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Top 7 Digital Voice Recorder Transcribers

By Susan Ward, About.com

There are a lot of digital voice recorders out there, but if you need to do more than upload audio files to your computer and listen to them, you'll appreciate the transcription capabilities of these digital voice recorders. Not all transcription systems, however, are created equal. If you have a lot of transcription to be done, a digital voice recorder with voice editing software that lets you manage your workflow is a wise investment.

1. Sony ICDMX20VTP Digital Voice Recorder

Sony ICDMX20VTP Digital Voice Recorder
What puts this digital voice recorder at the top of my list? The array of recording features, upgradeable memory (the recorder has 32MB of flash memory built in but you also have the option of using Memory Stick Duo and PRO Duo media cards) and the fact that Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred voice recognition software is included make this digital voice recorder an excellent buy for someone looking for transcription as well as recording capabilities.
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2. Olympus DS-4000 Digital Voice Recorder

Olympus DS-4000 Digital Voice RecorderPriceGrabber.com
This is Olympus's top of the line digital voice recorder intended to meet professional dictation/transcription needs and it shows. Standout features include voice file management and editing capabilities, battery life, the ability to dictate directly to a PC and being able to program up to 10 author IDs. DSS Player Pro Dictation software is included and the recorder is compatible with IBM ViaVoice. Add an Olympus AS-4000 transcription kit and you've got a true full-featured transcription system.
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3. Sony ICD-BM1 Digital Voice Recorder

Sony ICD-BM1 Digital RecorderPriceGrabber.com
Voice email function, add/overwrite functions, digital pitch control, incremental rewind – this Sony digital voice recorder is packed with features to make dictation and editing voice recordings easier, and Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred Voice to Print software is included to meet your transcription needs. This recorder's professional quality sound, though, is its main selling point.
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4. Olympus DS-40 Digital Voice Recorder

Olympus DS40 Digital Voice RecorderPriceGrabber.com
For business, professional and student purposes, the Olympus DS-40 is a great all-around digital voice recorder at a good price point. The ability to record and playback WMA media format gives this digital recorder more versatility than most and it's packed with features. Voice guidance, four playback modes and and a high-sensitivity detachable stereo microphone are just a few. You can even record and create podcasts if you like! With 512MB of built-in memory, 136 hours of recording time in LP mode and DSS Player software for managing voice files included, this digital voice recorder is an excellent choice.
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5. Sony ICD-SX68DR9 Digital Voice Recorder

Sony ICD-SX68DR9 Digital Voice RecorderPriceGrabber.com
Both recording and transciption are easy with this digital voice recorder (Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred software is included). It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles as far as features go, but it does have voice activated recording, digital voice up, and a triple microphone design for more accurate recording. The digital voice recorder stores up to 512MB, has MP3 playback, and offers up to 185 hours of recording time. All in all, a good package at a good price.
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6. Olympus DS-2300 Digital Voice Recorder

Olympus DS-2300 Digital Voice RecorderPriceGrabber.com
This digital voice recorder has the capability to be a true transcription system. The digital recorder itself can record up to five and a half hours and comes with DSS Player Dictation software for managing voice files. The large backlit LCD, file edit function (which lets you insert and overwrite on an existing recording file), and ability to place index marks are definite pluses. For a full transcription system, add the AS-2300 Transcription Kit, a footpedal, and stereo earphone accessories.
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7. Olympus Digital Recorder PC Transcription Kit

Olympus PC Transcription KitPriceGrabber.com
Turn your Olympus digital voice recorder into a true transcription system with this digital voice recorder accessory kit. The kit includes DSS Player software (for downloading DSS files from your Olympus DS or DM series digital recorder), an RS-25 Footpedal (to control playback of the file), and an E-102 stereo headset (so you can listen privately to the playback of the voice files).

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