Customer Reviews
No MP3 support but very high quality device
I was mislead with Amazon review which said it supports conversion to MP3 format with the software supplied, it does not. The help quite clearly states "You cannot convert a file into an MP3 file". It will convert to .wav then you can use a 3rd party program to go to MP3.
If it had MP3 support (at least conversion on the PC from the Sony proprietary format which is .msv) I would have given it 5 stars due to the good software supplied and the amazing sound quality possible. It you record in full quality mode (1.25 hours with built in 32meg memory) and listen to it again with good headphones it does sound amazing. The Voice Up (so you hear each person in a conversation) works very well as do other nice features.
But it is let down with the software supplied not performing MP3 conversion. Going to .wav then .mp3 with another program is a pain and simply converting to .wav to get away from proprietary .msv takes up too much space.
But I would buy one again, as it is very easy to use, small, and very high quality. I just hope Sony would listen to consumers and support MP3.
Excellent recording quality & utility ( 4.5 stars)
This device is lightweight and sensitive.
I bought it for recording memos to myself while driving, and for recording meetings & lectures.Amazing recording quality from such a small device - even when in my pocket.
It does take a little reading and tinkering to get used to the various recording modes - trade off highest quality stereo for longer record times, and for choosing the additional memory chips (optional) instead of the onboard memory.
While this does record in a proprietary format, the management software is easy to configure - and can automatically save every audio file to your PC in a universal format like wav or mp3.
The management software can do a lot more, like changing sampling rates and merging or separating files. The software does more than I expected - and more than I have use for (so far.)
It also comes with plug-ins (also available at Sony website) so you can play the proprietary format audio files using Windows Media Player. I'm not a fan of the proprietary format, but it is a huge space saver over other formats.
I have even taken to using it as an mp3 player since I usually have it with me.
Others complained about no voice-recognition software. There are 2 different models of this device; only one ships with the software. The model with software costs more - but less than if you bought the software separately. I bought, but have not tried the Naturally Speaking setup.
Someone else said the pouch was no good - okay, it's only minimally useful to prevent the recorder getting scratched. I've adopted a good cellphone belt carrier. I carry extra batteries and any additional memory I might want in there, too. I don't think the pouch has anything to do with the function of the device - but yeah, it is pretty useless.
so my pros:
- lightweight
- expandable
- excellent recording quality
- auto-save feature whenever I plug into my PC
cons: I have 3 issues that would otherwise make this a 5 star + device. (Batterylife, proprietary memory, tiny interface)
this thing eats batteries, and like a Palm - it never really shuts all the way off.
(get the AC adapter and a good set of high MAh rechargeable AAA batteries.) I have gone through top-of-the-line alkaline and super lines in 3 hours of recording and 5 days on stand-by. Rechargeables are used up in less time. Rechargeables with less than 850 MAh aren't strong enough - the device just says "change batteries" - even when fresh.
- requires proprietary SONY or compatible memory sticks for expansion. Make sure you get the exact "memory stick pro" or "pro duo" sticks, or something compatible. ( Only up to 2GB - the 4GB is not on the compatibility list.)
- also, the tiny interface is a necessary compromise. The device is very small, so the menus and choices aren't always intuitive. It's not hard, after you spend some time reading and tinkering - but don't expect to use it as soon as you unbox it.
( I don't consider the pouch a con - it is too insignificant in the overall price and use.)
I definitely recommend buying this if you want easy digital recording and archiving.
Spendy but good quality
It is pretty expensive for a digital voice recorder.
The quality is good, though.
I put 256mb memory stick (pro duo) and I can record 11 hours of lectures with the highest quality sound, which is very impressive.
One small thing I don't like is that it takes several seconds to erase a file, which is annoying when you are trying to erase a number of files.
Also, I couldn't find which direction the mic is directed when you use the directional mic mode.
On the whole, it is a great gadget for those who want to record a lot of lectures and group discussions with high quality. The sound quality is much more natural than my old $50 DVR.
