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Recording phone calls?

by Nightengale
16 replies
Hi Warriors,

Ok, I need to be able to record phone calls from the moment I pick up the phone. (I'll be using my landline for this, not my cell phone.)

I already have a little gadget from Radio Shack that allows me to record my phone calls onto cassette tape, but once they're on there, I can't get them off and onto my computer or CD. Yes, I've used Audio Acrobat for conference calls, but when I'm doing media interviews, it just doesnt sound so good to tell the host/reporter "Can you hang on a sec while I dial into another number?" when they've called me and are ready to do the interview NOW.

I need to be able to record the call from the moment I pick up the handset and I need to it go directly into my computer. I think this can be done, but I don't know how to do it or the gadget I need to buy to make it happen. Can someone tell me how to do this?

Thanks,
Michelle
#calls #phone #recording
  • Profile picture of the author Talltom1
    I have exactly the device. I purchased it for about $100, and it is designed to record from landline phones (both your voice, and their voice - important because not all devices do that), and place the conversation on your hard drive.

    From there, its a matter of using audacity to clean it up, edit it, add a little intro music, and presto...

    I don't have the exact name/source with me right now, but pm me and I can get it for you later this evening.

    Talltom
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    • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
      PM sent. Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author NashRyker
    I have used a free software called FreeHiQ Recorder. Do a search for it. There is a paid version also, but I have never needed it. You must actually hit the record button on the computer for it to start each time though. It saves them in mp3 files.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jillian Slack
    I use a small digital recorder (Olympus - about $100) and a gadget from Radio Shack (about $25).

    The gadget from Radio Shack has two plugs in it. One plug goes into the digital recorder. The other plug goes into the phone.

    You just have to remember to turn the gadget's switch over to "on" and hit "record" on the digital recorder, and you're in business.

    My digital recorder has a USB and plugs into my computer so I can save the audio file to my computer.
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    • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
      Thanks for all of your help everyone! I appreciate it!

      Michelle
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  • Profile picture of the author Jillian Slack
    Usually if you just tell the dudes at Radio Shack what you're trying to do, they'll show you the gadget you need.
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    • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
      LOL True, Jillian.

      "I need this kind of hole. Now, do you have a drill that does that and which one whould I buy?"
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  • Profile picture of the author Josh Anderson
    You can use the same device you already have. Just plug it into an iMic usb sound card's input and record to your computer using any recording software you want.

    With your tape recorder you can set it to start automatically when the phone pics up... the only drawback to using the iMic is that it wont be automatic... you'll have to hit record. But you can leave the software open and ready so you can do it at any time.
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    • Profile picture of the author LonNaylor
      And just to throw in the high-end here also:

      I use a piece of gear that's the Mac Daddy of recording telephony.

      It's called the Innkeeper 1x Digital Hybrid from JK Audio.

      It's essentially what a FM radio station would use for call-in talk shows and runs about $800.

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      • Profile picture of the author sylviad
        Hi,

        I'm sure you probably have this covered, but it's illegal to record phone conversations without letting the caller know.

        Just a heads up in case you aren't aware.

        Sylvia
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        • Profile picture of the author Josh Anderson
          Originally Posted by sylviad View Post

          Hi,

          I'm sure you probably have this covered, but it's illegal to record phone conversations without letting the caller know.

          Just a heads up in case you aren't aware.

          Sylvia

          That's a blanket statement that is not quite correct.

          In most states only one person is required to consent to recording and that person can be you.

          Additionally some States require two party consent.

          Federal law only requires on party consent.

          I suggest you do some more legal research on the issue if you are not clear about the jurisdiction which governs your own operations. Every state law varies and in at least one state the owner of the line can record conversations of anyone using their line (even two unsuspecting parties) without consent.

          Internationally laws differ... for example I know that Australia has really strict prohibitory laws against phone recording.
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  • Profile picture of the author JNada
    **the perfect device is an Olympus TP-7 in-ear telephone
    recorder. it costs about $20 and has the microphone
    in the earpiece. no batteries necessary.

    you plug that into a digital recorder (I use a Sony ICD-P620)
    and you're all set. requires 2 AAA cells.
    conduct the conversation as normal.

    everything you hear and say into the telephone handset is recorded by the Olympus
    into the Sony, then you transfer that as an MP3 file into your
    computer.

    you can edit it afterwards in Audacity, (add music, extra commentary,
    omit 'uuuuuhs', etc). you can then even transcribe
    it all automatically using Dragon Naturally Speaking (there are
    IC recorders compatible with it --including the Sony)

    I'm an expat here in Colombia and that's the set up I use
    to record TESOL teleseminars from any part of the globe
    that has a telephone (landline or cellphone). my 1st call
    was with me calling from Cartagena to Bangkok and the
    background noise was only from the rowdy atmosphere here;
    NOT from the equipment. it would've been as clear as instantteleseminar.

    hope that helps.

    regards,
    john nada
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  • Profile picture of the author Josh Anderson
    And just to throw in the high-end here also:

    I use a piece of gear that's the Mac Daddy of recording telephony.

    It's called the Innkeeper 1x Digital Hybrid from JK Audio.

    It's essentially what a FM radio station would use for call-in talk shows and runs about $800.
    I own one as well... and if you are using your recording for professional interviews its a must have for me.

    But if all you are doing is documenting a conversation then the $20 radio shack setup will do fine.
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