Review on 🎙 Sony Memory Stick Media Digital Voice Recorder ICD-BM1 | 128MB MS Duo + Adaptor by Kevin Pirlet

I have used this device for about 5 months with it clipped to my belt almost all the time. Brushed aluminum housing and a belt pouch for quick removal of the recorder and for storing spare memory cards in 2 side pockets. If you have other Sony devices, this one uses the same USB transfer cable. Of course, Sony branded Memory Stick memory cards are used. The software was easy to install and use, although I was a bit disappointed that this unit didn't come with Dragon Naturally Speaking software, unlike the cheaper Sony ICD-MS515. The Sony codec is not installed on the PC for encoding, only for decoding. The internal microphone has adjustable sensitivity, but I mainly use it for setting up the conference microphone and not for dictation, as I rarely use it for the latter. The internal mic offers very reasonable sound quality and picks up speech from 10-15 feet away without too much noise, although I'm sure an external mic would be even better. The built-in speaker is barely enough! However, compared to the same MS515, the operation of the device itself is much simpler. Those of you who hate soft menus and prefer solid switches and knobs will love this device. Despite the presence of a configuration menu, most of the operations are performed using high-quality switches. For example, the main switch allows the user to easily toggle between record, stop and play, as well as easily insert or append to an existing recording. In fact, I'd say it's designed to work like the previous generation of tape recorders, but without the limitations of that medium - simple. The sound quality of this device far exceeds what is normally required. The High Quality setting operates at a sample rate of 44kHz, similar to CD quality, and you can see it when played back on a PC with good quality speakers. Medium quality is more than adequate for most purposes and you get around 20 hours of recording time on a 128MB memory card - more than enough for me. I don't even bother using the lowest quality setting, although it's fine for most purposes and, like the other modes, is fairly artefact-free. that the batteries last about 4 hours of recording, while the high-capacity alkaline batteries last much, much longer. The main power switch can be turned on or off in the carrying case, which can be annoying, but it actually uses very little power unless it's in an active mode like recording or playback, so I don't see that as an issue. Fatal error. Inserting and removing a memory card is instantaneous, with a distinct clicking sound when the card is properly positioned, and the display confirming the card is being read and how much space (relatively) remains. The display is easy to read and can be configured to show various information such as time remaining on the map, time spent on this track, volume level (VU meter) etc. by simply pressing the display button. In general, I refused, although I had the opportunity to exchange this device for another. It's also worth noting that this recorder has advanced to the point where it can even be used for legal recording and transcription (IMO) with additional paddle hardware. As with all free information, your mileage may vary.