The archival recording standard for audio recordings is a WAV file sampled at 48 kHz with a resolution of 24 bit.
See: iASA - Field Recording Standards

ZOOM H5 and H6 Handy Recorder
Includes dials to adjust recording levels, and interchangable microphone modules. Robust pair of XLR sockets for external microphones, phantom powering of external microphones, and sampling at and beyond 48 kHz/24 bit. More about the Zoom H5 Basic Setup

ZOOM H4n Pro
No dials to adjust recording levels (buttons instead) but many other solid and user-friendly features for archival oral history recordings. Robust pair of XLR sockets for external microphones, 48 kHz/24 bit.

ZOOM H4n Handy Recorder
An older model (now discontinued) but remains a good choice for oral historians looking for appropriate sound quality levels, ease of use and value for money. Robust pair of XLR sockets for external microphones, 48 kHz/24 bit.

TASCAM DR-40
All the features of the Zoom H4n plus ability to simultaneously record the same sound file twice (once at the original recording volume, the other at a lower volume). Useful for sudden peaks of recording level that might distort the sound recording.

ZOOM H2n Handy Recorder
Not archival sound recording quality but useful as a backup recorder.

32 bit float records with a high dynamic range (the difference between the softest and loudest recording) impacting the need to adjust or monitor recording levels. Read more information here.

Zoom H4 Essential
Records stereo using built-in microphones or external microphones connected using XLR connectors. A 3.5 mm jack allows for recording from other devices (eg. Rode Wireless Go microphones).

Zoom F3
A 2 channel (stereo) digital audio recorder with 2 XLR microphone sockets for connecting external microphones (no inbuilt microphones).

Zoom M4 MicTrak
It can record stereo using the built-in microphones or external microphones connected using XLR connectors. Can also record 4 channels using the built-in microphones and external microphones simultaneously. There is also a 3.5 mm jack for recording from other devices.
Note: Another variant of this microphone, the Zoom M2 MicTrack is available but does not have any facility to record from external microphones.

Digital recorders use SD or Micro-SD cards for storing audio and media. Data storage and speed of writing data varies from card to card and is noted by the Class number of the card (Class 2 = slowest, Class 10 = fastest and industry standard).

• Use only quality brands and a higher speed Class.

• Zoom H4n and H5 recorders work with SD cards of max 32GB.

Read more about speed class for SD and Micro SD cards here.

Recording quality begins with the microphone. It is the single piece of equipment that will most greatly influence the final quality of a recording. Directional microphones (also referred to as “shotgun” mics) pick up sound aimed specifically at the barrel and can cut down on a lot of peripheral or background noise. More on microphone types here.

RODE M3 : A versatile entry level microphone for those on a budget.

RODE NTG-1 : A high grade shotgun microphone used in professional applications.

Sennnheiser MKE600 : A high grade professional directional microphone, cuts down on side and rear noise, phantom power.

Note: Microphones for interviews should be placed on stands and at a suitable angle and distance as it will impact the final recording.

Useful in situations where external microphones on stands may not be suitable. These mics are omni-directional rather than the recommended directional (shotgun) mics. They can however, record good quality audio in the right environments.

Wireless GO II
Includes two transmitters and one receiver, the output can be plugged into a portable digital recorder. A lapel microphone can be plugged into each transmitter, or the transmitter’s own built-in microphone can be used.

Each transmitter can also be set to record audio internally, as a backup recorder.

Wireless Pro
All the features of Wireless GO II plus two plug-in lapel microphones. Wireless PRO records internally using 32 bit float.

Wireless ME
One transmitter, but also has a microphone built in to the receiver, so a microphone will still be available to both the interviewer and the interviewee. Note: Wireless ME cannot record internally unless the receiver is plugged into a recording device (eg. Zoom recorder or smartphone).

A pair of good quality “over-ear” headphones is strongly recommended to enable you to easily hear what the sensitive microphones are picking up and recording. Headphones are also important: to judge if the recording is distorted or clear, check sound levels, and listen out for unwanted background noises that might be captured on the recording.

Headphones should be used when setting up the recording, and at intervals to check sound levels and for any background noise - they don’t need to be worn during the whole interview.

Reputable brands include Sennheiser, Sony, Bose, Audio Technica and Beyer. Trying on headphones before purchase is ideal to gauge comfort levels as well as quality.

Audacity - A popular and useful free downloadable software for audio editing. For: Mac OS, Windows and Linux.

Reaper - Intuitive, easy to use and stable. Non-destructive editing and access to a large number of processing tools (equalization, dynamics compression, etc). For: Mac OS, Windows and Linux.

Express Scribe Digital Transcription Audio Playback Software
Audio playback control software for PC, MAC or Linux designed to assist the transcription of audio recordings. Installed on the typist's computer, controlled using the keyboard (using Hot Keys) or foot pedal which is sold separately. The software is free for personal use, and costed for professional use.

Express Scribe can be used to play and transcribe ordinary WAV or MP3 recordings and includes its own Dock feature to transfer recordings directly from portable recorders. Type using any Windows word processor. Offers valuable features for typists including variable speed playback, multi-channel control, playing video, file management, and more. Foot controls for digital audio transcription on PC and Mac available. More details

Other programs:

• Otter.ai

There are many resources and demonstrations online (including youtube) that provide further practical information and troubleshooting on all aspects of digital recording, equipment and recorders.

Prices and availability of equipment will vary from store to store. Regardless of the portable recorder or other equipment used, it is essential that you read the manual and familiarise yourself with the device features and settings.

• Oral History in the Digital Age

• Recording and Storage of Oral History Interviews - University of London

• Transom : in-depth reviews of digital recorders, microphones, editing software and more

• Oral History and Video - Digital Omnium

• Recording with Smartphones and Tablets - Tutorial via University of Winnipeg