No matter how hard we PR/communicator types may try, we can't escape our journalist roots. At the core of what we do beats the heart of a journalist looking for a good story to publish. We track down, explore and distribute the news just like "real" journalists do. And, if we're smart, we use many of the same tools.
For years, you've probably carried around a micro tape recorder to capture pithy quotes and interviews so you can later transcribe the notes into research for your story. This is classic Journalism 101, especially if you have on some sort of a Fedora with a "Press" card stuck in the band. Maybe they even call you Scoop.
The only problem with this method is the output -- the audio, in this case -- is analog. It's stuck on that tiny cassette and you can't retrieve it to use it however you'd like. So you're stuck transcribing the notes by hand and you can't use the actual audio to liven up your content.
Enter the digital micro recorders. These devices do away with the tape altogether and record to a small flash drive. You can then hook up your recorder to your computer and retrieve the audio file, which is usually in WAV or MP3 format. There are dozens of these on the market, with prices starting in the lower $100s and going up from there, depending on microphone complexity, hard drive capacity and other features. They can be a little tricky to use because they're not especially intuitive and they don't take advantage of existing technologies to integrate seamlessly with a work process you're already familiar with.
I've found one, though, that takes advantage of existing technologies to create a familiar user experience and interface that makes it a breeze to use. It's the Belkin TuneTalk recording device. In a nutshell, it's a plug-in device for your iPod that features two high-quality
omnidirectional microphones for recording memos, lectures, interviews,
or conversations in full stereo. Once recorded, you can review your CD-quality audio later by
using your earbud headphones or computer.
When you're ready, you simply plug the included USB cord into the device and your computer, launch iTunes and the audio is pulled into a special playlist for voice recordings. Here, you can change the format from WAV to MP3 and rename the file to something more appropriate for your needs. You can then dump the data into a mixing software (I use GarageBand) to create a podcast or other final product suitable for sharing on your intranet, blog or wiki.
The thing I like best about the device is it uses my iPod and iTunes, both of which I'm already familiar with operating. I don't have to learn anything new. When I want to conduct an interview, I simply grab the iPod with the TuneTalk attached, hold the device between me and interviewer (just like you already doing), hit record and conduct the interview. I can check the quality of the sound and whether it went successfully right there on the iPod. Don't like it? Record it again right there and check it again. When you get back to your computer, simply connect the device and download the interview into iTunes. Rename, remix to your tastes, garnish, serve and enjoy.
The Belkin TuneTalk was made to work with 5th Generation iPods (aka, iPod video) and 2nd generation Nanos. It's also compatible with the newer iPod Classic and 3rd generation Nanos, provided they have the most up-to-date firmware. I got mine directly from Belkin's site for $70 plus shipping. They are widely available across the web and at traditional brick-and-mortar retailers selling Belkin computer products. The website lists those locations.
Interviewing is at the heart of what we do. When you have the opportunity to do it face-to-face, try a digital recorder like the Belkin TuneTalk. It's an easier way to get the scoop, Scoop.
