Sony Memory Stick Media Digital Voice Recorder with 128MB MS Duo and Adaptor (ICD-BM1B)
by Sony
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Category: CE
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Manufacturer: SonyModel: ICDBM1
Product features:
- Slide Control Switch Operation
- Full Function Dictation Machine
- Includes 128 MB Removable Memory Stick Duo Media
- Durable Seamless Aluminum Body
- High Quality Sound using Sony's LPEC CODEC
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sony Memory Stick Media Digital Voice Recorder with 128MB MS Duo and Adaptor (ICD-BM1B)
Customer Review: Best Dictation recorder, of several I have used over many years
Summary: 5 Stars
Pros: sound quality, small file size, small recorder size
Cons: no compact dictation headset offered by Sony, omnidirectional internal mic, battery door easily broken and if broken, recorder loses power and ongoing function in a flash
I have used this recorder for several years. It is the most recent of several Sony recorders I have tried, all with good to excellent fidelity. However, this one has been the most flexible. It tracks the date & time of each recording, the file sizes are very small (less than 1/10th the size of comparable quality *.wav files), the recorder allows multiple user named folder names (named using PC, not the recorder itself) which is great for organization flexibility and the recorder has been fairly reliable.
The BM1 is also fairly power efficient and works well with Sanyo enelope rechargeable NiMH batteries, though not as long as with alkaline batteries (of course). However, NiMH batteries, along with a quality microprocessor controlled battery charger, can certainly save a lot of battery expense, turnover and environmental waste disposal problems. Be aware however, that only the Sanyo enelope (and similar) style batteries have a long usable charged life. Regular NiCAD and NiMH batteries markedly self-discharge (even without use) in only one month and are only OK for heavy daily use, not intermittent use on demand.
Sony ICD-BM1 problems include a battery door which is typically reliable for considerable use; but be careful to never put batteries in backward and try to push the battery door closed: this can easily break the tiny/fragile door retaining mechanism, then the door won't stay closed and the recorder keeps losing power any time battery contact is not good for an instant. Repairing this problem is complex, not easy, even with the Sony Service manual and diagrams in hand. Obtaining Sony parts is also not easy or inexpensive, especially through "service dealers". Loss of battery power does not lose your recording, but it takes many seconds for the BM1 to power back up and reload the Memory Stick files while the user has to wait.
Another problem with the Sony ICD-BM1 recorder (and other brands) is that Sony does not offer any compact hands-free noise-cancelling headsets. A noise cancelling headset, which can significantly reduce background noise (like most recorders the internal microphone is omnidirectional and will pickup lots of sounds you may not want), would be a great addition. I utilize an ETYCOM Handsfree Mobile Phone Headset with the Sony ICD-BM1. While cutting background noise, this headset also greatly improves usability by allowing hands free recording; one can utilize both hands for manipulating paperwork and other needed issues. Having one hand tied up holding the recorder is inefficient, though still required for editing on the fly. However, a problem with the ETYCOM, and most other mics I have tried, is poor match of mic sensitivity with the Sony ICD-BM1's mic pre-amp circuits. I set the ICD-BM1 to conference mode, yet the recorded volume is still a bit low and VOR recording may not work as well as desirable, though the fidelity remains quite good. Recording volume can later be increased using a PC an the built-in Microsoft Sound Recorder software with the "Increase Volume" option, or other, more sophisticated sound file manipulation software.
I have attached photos, on the Sony Style website listing, review tab, for the Sony ICD-BM1 recorder[..] of the BM1 with Handsfree Headset alone, and with both units within the pocket cases supplied by their respective vendors. Notice in the first image the battery door popped open; this instantly turns off power when it pops open/will no stay closed. Notice, in the second image, the useful side pockets for an extra memory stick and an extra pair of AAA batteries, in this case Sanyo enelope rechargeable batteries.
More Sony Memory Stick Media Digital Voice Recorder with 128MB MS Duo and Adaptor (ICD-BM1B) reviews:
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Description of Sony Memory Stick Media Digital Voice Recorder with 128MB MS Duo and Adaptor (ICD-BM1B)
High Value Design with Seamless Aluminum Body : Increased body size provides a more comfortable fit in the hand while still being lightweight.Professional quality sound and high-level functionality are what distinguish the ICD-BM1 Digital Voice Recorder. Sony has designed a powerful, sleek recorder with a seamless aluminum body. Whether you're recording grandma for an audio-genealogy or interviewing a famous celebrity, this device makes super-pro recordings and is built to last.
It features up to 347 minutes of recording time on the supplied 16 MB memory stick and a maximum sampling rate of 44.1 kHz. The memory stick is removable so you can replace it with a larger capacity stick, or simply keep an empty stick handy in case you run out of memory. Once you record something through the mic, the sampling rate allows you to transfer the sounds into a digital format. This recorder features new LPEC codec with improved frequency response to deliver the highest quality sound. Transferring recorded sounds to digital format is an excellent, responsible way to preserve important interviews. Plus, it allows you to upload, download, email, and manipulate your recordings digitally on your computer.
The ICD-BM1 features a slide control switch for quick, responsive recording; a hi/lo mic sensitivity switch for recording in quiet or noisy environments; a built-in microphone and playback speaker; and digital overwrite/cut function for on-the-spot audio editing. All this functionality is powered by two AAA batteries that run for up to 10 hours continuously.
Finally, with the voice email function, you can record spoken email messages and send them later as audio attachments. The included software will help you master this functionality. This recorder is also compatible with Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred Voice-To-Print Software and has USB connectivity for high speed copying of files to a PC.
What's in the Box
Digital voice recorder, 16 MB memory stick, PC download software, earphone, USB cable, and carrying case.
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