Digital Audio Recording Equipment

Some of the most interesting and useful surveillance items available are audio recorders. There are several different styles and sizes of recorders available including Stick Cameras, Pen Cameras and even Flood Lights that record Audio. You can buy a dedicated analog or cell phone recorder, or you can choose one of several models of digital audio recorders that fit nicely in your hand or pocket.

Regardless of which type of audio recorder you decide on, you should be aware of the legalities that accompany such recording. It is very important to make sure that any recording, either of a phone conversation or an in-person conversation, complies with federal and state laws. You certainly don't want to face criminal charges or civil law suits for any audio recording. Depending on the circumstances and your jurisdiction, there may be a difference under the law between in-person recordings and telephone recordings.

The first consideration you will need to make is whether the conversation is considered private. Almost all telephone conversations are presumed to be private conversations between the parties to the call. In-person conversations, however, are not necessarily private. In general, in-person communications which can be naturally overheard - that is, overheard without use of any special device - are not considered private conversations.

For example, two people have a loud conversation in front of you at the grocery store have no expectation that their communications are private. If a conversation is not private, it can generally be recorded without legal repercussion.

If the conversation is considered private, such as a phone call or a quiet discussion between two people in an office or bedroom, then federal and/or state wiretapping or eavesdropping laws will apply.

You will want to make sure that you comply with the federal wiretapping statute - also known as the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. Under federal law, a telephone conversation can be recorded with the consent of at least one party to the conversation. If you are one of the people taking part in the telephone conversation, your consent is all it takes to comply. If you are not part of the conversation, be sure to get the consent of someone who is.

In addition to federal laws, each U.S. state and territory has its own statutes regarding the recording of conversations - either on the telephone or in-person. Most state wiretapping and eavesdropping laws are based upon the federal law and allow recording with the consent of one party to the conversation.

The District of Columbia follows federal law and allows people to record conversations with the consent of only one party. Nevada has what appears to be a one party consent statute but state courts generally interpret it as an "all party consent" statute. In California and Connecticut, there are exceptions to the "all party consent" requirement. There, you can record a conversation with the consent of only one party if threats or certain criminal activity is involved.

In addition to federal laws, each U.S. state and territory has its own statutes regarding the recording of conversations - either on the telephone or in-person. Most state wiretapping and eavesdropping laws are based upon the federal law and allow recording with the consent of one party to the conversation.

In most states, the laws handle the recording of an in-person conversation with a reasonable expectation of privacy the same as the recording of a telephone conversation. There are a few exceptions. In Connecticut, you'll need all parties to consent to the recording of a telephone conversation in order to avoid being sued for damages.

There is no mention of the recording of in-person conversations in the statute which gives that right to sue. There is, however, a Connecticut statute which makes the recording of a telephone conversation or an in-person conversation a felony unless you have the consent of at least one party to the conversation. So, one statute has civil implications, the other has criminal consequences.

In Hawaii, two rather confusing statutes allow for one party consent to record telephone conversations or in-person conversations - unless you want to install a "bug" in a private place to record an in-person conversation, in which case, you'll need the consent of all parties to the conversation. Indiana has no statute which mentions in-person conversations at all.

So, when considering whether or not to record an in-person or telephone conversation, you should follow a two-step analysis. First, determine whether the conversation is considered private under the law - can you naturally overhear it or is it in a place in which there is a reasonable expectation of privacy? If not (or if it is a telephone conversation), then, the basic rule is that it is illegal to record unless you have consent of at least one, if not all, of the participants. To ultimately determine which laws apply to your specific situation, you should always consult with an attorney.

Sharon Macdonald is a high-tech security specialist. She is an expert in visual and audio surveillance systems and techniques. See what she recommends to protect your family in her blog

Quick Guide to Digital Audio Recording $11.74 All modern music recordings use digital audio technology. Now everyone with a computer can produce CD-quality recordings and this book shows you how. Written in a clear and straight-forward style, it explains what digital audio recording is, how to use it, the equipment you need, what sort of software is available, and how to achieve professional results. It explains:What computer system you need. Sound and digital audio essentials What to look for in a sound card Recording techniques How to use virtual instruments How to edit and create loops What effects to use The art of mixing Computer-based recording is the future of music and this book shows how you can join the revolution now.

The Art of Digital Audio Recording $35 Making great audio recordings requires striking the right balance between technical know-how and practical understanding of recording sessions. Even in the digital age, some of the most important aspects of creating and recording music are non-technical and, as a result, are often overlooked by traditional recording manuals. The Art of Digital Audio Recording teaches readers what they really need to know in order to make great sound recordings with computers - both the practical and the technical information, including: DT What to look and listen for in a recording environment DT Straightforward advice on recording almost any instrument DT Essentials of digital audio workstations DT Essentials of recording gear: microphones, mixers, and speakers DT Fundamentals of understanding and applying EQ, compression, delay, and reverb DT Secrets to running creative recording sessions DT Practical application of digital editing, mixing, and mastering A special section identifies solutions to the most common challenges in the recording studio, and the book also features an addendum with essential tips and reference information including: DT How to walk into a commercial studio and be the engineer DT Researching and buying gear: Internet vs. brick and mortar DT Digital formats: A handy reference As a whole, The Art of Digital Audio Recording is an essential resource that gives recordists the tools they need to let technical understanding serve greater musical goals.

Lexicon Alpha USB Audio Recording Studio $59.99 This recording studio features 4 audio inputs and a microphone preamp for direct connection of your equipment and Cubase LE software that allows you to edit your tracks for a comprehensive DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).

M-Audio Delta 66 Digital Recording System $189 M-Audio Delta 66 Digital Recording System

M-Audio Delta 44 Digital Recording System $149.99 M-Audio Delta 44 Digital Recording System

Berklee Press Recording in the Digital World Book $29.95 Build the perfect digital studio, no matter what your budget! Creating high-quality digital recording does not require buying the most expensive audio equipment, but it does require buying the right equipment and knowing how to use it. The book Recording in the Digital World by Thomas E. Rudolph and Vincent R. Leonard provides professional advice and recommendations on studio equipment, software and the latest technologies, plus practical tips for creating, editing, and mastering digital recordings. The music production tips are perfect for professional musicians, music educators and hobbyists who want to explore the world of digital recording. 8 inch. x 10 inch., 280 pages.

Recording on a Budget $19.95 Audio recordings are the calling card with which musicians share and promote their work so a knowledge of recording techniques and technologies is essential to the 21st century musician. Recording On a Budget provides a comprehensive introduction to the recording arts from a budget-conscious perspective. Written by a professional musician and educator, this book is idea for musicians, educators, music students, songwriters and hobbyists. A central theme of the book is that it is possible to make quality recordings with a modest selection of recording tools. Chapters cover the selection and use of all of the components of a project studio including microphones, mixer, computer, digital audio workstation software, and signal processors. Additional chapters provide a solid foundation in acoustics, audio recording, podcasting, mixing and mastering. The final chapter of the book features do-it-yourself projects that can be completed with a modest selection of tools. Most musicians have developed their ears to a high level so a special focus is placed on the development of recording technique through experimentation and the application of critical listening skills. The book is supported by an online resource of nearly 250 audio excerpts detailing all of the primary topics of the book. Recording on a Budget is ideal for: DT Musicians who are interested in recording a quality CD or demo DT Choir, orchestra, and band directors who want to record vocal or instrumental ensemble DT Student performers and composers who wish to record a performance or produce their own music DT Bands interested in recording live concerts or recording an album in a home studio DT Videographers interested in recording location sound, voice-overs or music DT Songwriters who wish to produce a quality demo DT Podcasters and ALL who want to make quality recordings without spending fortunes on equipment. Readers will learn DT to cut budget corners without sacrificing audio quality DT to choose the right microphone for the job (and where to place it) DT to assemble an equipment rack, mixing desk, and speakers stand DT to avoid common mistakes DT And to be creative and have fun with recording technology Visit the companion website at www.oup.com/us/recordingonabudget for free selection of sample recordings!

Berklee Press Recording In The Digital World Book $29.95 Build the perfect digital studio, no matter what your budget! Creating high-quality digital recording does not require buying the most expensive audio equipment, but it does require buying the right equipment and knowing how to use it. The book Recording in the Digital World by Thomas E. Rudolph and Vincent R. Leonard provides professional advice and recommendations on studio equipment, software and the latest technologies, plus practical tips for creating, editing, and mastering digital recordings. The music production tips are perfect for professional musicians, music educators and hobbyists who want to explore the world of digital recording. 8 inch. x 10 inch., 280 pages.304 pagesSize: 10" x 8"Author: Thomas E. RudolphISBN: 634013246

Alfred Home Recording Basics Book $10.95 Home Recording Basics covers analog and digital formats, multitrack recording, mic and line-level signals, mic types and placement, effects and signal modules, mixdown, and audio mastering. You get clear illustrations and concise descriptions of all recording equipment and processes so your home recording studio is smart and efficient.Everything you need to know about recording musicDigital and analog formatsrecording equipment and process descriptions

M-Audio Delta 1010 Digital Recording System $599.99 This digital recording system features high-quality converters for up to 110dB dynamic range and low distortion for clear audio. S/PDIF, MIDI and word clock connectivity allow versatile use.

Hard Disk Recording for Musicians $36.24 A complete, up-to-the-minute guide to the equipment, techniques, and processes of digital audio. Covers computer-based sound editing, digital signal processing, real-world applications, and sampling.

Home Recording for Beginners (Paperback) $24.67 This book guides beginners step-by-step, through the fundamentals of home recording, using the computer as the recording medium. The emphasis is on practical instruction, delivered over the course of 30 lessons in easy-to-understand language and logical sequence and with real examples for the reader to try out. Essential technical knowledge and theory are introduced and explained along the way as it becomes relevant and necessary. It also takes the reader through what they will need (equipment and cost) if they wish to progress to creating a serious home studio. The book is not software-based, but examples are shown using REAPER, a low-cost Digital Audio Workstation. A 30-day evaluation copy of REAPER is provided on the accompanying CD.

Practical Recording Techniques $46.95 Hands-on practical guide covering all aspects of recording, ideal for beginning and intermediate recording engineers, producers, musicians and audio enthusiasts. Filled with tips and shortcuts, this book offers advice on equipping a home studio (both low-budget and advanced), suggestions for set-up, acoustics, choosing monitor speakers, and preventing hum. This best-selling guide also tells how to judge recordings and improve them to produce maximum results. New material covered in the 5th edition to include: * complete revision and update of digital media sections * new section on mixing tips * new section on podcasts and file sharing * new section equipment and connector levels * new section function and connector types * new section on digital metering * new section exporting projects from other studios * new photos * This popular bestseller covers the latest digital techniques for professional and home studios, and location recording * Now features a dedicated website packed with audio clips to enhance the text * Now includes a brand new chapter on computer recording procedures

M-Audio Guide for the Recording Guitarist $34.99 With the proliferation of affordable, high-quality hardware and software,most of the power of a professional studio is now available to musicians in the comfort of their own homes. Artists can now compose, perform,record, and distribute music without even leaving the house. The problem is, most musicians don’t know how to get started. What equipment should you buy? How do you use it? The M-Audio Guide for the Recording Guitarist presents a complete how-to guide that answers these questions and more. Specifically geared toward guitarists, this book explains how to work with the M-Audio hardware and software that’s been designed to help guitarists join the computer-recording revolution. And as the leading provider of creative tools for musicians and audio professionals, M-Audio knows home recording better than anyone else. The equipment is covered in depth, including recording interfaces for computers, guitars, microphones,MIDI controllers, and speakers. The book covers everything from purchasing and setting up the equipment, to making and optimizing all connections, to recording final songs. This is the only guide a guitarist needs to create high-quality recordings in the home studio.

Sound Advice on Digital Audio, 1st Edition $14.95 High quality digital audio makes it possible to produce audio at home that is competitive with audio recorded in world-class professional studios. If you don’t understand the fundamentals of digital recording, you’re missing a chance to get the most out of your equipment. If you have a computer, audio recording software, and an audio interface, Sound Advice on Digital Audio will give you the information and insight you need to make your own world-class recordings. This book also covers important considerations regarding the use of analog and digital devices together. This information-packed guide provides step-by-step instruction along with a CD of excellent audio examples, all aimed at showing you how to use these important tools and techniques like a pro.

Home Recording for Beginners, 1st Edition $34.99 This book guides beginners step-by-step, through the fundamentals of home recording, using the computer as the recording medium. The emphasis is on practical instruction, delivered over the course of 30 lessons in easy-to-understand language and logical sequence and with real examples for the reader to try out. Essential technical knowledge and theory are introduced and explained along the way as it becomes relevant and necessary. It also takes the reader through what they will need (equipment and cost) if they wish to progress to creating a serious home studio. The book is not software-based, but examples are shown using REAPER, a low-cost Digital Audio Workstation. A 30-day evaluation copy of REAPER is provided on the accompanying CD.

16-CH Video and 16-CH Audio Computer Digital Video Recording Card $66.99 HighlightsThis Computer Digital Video Recording Card features 16 channels video input and 16 channels audio inputYou can use this DVR card combining with your computer for building up a low cost but high quality surveillance system, and you get a real-time digital video recorder with powerful control and easy setting through your computer. It is easy to install this computer video recording card in your computer: simply plug-in it to the extension PCI socket of your computer, installing driver from the included driver CD, connecting security cameras (up to 16 cameras) and audio sources, then you will get a real time surveillance system ready for recording and working.This digital video recording card also features to save videos and take picture snapshots onto your computerCombined with programmable timer recording, alarm triggered recording, and motion detection recording etc, you can easily set up to turn on or turn off these functions from its user friendly program on your computer. Specification16-Channel Video and 16-Channel Audio Computer Digital Video Recording Card, Motion Activated Video RecordingMinimum 100MB/hour recordings, maximum 600MB/hourAlarm Triggered RecordingEvent tracking through DVR logMotion Detection RecordingScheduled Recording and Manual RecordingReal-time 16 channels video input and 16 audio channel input760x576 resolution and 30fps recordingsSupport both PAL and NTSC standardsEasy to use graphical user interface with Pan/Tilt/Zoom controlConfigurable recording options: Scheduled recording, Alarm triggered recording, Motion detection recordingInput: 16 Channel Video (BNC), 16 Channel Sound (RCA)Compression mode: 25fps (PAL)/30fps (NTSC), MPEG-4 compression mode (AVI)Video Resolution Display: 760x576 (PAL), 720x480 (NTSC)Picture Resolution: 352x288 (CRF)Software for Windows OS included Language: English Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000/2003/XP/Vista (32-bit)/Windows 7 (32-bit)Power Source: PCI Card SlotRemote Monitoring with support for LAN and Dial Up transmissionPackage Contents: DVR Card, Software/Manual/Driver CD, Video/audio connector cable

Tl Audio Do-8 Digital Card $999 The DO-8 Digital Card adds ADAT interface capabilities for easy digital connection to your recording device and software and provides 8 channels over an ADAT lightpipe and masterclock input.The DO-8 can be connected to the Fat Track Tube Production Suite, M1 8- or 12-Input Tube Mixer, or the M4 Tube Console.About TL Audio TL Audio began manufacturing audio products in 1990, when the company - founded by Tony Larking - was largely involved in the restoration and reselling of vintage equipment such as Neve and Trident recording consoles. The first TL Audio products were original Neve EQ modules, which were taken principally from broadcast consoles and repackaged to make them suitable for music production studios. A little later, Tony Larking joined forces with David Kempson, a leading designer at Neve for nine years. By 1993 the demand for used valve outboard equipment had become very strong but most models such as the original Pultec and Fairchild valve devices were already extremely rare and expensive. There appeared an obvious gap in the market for brand new affordable valve products and the result was TL Audio's first valve product - the EQ-1 Dual Valve Equalizer. This product revolutionized the studio market by offering reliable, flexible, great sounding valve processing that was within the budget of most studios. The EQ-1 quickly attracted the interest of mainstream engineer/producers, with the first two production models going to Roy Thomas Baker (who had produced many of Queen and Foreigner's early recordings) and Chris Porter (who was working with George Michael and Take That).The EQ-1 was the first of what became known as the 'Classic' range, and was followed by what has become possibly TL Audio's best known product - the C-1 Dual Valve Compressor, which shot to stardom as Chris Fogel's mixdown compressor on Alanis Morissette's multi-million selling Jagged Little Pill album. Today, TL Audio has become one of the most respected names currently manufacturing Pro Audio equipment. According to designer David Kempson, "Our hybrid design approach was not chosen to cut costs: we created it because we genuinely believe it is a better way of producing valve processors. It makes them consistent, reliable, quiet, and - best of all - it means that by gearing ourselves up for large-scale production we can make the products affordable as well. Every studio deserves to benefit from the advantages of valve signal processing - with our products, we make that possible." TL Audio - Plug in the real thing.8-Channel digital I/OUp to 24-bit/96 KHz (8 channels @ 48kHz, 4 channels @ 96kHz)48kHz/96kHz switchWord clock I/O

The Audio Recording Handbook $66.73 The Audio Recording Handbook

TL Audio DO-8 Digital Card $999 The DO-8 Digital Card adds ADAT interface capabilities for easy digital connection to your recording device and software and provides 8 channels over an ADAT lightpipe and masterclock input.The DO-8 can be connected to the Fat Track Tube Production Suite, M1 8- or 12-Input Tube Mixer, or the M4 Tube Console.About TL Audio TL Audio began manufacturing audio products in 1990, when the company - founded by Tony Larking - was largely involved in the restoration and reselling of vintage equipment such as Neve and Trident recording consoles. The first TL Audio products were original Neve EQ modules, which were taken principally from broadcast consoles and repackaged to make them suitable for music production studios. A little later, Tony Larking joined forces with David Kempson, a leading designer at Neve for nine years. By 1993 the demand for used valve outboard equipment had become very strong but most models such as the original Pultec and Fairchild valve devices were already extremely rare and expensive. There appeared an obvious gap in the market for brand new affordable valve products and the result was TL Audio's first valve product - the EQ-1 Dual Valve Equalizer. This product revolutionized the studio market by offering reliable, flexible, great sounding valve processing that was within the budget of most studios. The EQ-1 quickly attracted the interest of mainstream engineer/producers, with the first two production models going to Roy Thomas Baker (who had produced many of Queen and Foreigner's early recordings) and Chris Porter (who was working with George Michael and Take That).The EQ-1 was the first of what became known as the 'Classic' range, and was followed by what has become possibly TL Audio's best known product - the C-1 Dual Valve Compressor, which shot to stardom as Chris Fogel's mixdown compressor on Alanis Morissette's multi-million selling Jagged Little Pill album. Today, TL Audio has become one of the most respected names currently manufacturing Pro Audio equipment. According to designer David Kempson, "Our hybrid design approach was not chosen to cut costs: we created it because we genuinely believe it is a better way of producing valve processors. It makes them consistent, reliable, quiet, and - best of all - it means that by gearing ourselves up for large-scale production we can make the products affordable as well. Every studio deserves to benefit from the advantages of valve signal processing - with our products, we make that possible." TL Audio — Plug in the real thing.

Steinberg Recording Package 2 $1599.99 Steinberg's recording equipment package 2 includes the MR816CSX FireWire interface and a CC121 Advanced Integration controller. Both are designed to integrate seamlessly with Cubase recording and music production software. Steinberg MR816CSX FireWire Interface The Steinberg MR816CSX is a FireWire interface designed by Steinberg and Yamaha to deliver unprecedented integration with Cubase. The Steinberg MR816CSX fuses a fully featured FireWire interface and built-in DSP for breathtaking power. This Advanced Integration DSP Studio is the hardware centerpiece for latency-free recording and monitoring that fully exploits the flexibility and power of Steinberg's renowned Cubase Music Production System. The MR816CSX FireWire Interface offers a full range of audio I/O options, onboard DSP, and renowned REV-X reverb. It houses 8 discrete Class A analog D-Pre mic preamps with combination XLR and TRS analog inputs, advanced inverted Darlington circuits, switchable phantom power per channel, and digital ADAT and S/PDIF I/O. The Steinberg MR816CSX audio interface also offers the Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip Plug-in, with DSP effects available as a VST3 plug-in in Cubase. The MR816CSX FireWire interface works with Mac OS X, Windows XP, and Windows Vista. Read the complete story on this amazing unit below: True Integrated Monitoring Offering realtime, independent, and—most importantly—no-latency mixes with FX for several performers is an engineering challenge in itself. There are only one or 2 FireWire I/O interfaces on the market that can achieve this. Even these units are functionally isolated from the DAW software forcing the user to use additional mixing applications, in turn hampering workflow and splintering what should be a truly integrated production system. The answer? Cubase and MR816 CSX. A solution defined by its ease-of-use, flexibility, and pure functional elegance. Running with Cubase, MR816 CSX removes any need for additional mixing software between DAW and I/O. All aspects of I/O handling, DSP management, and independent performer mixes are handled directly from within Cubase itself. With Cubase, these performer mixes are realized using the Studio Sends in the Control Room—a unique system that is completely integrated into the Cubase mixer. With the unique True Integrated Monitoring technology, Cubase manages all audio streams with perfect sync. No-latency mixes for performers with DSP FX are managed side-by-side with mixes played back through the Cubase audio engine that combine hard disk audio data and live streams being recorded at the same time—all within Cubase. Combined with other unique features, True Integrated Monitoring allows a highly efficient workflow that boosts productivity to new levels. Flexible I/O MR816 CSX provides all the audio I/O connectivity needed for any audio recording situation: •8 'D-Pre' XLR/TRS combo connectors with Class A discrete preamps with +48v and -26dB pad switch pe

Alfred Basics of Live Sound & Home Recording $16.95 This 2-book set from Alfred includes the Home Recording Basics book and the Tech Start Live Sound Basics book, both from the Ultimate Beginner Tech Start Series. Home Recording BasicsThis book is perfect for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge and increase their creative choices while having fun with home recording. Written in easy-to-understand, nontechnical language, Home Recording Basics will have you recording like a pro in no time! Topics include analog and digital recording formats, linear and nonlinear recording, microphone and line level signals, microphone placement, multitrack recording, sound modifiers, and mixdown and mastering.Tech Start Live Sound BasicsLive Sound Basics is designed to have you running PAs and mixers in no time. This book provides the foundation necessary to understand and use live audio equipment so that every performance has a professional sound. It's a must for any performer!

Alfred Basics Of Live Sound & Home Recording $16.95 This 2-book set from Alfred includes the Home Recording Basics book and the Tech Start Live Sound Basics book, both from the Ultimate Beginner Tech Start Series. Home Recording BasicsThis book is perfect for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge and increase their creative choices while having fun with home recording. Written in easy-to-understand, nontechnical language, Home Recording Basics will have you recording like a pro in no time! Topics include analog and digital recording formats, linear and nonlinear recording, microphone and line level signals, microphone placement, multitrack recording, sound modifiers, and mixdown and mastering.Tech Start Live Sound BasicsLive Sound Basics is designed to have you running PAs and mixers in no time. This book provides the foundation necessary to understand and use live audio equipment so that every performance has a professional sound. It's a must for any performer!