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Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: roadrally2 on May 29, 2007, 08:53:58 AM

Title: help w/ setup for personal conversation recordings
Post by: roadrally2 on May 29, 2007, 08:53:58 AM
Hi, My goal is to record my conversations which I have with people. I am very forgetful, and I think this would be good. This setup has to be stealth, and on me, I move around, and I don't want people to see the setup.

I am going for the cheapest setup possible, quality is not so important, but being able to understand everyone talking is.

Ideally I dont want to use an external mic, just keep things as simple as possible. I have been looking at the Olympus voice recorders, I was wondering if the recordings would be half decent if the unit was sitting in my pants pocket.

I am open to anything, ill mic up if thats what is probably necessary. preferably under $200 is what I am looking to spend.

Thanks
Title: Re: help w/ setup for personal conversation recordings
Post by: cleantone on May 29, 2007, 10:45:58 AM
Don't they teach you that in narc school? What could you be wanting to record without people knowing. I don't like the idea of that at all. >:(
Title: Re: help w/ setup for personal conversation recordings
Post by: dean on May 29, 2007, 11:30:49 AM
Yes, please explain why you'd want to stealthily record your conversations with people.  I certainly know how to do it, but don't think I want to offer you any advice unless I know your intentions.  And given how shifty your original post sounds, I doubt I'll believe whatever reason you decide to post, in any event.   :-\
Title: Re: help w/ setup for personal conversation recordings
Post by: flipp on May 29, 2007, 11:36:13 AM
Check your state law regarding the legality of stealth taping a personal conversation. Some states allow it, some don't, some have restrictions whether one or both parties have to be aware the conversation is being recorded. If you're just getting forgetful, the cheapest way is a pad and a pen/pencil and just take notes.
Title: Re: help w/ setup for personal conversation recordings
Post by: F0CKER on May 29, 2007, 03:10:37 PM
A lot of people use this..

(http://www.epinions.com/images/opti/f2/47/kifmEducational_ElecTape_RecordersKidTough_Tape_Recorder-resized200.jpg)
Title: Re: help w/ setup for personal conversation recordings
Post by: dorrcoq on May 29, 2007, 03:40:54 PM
I doubt I'll believe whatever reason you decide to post, in any event.   :-\

 ;D ;D
Title: Re: help w/ setup for personal conversation recordings
Post by: Brennan on May 29, 2007, 10:10:55 PM
I know I'll get flamed for this, but seriously guys. He stated his reason, which is that he is forgetful. Why stealthily? Maybe that it's embarrasing to have to admit to people that you forget things they say?

I understand why one may be suspicious, but all he did was ask how to do something that would help them to live normally!

End defense for the new guy ;)
Title: Re: help w/ setup for personal conversation recordings
Post by: Brian Skalinder on May 29, 2007, 10:17:08 PM
Definitely shouldn't need anything too elaborate.  I'd try one of the voice recorders you mention, though I think you'll get better results in a shirt or jacket breast pocket.  I'm guessing not a lot of people (if any) have experience here with the Olympus (or other) voice recorders, so...give a go and let us know how it works.
Title: Re: help w/ setup for personal conversation recordings
Post by: Krispy D on May 29, 2007, 10:28:03 PM
Don't they teach you that in narc school? \

Bwa  Ha HA! 

that made my day!  thanks clinton.
Title: Re: help w/ setup for personal conversation recordings
Post by: dean on May 30, 2007, 12:00:41 PM
I know I'll get flamed for this, but seriously guys. He stated his reason, which is that he is forgetful. Why stealthily? Maybe that it's embarrasing to have to admit to people that you forget things they say?

I understand why one may be suspicious, but all he did was ask how to do something that would help them to live normally!

End defense for the new guy ;)

Not a flame, Brennan, just reason.  The poster wants information on how to stealthily record personal conversations.  That is illegal in many states and unethical anywhere in the world.  Given no other information, "forgetfulness" isn't a legitimate reason to break the law or breach ethics.  Had he/she said the intention was to let others know the conversation was being recorded due to forgetfulness, that'd be totally legit.  That's not the information we have, however.

While I appreciate you looking on the bright side of things, someone who is illicitly recording personal conversations based on information received from people at this website sure wouldn't make us look anything more than shady, I don't think.  That's just my $0.02 cents, of course.  But we've been warned about even using the word "stealth" on this board.  I think we've all got reason to be vigilant in the face of not enough information.
Title: Re: help w/ setup for personal conversation recordings
Post by: Church-Audio on May 31, 2007, 09:15:38 AM
A lot of people use this..

(http://www.epinions.com/images/opti/f2/47/kifmEducational_ElecTape_RecordersKidTough_Tape_Recorder-resized200.jpg)

Actually people I will be offering a "mogami" upgrade mod to this recorder for $20.00 I will replace the shiny red cable with mogami or starquad depending on customer preference. I will also do a "free" capsule upgrade to a higher end Panasonic capsule. I can for stealth use also provide a painting service for the recorder and mic to a "flat black" it will then be less of a heat score for $20.00 this includes primer.


Chris
Title: Re: help w/ setup for personal conversation recordings
Post by: Javier Cinakowski on May 31, 2007, 09:31:41 AM
That would be damn cool if someone showed up to a show with one of the Fisher Price recorders.  Little would they know that it was modded with high end components.  You could fit a nice preamp and what not in that box...  When those folks heard the recording they would be jaw dropped. 

 :)
Title: Re: help w/ setup for personal conversation recordings
Post by: Liquid Drum on May 31, 2007, 10:25:52 AM
LMAO at the Fisher Price recorder.  :laugh:

Would be funny to see someone sneaking it in and pulling a great tape...  :P