The dictaphone, an effective tool for recording sound

What is a dictaphone?

In certain circumstances, during or in meetings, recording is more advantageous than taking notes. This provides a better understanding of the topic. But to do this, you need to have the right tools: the dictaphone. A familiar term both personally and professionally, this device makes it possible to make a voice recording to be able to transcribe the soundtrack later or to better understand it. 

The real name of this device is " dictation recorder ». Its current name, a dictaphone, it owes it to its very first brand, the dictation recorder produced by Columbia Graphophone Company.

The dictaphone, its history

At first, the recording of the voice was possible thanks to the phonograph. It was the middle of the 19th century. Later, in 1907, an American company, Columbia Graphophone Company, produced the first-ever Dictaphone-branded dictaphone recorder.. At that time, the recording was done on wax cylinders. Over the years, the equipment has become more and more professional thanks to the efforts of technicians specialized in the field. Among them are tape recorders, using magnetic tapes; audio cassettes and microcassettes. The current name of the dictation recorder, the dictaphone is indeed acquired by the antonomase of its first brand.

The advent of digital technology has greatly contributed to the development of voice recording devices. The extension of the internal memory leading to the improvement of the capacity of the device and its autonomy among others are part of the technical progress to which they have been able to benefit. 

For more than twenty years, inventors have integrated the dictaphone function into almost all mobile devices, including mobile phones, cameras, etc. However, professionals opt for the old method instead; which is easier to handle and more autonomous.

What is the use of the dictaphone?

Dictation recorder or voice recorder, the dictaphone is therefore used to record sound data. It is mainly used in the field of health and justice. Medical students use a lot of the dictaphone's ability to record their anatomy classes, for example. Indeed, it is more difficult to write and understand at the same time. As a result, they prefer the easy solution, which is well paid for. Lawyers, too, are used to recording their oral communications with this tool. This allows them to transcribe them later in the in-depth study of each file. 

But the use of the dictaphone is not limited to these two specific areas. It also covers several other sectors. Journalists, for example, record the sound data they collect on the ground during their investigation. The same is true for investigators to record the details of each investigation. We are talking about any kind of investigation, whether for legal, social or other purposes. 

It should be noted that with recent technological developments, several applications are integrated into the dictaphone. As a result, this tool occupies more and more space in everyone's daily life. One of the professions that is currently in vogue, audio transcription, requires the exclusive use of one of the applications built into the dictaphone. Through software, such as the dragon naturally speaking, the sound elements recorded in the dictaphone are transcribed directly into a written file once the device is connected to a computer. 

As for those who have the good sense of organization, the dictaphone is a very good reminder tool. It allows you to review the tasks to be performed during the day. This avoids omissions. This is very beneficial especially for seniors. 

From these examples, one can draw the undeniable need for such a device in everyday life.

The dictaphone in the face of technological progress

It is true that advances in technology have brought a major advance to the various gadgets used on a daily basis. As far as the voice recorder is concerned, it has been perfected. 

Above all, the analog dictaphone, less and less seen on the market, is equipped with microcassette, which will contain the recordings made. The duration of the recording cannot exceed 90 minutes is a limit to this type of device. The digital dictaphone, on the other hand, has the wind in its sail given its almost always expandable memory and its diverse functionality. It also provides quality sound and sometimes incorporates the MP3 playback function.

Most smartphones and tablets are equipped with dictaphones. This allows you to record sound data for later use. But while this feature is equipped with these types of devices, we all know how fragile the screen of a smartphone and tablet is. Once broken, it is useless, otherwise it must be repaired before regaining its main function. Therefore, it is better to opt for a dictaphone especially for professionals. But to be able to take advantage of the features of such a gadget, you might as well choose it.