Amazon.com: Griffin Technology 4020-TALK iTalk Voice Recorder for iPod: MP3 Players & Accessories

Technical Details

Sleek microphone/speaker turns iPod into portable voice and memo recorder
Automatic gain control adjusts signal level to improve recording quality
Multifunction pass-through jack for connecting headphones or external mic
Attractive housing perfectly fits seamlessly on top of iPod
Compatible with any iPod with dock connector; requires iPod software v 2.1 or later

Product Details

Item Weight: 4.2 ounces
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
ASIN: B0001WW398
Item model number: 4020-TALK
Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (78 customer reviews)

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Product Description

Amazon.com Review

In its bid to make the iPod the handiest device on the planet (right up there with the Swiss Army knife), Griffin created the iTalk voice recorder, a combination microphone/speaker that attaches to your iPod's headphone and remote outputs. Griffin suggests using the iTalk for any number of tasks, from recording personal memos and interviews to archiving class lectures to listening to an audiobook on the speaker without wearing your headphones. And because the iPod offers such a large storage capacity, iTalk users can literally record thousands of hours of voice audio without running out of memory, making the device far more convenient than a portable cassette recorder.

Design and Setup
Griffin has been designing Apple accessories since 1992, so it's no stranger to the sleek styling encouraged by Steve Jobs and crew. And the iTalk--with its smooth, white housing and slick, silver-colored speaker--fits in perfectly. It also pays tribute to the Apple ethos by requiring no setup: just plug it in and start recording (the recording functions appear automatically on the iPod screen). Once the device is connected, a user relies on the click wheel to record, pause, play, save, and delete files. The iPod then stores the files in a Voice Memos folder within the Extras menu. Each time you sync your iPod to iTunes, the files transfer into an iTunes playlist also called Voice Memos, where you can listen to them on your computer or transfer them to other multimedia programs (they're saved as WAV files).

The iTalk includes a couple of features that help it stand out above competitors' products. The first is an automatic gain control, which instinctively adjusts the signal level to achieve the best possible recording. The second is a multifunction pass-through jack located on top of the unit. This lets users plug their headphones directly into the iTalk rather than removing the device to access the iPod's headphone output. Users can also connect an external microphone to the iTalk to enjoy additional recording options. In addition, the iTalk archives the date and time of the recording--a plus for people working on date-specific material.

Features and Performance
At its best, the iTalk performs solidly. The recordings are clear and easy to decipher, and the microphone picks up sounds from all over the room. We tested the iTalk's microphone at distances of a few inches, a foot, 5 feet, and 20 feet, and each time it performed admirably. It also picks up TV speakers and some ambient noise, depending on the situation. Playback quality is mixed, however. It's decent through the built-in speaker when played at high volumes (the sound can be somewhat scratchy), but very good through the headphones. Anybody using the iPod to transcribe recordings should definitely use the latter, as the audio is much crisper.

Unfortunately, the iTalk isn't always at its best. For unknown reasons, it often fails to play recordings it just made through the built-in speaker. The files play for a few seconds, and then the menu inexplicably returns to the recording screen. Occasionally, you can play the file by trying again, but other times the file stubbornly refuses to open. The same files often played just fine through the headphones, indicating that the problem originates in the speaker rather than the microphone. However, anyone using the iTalk for important recording tasks--something more than archiving grocery lists, say--should test the iTalk thoroughly to verify that the files are recording properly. Users should also be aware that the iTalk doesn't actually start recording until three or four seconds after the light turns on, which is somewhat aggravating at first, although you adjust quickly.

The problems with the built-in speaker extended to other forms of playback as well. Griffin touted the iTalk as a great way to listen to audiobooks without headphones, but it refused to play Jon Stewart's America (the Audiobook). Many users have complained that the iTalk often locks up their iPods, especially if the iTalk is installed when the iPod turns on. We suffered through a single lockup, which required a quick reset, but didn't experience the problems described by other users. It's possible that the latest iPod software updates have resolved the freezing issues, but the glitch appears at least common enough to mention.

The iTalk is a mixed bag overall. The concept is terrific, and when Griffin releases the next generation of iTalk, it'll likely be a great buy. But in the meantime, users should proceed with caution. If you can afford to re-record your memos on the occasions that playback fails--or if you can test the microphone to make sure the speaker is the only source of the problem--the iTalk can be quite handy. However, if reliability is a major concern, such as when recording one-time lectures or interviews or archiving song ideas, iPod owners might want to take a pass. --Rivers Janssen

Pros

Recording quality is quite good
Sleek, attractive design complements iPod perfectly
Pass-through jack lets user connect headphones or external mic

Cons

Playback often fails through built-in speaker
Many iPod owners have experienced lockups when iTalk is connected
3- or 4-second delay before recording starts

What's in the Box
iTalk microphone/speaker, user's manual.

Product Description

GRIFFIN iTalk -- Finally, an iPod Voice Recorder done the right way, with integrated mic and loudspeaker and styling that makes your iPod look even more heavenly! Plays back recordings through amazingly loud and clear integrated speaker, or optional headphones Pass-through headphone jack allows you to monitor voice recording, or listen to music without having to remove iTalk Download recordings to your computer for archiving or playback With iTalk - your iPod will listen to you! Supported iPod Models - 3rd-Generation (4 Horizontal Buttons) / 4th-Generation (Click Wheel) / iPod color / iPod photo

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

264 of 265 people found the following review helpful

Useful for voice memos July 9, 2004

By traveller-on-walkabout

I bought the iTalk to take memos when I'm out in the field. Camera in one had, iPod in the other. I read the reviews first so knew it would be risky but it sounded ok for my uses and I got it cheap.

* Files are about 1 minute per Mb, stored as wav.
* Sound quality is understandable but not as good as AM radio.
* For a fully charged iPod, I got about 90 mins recording before the battery showed empty.

Pros

* Recording works fine, and I can dictate captions for photos as I think of them on site. Typically these are 1-2 minutes at most. I have also made an hour-long recording as a test without problems. I tried recording conversation in a cafe but it picks up too much background to be understandable.
* The best feature for photo memos is that files are time stamped, so I copy each memo to the same folder as my photos (which are also time stamped) making them easy to match up.
* iTalk can take an external mike which cuts out background white noise.
* Files are automatically sync'd to iTunes Voice Memo list and stored in the iTunes unknown artist folder. (If you have this feature set in iTunes)

Cons

* Software glitches randomly lock up the iPod under almost every condition except for the initial condition (more about this below).
* The iTalk covers the iPod lock. This is a serious design flaw given how quickly the battery drains. It means that you can't carry the iTalk connected to the iPod and easily lock the keys.
* The line that takes a mic also doubles as a line out. If headphones are connected and you try to record, the recording light shows but nothing is recorded. It creates a file but it's empty.

Hints

Prevent freezing: If the iTalk is in place when the iPod is turned on, it will often freeze. To prevent freezing, remove the iTalk before turning on the iPod every time. Under these conditions I've never had it freeze. If the iPod does sleep, to prevent freezing, remove the iTalk then insert it again (i'm not sure how often this is necessary, but I haven't had to reset the iPod since the first day).

Reset: To reset the iPod, remove the iTalk and hold down the iPod's MENU and PLAY '>||' buttons for 10 sec. I used this 5x the first day with the iTalk but haven't needed it since.

Locking: Slide a laminated card (my credit card is too thick) between the iPod and iTalk to lock, or carry the iTalk separately (annoying, but not as annoying as rebooting every time).

Saving: It's not enough to pause a recording, you need to remember to stop and save it before removing the iTalk. The MENU button will also save files.

Finding the files on PC: I have iTunes set to automatically sync files. To find the files in iTunes, look under the Voice Memos list. It's a trifle disconcerting when they disappear from one list and appear elsewhere unless you're prepared for it. On my PC, they can also be copied from
iTunes music/unknown artist/unknown album

Battery: I tried letting the battery run out while recording. It ran for ~50 minutes while the battery was showing empty then shut down with no warning. The file appears to have been saved ok.

Battery life: Check out the apple web page for battery tips (...) (I know this comment is outside the scope of iTalk, but if you use a voice recorder with the iPod, you're going to be dealing with battery issues.)

Summary

Despite the glitches, I like having a handy memo system and will keep it til something better turns up. Doesn't sound like Belkin is any better in terms of software glitches or battery life, but it looks like it would be possible to lock the iPod with the Belkin in place which would be a plus. The minus is that Belkin doesn't take an external mic.

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125 of 128 people found the following review helpful

Can't figure out why this thing gets bad reviews. EXCELLENT! August 17, 2004

By Caitlin

I use a Samsung digital recording device to record oral history interviews. My interviewee has Parkinson's and slurs his speech. He also is prone to mumbling. I spend hours trying to decipher what he's said when I use my Samsung voice recorder.

Enter the Griffin iTalk. After downloading the 2.2 iPod software from Apple, it worked without a glitch. I especially like the ease with which one can start and stop a recording session without starting new files each time. It's simple and easy to use and gives the user a great deal of control. The built-in organization when it syncs with iTunes is also extremely convenient.

The playback quality right out of the iTalk itself isn't great. It's about as good as my laptop's speakers. But I always play back through small Sony speakers anyway. The quality here: perfect. It's actually quite amazing. I was stunned.

I haven't experienced any freezing of the iPod. I haven't experienced any problems at all actually.

I never write reviews on Amazon, but I was so excited by the utility of this little (yes, very attractive) device that I was compelled to come online and share my discovery.

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37 of 38 people found the following review helpful

Better solutions elsewhere January 28, 2006

By David H. Peterzell

I've had OK luck recording conversations with this, but there are better solutions available elsewhere. Here's my advice:

First, read the warnings of others here. This product, and Griffin's products in general, seem to have strong limitations, in my experience.

First off, if you plan on moving to a new iPod with video anytime soon, then you won't be able to use this. Fortunately, there is at least one MUCH better option available for new (video) iPods. It is the MicroMemo (XtremeMac). Sound quality is MUCH better because it can make 16-bit (as opposed to 8-bit) recordings. I'll bet that other alternatives will be available soon, so do a search for iPod digital voice recorders before buying.

Second, I, like many others, am not too thrilled with the sound and the reliability of this gadget (yet another sub-par product from Griffin, IMHO). Also, the extra jack for a microphone has led to mixed results. The whole gadget will sometimes pop out of the socket in the iPod, if you aren't careful (which is the only reason I know of for not tossing my old microcassette recorder).

Don't bother with Belkin's Voice Recorder--it sounds even worse, quite frankly. I haven't seen or tested the Maxell P-7 recorder, but I hear that it is comparable to Griffin's product, with a slightly better microphone. Other products that I hear are comparable/sub-par are SterlingTek's iRecorder and DLO's VoiceNote.

I think the best solution for these older iPods is to use Belkin's Universal Microphone Adapter along with any decent recording microphone. It WILL sound better, but it will still be an 8-bit recording and the sound quality won't knock your socks off. If you want to record telephone calls, use the UMA with something like Radio Shack's Wireless Phone Recording Controller.

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