Griffin Technology iTalk iPod Voice Recorder You listen to your iPod everday. Now your iPod can listen to you. If you thought your iPod was just an MP3 player, boy are you in for a surprise. Plug the Griffin iTalk into the top of your iPod and suddenly you have a world-class voice recorder with literally thousands of hours of recording time. With iTalk you can record seminars, meetings, classes, notes in your car, songs, whatever you want. iTalk has a built-in microphone designed to record crystal-clear audio, and its Automatic Gain Control assures you have the best possible signal level for recording. You can even connect an external microphone directly to iTalk for more recording options. The iTalk's built-in speaker is great for playback of voice memos. In addition you can use iTalk as a mini-speaker for your iPod. Play your favorite audio book through iTalk or listen to a downloaded seminar. You'll never realize how much you've missed a built-in speaker until you have one. iTalk can play back your recordings through its integrated speaker, or through your headphones. It includes a pass-through mini jack so you can monitor your voice recording or listen to your music without removing iTalk. You can even download your recordings to play back on your computer, but iTalk's speaker is so good you may not want to! Make your iPod so much more than just an MP3 player. Make it a portable, dockable dictation machine with a built-in high-quality speaker.
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.
If you thought your Apple iPod was just an MP3 player, you're in for a surprise: Griffin Technology's tailor-made iTalk plugs into the top of your iPod and turns your digital music player into a world-class voice recorder with literally thousands of hours of recording time.
With iTalk you can record seminars, meetings, classes, notes in your car, songs in the woods, whatever your life or imagination dictates. iTalk's built-in monaural microphone is designed to record crystal-clear audio from sources up to 100 feet away, and onboard Automatic Gain Control ensures optimal recording levels. You can even connect an external microphone directly to iTalk for greater flexibility.
iTalk's built-in speaker is great for playback of voice memos. You can also use iTalk as a mini-speaker for your iPod's music files. Play your favorite audio book through iTalk or listen to a downloaded seminar. You'll never realize how much you've missed a built-in speaker--until you have one.
There's a stereo headphone jack too, of course. It includes an iPod passthrough circuit so you can monitor your voice recording or listen to your music without removing iTalk. You can even download your recordings to play back on your computer.
1 iTalk = Handy VOICE Recorder
The iTalk recorder makes very adequate voice recordings on my 3G 40 Gig iPod. I've had no problems with freezing (or any performance issues). Before using iTalk, I read all of the reviews, and following the helpful suggestions from other users, I've had good recordings from the first.
What's terrific about iTalk is that you can organize your recordings in iTunes. As another user mentioned, you can create playlists of related recordings that can later be burned to CD-Rom.
Two drawbacks for me are the volume level of iTalk's speaker, which I find too low for adequate playback even at top volume on my iPod, and the lack of a carrying case to protect and identify the iTalk in my purse.
Would I buy again? Absolutely. Would I recommend? Without reservation.
2 Not worth the trouble
I purchased the iTalk to record my shows so I could send them on the internet, but I had alot of problems with my iPod that were all started by the purchase of my iTalk. Suddenly music wasn't fully playing, I had to restore my iPod to factory settings and import my music multiple times before I got it working again, when I finally got everything working, I used my iTalk to record a show and as soon as I got home and plugged it in, the troubles started again: my iTunes wouldn't read my iPod, I couldn't get anything to work, iTunes would freeze, all sorts of things, and worst of all I couldn't copy my show onto my computer when activated as a disk. Though I have a sneaking suspesion that the problems are also on account that my iPod is over a year old, none of the problems began until I recieved my iTalk. After much aggravation, I sat down to listen to my show and it turned out that my iTalk, though it sat through my entire show (6 minutes), after 3 minutes the iTalk just stop recording sound. There are many bugs to be fixed by Griffin before this product is markable. I reccomend, if you really need to record something, just get a regular mini-tape player, it will save you alot of aggravation, or if you really need it in digital format, go ahead and get a digital one for a few hundred dollars, because in the end, you really do get what you paid for; $30 is too good to be true.
3 Not worth buying
Get the Belkin mic, which is much better. The microphone on this one is low-level, playback is buzzed-out, awful. And if you use the jack--which is why I bought it, so I could record my phone interviews for my journalism work--it's even worse. I give it one star for the *idea* of having a mic jack in the first place--to my knowledge, this item is the only one to have it.
4 a decent toy
i bought this for the primary purpose of recording history lectures during which i often fall asleep. so far, the iTalk voice recorder has had its good days and bad days. on the good days, it works just fine, not producing professional-quality recordings but good for its price.
on the bad days, however, i end up missing either a big part or the entirety of the lecture. i haven't experienced lock-ups or inability to playback through the speakers, but what it would do sometimes is that it would start recording like normal, but when i check a few minutes later, the battery indicator will show up empty (although it's still running) and the timer will be set at 0, while the LED is still on and the "recording" message still flashes. and nothing is recorded at all. i don't know what i can possibly do to prevent this, except maybe test it immediately before recording for real, and be on the look-out while it's working (watching it won't help if it stops abruptly, but i want to see what happens when it stops).
overall i give it 3 stars for cost, style, and approx 70/30 chance of smooth operation.
5 What's up with the bad reviews?
I looked at all the reviews at the apple website and this site. I started to conclude that perhaps this is a bad item. YET there are a FEW that vouch for it.
Saying how good it is.
After getting bad grades...desperate... I sucummed to purchasing this at the local university.
After purchasing this overpirced item, (hence 4 stars)I tested it out. I sat in the back of a classroom that can hold two hundered people...and recorded the lecture...
I found that you cannot really listen to the lecture on the retardly puny speaker on the italk HOWEVER, YOU can listen to the lecture again using your earpieces.
It was lovely! I was impressed with what it picked up. It even picked up some nasty conversation that my neighbor was having with her friend!
I love it.
Bad thing: it does eat up your batteries and it can record up to about 1 hour 30 minutes before it goes bad.
6 Updated my review
Love the airplay. Works great and easy to use. Didn't have to install any software-it's just a plug in and enjoy. Very nice-not as much static. Great!
7 Weak effort from a great company
Out of the box, my iTalk would not record, giving me a "Microphone is not attached" error. When I was able to get it to record about one out of every fifteen times, it did so at half the bitrate that the iPod is capable of.
I would be a little nicer to a product that was not given the good graces of Apple (Griffin is essentially a child company of Apple, and they added the firmware to use the iTalk within the standard iPod firmware.) Given all of that, I would have to say that the shoddy construction, bad software, and intentional crippling makes this not worth the price.
8 Great Recorder!!!
I recently bought the iPod photo 30gig. After months of taking classes and recording them with a microcassette recorder, I decided that not only would an iPod Photo be cool for viewing photos, more song space, etc. (I replaced my mini ipod with this), but I could also run the Griffin iTalk and see how recording classes would go. It was awesome! After reading some reviews on amazon.com, I was skeptical. I read about how the battery goes low after an hour or so. This couldnt' be farther from the truth. Perhaps the reviewers had an older iPod that doesn't have such great battery life. My iPod photo boasted of fifteen hour talk time and after recording four hours of class, my iPod's battery is 3/4 full! Woohoo! And, thirty gigs is a lot of class time to record! Luckily the iPod makes it easy to save the classes to cds, so you can add or remove classes at your convenience. I hope this review helps you to make the awesome choice to buy this great product!
9 works great recording lectures
this works perfectly fine recording lectures. yes, it did freeze on me couple of times but usually it works fine. i think it was mentioned in some previous reviews that as long as you plug in the recorder and then turn on ipod, it shouldn't freeze. and it is true that it tends to drain the battery when using the recorder. however for what it is(ie not a professional recorder), for what it's worth(less than forty dollars) and for what i need(just recording lectures), can't complain.
10 What a relief!
I got an iPod for Christmas - Yeah! But it wouldn't work at all with my PC and I thought I would take it back. Then I discovered iTalk and took it to class and recorded the entire lecture. The teacher sounded as clear on my iPod as in class. (You do have to ignore the whizzing of the drive; it's very quiet). Now, I don't have to worry about missing something because I can hear it again. At 56 and job and other stuff, it isn't easy to listen to 2 hours of tech-talk (going for my A+); so if I drift off, I can hear it again. I can save my voice files on my PC and hear it there or on my iPod. What more could I want?
In the meantime, I got my pod to work on my PC and now I'm truly happy. (All I needed was a firewire connection)
11 Great Product! But...
I have read numerous reviews of this product and finally decided to try it out for myself. The built in speaker is an amazing plus, however Ive seen this noted in only one other review, there is a 4-5 second delay from the time it says recording until it actually starts recording. I assume its a glitch and will exchange it for another.
12 Bug-Randomly switches to Recording Mode&No Support
iTalk plugs into the iPod very nicely, and the concept is great.
The bug I found was that in the middle of playing a playlist of songs using the speaker, the iTalk randomly switches over to recording mode from play mode. There is no setting to change this.
I checked the manual for help (it is just a 7 pages in total and no valuable info, just a namesake manual).I checked the FAQ, which is just 3 questions in total and my issue is not covered there.
So then I looked all over the Griffin website for a telephone number or email to contact the support, there is nothing of the sort.So here I am left with a faulty device. Therefore I would not reccommend this device.
13 Great!
Merry Christmas! I just got my new iTalk, and boy, am I impressed. What an improvement over Belkin's cheap little attachment, which I owned for several months. I was satisfied with the Belkin version, but as soon as I started using the iTalk, I realized what I was missing. For starters, it mounts straight on the top of the iPod- the Belkin version was always crooked, and it doesn't look right anyway because it's not the length of the iPod. It also has a line in/out port at the top, which Belkin doesn't have. I wouldn't say the speaker functions any better--both of them make fine alarm clocks. The biggest feature I was missing was automatic gain controll. What a difference!! iTalk doesn't record static whenever the source gets too loud; it adjusts the recording volume automatically. Most, if not all, of the recordings I made with the Belkin voice recorder are marred with unpleasant static from gain breaks. This feature is a remarkable improvement. The iTalk also looks better, matching the iPod's style much more closely. I'd recomend this product to anyone with an iPod.
One interesting thing: The recordings I had made previously without the gain controll are difficult to play through the iTalk. Whenever a gain break is reached in the recording, the iTalk refuses to play static. I'm assuming the gain control chip kicks in or something. When this happens, the program changes to the recording screen. Curious.... I still love the product though.
14 Works well, when it's not locking my iPod
This thing records well. I can put it in the floor in the middle of a circle of students about 10ft in diameter and have a recording good enough to grade them from. However, it doesn't always work. It tends to lock up my iPod and require me to do a reset. It locked my iPod today, and the 'pod won't reset. So I have to send the iPod back to Apple. This is with a carefully updated and maintained iPod. I've written to Griffin about the lock-up problem and have received no reply after six weeks.
15 Good...but not Great
I use this device with a 4G 20GB iPod. It works as expected: Plug the device into the iPod, the iPod starts up in voice recorder mode. It works quite well. The onboard mic works okay, and the recordings are acceptable.
The first day I owned it, I realized that the iTalk's speaker was a big plus that I hadn't considered. While not HIFI, it really sounds better than I expected. Now, I don't need to worry about packing speakers when I travel. I just set the iPod's alarm, and make sure the iTalk is plugged in before I go to sleep. It's really a big plus.
Its only shortcoming came up when attempting to use an external microphone. I bought the Olympus OLY-ME-12 noise cancellation microphone to use with the iTrip. This mic is unpowered, and sits right on top of the iTrip. Looks cool, but, it does not work. The iPod goes into voice recorder mode, but it refuses to record. When the mic is removed, it records fine.
Griffin Support claims that powered mics work fine, but that's a little too bulky for my puroposes.
16 So-So...It is ok
I purchased my iTalk in an apple store and was thrilled at it. It is sleek and matches the iPod perfectly. I did not experience freezing as some other reviewers did, but I did find one very annoying glitch: you sometimes cant play back recordings. This has been driving me insane because I can't play back any of the things i record. It is not the best voice recorder. My favourite part, which pulled the rating from 1 star to 3 stars, is that it has a small built-in speaker and it has a line in/out jack. The speaker can be used to play alarm clock playlists. Although it has redced sound quality, it works very well and i got used to it very quickly. The line in/out jack is wonderful to have because it means you can listen to music without removing the italk. It also lets you use other microphones. The belkin equivalent has no in/out jack. to get that you need to buy a completely different accessory. Overall, it only is good for the speaker and line in/out jack. The voice recorder picks up every sound nearby, like puffs of air 5 miles away, the hard drive spinning up (which, I might add, you can hear through the headphones too), and can't pick up voices other than your own, which bums me because I can't record lectures.
17 So far.... so good!
Just got my iTalk. Tested it out a few different ways: (1) speaking directly into it, and (2) with the iTalk on a table maybe 3 feet away, speaking towards it. Both times, I was able to playback the conversation and understand all the words; just a matter of adjusting the volume on playback.
My only gripe (so far): I bought an iPod cover (Speck Products "Skin Tight") and I have to remove the cover in order to use the iTalk. I am sure that this goes for most covers too. The iTalk connectors need to be flush with the connectors on the iPod, and when the cover is on, that 1mm space difference is enough to cause error message "Cannot record because there is no microphone attached".
18 The best recorder for the Ipod
This voice recorder is the best of the two available for the Ipod.
Pros: Fairly loud speaker; a headphone jack built in, which doubles as a line in for an external mic; decent sound.
Cons: blocks the lock switch, although a business card may be used to move the lock switch. Also, at times, the unit will lock up the Ipod if removed, replaced or some other combo. Just know how to reset your Ipod and you won't get stuck.
To get the best sound, hold the mic away from you. This seems to avoid any feedback/crackle sound.
19 Fine For Voice Memos
Was planning to write a long review but traveller-on-walkabout below nailed 90% of my comments. Bottom line. This is a passable product for low-quality voice memos. If you plan to use it for anything more you will likely be disappointed.
One more thing, I found that there is a rather long -- 4-5 second -- delay from when the device claims to be recording vs. when it actaully starts doing so. Have not seen that noted elsewhere so I'll assume it's a glich in my device.
20 Can't figure out why this thing gets bad reviews. EXCELLENT!
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.
21 Served my purpose
After the many skeptical reviews on the italk, I was hesitant to get it, but I am very glad I invested the money. Not only was it rediculously inexpensive, but it worked just perfectly for what I needed. I am in the music profession and needed a device to record lessons and practices. No, the recordings aren't professional quality, but I don't need it to be that good. I just needed the recordings for my review and analysis, and the italk served it's purpose. It's easy to use, sleek, and convenient. Plus, after some of my colleagues saw it, they wanted one too. I highly recommend the italk. As my father said, expect the worst and you won't be disappointed. I didn't expect the worst, but I sure didn't expect that the italk would be as great as it really is. Plus, it looks just beautiful on top of my ipod. One other tip, I read somewhere that it works better with 4th generation ipods than 3rd. I have only used it with the 4th generation and don't know how it works with the 3rd. I hope you are as satisfied with the product as I am.
22 Useful for voice memos
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.
23 Griffin dropped the ball with the iTalk
I owned the belkin voice recorder then somehow lost it and then I saw ads for the iTalk. Since I owned the iTrip and was happy with it, I thought this was a blessing in disguise. I'm a college student and record my lectures, for the most part the Belkin voice recorder worked well but the iTalk claimed to have auto gain control etc. I'm buying another Belkin. I've recorder a week of lectures already and not a single one has come out with the iTalk. I know it's not the lecture halls because the Belkin voice recorder worked just fine. I don't know where to even begin about how bad the iTalk has worked so far. All my lectures sound like the beach. I cannot hear any voices at all. Just hours and hours of horrible background noise. It obviously does not work for lectures as claimed. Go with Belkin for once
24 save your money
this 50 dollar (after taxes s/h etc...) piece of cheap garbage is a big waist of money. distorts even if just recording your own voice talking. griffen advertises that you can use this product to record song ideas. tried that. all i hear is a muffled distorted version of what i played. the sounds quality is horrible. i get better quality recordings on my pocked pc's built in mic. bottom line.... DO NOT BUY THIS ITEM!!! you will feel ripped off... i certainly do. i'd give the iTalk negative stars if i could.
