Voice activated recording is a fairly self-explanatory term. Voice activated recorders contain circuitry that detects sound and activates the recording mechanism when sound occurs. When the voice activated recorder hears sound, so to speak, it records what it hears. When the sound detected ceases, the recorder stops recording. This is great for those of us who don't want to save money on batteries and tape.

Voice activated recorders are time, energy and space savers. These devices enable the users to capture only what's necessary instead of recording blank, dead air. While these recorders do save some energy, they do use battery power even when they are not recording. For this reason, I suggest models that can use rechargeable batteries. You can also get a voice activated recorder that comes with or accepts A/C adapters so you can eliminate the need for a battery.

When to Use Voice Activated Recorders

What will you use a voice activated recorder for? Some voice activated recorders use regular cassette tapes while others use microcassette tapes, while others contain built-in memory for recording. These recorders are perfect for taking notes in a board meeting, dictation in the office, and taking notes in the classroom. Most models are small enough to fit in your pocket and light enough to carry around without being a nuisance.

Digital recorders have become the more popular type of voice activated recorders. With these models you can save money on cassette tapes and download your audio files into your computer. You don't have to worry about changing tapes or running out of room. These models are more expensive but the convenience afforded by digital recorders is worth the extra price.