Jessica
After running into a problem with a tape-recorder that didn't have automatic record reverse, and losing some 40 minutes of the discussion because I hadn't heard the tape side end, I purchased a dandy little recorder, a Sony TCM-59V. It's compact, and therefore easy to carry around and not threatening to have on the table (or for use in in-home interviews). I use an Optimus (omni-directional) microphone which I purchased from Radio Shack for about $90 (Canadian). I've looked around at lots of mikes and this one seemed best because it lays flat on the table (and is therefore again not threatening for focus group participants) and has very good pick-up. The only thing to remember with this mike is that it's powered by a AA battery so you need to be aware of having a juiced battery, and of turning it on to record.
I'm not sure how you plan to record telephone conversations...using a speakerphone? In this case, I think you'd find this mike sufficient.
Hope this helps,
Wendy Bancroft
Senior Research Associate
Social Research & Demonstration Corp.
Vancouver, BC, Canada
>>> Mark Hansel <[log in to unmask]> 07/02/98 11:50am >>>
Be sure you get a microphone that is appropriate for the physical
logistics you will use. If people are sitting around a table or in a
circle, you probably need an omnidirectional mike (or more than one mike).
On brand names, I defer to AV people.
On Thu, 2 Jul 1998, Jessica Greene wrote:
> For a research project I am working on I am about to purchase a tape
> recorder, a microphone and transcriber. I want to be able to record focus
> groups as well as telephone calls with the tape recorder, and I am hoping to
> buy one machine for the two purposes if its possible. I was wondering if
> anyone has recommendations as to attributes and/or brands that have worked
> well for any of the above products.
> Thanks,
> Jessica Greene
>
Mark Hansel (218-236-2039)
[log in to unmask]
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