RCA Digital Voice Recorder

[CruiserClass]

DVRs come up every now and then, and I would like to warn everyone away from the RCA products. I bought one because it was small, RCA is a hometown company, and the salesman said it would record in .mp3 format.

Its total junk. It corrupts files constantly, it records in a proprietary format that must then be converted into a .wav file with the included software in order to share it, the buttons are hit too easily, and the user interface is needlessly complex.

I contacted RCA about the file corruption problem and their customer service has been horrible. It's less frustrating to just toss this one in the bin and get a decent one that works instead of fighting with RCA.

Might as well buy a Japanese brand, this one is made in China too, and maybe the Japanese one will actually work.

[KenW.]

I have to say that I've used an RCA model RP5030A for several years without a single problem. Mine DOES record in MP3, got it for +/- 50 bucks at wally world. I love the USB connectivity.

For anyone buying one: Make sure it records in MP3 format and that it can connect to a PC via USB.

My RCA has been good to me.

[CruiserClass]

Mine is a 5030B, so I suppose its the replacement for your model "A." It doesn't look like it was a replacement for the better.

[KenW.]

So, your newer model is not as good as what got replaced? That stinks. I saw the "B" at the store the other day and almost got one myself.

warn everyone away from the RCA products

Still not a solid reason to stay away from all RCA products, but it is a warning to read all the packaging closely before buying anything, and maybe even check reviews on the net or read the on-line manual.

Buyer beware.

[mgshilling]

I really like my Olympus model recorder VN-4100PC. It connects to my computer via USB. It uses its own software to transfer files but it automatically stores them as .wav format. It has 256MB memory which transulate to 144hrs of recording at low quality (I keep it at HQ the second best quality setting and it gives me 30-some hours of recording) or 400 files (100 files per folder. Recording quality is pretty good. just set it on the table and forget about it. It has places to plug in ext. mic and ear phones. easier to use the my old sony model. it even allows you to create index points in recording on the go. It has a hold switch which keeps you from acidently pushing buttons.
I keep mine in my jacket pocket.

[Resq14]

Originally Posted by KenW.

I have to say that I've used an RCA model RP5030A for several years without a single problem. Mine DOES record in MP3, got it for +/- 50 bucks at wally world. I love the USB connectivity.

For anyone buying one: Make sure it records in MP3 format and that it can connect to a PC via USB.

My RCA has been good to me.

Based on your recommendation, I found one on eBay for $20. The big thing I wanted was recording in MP3 so no proprietary software would be needed.

And I have to say, I'm glad I took your advice!!! It works as promised. Thanks...

[KenW.]

Mine stays in my vehicle. I need one to keep in my desk.

When one the road I kept it hooked to an external mike that was placed at the top of the cage. Good to record all backseat passengers; especially opposite sex passengers.

[CruiserClass]

Originally Posted by KenW.

Still not a solid reason to stay away from all RCA products, but it is a warning to read all the packaging closely before buying anything, and maybe even check reviews on the net or read the on-line manual.

Buyer beware.

The horrible customer service is actually the reason I would suggest not buying RCA products. Any product can fail, but it should be resolved quickly and efficiently if still under warranty. The packaging also does not indicate what format it records in, I was just going by the salesman's statement.

I've finally mailed mine off for a warranty replacement after two e-mails and three phone calls. I shouldn't have to spend so much time, listen to so many unhelpful people, and repeat the same things over and over to get an item replaced. Now we'll see how long before they return it to me.

[Guams]

Originally Posted by mgshilling

I really like my Olympus model recorder VN-4100PC. It connects to my computer via USB. It uses its own software to transfer files but it automatically stores them as .wav format. It has 256MB memory which transulate to 144hrs of recording at low quality (I keep it at HQ the second best quality setting and it gives me 30-some hours of recording) or 400 files (100 files per folder. Recording quality is pretty good. just set it on the table and forget about it. It has places to plug in ext. mic and ear phones. easier to use the my old sony model. it even allows you to create index points in recording on the go. It has a hold switch which keeps you from acidently pushing buttons.
I keep mine in my jacket pocket.

That's the same DVR that I have and I must say, the quality of the recordings is great. When I first tested mine, I was standing on the park's dam about 10 feet away from a female fishing off the dam. After I went back and listened to the recording, it picked up every word she said, clear as day. I'm extremely happy with it. Now I just need to pick up an external mic that doesn't run on a watch battery...

[CruiserClass]

My defective RCA was received by the Thompson center on Dec 11. I tried to call today and listened to their recording. Apparently it takes aproximately "3 full weeks" to get a replacement issued. More stellar customer service from RCA.

A local shop had the RCA go on sale for $10. I could have picked up a replacement on the cheap and sold my warranty replacement, but I refuse to buy another RCA product after suffering through their customer service. I'll be picking up an Olympus off Amazon.

[Blackavar]

Do any of you know anything about this one?

Ebay

[CruiserClass]

After exceeding the "3 full weeks" I still have not received my replacement. Its impossible to get through on the telephone to their customer disservice, so I've sent off an email to ask when they think they might ship me the promised replacement. There is a projected two day business day wait for answers on e-mail.

Again, STAY AWAY FROM RCA PRODUCTS. IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE, YOUR NOT GOING TO GET ANY HELP FROM THEM ON YOUR WARRANTY.

[CruiserClass]

They e-mailed me a phone number to call, which refers me to another phone number, which has had me on hold for over 15 minutes. This is rediculous.

[Mabbottusmc]

Originally Posted by mgshilling

I really like my Olympus model recorder VN-4100PC. It connects to my computer via USB. It uses its own software to transfer files but it automatically stores them as .wav format. It has 256MB memory which transulate to 144hrs of recording at low quality (I keep it at HQ the second best quality setting and it gives me 30-some hours of recording) or 400 files (100 files per folder. Recording quality is pretty good. just set it on the table and forget about it. It has places to plug in ext. mic and ear phones. easier to use the my old sony model. it even allows you to create index points in recording on the go. It has a hold switch which keeps you from acidently pushing buttons.
I keep mine in my jacket pocket.

I just got one brand new from buy.com for $25. I'm happy to hear that you like it. Still waiting to receive mine.

[KenW.]

If you buy a BIG ticket item like a vehicle, you expect customer service.

Really now, just how much should you expect when you buy a $50 item off the walmart shelf?

I'd have chalked this up to experience and moved on.

Although I'm still having very good luck with my RCA RP5030A; not a single complaint. Think I'll buy a secnd one this weekend...

[Paladin Sponge]

I did a little research online and the consensus seems to be that olympus manufacturers some good recorders. I picked one up today (the DS-30), and though it does record in a proprietary .wav format, it suits my purposes well enough. I won't get a chance to field test it for about a week due to training. I'll report back here with my findings though.

[CruiserClass]

"The replacements are in process and you will be receiving your unit shortly. "

That's my e-mail response from 6 days ago. Still not sure when shortly is.

Originally Posted by KenW.

If you buy a BIG ticket item like a vehicle, you expect customer service.

Really now, just how much should you expect when you buy a $50 item off the walmart shelf?

As you like, but a warranty is a warranty. With a 1 year manufacturer's warranty I shouldn't have to go through all of this for a replacement. I bought a $100 digital camera from Gateway and when I had issues with it they addressed it immediately and I've subsequently bought thousands of dollars of products with them. I'll not buy any big ticket RCA items, as I doubt they take care of their "big ticket" warranty items any better.

[Paladin Sponge]

Well, hopefully this is still somewhat relative to the topic.

I'm happy with my DS-30 recorder. I haven't tested it for max battery life yet, just too lazy to go out and buy more batteries.

On the downside, it's more complex than I would've liked, and the only reliable way to turn it on is to push a button on the side of the unit. It feels the same facing either direction, so for me, I have to physically take it out of my pocket, look at it, and push the red button.

On the other hand, I really like the 30+ hour record time, more than enough to last a shift. I haven't gotten a little clip-on mic for it yet due to the stores being sold out of everything X_x, but the built-in mic does very well. A little quieter playback than I would have preferred, but it gets enough to make entire conversations decipherable.

Anyway, I hope that helps someone out there looking for a voice recorder.

On a side note, I was looking for a new recorder up until a week or two ago. Before I went out to buy this one, I checked this forum to see if anyone had anything to say about it. As a result, I decided to definitely not go with an RCA.

[jthorpe]

I use this one...

http://pumarecorders.com/default.aspx

Love it. No problems with it and it comes with a holder and a tie mic. It has 36 hours of recording available and it'll go a week or more on AAA batteries. It has been great, and has already paid for itself.

[CruiserClass]

The most recent deadline for my replacement to be delivered was today, and it has not arrived. Rediculous. Of course since I've been off injured for several weeks, I've got nothing better to do than follow up on this.

That Puma recorder looks nice. Where'd you pick it up at?

[pullthemover]

my question is do they record and play back good quality through polyester shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, etc?

[CruiserClass]

After five months and a BBB complaint, I finally got a replacement. On a side note, RCA doesn't make RCA recorders. They sold their naming rights years ago, apparently, and Audiovox is the most recent company to buy it.

[mgshilling]

Originally Posted by Paladin Sponge

... (the DS-30), and though it does record in a proprietary .wav format, it suits my purposes well enough...

Just an FYI ".wav" is not a proprietory file format. Its been around since Microsoft made its debut with Windows (maybe before that with DOS based machines). The proprietory software would be the program used to transfer the recording from the recorder to the computer or a file name that requires the company's software just to listen it. It'd be nice if there was a recorder that you could just open up on the computer as a file folder in windows (like most digital cameras) and you can drag them from the recorder to the computer with ease.

[Resq14]

Originally Posted by mgshilling

It'd be nice if there was a recorder that you could just open up on the computer as a file folder in windows (like most digital cameras) and you can drag them from the recorder to the computer with ease.

The RCA one does this... no special software needed.

Mine has held up ok... *shrug*

$20 off eBay

[Not a cop]

For a traditional type recorder I use olympus (any brand with usb interface). Look for the phone recording ear bud at radio shack, it works with all phones and records though your jaw bone. Check with PI Gear for covert recorders. I like some of the pen recorders (don't get the thick ones, they are too weird).
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO TURN THE VOLUME DOWN TO ZERO BEFORE USING. AND MAKE SURE WHEN THE BATTERY RUNS OUT THERE IS NO WARNING BUZZER. I was in a covert meeting with another investigator when my tape (old school gear) ran out and the recorder had a soft beeeeeeeeep. I crushed it against a table with my back and it stopped. Five mins later my partner leaned back in her chair and the play button was pressed... It was not that loud, but we were flippin' out. We pulled it off and got out quick but it was a lesson learned. Test gear and volume down or off...

Also, background noise