amyk49's Full Review: Panasonic RR-830 Desktop Cassette Transcriber / Re...
If you've been looking for a standard cassette transcriber, good luck! There isn't much to choose from. Thankfully, Panasonic has come to our rescue with its RR-830 model.
No compromises here - it's got everything you'll need for any transcription project that comes your way. I am really putting it to the test, as I transcribe seminar tapes, word for word. People are not always talking directly into the microphone and the volume on the tapes is sometimes very soft or nearly inaudible. But with the Panasonic 830 I can do pretty well on the nearly inaudible parts due to the Variable Speech Control. And on those words you just can't catch the first time, it's easy enough to back up a few times using the foot control and listen again.
~ Features
This machine has all the standard features you'd expect in a transcriber - volume and tone control, back space control, tape speed, record, etc. This model also has Variable Speech Control, which helps to clarify difficult to hear speakers. There is a quick erase function, and a tape counter. The controls are designed with a sliding button and hatch-marked levels so you can see and remember your settings.
The included headset is comfortable, with foam-covered ear pads, however for most of my work I just have the audio out loud and listen that way, unless there's an especially hard to hear passage, in which case the headset sometimes makes it easier to understand. But at least you have the option of using the headset or not.
The foot pedal control has a good design. it's wide and does not tend to slip forward, as foot pedals sometimes do. Depress your foot on the right side of the pedal to go forward on the tape, depress the left side of the pedal to back up.
~ Other Things to Note
The Panasonic 830 is relatively small for a standard cassette transcriber, which leaves more room for all that "other stuff" on my desk! By my measurements its footprint is about 8" by 9 1/2".
When I first got it, though, it took me a while to figure out how to use it. I was so used to my old one that I'd had for years I expected the Panasonic to work exactly the same, and it didn't. (Hint: Read the Operating Instructions - duh!) You must first press the "play" button, then depress "start" on the foot control. Very simple.
Getting the tape speed and Variable Speech Control set correctly in the beginning took a little while, but once I got it dialed in it worked great.
~ Final Thoughts
If you need a standard cassette transcriber, the Panasonic is a good buy. I haven't had any trouble whatsoever in three years with this machine.
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