Dictaphone Sony ICD PX333: description, the instruction of operation, responses

The choice of digital technology is often complicated by the desire to purchase a device with a wide functionality and quality "stuffing" for little money. Manufacturers tend to segment products so that each user has a choice, but this is not always possible. In this case, Japanese developers offer a fairly modern device with an advanced recording base and an acceptable price tag. Of course, the Sony ICD PX333 digital voice recorder can not be attributed to state employees, but its capabilities exceed the entry-level models by an order of magnitude.

Appearance and ergonomics

The case of the recorder is made in the traditional form factor. On the front of the display, controls and speaker. It is noteworthy that the screen has a small size and a black and white matrix. This fact does not allow to raise the device to a segment above the average, but from the point of view of operation the practicality of this solution is not of significant significance. The display shows the technical data and allows you to manage the internal memory. Further it is important to note the successful configuration of the location of the Sony ICD PX333 buttons, which are convenient to press and orient them to the touch. Another working component is a speaker that occupies a large part of the device. The expediency of its massive layout can be argued, but if you need a clear reproduction, of course, it will not be superfluous. The device is powered by two finger batteries with the possibility of recharging. In general, the device turned out to be compact and easy to use. It can be left in your pocket at the time of recording or you can hold it in your hand for a long time - a modest mass of the device, according to many owners, is almost not felt.

Specifications

Digital devices from famous manufacturers are usually endowed with a lot of new options and technological capabilities, which significantly increases their cost. The Japanese company in many segments follows the same path, but in the case of the Sony ICD PX333, the developers focused on the balance of the main technical data, which are presented below:

• The type of sound recording is mono.
• The format of the recording is mp3.
• Built-in memory - 4 GB.
• The frequency range is from 75 to 20 000 Hz.
• Interface support - USB.
• Connectors - for a microphone and headphones.
• Indicators - Displays the battery power and the remaining recording time.
• Batteries - two AAA batteries.
• Dimensions of the device - 37 mm in width, 114 mm in height and 20 mm in length.
• Weight - 74 g.

Although the manufacturer also conceived the model as unpretentious and with a decent quality of recording, it is not deprived and some technological innovations. In particular, the recorder has the function of voice activation and the possibility of changing the sensitivity of the microphone. And now it is worthwhile to consider the basic functions of the device more similarly.

Functionality Sony ICD PX333

The recorder supports the option of reducing external noise, through which the user can select a voice from the general stream of the track. However, as the owners of the device note, this addition is ineffective, it is more expedient to initially arrange conditions for an acceptable record. Also, the model is equipped with a function of recording quality control, which can be useful in case the memory is coming to an end. By analogy with modern mobile phones, the Sony ICD PX333 recorder also has the option of locking the buttons. But in this case this option has a double function. On the one hand, the lock prevents unintentional control of the device, and on the other - it insures against an unplanned stop recording by accidentally pressing the corresponding button. In addition, the device provides the ability to set the date and time, the function to listen to records and, of course, delete them.

Instructions for use

First you need to make sure that batteries of a suitable format are inserted in the special niche for the batteries with the polarities observed. Next, you must unlock the device with the Hold button. From this point on, the recorder is ready for use. The REC button starts recording, and by pressing it, recording pause is set. The orange indicator indicates that the recording was started, which also provides the Sony ICD PX333. The instruction manual recommends that during recording, direct the device with microphones towards the sound capture side. You can stop the device using the Stop button. The file with the recorded record can be found through the menu, listen or delete.

Connecting to a computer

You can connect the recorder to a computer using a dedicated USB cable. After the new device is found, you can copy the recorded sound files from the device to the computer's memory. For the convenience of this operation, the manufacturer suggests installing the Sound Organizer program. Also, when you connect Sony ICD PX333 for the first time, the help menu opens, using which you can learn more about the recorder and the features of its operation. It is important to keep in mind that formatting the device will not only lead to the loss of audio files in memory, but also to the removal of reference information with the Sound Organizer program.

Precautionary measures

The manufacturer does not recommend the use of the device when driving a bicycle, a car or motorized transport equipment. When handling the recorder, it is also undesirable to keep it near heat sources and in places that have open access to the sun's rays. Also, protect the device from mechanical influences and protect it from dust, as clogging of the connectors can affect the performance of the technical stuffing Sony ICD PX333. The instruction also warns against using the device in high humidity conditions. If liquid has penetrated under the housing, it is necessary to remove the batteries and dry the recorder.

Positive feedback about the model

One of the strengths of the model is the high quality of sound recording, and at distances up to 4 m. In particular, students note that the recorder copes with the capture of speech at the lectures, while eliminating unnecessary noise. The convenient arrangement of the control buttons is also emphasized, although there are complaints about the relatively small size of the side keys. Separately, users note the functions of the subsequent treatment of Sony ICD PX333 records. Reviews, for example, mention the ease of rewinding at intervals of 10 seconds, good playback through the speaker and the ability to edit tracks. By the way, for the convenience of further handling of the created audio materials, many owners of the recorder recommend that you initially choose the appropriate recording mode that will allow you to capture with the most favorable settings.

Negative feedback

As already noted, the model does not apply to the premium segment. If on the sound characteristics the device can quite compete with some models of the higher level, then the additional functional is still rather limited. This is indicated by the users of the device. First, there is no backlighting. Secondly, a significant part of the owners lacks an equalizer. Even these small additions could make the voice recorder Sony ICD PX333 more attractive. Reviews criticize the model and for automatic audio restriction - so the Avls option works every 20 hours. Unfortunately, you can not disable this option. Otherwise, the model has no serious shortcomings. At least, with the capabilities declared by the manufacturer, this device copes at a high level.

Conclusion

If we review models presented in the same price category as the device from a Japanese company, its advantages will be even more obvious. In the segment up to 5 thousand rubles. You can find a device with a color display and backlight, but for the main quality characteristics, they are hardly ahead of the Sony ICD PX333 with its ability to clean sound recording. The creators of the device paid attention to the quality of microphones and recording hardware. This is evidenced by record high frequencies for such a level. True, about the noise isolation and, as a whole, the clipping of extraneous sounds, the opinions of the owners are not so unambiguous. Obviously, the ideal conditions for using this device are audiences, studios, halls, and also small rooms. Conversely, the recording quality drops dramatically in the street when the microphone starts capturing a wide variety of noise effects. However, with the help of the program Sound Organizer you can get rid of the presence of unwanted sounds on the recorded track.