Sony ICD-MS515 Memory Stick Digital Voice Recorder with Voice-to-Print Compatibility
by Sony
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List Price: Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sony ICD-MS515 Memory Stick Digital Voice Recorder with Voice-to-Print Compatibility
Customer Review: Lovin it
Summary: 5 Stars
I have used the Sony ICD recorder for more than 5 years and I am still very happy with it. I have recorded countless interviews and transcribed them with the software that came with it.
The recording quality with the built-in microphone is very good, sometimes too good when there is a lot of commotion in the background - it picks it all up.
Recording is very easy but I never liked the controls for changing settings or replaying the recordings. They are too finicky and do not always react as expected. For me this did not matter, but others might find this important. The only recording failures I had was when I put the recording on pause for too long. Not sure what happened, as I discovered it too later. The solution for this was easy - just stop the recording when the interview is interrupted and start a new one later. With the help of the software several parts can easily be merged together.
I bought several 128 MB memory sticks to be able to go long stretches without connecting to the computer, but most of the time I need only one, as 128MB can store about 18 hrs of SP recording. I love that I can easily transfer the files to the computer and do with them whatever is needed.
Battery time is very good. Now I only would need to replace the protective sleeve. ;-)
Customer Review: Superb even after 1 1/2 years of constant use
Summary: 5 Stars
I use this little gem for recording lectures. This babe will pick up the sound of a dropped dry-erase erase marker all the way from the back of a crowded lecture hall (where I usually hang out...where else can you nab a quck snack, zzzs, etc?;)). Voice clarity is crystal clear.
I burn a switched 256 MB (Mega Byte) memory stick in mine (128MB X 2), for a total of 256 MB. A co-located pause/record button logically placed on the side allows me to avoid recording irrelevant audio.
With 256mb to play with I collect awesome notes that I then convert to MP3 format & store in my database for later picking, choosing, & playing on my portable (usually while at the beach). Conversion & database software are not included, btw.
The IC Recorder, unlike cheap digital recorders, has removable media. Not only does this allow for swapping in a new stick at an instant it also allows for fast uploading of audio data to your computer. A USB cable is included, but I have never bothered to use it. Instead, I use either the built-in memory stick reader of my Vaio laptop or a card reader from a desktop.
The recorder comes with a nice dark leather case for excellent protection while still affording easy access to essential controls.
5 stars, hands down.
Customer Review: Great for Cops
Summary: 5 Stars
As the title suggests, I use this in my law enforcement job. The sound quality compared to microcassettes is so much better that I will never go back. I have had this unit now for at least a year and have used it both in patrol work and in investigations. I have the 128 mb card in mine. I can record EVERY citizen contact during a shift and then DL it to my computer. Heck, sometimes I will go three or four days before I DL the files. This little gem can save your bacon in so many ways. NO BUTTONS ON THE FRONT. It doesn't get turned off by accident. Record a three hour interview and not change the tape. Talk to fourteen different people and all you have to do is press record and stop. It does the rest, including putting the date and time on the recording. No more mangled microcassettes. No more pockets full of tapes. No more tapes accidently getting recorded over. The built in microphone picks up conversation really well. I have the version with Dragon Naturally Speaking, which saves a lot of typing on those loooooong case reports.My advice? Go digital, even if your department won't buy it for you.
Customer Review: Great Digital Recorder
Summary: 5 Stars
This recorder is so small and compact its amazing! I wasn't sure which Sony reorder to purchase at first after looking at a few. I went with this one and I am glad I did! I am using it mainly for college courses and recording the professor. Whether I get a seat right up front or way back in the room (and a very good size room that is!) I still get excellent quality. I purchased a larger memory stick to support a weeks worth of classes, just in case I don't have the chance to upload them on the computer. The buttons take a bit to get use to, however once you know them its quite easy. I love how compact the unit is, and it comes with its own case which allows you access to all the features. I love the unit overall for the quality, size, and performance. I haven't used the software yet so I can't comment much there. I know with voice related software it takes some time to train it your voice before it learns it. Its worth the while to do specially if you will find it useful.
Customer Review: Works great.....
Summary: 5 Stars
I use it to record lectures in school and it works great. And, you get about an hour of lectures for about 5-6 MBs -- not bad. True, the 8 MB stick is not much, but a bigger Memory Stick is not that expensive. The Sony software is great to use and you can convert very easily to .wav.....and, so, Mp3 and CD.
Really, I can't believe people would complain about this baby except for the price. Well, it beats buying tapes over and over again. And, just get rechargeable batteries (AAAs) and it will cost even less over
The voice quality is quite superb even if I am in the back of an albeit microphoned lecture hall. It even comes with a protective case. This product is simply Sony doing something real well. I tried an Olympus model and it was harder to work and it seemed more difficult than the Sony.