One of the common tasks for a researcher in education is to record conversations, lectures, classes or interviews. Traditionally, researchers have used tape-recorders, then microcassette dictaphones, then digital dictaphones. But with the advent of podcasting, a number of alternatives have emerged that can provide better quality of sound and much much more flexibility. One such recorder is now available for recording lectures and podcasts at the School. It is called Samson Zoom H2, You can hear the quality of recording on the first EDU Cast lecture.

As always, the trick is to learn how to use the tool and try it out before using it. Here are a few tips:

• IMPORTANT! The recording doesn't start until the red microphone light is solid. Pushing the red REC button once only starts the monitoring but the recording is paused. You need to push REC again to start recording. When you are finished with recording, press the red button one last time.
• Before recording:
  • Set recording quality settings using the MENU button (Manual pages: 35-37) NOTE: Pushing MENU button again will exit the menu.
    
    • REC MODE: MP3 128Kpbs (WAV is better but takes up too much space on the card)
    • LO CUT: ON (this will reduce pops when recording outside in the wind)
    • AGV/COMP: AGC2 (SPEECH) [Note: This overrides the MIC GAIN settingswitch on the right side of the recorder]
  • Set microphone scope: The H2 has 4 microphones on both sides to make for good recording of rooms or interviews. Use the buttons to set whether you use the microphones on the FRONT or REAR or SURROUND. For interviews use the 2CH (two channel) option.
  • Find a good location! The recorder is very sensitive to any touches or bumps. You can use the provided tripod (see pic above) to set it on a table but make sure nobody will touch it during recording. You can also use a camera tripod to support it during lectures.
  • When using the handle extension during one-on-one interviews, hold it firmly but not tightly and do not reposition your hand. This takes a bit of practice.
  • Set recording levels to adjust to the environment.
    • Push the red REC button once
    • Use the <</>> buttons to adjust recording levels
• During recording:
  • If at all possible, use headphones during the entire recording to monitor levels.
  • Keep the recorder at a constant distance from the speakers and away from bumps
• After recording:
  
  • Press the red REC to stop recording (there is no way to just pause)
  • Press PLAY to playback your recording
  • Copy the file to a computer to be edited by a programme like Audacity (free), MP3DirectCut (free), or Audition (paid).

This is a fairly popular recorder because of its relatively low price given its high quality performance. There are two video guides on YouTube showing how to make the most of it. The Samson page also has instructions and videos.