3 straight to SDHC. Yep, this critter can save 24-bit, 48 kHz WAV files directly to SD or SDHC, and it also features a built-in Li-ion good for around seven hours, a simple (albeit useful) LCD and the inclusion of Variable Speed Audition, which enables it to playback recordings slower than they were inputted without augmenting the pitch. Per usual, mum's the word right now on price / availability.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Update: Looks like it's $299, thanks Mike!

Sony's ICDUX70 / ICDUX80 voice recorders double as DAPs

by Darren Murph posted Jan 16th 2008 at 2:30PM

Looks like Sony had its thinking cap on with these two -- after all, who wants to lug around a voice recorder these days that, you know, only records voices? Thankfully, the ICDUX70 and ICDUX80 include 1GB / 2GB (respectively) of internal storage space as well as the ability to play back MP3 files and record in MP3 stereo format. According to Sony, you can capture some 290 / 581 hours of audio in LP mode, and rather than supplying a AAA of your own, owners can just plug it in to any spare USB port and let the rechargeable cell within regain its strength. No word on a price at the moment, but you can keep an eye out for the UX70 in black / pink or the UX80 in black / silver to land later this month.

[Via Pocket-Lint]

Sanyo's 8GB voice recorder: ready for the 1,000 hour filibuster

by Thomas Ricker posted Nov 6th 2007 at 7:49AM

Not that anyone was actually keeping track, but Sanyo just announced the world's largest capacity MP3 voice recorder. That's 8GB kid with a hefty ¥43,000 (about $375) price to match. For that you get up to 12 hours of PCM stereo recordings or up to 1,000 hours of lowly MP3 compression. The flash memory can also be divided into 4GB of encrypted recordings (accessed with a PIN) and 4GB of general purpose rants or music including DRM'd WMA tracks from your fave PlaysForSure music store. The ICR-PS390RM (aka, DIPLY TALK) launches in Japan later this month.

[Via Impress]

Narae Inter intros wallet-friendly voice recorder

by Darren Murph posted Sep 3rd 2007 at 8:01AM

It's not too tricky to get your palms around a relatively diminutive voice recorder these days, but finding one this convenient is definitely a rarity. This gem from Narae Inter measures in at just 6.5-millimeters in thickness and shouldn't take up much more room than a few useless credit cards in your wallet. Furthermore, it features 1GB of built-in storage, a flip-out USB connector, and flush-mounted controls to boot. Click on for a closer look.

[Via EverythingUSB]

Continue reading Narae Inter intros wallet-friendly voice recorder

Olympus intros six new digital voice recorders

by Darren Murph posted Aug 9th 2007 at 5:17AM

Keepin' things fresh in the digital voice recorder realm is Olympus, which just unveiled six new devices on the European frontier. The compact WS-311M and WS-321M units sport 512MB and 1GB (respectively) of internal memory for loading up music files when not playing back lecturers, boast USB 2.0 connectivity, and offer up six recording qualities to boot. The 256MB WS-110 and 512MB WS-210S simply double as a LCD-equipped USB flash drive when not tuning into voices, and the 256MB VN-4100 and VN-4100PC flavors throw in voice activation, four recording options, a built-in display, and a recording timer for good measure. Granted, the September launch dates keep them from being of any real value during the earlier parts of next semester, but be sure and click through to take a look at the rest of the family.

[Via Pocket-Lint]

Read - VN-4100 and VN-4100PC
Read - WS-110 and WS-210S
Read - WS-311M and WS-321M

Continue reading Olympus intros six new digital voice recorders

Transcend's T.sonic 840 DAP jams on for 30 solid hours

by Darren Murph posted Aug 2nd 2007 at 11:04PM

We'll admit, the last iteration of T.sonic DAPs were just a sliver above atrocious (and that's being exceedingly kind), but apparently Transcend's design team broke out of their slump on the T.sonic 840. The sleeker, sexier player touts a 1.8-inch 220 x 176 resolution color LCD, supports MTV, JPG, BMP, MP3, WMA, WMA-DRM10, and WAV file formats, and also includes a customizable equalizer, FM radio / recorder, a 13-language interface, digital voice recorder, and world clock to boot. Additionally, this 70-gram device comes in your choice of white (2GB) or black (4GB), and claims to last a respectable 30 hours before requiring a recharge. You can snag either iteration right now, and while the 4GB edition will run you €122 (167), the half-sized (capacity wise) flavor will demand €91.30 ($125).

[Via FarEastGizmos]