Tech: Dictaphone (or similar)

Subject: Tech: Dictaphone (or similar)
From: Allan Dennehy
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 07:05 AM

You know all those great ideas you get while you're up on stage? You know, a song you should start singing, a key change you'd like to introduce or whatever. Anyway pencil and paper is a bit too tricky but I was thinking about a little recorder. Now it doesnt need a big capacity, just a minimum of 5 minutes but it HAS to be small, light and cheap. I'm sure that some of you out there have some great ideas as usual.
All the best
Allan

Subject: RE: Tech: Dictaphone (or similar)
From: Amos
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 09:43 AM

They make key-chain size units that are used for just that purpose, Allan. I don't have any particular suggestions, though.

A

Subject: RE: Tech: Dictaphone (or similar)
From: Allan Dennehy
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 11:59 AM

Thanks Amos, I know that they make key chains and pens that record 10 seconds, but I'm thinking of something that can manage at least a minute. I've looked all over the web and I found pens that can record 8 Hours! They cost a lot of money of course.

Subject: RE: Tech: Dictaphone (or similar)
From: NicoleC
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 12:05 PM

Some of the PDAs have digital voice recording. There's also mini cassette recorders. And I think I remember seeing some of the MP3 players had a few minutes recording ability. Then there's mini disc.

Paying $200 for a mini disc recorder or a PDA only makes sense if you'd want to use the other functions, though :)

Subject: RE: Tech: Dictaphone (or similar)
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 12:12 PM

Allan

PM me your address and I'll send you one. I have two sitting doing nothing in a drawer.

Davebhoy

Subject: RE: Tech: Dictaphone (or similar)
From: Hillheader
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 12:24 PM

Cookie now reset!!!!

Allan

PM me your address and I'll send you one. I have two sitting doing nothing in a drawer.

Davebhoy

Subject: RE: Tech: Dictaphone (or similar)
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 12:56 PM

The original problem seems solved(?) but others may be interested in my observation that the half-dozen "micro-cassette" and "mini-cassette" recorders I've tried over more years than I care to talk about have all failed to get much useful recording done.

I currently use (rarely lately) a couple of Sony "meeting recorders" that I picked up about 2 years ago for $30-$40 each that use standard audio tapes and that have been fairly useful.

They are not "music" quality recorders, but are good enough with the built-in mics to recognize what songs are played at a session, and to make any "verbal notes" you might want. If you want, they'll record at half-speed to get about an hour on a side, but I've never needed more than the half-hour per side at standard speed. The "high-priced" one of the two I have has a VOX - voice actuated switch - that you can use so it shuts itself off during "quiet" time to conserve tape.

They're not "tiny," but are only about twice the size of a typical small tuner. Fairly cheap, standard tapes and batteries, and seem to be quite reliable. There are many other brands that are comparable.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Dictaphone (or similar)
From: Allan Dennehy
Date: 07 May 03 - 08:13 AM

A very big thank you to Davebhoy. The generousity of some people is amazing. I just received a dictaphone in the post from him today. We dont know each other, weve never met and yet he looks at my posting and goes to the trouble and expence of sending me what I needed. Fair play to you. I'll PM you to find out your musical tastes so I can send some music over to you.
Isnt Mudcat just great!

Subject: RE: Tech: Dictaphone (or similar)
From: GUEST,Mr Red
Date: 07 May 03 - 09:21 AM

Silicon storage is a must, mostly because they usually have a time/datestamp and file numbering which is also very very useful. More expensive ones do a PC connect but beware storing huge wodges of drunken ramblings - you loose the context very quickly. Get the details off it as soon as you get home though. As it doesn't record context be excessive on explaining fine detail ---- TRUST me.

I find it invaluable for recording venue details for cresby.com but I would caution about background noise - most of the silicon ones use forms of digital compression that can easily get hit by very pleasant, but incessant, music.

My Olympus one has 70 minutes on it - more than I ever need. It is smaller than a snickers bar and far more tasty. Only 3/8 inch thick and I could have bought it for about $100 the week after my firm bought it for me. I didn't give it back when they made me redundant though. Further comments are unrecordable.

Subject: RE: Tech: Dictaphone (or similar)
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 07 May 03 - 11:45 AM

Can I use your Dictaphone?
No, use your finger like anyone else.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Subject: RE: Tech: Dictaphone (or similar)
From: GUEST,mink
Date: 08 May 03 - 08:32 AM

Thanks Guest*2 - I was trying to remember that joke ever since this thread came up! Am now at peace with myself....