I have a decent set-up... but I want to make it better.

For the record, here's what I have:

1) Gadget you get at radio shack that plugs in between your phone and the handset. This connects to your recorder.

2) MP3 Player that connects with the item above.

That works "pretty good."

When I conduct my coaching calls, product interviews, JV audio products, etc... anything I want to duplicate for resale, promotion, etc. I do it on my conference line, run their recording system (which produces a MUCH better sounding recording) and run my own system as a back-up.

NOTE: Back-up is vital. I've had the conference call recording fail 3 times over the last 7 or 8 months... but they were important calls and I was glad I ahd the back-up.

Now...

I have tried to plug my phone gadget directly into my computer sound card. But I get a "hummmmm." It's useless audio.

I would really like to get a "cleaner" sound even to my digital recorder. Or, preferrably, go straight to my computer.

Anyone doing this?

What do you use?

How do you have it set up?

Ken Calhoun... you're pretty techie... how 'bout you?

Hi, JP.

A couple options. If you get a higher-end sound card, you should get a much cleaner sound. Perhaps Ken or others can make some recommendations there.

Also, you can get what's called a gate/limiter, and couple it with a decent equalizer. The equalizer will allow you to reduce certain frequencies, such as the hum. The gate/limiter allows you to "cut off" the volume completely below a certain threshold (i.e. when nobody is speaking). So the two work together nicely. The EQ reduces the hum when you are speaking, and when there is silence, the gate cuts out the background noise completely.

I use this setup for my music studio, but it'll work just fine for speaking as well. And a decent gate/limiter is not that expensive. Check with your local music/recording supply shop.

Of course, software can also perform the gate/limiter/EQ functions digitally, so you may want to check that out as well. However, I've found that digitally doing it makes the voice sound a bit "electronic" and metallic when it is processed, one of the reasons I stick with analog on the front end.

And if you have a high-end sound card coupled with the right software, you may not need much in the way of extra equipment.

John

You need the Dynametric Telephone Logger Patch.

Connect from phone to sound card.

No hum.

I have the TLP-102 but I think there's a newer model.

DynaMetric - Telephone Logger Patches - TLP-104, TLP-104SY, TLP-107, TLP-107SY

Thanks Doc!

Is yours powered (a/c plug) or the one that's just inline?

I found the wrong product...

Doc -- your's is the most up-to-date.

DynaMetric - Phone Recording Adapters & Cell Phone Recording Adapters - TLP-102, TMP-636, TMP-636S, TLP-124HS & TRP-100 (TMP636, TMP_636, 636, TLP102, 102, 636STMP-636S)

I spoke with them by phone, and for the record, the reason their gadget works is that their internal wiring in that box is NOT direct wired like the radio shack gadget.

Which is why you get no hummmm...

I feel so smart now!

Putting credit card in and ordering -- again, thanks Doc!

JP, I'd forego the land line entirely and get a Skype account. Side-steps all the extra steps, gadgets, gizmos, etc.... why go round-robin when one can go direct feed? Leo Laporte, Patrick Norton & friends have used Skype to call in & record This Week in Tech, the sound quality has been excellent.

Bailey

Getting one of those gadgets is great for getting it into your computer, however you really need to be able to manipulate it once it gets into your computer. I highly recommend Adobe Audition or it's predecessor Cool Edit. I believe Adobe Audition is on version 2.0 now, but you can get version 1.5 for around $30-40, or Cool Edit for around $15-20.

Cool Edit 2000 2.1 - $19.00
Adobe Audition 1.5 For Sale

Even though they look complicated, they really aren't that bad, and are very useful.

HTH,

M

I use Dynametric. It's a godsend. And I have it coupled with a plantronic headset mic, which is connected in the "speaker/phone" switch of my Dynametric adapter. (It's the one suggested on Dynametric's website.)

Smooth.

Skype sucks, because it's risky with Internet connections. OK if you're doing interviews for your own reference. Not good is you plan on distributing your recording.

My 3 cents.

Michel is right.

Skype blows quite often.

I've seen it work sometimes, but many times the
quality is just trash, and has too many echoes.

I wouldn't recommend it to anyone for any type
of product creation.

If you are on a budget and need a free alternative,
go with Gizmo, it's much better then skype and has
a built in mp3 recorder.

However, make sure you save that mp3 every 25 to
30 minutes so you don't lose the entire call (which i've
seen happen).

Thanks Bailey!!!

but...


I signed up for a skype account a few months ago, after searching, found a good record tool (for skype), and was all geared up to go.

But...

Like you, Michel -- I found it to be extremely unreliable.

I'll have to admit, Bailey. The recording you sent me to sounds GREAT.

I wonder how they're overcoming the "dropped calls" and periodic "waterbarrel sound" issue? Because I've found it to be a REAL issue with skype.

I REALLY WANT SKYPE TO WORK... it's was a big disappointment when it didn't.

BTW, I ordered the dynametric today. Can't wait to get it in.

Additional question Michel (or Doc). Are you guys using a mixer to insure the levels are even between your voice and the caller's voice?

Just curious...