Digital voice recorders for blind and visually impaired persons are useful in recording audio in various situations. For instance, they can record lectures, take notes in a business meeting, or record journals for personal memories and inspiration.
These devices may have similar qualities to the conventional recorder. However, they provide special features that help the blind or visually impaired use them with ease. If you are looking for a top voice recorder for the blind, this article is for you. We will review four products to consider the next time you are shopping for one.
Micro-Speak Plus Talking Digital Voice Recorder
Product
The Micro-Speak Plus Talking Digital Voice Recorder is a top voice recorder for the blind that is easy to use. It has a list of features and capabilities that are ideal in different voice recording situations. Read further to know the features it offers.
Main features and pros
- Provides the user with 8GB memory space
- Comes with large tactile buttons for easy pressing
- In-built voice-command software for easy navigation
- Stores audio in .WAV format
- Has a built-in speaker for immediate playback functions
- 3.5mm headphone jack for personal listening
- Built-in microphone for high-quality recording
- Features a record, play, pause, save, volume, and delete buttons
Cons and what we don’t like
- Most people complain that the on/off buttons are difficult to find
- The manufacturer should include more controls for easy navigation
Our opinion / verdict
The Micro-Speak Plus Talking Digital Voice Recorder would be an ideal option for a buyer who’s looking for an affordable and easy-to-use digital voice recorder. The battery can run for an entire day when it’s at full charge. Further, its voice command prompt is also an added feature that will guide low vision users on how to use this digital voice recorder.
Olympus DS-50 Digital Voice Recorder
Product: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OSDLEK
The Olympus DS-50 Voice Recorder is a portable device that lets you record audio using four modes. Here is why we think this would also be an ideal option for anyone with low vision.
Main features and pros
- Provides up to 1GB internal memory space with room for external memory slots
- Stores audio in WMA or MP3 audio formats
- Requires two AAA batteries
- In-built microphones for stereo recordings
- The manufacturer provides remote control for easy recording
- USB feature for uploading and downloading audios
- 30 hours of recording time
- Easy to use playback functions (record, skip, fast, slow)
- Noise cancellation and voice filter functions to eliminate unneeded background noise
- Voice commands for the blind and people with low vision
Cons and what we don’t like
- Users complained that the Olympus software doesn’t support Mac OS
- It doesn’t have a memory card SD slot; meaning you have to rely on the internal memory only
Our opinion / verdict
Although it doesn’t have rechargeable batteries, we feel this would be a worthy investment for recording high-quality stereo audio. Different professionals, including journalists, use it for various recording purposes. Also, thanks to its voice command feature, a visually impaired person will have an easy time recording audio when alone.
Olympus Digital Dm 720 Voice Recorder
Product: https://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Digital-Dm-720-Voice-Recorder/dp/B019G8LNL6
Apart from being a vital audio recording tool for most professionals, visually impaired individuals can benefit from the Olympus-Digital-Dm-720-Voice-Recorder. It provides the user with exceptional recording features that will enhance the quality of any audio recording.
Main features and pros
- The device has an internal memory of about 4GB
- Features a memory card slot
- Has a three microphone system to record high-quality stereo sounds
- Connects directly to PC using the USB direction connection
- Charges with USB
- It has a 2.5mm headphone jack
- Easy to use playback feature, including the split file function
- Comes with a voice playback function for easy transcription
Cons and what we don’t like
- It takes some time for the unit to detect the external memory card
- Some buttons share controls, which can make it difficult for one to locate specific functions
Our opinion / verdict
Visually impaired persons can benefit from this digital voice recorder since it has a voice command option, which provides clear guidance on using the device. Apart from that, you will also appreciate the fact that this voice recorder achieves high-quality recordings, especially when you want it to capture sounds from a distance.
Olympus VN 541PC Digital Recorder
Product: https://www.amazon.com/Olympus-VN-541PC-Black-Digital-Recorder/dp/B01JA80N6I
The Olympus VN 541PC Digital Recorder fits into the best digital voice recorders for the blind and visually impaired category since the lightweight unit provides clear, quality sound in different situations. Here are some reasons why you should buy it.
Main features and pros
- It’s lightweight, which makes it portable
- Offers the user up to 4GB of internal memory
- Features a micro USB cable to connect directly to the PC
- Four recording settings including LP, memo, music, and talk for easy saving
- Has a voice cancellation playback feature that eliminates background noise when recording
- You will need 2 AAA batteries
- Comes with a mono microphone, which provides clear sound
- Stores audio in WMA format only
- Features a 2.5mm headphone jack
Cons and what we don’t like
- It’s not compatible with Mac OS
- Users complained that the microphone is a bit sensitive; you need to learn how to adjust it to clear out the noises
- Manufacturer should consider adding MP3 format for audios since it’s more common
Our opinion / verdict
This digital voice memo is easy to use, and will be ideal for various recording situations. Another quality that makes this recorder one of the best is the noise cancellation feature, which can be helpful when listening back to the audio and when transcribing it.
Very important factors to consider when buying a digital voice recorder for a blind or visually impaired user
Buying a digital voice recorder can be stressful, especially if you don’t know what features would suit a visually impaired person. Furthermore, you will find many options to choose from in the market.
Therefore, the next time you are out there looking for the best digital voice recorder for a person with low vision, ensure that you consider the following factors.
1. Built-in Voice command feature
Depending on the different buttons or looking at the screen for navigation can be challenging if you have low vision. Hence, you should choose a device that has a voice command feature, which acts as the guide for people with eye problems.
The user doesn’t have to worry about locating specific controls since the voice command will guide you on which buttons to press. Some devices come with a beep sound, which you hear once you press certain buttons. For instance, the voice recorder might beep to signify the start of a recording.
2. Check the size of the buttons
Since it’s difficult to locate the right buttons when visually impaired, look for a digital audio recorder with larger controls; however, size should not mean that the buttons will be difficult or too fragile to press. Many people complain that some buttons cave in when you press them too much.
3. The battery should be long lasting
Long meetings or lectures may need digital audio recorders that can record for a longer time. Therefore, when fully charged, the device should capture those long audio recordings that go for hours. Note that the best voice recorders may last up to 48 hours or more. Look at different reviews you see online or check the user manual for this information.
4. Check the memory size
Different digital audio recorders vary in terms of memory size. When selecting, ensure that the memory size is more than 1GB. It would also be good if the voice recorder has a memory card slot In which you can insert a bigger expansion SD card to store extra recordings. The files that these recorders produce are quite small already, so this is not a necessity. But if you’re going to have very long recordings, frequently, it is best you have more than a couple gigabytes space, just in case.
5. Quality of recordings
Examine the device to determine how it picks sound, including ambient sound. If you need one that can record audio in a large hall (such as a lecture hall), then going for one with a noise-canceling feature will help transcribe the recording efficiently.
Also, take note of the type of microphones each voice recorder provides. For instance, some have more than one in-built microphone to pick sound from different directions and eliminate ambient noise that may distract the overall quality of the audio.
6. Playback functions
Check the playback options in the voice recorder and determine how easy or difficult they are to use.
In connection with that, the voice recorder you choose should be compatible with the devices you use. For instance, some may not connect with Mac OS and connect to PC (or vice versa), while others can connect to both. Check the user manual or reviews to identify compatibility.
Conclusion
We appreciate that you took the time to read the entire article. Our hope is that, by now, you have all the information you need to get a user-friendly recorder for a visually impaired user.
Note that the products we mention in this article may not have all the necessary features that you would want in a voice recorder. However, we feel that they will help the visually impaired record meetings, lecturers, audio for transcription and moments of inspiration with ease, especially when they are alone.
Also, remember always to prioritize your needs when choosing the best option.