Recording Quality - Interesting find!

[Riley]

I have noticed all the post about the poor recording quality. I was doing some testing with the different bit rates and Hz, and accidentally stumbled upon something. If you use the record button, found on the side of the Axim, to record your voice annotation you get a lot of static. I found this to be a problem at any bit rate. Well while I was testing I just used the record button that is on the tool bar.

Absolutely no static at 44,100Hz 16Bit Stereo (172KB/s). I did get static at this setting using the record button on the side. I dropped it down to 22,050 Hz, 16Bit, Stereo (86 KB/s) and the same thing. Static using the side record button, nothing using the tool bar record button.

I ask others to play with this and see if you get the same results. I really don't think it matters what the KB settings are, but whether if you use the physical record button or the on screen tool bar record button.

Let me know what you find out.

[andsoitgoes]

Too weird, Riley!!

That does it. No matter what the quality, pressing the "Record" button causes static, and manually recording - no static.

Brilliant, you are my new hero!

Now, if only we can get Dell to fix this! ;)

Nick

[MiniM3]

Yes, I also noticed this, when the side record button is depressed for recording, the static seems to be worst, I think Dell goofed up on this one. I'm guessing the button circuitry is not well designed. I fixed that problem by using Vito's Sound Explore. It allows me to map the record button to start the app and another press of the side record button starts the recording, the nice thing about this is that I don't have to keep the record button down to record, i just press it once more to stop recording.

I think when you keep the record button pressed down while recording it causes interference.

Seems to work fine with the Vito's Sound Explorer method.

[andsoitgoes]

Felt this required a...

BUMP

:)

I've been meaning to try this suggestion and "rotate" the microphone to see if that fixes it. If the mic is in the unit wrong, then they are going to have a huge problem on their hands replacing all these units.

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/bo...id=11378&page=3

Some pictures on how to do are included.

[andsoitgoes]

For right now, I'll stick to using a 3rd party software program, or manually recording notes.

But you're right, Dell is going to have a nasty lil' mess on their hands if they have to replace these units - and you can be sure that mine will go back if they get a fix.

I mean - it's no use to have the recorder if I *can't* press and hold the button to make a recording. If I'm out and walking, or in the car - whatever, I shouldn't have to take the entire unit out, open a program and then hit the "Record" button on the screen.

That's dumb, and that's not what I expect from a PPC unit.

Fingers crossed, Dell might just fix this. I'll monitor that post on the forums and we'll see what happens.

Thanks tons for that link, BTW. Muchly appreciated!

Nick

[Riley]

Originally posted by andsoitgoes@Jan 28 2003, 06:50 PM
That's dumb, and that's not what I expect from a PPC unit.

I agree completely. I like to hear myself talk and I can't do that very well with all that static. :) Seriously it needs to be fixed and I anticipate Dell's response.

Also thanks cageyjames for the link I will keep an eye on that as well.

[Mike C]

It also helps if you speak into the mic instead of the speaker.