Olympus VN-4100PC Digital Voice Recorder Review

The Olympus VN-4100PC is an excellent value.It's perfect for tasks such as recording a lecture or meeting, making verbal to-do lists, practicing a speech or presentation, and so on.Some reviewers criticize it because it's not very good at recording music, and the play-back is monaural, and they're right.It's not really designed for professional-style, stereo recording.As is the case with all machines, you have to live within its design limits.

The VN-4100PC has some very nice features that make it an excellent value.It is shirt-picket small and very light weight.The controls are simple and intuitive enough that you can operate it out of the package, without even reading the instructions.(However, the instructions tell you how to perform important setup functions, so you should read them.)In short, it's a nice, small, light personal audio recorder.

The built-in microphone is actually pretty good, but if you leave the recorder in your pocket while you're recording, you'll get quite a bit of ambient noise.The same can happen if you prop it on a book.There are two ways to work around this limitation, which is inherent to all similar recorders.Either put the machine on something soft on the desk, such as a coat, or buy an external microphone.The external microphone is probably the best way to go; you'll get far superior electronics, and it's easy to clip or place the mic so you can avoid the ambient noise.

This certainly isn't a high-end, professional-grade recorder.It wasn't designed to be one.Rather, it's a convenient, low-cost personal recorder that does exactly what it's supposed to do.It's an excellent value for the money.I'm very happy I bought it, and I'd do it again.

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Added June 9, 2009:

When I bought my recorder in December, 2007, it cost about $50.That's why I called it an excellent value; the feature set at that price was unmatched by any competitive recorder.However, now it's up to $175.Wow!There's no way on earth I'd pay that much for it!For $175, it should be gold plated!

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Product Description:
Record over 144 hours of uninterrupted audio on the Olympus VN-4100-PC 256MB PC Digital Voice Recorder and then transfer the audio files to your PC with speed and ease with the included USB PC Link. With one simple cable connection, files can be transferred to a computer for easy organization, playback, and emailing to friends and coworkers. The easy-to-use thumb pad allows for quick and convenient navigation of functions like file management, choosing recording modes, and more while the included timer recoding and voice activation modes provide added versatility. Depending on the quality of the desired recording, the VN-4100PC is able to record in four recording modes to meet your specific needs: XHQ for extra high quality, HQ for high-quality, and SP and LP modes for extended recording. Just above the easy-to-use thumb pad, users will find a large LCD screen for easy, quick viewing of file locations, recording status, and battery life. The thumb pad also allows you to control the slow and fast playback modes, allowing you to listen to audio playback at 25-percent slower or 50-percent faster than real time. The unit's storage capacity is divided into four folders, and each folder can store up to 100 files. Easy file management functions allow you to erase single files, multiple files, as well as transfer files between folders. An on-board voice activation feature extends recording time by recording only when the microphone senses sound while the easy-to-use index marks let you specify a particular point in a recording or playback for easy reference. Use the timer recording option to set a start and end time for a particular recording. Measuring 4.0 x 1.5 x 0.8 inches, the VN-4100PC weighs only 2.2 ounces.
What's in the Box
VN-4100PC digital voice recorder, Digital Wave Player software, USB cable, two AAA alkaline batteries, and instruction manual.

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SANYO MCD-XJ790 - PORTABLE CD RADIO CASSETTE RECORDER PLAYER CD-R/CD-RW/CD AM/FM STEREO Review

The product arrived quickly and in perfect condition.It works great!The sound is pretty good for this type of product, but not as good as some of the bigger usits, of course.No complaints, just complete user satisfaction.

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Product Description:
' CD/CD-R/CD-RW playback' FM stereo/AM radio' CD-to-tape synchronized recording' Programmable CD memory' Line-in terminal for all music player' Built-in microphone' BASSXPANDER systemDimensions (W x H x D) mm 350 x 275 x 175

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Emerson PD6548SL Portable Radio CD Player with Cassette Recorder Review

The stereo doesn't have digital tuning and I didn't realize how much of problem this would be.I love listening to the local NPR station and had to return the stereo because I couldn't get the signal.Also, the sound quality was definitely lacking.The other components worked fine.The quality of them isn't very high, however, but I suppose that is to be expected by the price.I wouldn't recommend this product.There must be better ones out there.

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Product Description:
The PD6548SL portable radio CD player with cassette recorder by Emerson is the perfect companion for on-the-go music.Record your favorite music directly to the cassette recorder records from the radio or CD player.The player also features a 20-track programmable memory which allows you to save your favorite songs on the player so you can listen to them without the need of a CD.The powerful, wide-range 3-inch speaker plays your music loud and clear for ultimate enjoyment.The PD6548SL operates via AC/DC and includes a detachable AC cord.

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Radio Shack Telephone Cassette Recorder - Voice Activated Review

This items is a piece of junk.The voice on playback sounds like minnie mouse, and you have to put your ear on the speaker to hear anything, and that is with the volume cranked up to max.Will never buy radio shack again.Disgusted.

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Product Description:
Operates as a standard recorder using the buit-in microphone. Plugs into modular phone jack.

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Sony M-470 Microcassette Voice Recorder Review

This is a very handy device to keep with you. It is compact, and easy to work with. I recorded a television show, and when I played it, the sound was very clear! Even with all things in the back ground, didn't get any interference. I just carry it with me, in a pocket or purse. Only thing is, I need longer tape (90 minutes), for school lectures. But they can be found just about anywhere. You will like it especially if you are new to micro cassette tape recorders. Great price too!

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Product Description:
Ideal for recording lectures and presentations, Sony's M-470 Microcassette Recorder is an affordable personal recording device. It is small and compact with a built-in microphone and speaker for easy review and playback. Recording is easy with the one-touch button, and the cue and review slide control makes fast forwarding and rewinding a breeze. Your samples and audio notes will always sound great with Sony-Matic automatic recording level control. This function takes advantage of advanced circuitry to ensure correct recording levels, and the Clear Voice function improves recording quality by enhancing voice sounds during recording and playback.
This microcassette recorder also features an earphone output for private listening. The two-speed record/playback (1.2 or 2.4 centimeter per second) gives you the option of recording on a standard microcassette for twice its normal time. This is great for extended dictation or personal audio note taking. Powered by two AAA batteries or an AC adaptor, the M-470 is easy to use and perfect for students and professionals.
What's in the Box
M-470 micro cassette recorder, one microcassette, and two AAA batteries.

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Maxell UR-60 Blank Audio Cassette Tape, 8 Pack Review

Maxell manufactures excellent 60 minute cassette tapes for all purpose general recording. As long as you have the right kind of equipment, these tapes record the sounds of record albums, radio shows, CD-Rs, people talking and more. These tapes have 60 minutes worth of blank recording tapes on them so there are 30 blank minutes for recording on each side. This is useful when recording thirty minute talk shows, for example. The normal bias recording tape and the low noise surface enhance the overall quality of your recording, too.

Moreover, the tapes allow you hours upon hours of listening enjoyment because you can record over them many, many times; and they take up very little room so they're easy to carry around with you.

Unfortunately, these tapes cannot produce the same quality recording reproduction as a digitalized copy would give you. This means that if, hypothetically, you were to copy a CD-R onto another CD-R instead of a Maxell cassette tape, the quality of the sound on the CD-R copy would be sharper and clearer with less background noise than a Maxell cassette tape or any other brand of cassette tape could give you. Moreover, cassette tapes can break if not handled with care. These shortcomings frustrate me and therefore I will have to take off one star to make this a four star review.

The tapes have small pieces of plastic on the narrow top of each cassette which you can punch out easily so that accidental recording over an existing recording is impossible. If you do wish to record over an original recording then you can merely place a small amount of regular tape over the hole. The cassette tape is now ready to record a fresh recording.

Overall, Maxell makes a great choice when you want reliable cassette tapes to record music, the radio, people talking or anything you wish to record. I have used this brand for decades and I cannot think of any major complaints. I highly recommend Maxell normal bias 60 minute cassette tapes for you to use when you need to record something onto a tape.


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Product Description:
Package of eight Maxell UR-60 normal bias cassette tapes / Ideal for voice recordings / 90 Minutes per cassette tape

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Sony CFDG700CP CD Boombox Radio Cassette Recorder Review

This is by far one of the best sounding CFD-G series boombox from Sony to date. With all those years experimenting with different subwoofer sizes and enclosure volume and bass reflex port lengths, Sony has finally found the right equation in the 700CP. To call this machine a boombox may be a bit of an insult, given the kind of sound it can deliver with its enormous speaker system and a powerful bi-amplifier.

The CFD-G700CP is huge. This is a boombox that requires so much table space it makes your Micro Hi-Fi (if you have one) look really, mirco. I'm sure some will get turned off by its loud and aggresive look, but the teenagers and those young at heart will love it. Especially the sound.

The 700CP can pump out so much bass, if you have not seen the unit yourself, you'd be wondering if you're listening to the bass sounds from a mid-sized bookshelf Hi-Fi. Of course, all that bass is worth nothing if the system can only deliver loud punchy bass with muffled mids and highs. No. The 700CP delivers everything from somewhere around 80Hz all the way to 16KHz, all in great clarity thanks to its Bi-Amplifier. The two full range speakers and metal tweeters are driven by a stereo amplifier used primarily to deliver mids and highs, and the 13cm subwoofer is pumping air through the front dual bass-reflex ports using a dedicated bass amplifier, keeping the mids and highs completely uninterrupted.

Even at high volume, the sound from the subwoofer remains solid and deep, and if you think there is just way too much bass, the subwoofer has two level settings for you to keep all that rumbling under control. You can also turn the bass amplifier off completely to listen exclusively to the sounds from the mid-high speakers.

The line-in port is neatly tucked away at the lower right hand side of the system with a built-in line in plug and also a jack, so you can either connect a portable music player directly to the device using the built-in line in plug (3.5mm stereo plug) or connect anything else to the device using a cable with a 3.5mm stereo plug on one end.

This boombox is of course missing a back-lit LCD, which is strange considering there was an earlier generation G series (G55 I think) that came with a red LED backlighting. Also, the cassette deck is a single-direction deck, so if you're still playing alot of cassette tapes, you'll be a little disappointed by the lack of the auto-reverse feature still found on most mid-range to high-end Micro Hi-Fis. The device also supports MP3 playback as well, but does not support Sony's proprietary Atrac3 files.

Hear it to believe it. This machine trumps Sony's CMT-EH10, CMT-NEZ33, CMT-NEZ55 plus alot of those self-proclaimed micro hi-fi systems out there. You won't be dissapointed. And to top it off, it runs on 8 D-size batteries (even the cheap Manganese ones) when you can't find an AC outlet or when there's a power outage.


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Product Description:
Listen to your favorite music no matter where you are with the aggressively-styled Sony CFD-G700CP Xplod® Boombox. This stereo has a large 5-inch power drive woofer for even greater bass response, while five preset equalizer modes allow you to further customize your sound. Enjoy music from standard compact discs or CD-R/RW sources with MP3 playback capability. The two-channel cassette recorder and digital AM/FM tuner provide added on-the-go flexibility. The included remote lets you navigate volume and CD player controls from across the room.

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