I’m looking for hardware recommendations for an oral history project for a group I’m working with.  The recordings will be made by volunteers who have limited experience with digital technology.  I am looking for a mid-range integrated recording system for “born digital” recording that is relatively inexpensive (under $800) and very easy to operate.

After looking through the BCR-CDP standards, we would like to have a sample rate of 44.1 kHz and a bit depth of 24 bits (but will take 16 bits, if necessary).

In my past experience with analog equipment, we found that a built in microphone caused the least amount of problems for volunteer interviewers and gave us a consistent (if not the best) sound quality.  But if anyone would like to share objections, I would be happy to hear them.

Ultimately, I’m looking for something that will create reasonable recordings with minimal fuss.  Ease of use will be the key to success, so I’m looking for recommendations from people who are actually using the hardware.

If you would like to respond to me directly, please send e-mail to [log in to unmask].

Thanks much!

Stacy Klingler

Assistant Director, Local History Services, Indiana Historical Society

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