Reviews about Misc. Communications

bkovacs says "Very cool handheld audio recorder, but pricey" about M-Audio MicroTrack II (2048 MB) Handheld Digital Voice Recorder

bkovacs — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 01:39:41 GMT

Earlier this year, I was given an M-Audio MicroTrack II audio recorder, ostensibly to cover news events at a major technology convention at which I was a reporter. Funny thing is that I was traveling when the unit was sent to me and didn't get it until after I returned home from the convention. Since then, I've used the Microtrack II a few times and now have a decent sense of the unit. I didn't know until today that that the M-Audio MicroTrack II has a list price of $500.

What it is

The M-Audio MicroTrack II is a small handheld professional-grade stereo audio recorder. It's a little bigger than a full-size deck of cards and weighs a bit more than eight ounces. At that size and weight, it's easily carried in a shirt pocket with room to spare. The MicroTrack II has a built-in rechargable battery that is replaceable.

The MicroTrack II has a good complement of connectors, including a mini-phone stereo mic connector, left/right balanced mic/line-in connectors (1/4-inch tip-ring-sleeve), left/right......

aibrean says "Best $300 I ever spent on a mic!" about Shure - KSM27/SL Co... Professional Microphone

aibrean — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:35:17 GMT

I was in the market for a mic to replace my cheap desktop one and since I do voice acting I wanted something that would let me branch out professionally. I checked out various models of other brands but I wanted something made in USA that would last. I took a look at what SHURE offered and the KSM27 was the right fit for me. I had to get a preamp and new soundcard to be able to hook it up to my computer but that was only a drop in the bucket for the great and clear sound quality I get from this mic. I also added on a popfilter for greater clarity. I actually dropped it once and it still works.

I record in a room that has no door and it's sitting on top of my desk that has my computer underneath. It doesn't pick up those sounds! It just picks up my voice. I also love the different settings on the mic to adjust decibels and more.
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bkovacs says "Easy to install but for smaller chimneys" about Ace - Z-Type Chimney Mount

bkovacs — Wed, 07 May 2008 02:56:24 GMT

I have a house in the mountains where there is terrible cell phone reception and no easy solution to getting Internet service. I could pay $10 per month for a dial-up line but dial-up lines are slow and they tie up the phone line for hours at a time. I work for a big cell phone company that offers a wireless high-speed Internet service (called EVDO) that I can get for free, but its operation was negligible-to-nil in the house -- when it worked, it was slower than a dial-up line. Then I had the idea to try my EVDO card in my laptop computer... on the roof. Bingo -- I got enough reliable reception to make it worth my while to install an outdoor antenna.

Chimney Mount

The first step to install an outdoor antenna is some sort of antenna mount, and the easiest type of mount that's good and strong is a chimney mount. I went to all the stores I could think of looking for an antenna chimney mount before I found one at a well-stocked Ace Hardware store for $15. It is the Ace Z-Type Chimney Mount and......

AudioMaster says "For all your recording needs!" about Rode - NT1A Professional Microphone

AudioMaster — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:50:59 GMT

If you are looking for an all in one mic, look no further. The cardiod Rode NT-1 large capsule is sonically what most audio engineers only talk about. Put to the test with acoustic guitars, vocals and even a flute, every capture was decent enough to mix and master. The NT-1 is immensely sensitive and the quality of the mic-pre amps you use with the NT-1 can dramatically alter the output if the mic. I would consider only using high end external hardware when using this microphone.

If you have an acoustically controlled room, this mic will be a great asset to your arsenal of equipment. When recording vocals, this mic reacts to the dynamics awesomely. It varies by tonality of vocal composition but works well nonethless decently with virtually every performer.

I have used the the NT-1 for roughly two years and have been happy with its performance everytime. Over the period I have gave my NT-1 certain uses for its unique sonic quality
but whatever the use, you will not need to worry about its......

grumpyl13 says "How did I ever live without one of these!" about Olympus - VN-4100PC Handheld Digital Voice Recorder

grumpyl13 — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:43:28 GMT

I just bought this digital voice recorder, and I love it very much. I now wonder how in the world did I ever live without one! How did I go through college without one of these?

It is very small, I could not believe it when it came in. It is smaller then my cell phone! It is also very light, and quite visually good. Talking about cell phones, it does kind of look like one of those small cell phones, which is good if you're trying to hide it to secretly record someone.

I love the use of the buttons, they have easy access, clearly labeled and the labels are protected, so they will be there if you keep the recorder for a long period of time. That is one thing that I hate is that my labels ware off once I over use my electronics.

The menu is very self explanatory when you thumb through it. I was very easily able to program the time and date. The recorder allows you to slow down the recording you made, in case you have someone that is speaking very fast and hard to understand. One...

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ariesladync says "This is the worst service I've ever had." about Windstream -

ariesladync — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 03:17:47 GMT

My local home phone company (Sprint), was taken over by a company I had never heard of called Windstream. Since the switch I have had nothing but problems. The company changed to Windstream about a year ago. I have had to call for phone and DSL repairs a number of 12 times. I have had to call about the DSL 3 times in one month. When you call to inquire about what is going on with your service you usually talk to someone who barely speaks english and has absolutely no idea what you are talking about or how to fix the problem. I would have to go over the same stuff every single time I made a call for repairs. This is the worst service I have ever had and I am 34 years old. I don't recommend it if you have any other choice. I don't have a choice, if I want a home phone it's Windstream or nothing. We usually end up having to use our Verizon Wireless(picks up everywhere) Cell's to make calls....

bigboss223 says "I feel like i'm undercover covert-ops!" about Olympus - Digital Voice Recorder WS-300

bigboss223 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:16:40 GMT

This voice recorder is excellent for all voice recording necessities and situations. This device offers high quality voice recording and long lasting playback. It is great for college class rooms, confernces, or meetings. This is a high quality device and its size is also a valuable characteristic. This device is very small, sleek, and transportable. It can even fit inside your pocket! This product is highly recommended for all business professionals....

audiopro says "Most used Mic in the World" about Shure - SM57-LC Professional Microphone

audiopro — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:59:50 GMT

I've been making money with Music since the mid 60's. No, I don't use a walker to get around, I got an early start.

The Shure SM-57 in one form or another has been around for as long as I can remember, and from my experience, has to be the most popular and versitle mic in the World.

I have worked as an Audio Engineer (Live and Recording), a musician and vocalist. The SM-57 has always been there. In all those years making Music, I can't name one gig, Live or Recording, where I haven't used a 57 for something, if not for many things.

Sure (no pun), there are many, many mics, past and present, with better frequency response and dynamics, but for sheer sonic guts and dependability, the SM-57 is hard to beat.

In Recording Studios, Mics are plentiful to say the least. Even so, I have (along with many engineers) never used anything but the SM-57 on Snare Drum. Often on Rack Toms as well. When it comes to micing a guitar amp, my first choice is a Neumann KM-84 Condenser......to a certian...

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Rickk1 says "Excellent design for a desktop microphone" about Logitech - USB Microphone

Rickk1 — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:10:48 GMT

The only problem I had with this product was getting the computer to recognize a USB microphone (it's the first USB microphone I'd ever used). But once I figured out how to get microphone input via USB instead of the microphone input in the back, it has worked marvelously. The odd shape of the microphone makes it very easy to set it in whatever position is comfortable and convenient.
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papason39 says "its a dynamic product" about AKG - C 1000 S Professional Microphone

papason39 — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 21:03:17 GMT

I am a person that loves quality in the product's i purchase . And especially when it comes to buying my children products. I am impressed with this site .I thank you for the privilege to express my views and i think there should be more sites like this one.Once again thank you for the oppurtunity to express my views on products....

wyesinger says "For Mom, Dad or Kids - don't forget the important stuff" about Sony ICD-P330F Handheld Digital Voice Recorder

wyesinger — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 00:12:27 GMT

I borrowed my son's recorder when I attended an important meeting. I didn't miss a word and was able to replay and review the important points. Make that grocery list or record that phone number or address. Record that special moment with your children or friends. A great gift for Mom, Dad or the kids. No excuses about missing or forgetting stuff. Great prices at many places in all towns....

bigfreeb21 says "A voice recorder that does what it says it can do." about Olympus - VN-4100PC Handheld Digital Voice Recorder

bigfreeb21 — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 22:11:08 GMT

I am a professional journalist who is always interviewing people. Having a voice recorder is a definite necessity of my job. The VN-4100 is small enough to fit in your pocket, yet not so small that it is easy to lose. It has four different folders to be able categorize your recordings; a definite advantage for those amnesiacs like myself who have to record several things and can't always remember which interview was which. There is a feature that allows you to set record points, so that you can just jump right to those areas during the playback. This feature, however, is slightly difficult to master. Pausing the recording, on the other hand, leaves no sound marks or ticks that make the replay sound as though it were paused in that spot. As with most recorders, outside noise does interfere slightly with recording, but not enough that the recorded person can not be heard.

There are several great accessories available, such as the phone conversation recorder, the metal neck strap, and the...

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PattyTherre says "I can change my gender with a flip of a switch. Bet you can't!" about Voice Changer II (New Style) - Phone Adapter

PattyTherre — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 06:19:53 GMT

Quick View: I have a few overprotective friends. One is always worried when my family goes away and I am home alone. I don't worry, but he worries about me. A while ago, right before my husband and sons went on one of their boys only trips, a package arrived in the mail. It was a Voice Changer II (New Style) Phone Adapter. I had NO idea what it was but I soon learned. This thing can change your voice into eight different tones - from cartoonish to deeply masculine. Haha. I didn't need this thing but it was a thoughtful gift from a friend who insisted I answer the phone with a "man's voice". Well, I did try but I laughed through the whole conversation. It's more for fun. Plus I felt like a kidnapper or something!

About the Voice Changer II (New Style) Phone Adapter

This adapter looks like an MP3 player or something similar. It is a small grey box with a volume slider and eight pitch settings from Michael Jackson high to James Earl Jones low. Set up is really simple. Plug the handset cord into......

enposteral says "Awesome product for a good price." about Logitech - USB Microphone

enposteral — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 18:38:33 GMT

This microphone can be purchased for around $30. It has an active noise reduction or noise cancelling system built in. There is no software needed to be installed; just plug it in and you're ready to go. You get good quality sound and a mute button that also functions as an off button. Overall this is a really good microphone for Skype, etc. because the sound quality blows cellular off the charts. If you want to record music professionally or looking for better sound then consider investing in a 1/4 in plug microphone or condenser....

blstxi says "This radio has major survivability." about motorola - ht 100 radio

blstxi — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:50:52 GMT

This radio has been through it all. It's survived being dropped, rolled over, twisted under equipment, pieces chipped off, drenched in paint and other fluids, and treated for function over form in the demanding realm of ems. It's only draw back is the need for professional reprogramming should frequencies change or need updatnig....

il2bwskip says "This digital recorder safely downloads to pc. No more tapes!" about Olympus - DS4000

il2bwskip — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:46:38 GMT

It's amazing when I see people, especially professionals, like doctors or attorneys still using a tape recorder to dictate my important information on. How long will their equipment be able to be serviced? Can they even get it anymore? I can't buy music on tapes, why is my doctor putting my information on a tape? Now that we have digital technology you would think the tape recorders would be obsolete. With this awesome digital recorder dictation can now be stored on a digital card and the device can be connected via a USB cord or docking station to your computer. The files (your medical record) can be transmitted directly to the transcriptionist and backed up. No more broken tapes, having to erase tapes, or having to search through a tape for a particular dictation. It's great! I like to record conference calls, meetings, or just reminders to myself....

peterbeck says "Quality condenser mic for voice, if you must use a condenser." about Shure - KSM27/SL Co... Professional Microphone

peterbeck — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:08:22 GMT

I got this as my first mic, and as a gift, after throwing up a hail mary: "Well, if you're paying, I'd just love the mic that Jason Van Orden uses for his podcast, www.podcastingunderground.com."

My voice is middle range deep, and it has done me well this past year. It does exactly what it should, and the quality of the sound is beautiful.

My only "complaint" is that as a podcasting mic for a home setup, it's probably too sensitive. It was designed as a studio mic, and will pick up every clothing rustle, toilet flush, and reverb bounce off the table and other flat surfaces in your room.

That's not its fault. But if I had it to do over again, I'd take the advice of broadcast pros like Mark Jensen of PodSqod (www.podsqod.com), and go with a dynamic mic, like the

Electrovoice RE20, the Shure SM7B, or for under $100, the legendary Shure SM57.

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angelfire4154 says "Great recorder, user friendly and has excellent sound quality." about Olympus - Digital Voice Recorder WS-300

angelfire4154 — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 18:25:10 GMT

I bought this recorder to use as a tool in doing research (instead of writing notes) and for use as a digital journal. I also bought it becuase of the ability to use it as a music player, though I have not had time to utilize that function yet. This product is very easy to use, after you have read the manual and understand key features, such as how to turn the thing off (it has not on/off button-but I don't think any of them do).

Overall, I am really happy with my purchase. When I was reading reviews on it (and when I ultimately decided to buy it), I noticed the recommendation to get a case for it. I also recommend this, and have been very happy with my purchase and use of the case that was designed specifically for this recorder....

daveondave says "Absolute best headset for the money (and even besides the money." about Cardo - Scala 500

daveondave — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:52:10 GMT

Most people don't know this company (including me) but their Bluetooth headsets are great. And the prices are fabulous. You get a lot more quality at a much lower prices than any other similar products from other manufacturers.
I lost my first one and went right back out and bought the exact same one again.
The sound quality is great, the wind cancelling is awesome and it is very simple to setup and use. Battery life is great. The size is quite small, not large and annoying.
It is durable. I have accidentally stepped on mine and ground it into rocks and it still works just fine, just some scratches and gouges.
I have recommended them to coworkers and friends and those who have bought them love them. Those that bought better-known brands regret the extra money for nothing extra....

Leslie1430 says "This one really works!" about Olympus - Digital Voice Recorder WS-300

Leslie1430 — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:44:29 GMT

For over thirty years I have been an amateur voice recording archivist, compelled to record voices of family members, family history information, even reading entire books on tape for my mother when she lost her sight, If only I would have had this little gem when these people were alive.

This is the third digital voice recorder I have owned, the other two failing me miserably. It works as advertised, with no hissing of "S's" and placement of the mic controls puffing of "P's" and "B's". Yes, you can add an external mic, even an over-the-head mic/earphone combination so you don't even have to hold the little tiny machine. It only uses one AAA battery. I use rechargeables.

My favorite features:

1) easy to learn control buttons - I can't see the small print without glasses. They are simple, straight forward in their function. Seldom used functions are in the menu items, like turning on/off the variable controlled voice actuator, setting date and time, mic sensitivity, recording...

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