PPC for audio recording

[xinjinqiao]

Hi,
I am looking for a ppc to be a designated machine to record voice, whether it is in a casual conversation or in a long lecture. I am looking at a zaurus pda because it has jacks for both external microphone and headphone. I know this is a Linux OS but I don't see any options on this forum for linux. If there anyone out there who can comment on my thinking, hardware, available software, etc? I know that I can get mp3 players with external mic jacks cheaper but another reason why I want this ppc is that it is linux which means that I should be able to change the language to Chinese...

[GSmith]

Your requirements match those of many podcasters. For mobile use, you *could* use the built-in microphone of a PPC. Several models of PPC (but not all !) have a "headset" jack (including Loox 720, which until recently was undocumented). These will allow mono recording using a microphone if you get an appropriate cable/splitter (see pc-http://www.pc-mobile.net/audioadapter.htm for a 3.5mm headset to dual 3.5mm headphone and microphone). If you go this route, you will also want decent software. I think the general consensus is that NoteM has some flaws, but is decent and possibly the best mp3 encoding, as well as being free.

If you don't necessarily need a PDA, many podcasters favor the iRiver 799 or 899 that has a stereo line in (which may come in handy). It is limited to 1GB internal, but has (if I recall correctly) amazing battery life from a single AA.

I personally would choose a mp3 recorder that uses Secure Digital because then you could pop the SD card in your PDA for listening or transfer. I have not yet tested any yet, so I can't give you a recommendation.

This is a young field and currently still requires some effort. My "very work in progress" effort in documenting this area in ultraportable recording setups is at:

http://feederreader.pocketcasting.com/viewforum.php?f=19

in three articles titled "Pocket PC Audio Primer", "Software - Recording or Editing", and "Hardware - Pocket PC headsets". They are in the very early stages.

Also, expect a very educated and experienced opinion from Menneisyys any minute now ;-) probably as soon as he sees your post!

Greg Smith
Author, FeederReader - Pocket PC *direct* RSS text, audio, video, podcasts
www.FeederReader.com - Download on the Road

[Don't Panic!]

And for your language changing needs try CE Star (http://www.mobem.com/products/CE-Star.php) from Mobem. They have a suite that will localize any PPC to Chinese.

[Menneisyys]

I think the general consensus is that NoteM has some flaws, but is decent and possibly the best mp3 encoding, as well as being free.

Yes, NoteM if you want to make MP3's and Resco Audio Recorder if you want to make Speex files. You may also want to read this thread (http://www.pocketpcmag.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16790) for more info.


If you don't necessarily need a PDA, many podcasters favor the iRiver 799 or 899 that has a stereo line in (which may come in handy). It is limited to 1GB internal, but has (if I recall correctly) amazing battery life from a single AA.

I personally would choose a mp3 recorder that uses Secure Digital because then you could pop the SD card in your PDA for listening or transfer. I have not yet tested any yet, so I can't give you a recommendation.[/quote]

I too have a jukebox (bought it to have a portable image tank and MP3 player; it's not rreally up to these tasks, card reading speed- and battery life- (3 hours max. when playing mp3's) wise, though); the MamboX Media-X P353 (http://www.mambox.com/P353.htm). It can directly record to an SD card. I wouldn't recommend it, though - the area just under 0 dB with the line in causes distortion (the input amplifier too sensitive - its levels are not correctly set). However, if you use a stereo mike with it that doesn't produce standard line-in levels, it may work great.

Battery life: it isn't particularly stellar. I'd say 3.5-4 hours recording to the SD card. It has a built-in, swappable, rechargeable Li-Ion battery.

Also, expect a very educated and experienced opinion from Menneisyys any minute now probably as soon as he sees your post!

Ohhh... thanks :)

[zeeforel]

A question for GSmith:

Several models of PPC (but not all !) have a "headset" jack (including Loox 720, which until recently was undocumented). These will allow mono recording using a microphone if you get an appropriate cable/splitter (see pc-http://www.pc-mobile.net/audioadapter.htm for a 3.5mm headset to dual 3.5mm headphone and microphone).

My Asus 730 says in its Audio Settings that I can choose for MIC input via a headset instead of the build in mic (undocumented in the manual though). Does this mean I can simply connect an external microphone to the headphone jack?

Do I need that splitter you talk about?

Thanks.
Marcel

[Menneisyys]

My Asus 730 says in its Audio Settings that I can choose for MIC input via a headset instead of the build in mic (undocumented in the manual though). Does this mean I can simply connect an external microphone to the headphone jack?


Yes, the A730, as all the other VGA devices, has external microphone input.


Do I need that splitter you talk about?


Yes, unless you have a stereo headphone + microphone set that only has one 3.5 mm jack. Headphones like that can directly be inserted into your PDA and used to record stuff.

[zeeforel]

But why can't I just use only a external microphone? What am I missing? Why do I need a complete solution: stereo headphone + microphone?

Thanks.

[Menneisyys]

But why can't I just use only a external microphone? What am I missing? Why do I need a complete solution: stereo headphone + microphone?

Thanks.

You can use a simple mike if you have a splitter like this:

http://pc-mobile.net/pf7ms.jpg

or, just a simple mike cable:

http://pc-mobile.net/pf73m.jpg

See for example the last two items at http://pc-mobile.net/loox.htm . Please note that these splitters/converters are manufactured by a lot of other manufacturers so you may want to Google for the cheapest/best source. Also, you can very easily build these yourself with some soldering.

[zeeforel]

Your reaction time is outstanding, but still, why can't I use a normal microphone with a 3,5 mm plug (the Asus has a 3,5 mm jack)? Why do I need these splitters?

And what is actually the function of the equipment in the second image?

Thanks.

[Menneisyys]

Your reaction time is outstanding, but still, why can't I use a normal microphone with a 3,5 mm plug (the Asus has a 3,5 mm jack)? Why do I need these splitters?


Now I see what you mean: because standard mikes have only two PINs and they are located at the end of the Jack 'father', unlike at the other end, where it should be. The far end of the Jack father is the left channel of the headphone output. This is why you can't use standard (mono) mikes without a converter.


And what is actually the function of the equipment in the second image?

Thanks.

To convert between the two formats.

[zeeforel]

That was what I was looking for. THANKS!