I suppose it is human nature for one to be hopeful that, when one sets out on a “big adventure”, one may experience “life-altering events” that trigger “deep thoughts”. As a result, most travelers bring some type of diary with them so that they have the necessary resources available to document their observations as they occur for the purposes of prosperity and/or profit.
I plan on documenting my trip in two formats. First will be through written text via this blog, with which I will post progress of the trip each day (when reception is available) including photographs, location and my shallow and pedantic observations. Second will be through spoken word via a digital audio recorder, with which I hope to capture the stories of other travelers and people that I meet. I hold this plan despite the fact that I am socially awkward and in many cases have no interest in the small talk of the common folk. Yet, despite this, I can guarantee that whatever other people have to say is much more interesting and poignant that what I have to say.
The tool that I will be using to record the audio is the Sony “PCM-D50 Linear PCM Recorder”. This substantive bastard records audio of the highest quality in digital format for easy USB upload to any computer. Though the display is basic and it takes a while to understand the storage paths and folder navigation, once you get the hang of it overall the device is simple to operate. You can hear an example of the superior audio quality here: New Hampshire Cut
Features include:
- Built-in Electret Condenser Microphones with max input level of 120 dB SPL and frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz that offers a selection of 2 operating positions, X-Y (for wide sound range coverage with depth) and Wide Stereo (for wider stereo spread image).
- Analog & optical line inputs and outputs including mic and headphones.
- Superior Audio Signal Path – To help minimize noise, the PCM-D50 is designed with 4 separate circuit boards to separate analog audio, digital audio, digital recording and power supply circuits.
- Simple Uploading to Computer via USB with audio recorded in .WAV format.
- 16 and 24 bit linear quantization.
- Powered by either DC 6V or 4 AA alkaline batteries (@ 14 hours battery life).
- 4 GB hard drive memory with expandable memory (takes Memory Stick Pro (High Speed ) Duo and Memory Stick Pro HG Duo)
- Versatile Recording Functions including:
- Unique dual digital limiter function
- High pass filter with selectable frequencies (150 Hz or 75 Hz)
- Low Cut Filter for noise reduction from wind and breath
- Limiter for noise reduction from sudden loud noise
- SBM (Super Bit Mapping) noise shaping.
- 5 second pre record buffer
- A-B repeat playback function.
- Material and Dimensions: 2 7/8″ x 6 1/8″ x 1 5/16″ @ 13 oz and made of lightweight but rugged aluminum (and it really does feel rugged).
- It can also be used as an mp3 player, supporting both .WAV and .MP3 playback.
You are right. The audio quality of the music sample was quite good, so, although I have almost no interest in the opinions or observations of, not just common folk, but of anyone, I will look forward to any sound bites you choose to share, & will listen with an open mind.
I’m finding your blog both interesting & informative. I hope you don’t mind if I tag along on your journey. …… A.K.
I’m looking into purchasing a windscreen so that I can record the various curse words that drivers shout at me while on the road.