Audio Recording Devices - Part 3

 The Sony ICD-SX-712 is a little more pricey than the other 2 recorders I use tipping the scale at just a little under $200. This recorders capability far exceeds the other two recorders put together. You have so much control over this recording device that if you know how to set it up properly for the room you’re in and the sound you want to record the results will be crystal clear. Recording modes on the Sony SX-712 range from MP3 8Kpbs – 320Kpbs to linear PCM format if you don’t mind extremely large files. There are many preset “scenes” that you can choose from as well as complete customized settings to your own preference. One of the best features of this recorder to me is the dual adjustable microphones for stereo recording. This allows for me to help determine where a sound or EVP may have originated as long as I know where my recorder was setting and the orientation of the microphones. This has been very helpful in past investigations during audio review; a high spike on just the right microphone could help determine that captured voices were from an area that there were no investigators or vice versa. Having such clear audio on this recorder is also very helpful when crosschecking audio files from the second recorder in the room. Sometimes what sounds like a mumble or low voice that’s captured on my other recorder can be explained away by the clear high quality soundtrack on the SX-712.  The biggest downfall to this recorder is there are so many settings that have to be correctly programmed that it is very easy to make a mistake and get a recording that is of low quality or even worse… useless. It is a lot easier to check 4 or 5 settings on the lower end recorder than the 20 or more on the SX-712.

Just remember one thing when it comes to audio recorders. Use a recorder that you are comfortable with and you know how to properly set all of the features before starting.

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