Belkin TuneTalk Stereo Microphone for iPod 5G with Video

A great gadget for iPod owners

Strengths: Easy to use (virtually plug in and play!)

Weakness: A bit of noise and glitches in recording; no white available

I wanted to have a simple recorder for my video iPod (the new version with 80GB). I play the piano and want to record my lessons and practices with the iPod. While the recording quality is not spectacular (I suspected it before my purchase. A bit of noise and occasional static or "breaks" happen in recorded sounds), it is good enough for my purposes. (I'm sure it'd be good enough, too, for...
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I wanted to have a simple recorder for my video iPod (the new version with 80GB). I play the piano and want to record my lessons and practices with the iPod. While the recording quality is not spectacular (I suspected it before my purchase. A bit of noise and occasional static or "breaks" happen in recorded sounds), it is good enough for my purposes. (I'm sure it'd be good enough, too, for ordinary voice-recording occasions, such as taking memos or recording lectures.) The only major complaint I have with the Belkin recording device is only Black is available (no other choices). (Why not. My iPod is white, and so are million others.)

By poppoya - Dec 11, 2006

Best high-quality iPod recorder for long recordings

Strengths: High sound quality, can be used in case, power pass-through, autogain, accepts mic input, integrated with iPod software

Weakness: Not much stereo separation, a small bit of hard drive noise when used with the video iPod, no speaker

All 5G iPod voice memo recorders (Griffin's iTrip, Xtrememac's MicroMemo) have very good sound quality thanks to the iPod's CD-quality input ability. However, they all consume a huge amount of the iPod's battery power-- generally running out after a couple of hours. The TuneTalk is the only recorder that has a pass-thru USB port, allowing the iPod+TuneTalk to be charged while in use via any USB...
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All 5G iPod voice memo recorders (Griffin's iTrip, Xtrememac's MicroMemo) have very good sound quality thanks to the iPod's CD-quality input ability. However, they all consume a huge amount of the iPod's battery power-- generally running out after a couple of hours. The TuneTalk is the only recorder that has a pass-thru USB port, allowing the iPod+TuneTalk to be charged while in use via any USB power supply (a laptop, a battery box, an AC adapter). This alone makes the TuneTalk the only option for those recording a long set of lectures throughout the day. The other distinguishing (though not as vital) feature is that the TuneTalk can be used without having to remove the iPod from its case.


Sound quality is great, and a quick google search will direct you to several sample recordings made with the product. When used with a full-sized iPod, the occasional sound of the hard drive come through, but this isn't overly annoying. (The 2G nano is also compatible with this product and does not have this issue as it has no hard drive.) Using an external mic overcomes even this small problem, and with autogain off as well, recording are virtually flawless.


The uncompressed WAV files saved on the iPod are large (10Mb a minute in high quality, 2Mb a minute in lower but still very good quality); however, once they're imported into iTunes they are easily converted to much smaller MP3 or ACC files.


The only thing lacking which other models possess is a speaker. It's therefore not possible to monitor the recording as it is being made (the headphone port is also inactive when recording). This means you have to rely on the little red LED to ensure that no clipping is taking place. However, I consider this a small omission relative to its unique benefits.

By sky7i - Dec 4, 2006

nice recorder, recommend

Strengths: good record quality, works with iPod case, stereo recording

Weakness: there is clicking sound because of the harddrive spinning

I always wanted a recorder for my 80G iPod, this is a new product which received a good review at iLounge. I am more than pleasant to find it's available on buy.com with google checkout discount so I ordered one. It's really a nice recorder, best for lecture recording. I would suggest you use it in small rooms cause distance makes the recording unclear. However, if you want to record yourself, it...
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I always wanted a recorder for my 80G iPod, this is a new product which received a good review at iLounge. I am more than pleasant to find it's available on buy.com with google checkout discount so I ordered one.

It's really a nice recorder, best for lecture recording. I would suggest you use it in small rooms cause distance makes the recording unclear. However, if you want to record yourself, it will be perfect.

It's designed to have a long "neck", thus you can use it with most iPod case, for example my Showcase60 works well with it. if you don't have a case on your iPod, there is a ring adapter in the kit so you don't worry it will bend at the neck. There is also a stand for hand-free recording, but i never tried it.

Operation is convenient, stereo is cool if the source is really separated to far left and far right.

However, you will hear a clicking noise in your recording. That the spinning noise of the internal HD of iPod. The recorder is too close to the HD so it will pick the noise up.

There is a gain control and a line-in for external mic. I believe the clicking sound will disappear if you use line-in but I didn't really try.

Overall it's a nice gadget, highly recommend!

By bao_hongbo - Dec 4, 2006

Belkin TuneTalk Stereo for Video/5G iPods

Testseek.com has collected 9 expert reviews for Belkin TuneTalk Stereo for Video/5G iPods and the average expert rating is 73 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.
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By testseek.com - Nov 4, 2008