Panasonic RR-QR240 Tapeless Digital Audio Recorder

Panasonic RR-QR240 Tapeless Digital Audio Recorder
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Product Type: CE

Editorial Review:
Product Description
Whether you're taping an important interview for work or a new song you've written, eliminate your paranoia about losing or damaging the tape with Panasonic's RR-QR240 tapeless recorder. With 32MB memory, this digital recorder stores up to 240 minutes of tapeless recording while providing High Quality Sound. And with its slim design, it fits easily into your pocket or carrying case. The unit's high-sensitivity microphone ensures that the recording is clear and complete. This handy pocket device helps you record spontaneous voice memos and unlike most voice memo organizers has up to 4 hours capacity for exceptional storage and versatility. Organize your memos in up to 4 customizable folders with up to 396 individual files each. So allow your creativity to flourish wherever and whenever with the Panasonic RR-QR240 Voice Organizer.
Amazon.com Review
Tapeless digital audio recorders have been around for some time, but until recently, the devices were hard to use and only recorded a few minutes worth of audio. Panasonic has changed all that with the introduction of the RR-QR240, a tapeless audio recorder that stores up to 266 minutes of audio and is easier to use than many of the cassette-tape recorders we've worked with.

The first thing we noticed about this device was its sleek, slim design. Measuring a little over 2 inches wide, a little under 4 inches high, and only 0.5-inches thick, it slips neatly into a shirt or pants pocket. The device is powered by a pair of AAA batteries and can record at three different quality levels. The advertised 266 minutes of record time is achieved at the low Long Play level, which is perfectly fine for making voice notes when the microphone will be close to your mouth. For recording conferences, meetings, or other recordings that require a greater level of fidelity, the decent Standard Play mode allows for up to 133 minutes of record time, while the superb High Quality mode lets you store up to 66 minutes of audio. We were impressed with the HQ mode, which let us create crisper recordings than any analog recording device we've worked with.

Recordings are stored in numbered files that can be placed in one of four lettered folders for easy organization. A wheel on the side of the device let us easily navigate the user interface and control the fast-forward and rewind features with one hand. We really appreciated the hold switch that let us lock the device so buttons weren't accidentally pressed when we were carrying the RR-QR240 around. Microphone and headphone jacks rounded out the package, allowing us to easily use it with phone recording equipment and external microphones. The audio playback from the built-in speaker came across loud and clear, which is amazing considering how thin this recorder is. Analog players offer finer control over fast-forwarding and rewinding, but they can't come close to the sound quality, portability, and organization features of this superb digital audio recorder. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

Extremely compact
High Quality mode produces excellent recordings
Professionals will love the input and output jacks

Cons:

Fast-forwarding and rewinding files is not as smooth as it could be
Relatively expensive
Can't apply text labels to stored recordings

Amazon.com Product Description
The Panasonic RR-QR240 is a digital, voice-activated recorder that fits in the palm of your hand. You can record up to 396 files on the 32 MB of flash memory, then divide your files into four folders; give your work notes, personal files, random ideas, and to-do lists separate homes. There is a time and date stamp for increased organization. Selective erasing allows you to individually delete old files.

Variable recording speeds give you up to 240 minutes of recording time. You can also set the Panasonic RR-QR240 to record at certain times. The built-in condenser microphone handles personal and room recording. Three playback speeds let you take copious notes or skip through a long session quickly. The built-in speaker provides dynamic playback.

The Panasonic RR-QR240 runs on two AAA batteries. There is an LED battery-power indicator and a hold switch that prevents battery drain when you are transporting your recorder.