--- Forwarded Message from Bob Majors <[log in to unmask]> ---

>User-Agent: Microsoft-Entourage/10.1.0.2006
>Date: Thu, 05 Sep 2002 13:51:37 -0700
>Subject: Re: #6808 Appropriate tape recorder
>From: Bob Majors <[log in to unmask]>
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information    Forum   <[log in to unmask]>
>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>

------------------
Gloria,

If you're having problems understanding recorded spoken word, it may not be
that your recorder is the weak link in the chain.  It's more likely a
problem with microphone technique/selection, and/or the setting of audio
level.  Wireless mics present additional problems: inexpensive ones often
distort easily and worse, take hits (cut out) when the mic is moved in a
certain direction, and distance can be a problem; interference from other
radio frequencies; losing line of sight (transmitter to receiver); and low
batteries will ruin a recording.  If wireless is important, you may need to
spend a little more.  I typed "audio recorder wireless microphone" in Google
and came up with some useful sites, such as
<http://www.mineroff.com/nature/wireless.htm>  Also, wireless often means a
lapel mic, and: they must be placed correctly for good sound; some types of
clothes make noise; when the speaker turns his/her head far to one side, the
sound can diminish; and touching the chest creates noise.

If you get the wireless part working well, then be careful to set your
levels properly to not distort the sound at any point in the signal chain
(mic preamp, main level, etc.), but at the same time getting a good level
throughout the chain.  A limiter is often a good thing to use (often
built-in), but automatic gain control (increases the level when the speaker
stops talking) is often a bad thing (the ambient background pumps up).

Finally, you have the recording medium.  You could try minidisc or a
portable DAT recorder.  Be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations
in case heat + humidity is a concern.  Buena suerte.

Bob Majors

>> Date: Wed, 04 Sep 2002 16:11:24 -0500
>> From: Gloria Balcarcel <[log in to unmask]>
>> Subject: Appropriate tape recorder
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Reply-to: [log in to unmask]
>> Organization: Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga
> 
> ------------------
> I'm a novice researcher and I need your help. I'm observing classes and
> recording them with my journalist tape-recorder, but Im getting problems
> with transcriptions. I acnnott understand what teachers say. Since I'm
> interesred in teacher talk, I know that I need to purchase a new
> recorder. Does somebody know about a good one that includes a wireless
> microphone?
> I'll appreciate your help.
> 
> Gloria Balcarcel
> EFL researcher
> Universidad Autonoma de Bucaramanga
>