Guide to Digital Recorders

This week I had an enquiry from someone who wanted to know more about digital recorders and how to get an audio file into a Word document. So here's my guide to digital recorders!

Part 1 - Digital Recorders

Digital recorders are very similar in size to a cell phone, and come with a USB cable, or docking station, that goes directly from the digital recorder into your PC. You record your interview and, once you're finished, plug your recorder into your PC via the USB cable, or docking station, and transfer your recording onto your PC. Your digital recorder is portable, so you can record your interview/dictation anywhere you choose.

The files that are created from your dictation are called audio files and come in many different formats, the most popular ones being WAV, DSS and mp3. You then save this audio file to any folder on your PC.

You can buy a digital recorder from any electrical/office supply store, such as RadioShack, Best Buy, Staples, or Office Max. Two of the more popular models are made by Olympus:

Olympus DS 3200

Olympus DS 4000

You can also view a selection of Digital Recorders and compare prices and specifications.

Part 2 - Getting Your Digital Audio File into a Word Document

I transcribe from digital audio files and turn them into Word documents. So once you have your audio file saved to your PC, you can send me your file via my upload page at:

http://www.traceylawton.com/upload.htm

And I will transcribe it and send you back a completed transcript as a Word document.