A client of ours (an academic researcher) used an Apple® iPod (not iPod mini) with a lapel microphone to record interviews. The sound quality was excellent and transcribing these interviews was a breeze.

Some of our clients have used MP3 players to record one-on-one interviews and even devices specifically designed to record dictation. The resulting quality of audio was satisfactory but not optimal. If this is the set-up you have planned to use for your interviews, please be mindful of where the recording device is positioned i.e. as close as possible to the interviewee or research subject. Ensure that you point the internal microphone towards the interviewee and then you, as the interviewer, will need to speak loudly to ensure maximum capture of your input. Here you will have to work by the rule that capturing your interviewee's answers is more important than capturing the question. Also remember to switch off the "sound activation" setting on your recording device as using this setting results in the speaker's first few words not being recorded.

When recording with this type of equipment, you cannot afford to compromise the audio quality in any way, such as recording in a room with a lot of background noise. Rather opt for a quiet space where only the speaker's voices can be heard. We will then have a better chance of producing a meaningful and useful transcript. If it is possible to attach an external microphone to the recording device, then it is advisable that you purchase one of these microphones and pin this to the interviewee's jacket. Lapel microphones are relatively cheap.

It is also possible to use a desktop computer or laptop to record interviews. You will require a microphone (or two) and recording software like Record Pad by NCH. Discuss these requirements with your computer consultant.