Home > Consumer Reviews > RCA RP5120 256MB USB 104 Hour Recording Digital Voice Recorder

Not a very good recorder at all. The voice playback is horrible and the main reason I purchased this product because it is advertised as being USB PC capable. The player created files using .VOC file extension which cannot be played by my regular media players (Windows Media, Itunes, Real Player) The DVM RCA Digital voice manager software I had to hunt the internet for and download doesn't play the files either. I cannot find any freeware VOC converters and in fact the only file converters that I found I would have to pay an additional $24. Its a real hair puller.

I have to say I like this product. the manual is well written and easy to follow. it's operation is simple to use. the only drawback is the short pause before it can start taking your voice. The PC link is fast and the software works well. It's a good inexpensive unit for light note taking

I bought three of these things to go with dual channel wireless mics for local historical society to better do oral histories. For this purpose, the recorder works very well with my PRETTY EXPENSIVE Azden dual channel camcorder mic system. So far, I haven't found a compatible dual channel mic system at a price that I'd be willing to donate three of. I'm still looking.

Regarding the PD5120 itself, I have three reservations that prevented me from giving a full five stars:

1. The owner's "manual" is printed in such small type that it defies even full sighted people from reading it.

2. A search of the internet reveals no downloadable manual that could be read by enlarging on computer screen. This has apparently been the concern of other buyers for there are a number of email requests floating around asking if anyone knew where such a manual could be located.

3. With moderate macular degeneration, I am not a "full sighted" individual. Reading the tiny screen, even with a magnifying glass, is just about impossible for me. This is, of course, a problem which is not unique to the 5120. It seems that in competition for sales, ALL manufacturers seem to think that tinier is better. Tough for older folks like me.

I bought the 5120 because it seemed to have fewer control options, less buttons to learn to push, etc. I'd still like to find something even much more simple for the uninitiated volunteers that would use the device. If anyone knows of a digital recorder that has only one file folder, only play, pause and stop for control and exterior mic input jack, headphone jack and maybe a USB connection to quickly download a recording, I would like to know of it. OTHERWISE, I think the 5120 was a good buy for the money.

I brought this recorder for one of my classes at the local community college. After recording one of the lectures, I decided to upload it into my computer, where I discovered that the type of file the recorder uses is a .VOC file...and when I tried to upload it to my PC, it stated that the file was corrupted. I searched for programs to convert this .VOC file to something that can create a readable file, but no such luck. Recording wise, the lectures themselves were fuzzy and I had to strain to hear them, but all other sounds - like doors opening and papers shuffling - came out clear as a bell. Needless to say, I'm very disappointed with this recorder.

I bought this recorder to record my classes at the community college that I am attending. While it is loud enough, the playback is fuzzy and difficult to understand. I returned it and bought a Creative Muvo 100V. The Muvo is not as loud on the pc, but if you put head phones on, it is as clear as a bell. Don't waste your money on the RCA...it is junk, just like everyone else has said.