RCA RP5032 (128 MB, 35 Hours) Handheld Digital Voice Recorder

My friends and I have been going to haunted spots for years, we always used tape recording devices for EVP work. I decided to buy two digital recorders after watching Ghost Hunters, and Paranormal State. I looked at several models, and decided to try this model based on the memory, and features. We here at P.I.C.K (Paranormal Investigations of Central Kentucky)are very pleased with this recorder.

This little recorder by RCA is a great little recording device.

The RCA RP5032 has all the functions found in the very expensive digital recorders(including an insert and append function), and none of the drawbacks(proprietary sound file formats that require software to upload to your computer and to manage the files).The computer reads the recorder as another drive.

This little buddy records in MP3 format, and transfers the filesin MP3 format to the computer with no muss and fuss about software. And from there you can transfer and play them on any device that plays MP3 sound files. If you want wav files, that is simple. Download "Switch" a free file conversion tool, and convert the MP3 files to wav files. Nothing could be easier.

I've read reviews that put down the sound quality, and after doing several test recordings myself, it really makes me wonder if people aren't hearing impaired. This little gadget has good sound quality on playback. Earphones would probably make it better. Although I used on the HQ setting in the dictation mode. The HQ setting gives me 8.5 hours of recording time and by George that's really more than I need. If I need more room, I can transfer the files from the recorder to my computer, and I'm all set to record another 8.5 hours, easy peasy. Of course this is NOT an ipod it was not meant for recording and playing music. It's a voice recorder, like the old cassette tape recorders. If you buy it for listening to music, what can I say? Use the right tool for the right job.

This unit is small(smaller than most cell phones, very lightweight, and an attractive silver and black color.

The speaker is located on the front.

This little guy also has an on/off button (most other recorders only have a "hold" button), and a key locking button so it doesn't get switched "on" or "off" accidentally if it's bounced around in a pocket, purse or backpack.

There are 3.5 mm jacks (no adapter needed for most regular headphones or mics) for earphones and an external microphone if you feel the need to use either. An external mic would more than likely increase the recording sound quality in SP, and LP mode, and filter out extraneous noise better than any of the recording modes. Earphones would probably increase the playback sound quality . I can hear and understand the HQ mode recordings with no problem whatsoever.

It's simple to transfer files. Plug the USB cable into the recorder, and the other end into a USB port on your computer, then you just drag and drop. No software for proprietary sound file formats necessary.

All in all, I am very happy with this little voice recorder and its' performance so far. I get all the functions of a 150.00 digital voice recorder and I didn't pay anywhere near 150.00.