HiFi Blog: digital audio goodness

The versatility of the iPod is ever growing and changing. New add-ons and products are developed every day to make the iPod more versatile and resourceful. In fact, Apple has to fight to keep up with other MP3 technologies that are currently available on the market. Many of the other players available on the market have been capable of voice recording and even playing AM/FM radio, which is something that iPod has been lacking. Although, Apple has been working with various companies to devise add-ons that allow your iPod to do many of these same functions.

There are two main products on the market to make personal memory notes or even record interviews. This is very handy for those individuals that need to record meetings, interviews or even personal thoughts. They are now able to do so on their iPod. Students would also be able to use these devices to record and transfer lecture notes from classes as well because the iPod has a larger memory than other MP3 players. Both products are attached to the iPod via a dock connector. These connectors do not yet work on the iPod minis. These products are the Griffin iTalk and the Belkin iPod Voice Recorder. According to Apple.com, the iTalk is $40 and the Belkin is $35.

The Belkin iPod Voice Recorder attaches to the iPod via the headphone/remote plug. This device requires no software and is a Plug-and-Play device. These adapters also feature a small speaker for quick playback of your recordings. The iPod’s large storage capacity allows you to record and save hundreds of hours of audio, unlike most digital recorders or MP3 players. Recordings may also be transferred to your computer for storage, editing or sending through email. The speaker can even allow your iPod to be used as a travel alarm clock.

The Griffin iTalk allows users the convenience of a pass-through jack for their headphones. The Griffin does, however, require iPod software version 2.1 or later. The iTalk is also capable of allowing the user to listen to various audio including audio books through the speaker or through headphones. The Griffin Company has been designing Apple accessories since 1992, so the design of the Griffin iTalk is very sleek and blends with your iPod very well. Files are stored in the Extras menu under Voice Memos on iPods. The Griffin is also capable of adjusting to the signal level of the person you are recording. If the speaker is hard to hear, the Griffin will be able to adjust it’s signal level in order to get the best recording possible.

With the expansive memory of the iPod, these recording devices are far better than MP3 players or digital recording devices. The iPod is also able to store audio files of different lengths while most MP3 players have a recording time limit. This feature makes the iPod a new and versatile tool for students, writers, journalists and business associates. The iPod is reducing the number of supplies that an individual needs. No more carrying your iPod for music and a tape recorder for interviews and meetings.