Since learning to rely on G-Recorder earlier this year, I’ve found that the biggest benefit is how it allows me to listen. As long as I see the microphone and envelope icon beating in the tray, I can relax knowing the call is being recorded.

G-Recorder icon pulsates to show it's working

My need for “insurance” caused my one snag with G-Recorder. In an early interview, I captured the receptionist but not the call transfer to the client giving me the brain dump for his book. At the time I felt fortunate that I had also recorded this two-hour interview on Pamela, my old system. G-Recorder sent an update with a solution, but also said that using two recorders was likely the problem.

I haven’t had a conflict since I stopped also using Pamela. I prefer to trust the real insurance, which is that G-Recorder puts one copy on my hard drive and keeps one in the Gmail cloud.

I hate to spew a bunch of brand names, but after decades of trying to find a recording system that works for phone interviews, I have succeeded at last.

CC-By-2.0 Creative Commons – Louise Docker photo

My system has five parts:
• Skype “call out” to reach regular phones for pennies.
• A double-eared Logitech headset with USB connection.
• Pamela for Skype, which automatically asks if I want to record when I place Skype calls.
• Express Scribe, a downloadable program from NCH software that controls speed, rewind and play for easier transcribing.
• Foot pedals to keep hands free for typing.

Total cost: $205. Satisfaction: Extremely high.

I’m sure other profile writers and/or FBI agents record and transcribe with ease. But I have a graveyard of complicated cords and recorders from my earlier attempts to find a reliable system. I’ve even tried professional services (too expensive and awkward timing for the interviewee).

That unreliability has led to a lot of frustration: muffled recording, fuzzy country phone lines made fuzzier by all the extra gadgets. “Can you tell me that again with the same emotion?”

Pre-Skype, pre-Pamela, I could sometimes hear my voice clearly recorded but nothing on the other end. “And the ingredients to your secret recipe are what, Col. Sanders?” Rewind, playback, turn up volume, rewind.

For live interviews, I’ve also moved up a big notch since I began using an Edirol R-09 digital recorder ($300-$350).

I always get permission from the subject to record for legal/respect for privacy reasons. People seem willing to assist for greater accuracy and authentic tone.

But whether by phone or in person, I still type or scribble notes as I record. Technology is a wonderful friend. Someday I may even trust it.