Maximize the utility of your MP3 player and get much more out of it. CHIP helps you value the usually ignored functions of an MP3 player and guides you how to optimize them.
MP3 players have evolved into mighty all-in-one devices over the years. Today, these tiny gizmos have a lot more to offer than the standard audio/video playback, FM radio and voice recorder. MP3 players are now capable of displaying lyrics synchronized with playback, encoding audio on-the-fly and even recording radio programs in your absence. You may have an MP3 player that boasts all these features, but the question is how can you get the most out of your player. You will find all your answers here. If you plan to buy an MP3 player soon, you can base your buying decision on some of the features described here.
Recorder
Most MP3 players, especially the solid state ones that feature an array of functions, come equipped with a microphone for recording purposes. The recorder function is usually labeled as ‘voice recorder’ in the main menu of the player because its primary function is to capture voice. Thus, it comes in handy when you want to record conversations, interviews, meetings, conferences and lectures at schools and colleges. Apart from capturing voice, the players that have a built-in FM tuner can also record radio programs on air. To record a radio program that is being aired you simply have to press the record button while being tuned into the desired radio station. Now you know what to do the next time you wish to record your favorite number that’s playing on air.
External mic support
MP3 players that feature a voice recorder use a built-in microphone to capture voice. The microphone is highly-sensitive and is hidden behind a tiny aperture on the body of the player. This aperture is usually labeled as ‘mic’ so that you don’t cover it by mistake while you’re recording. Though the built-in microphone is quite sensitive, its range is restricted due to its diminutive size. Hence, in order to clearly capture the voice of subjects that are more than two meters away, you have to place or hold the player close to them while recording. This scenario generally arises when you want to record interviews, meetings or lectures. In such cases, it’s preferable to use an external microphone with your player provided there is support for it—a computer mic that you use for online voice chat will also suffice. The external mic plugs into the line-in jack of the player and the external mic support has to be enabled by changing the player’s recording settings.
Line-In
With line-in support you can hook up external audio sources such as television, audio cassette /CD / LP player to your MP3 player. If your MP3 player has line-in support, it will feature a line-in jack in addition to the earphone jack. In order to hook up an external source to your MP3 player, you need to connect the line-out jack of the source with the line-in jack of your player using the bundled line-in cable. On pressing the record button in the line-in mode you can record playback from the connected audio source. The line-in recording feature is ideal for converting audio cassettes into digital audio formats on-the-fly, on to the player.
Playback speed control
Using this feature you can adjust the speed of the playback. Though it may not make sense to use it while listening to music, it can be very useful while transcribing recorded interviews and lectures. If you’re a slow typist, you can reduce the playback speed to keep up with the pace of the playback of the recording.
Lyrics support
If your player’s list of specifications includes lyrics support, it is capable of displaying the lyrics of the song being played. When switched to the lyrics mode, the player displays the lyrics of each line being sung while the song plays. However, note that the lyrics will only be displayed if you have added the lyrics to the MP3 file or the music folder on your MP3 player. The utility for adding lyrics to the songs should be included on the software disc that comes bundled with the player. Some of the popular lyrics websites are www.lyricsfreak.com, www.lyricsdomain.com and www.seeklyrics.com.
Direct encoding
If your MP3 player supports direct encoding, it means that it can encode audio to MP3 or WMA format in real time while recording. This feature is a big space saver as compressed audio files take up only one-tenth the space required by WAV files. 1 GB MP3 players having support for direct encoding can record audio up to six hours which would otherwise require 3.5 GB of space. Setting the right bitrate for various functions is crucial for managing space and sound quality. A low bitrate (96 kbps for MP3 and 64 kbps for WMA) is enough for recording voice. However, set the bitrate high (between 192 to 320 kpbs for MP3 and 128 kbps for WMA) for FM or line-in recording to get better audio quality.
Scheduled recording
With support for scheduled recording you won’t miss your favorite radio programs. Settings for scheduled recording can be accessed under alarms settings in the player’s settings menu. Set the alarm mode to FM recording and specify the wake up time, the FM station and recording duration. Make sure the player’s clock is set to the right time or else your schedule will go for a toss. If you’ve done everything right, the player will automatically switch on at the scheduled time, record the radio program for the specified duration and then turn off.
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