VRS, MSRS, TRx, MixPadRecommended HardwareThis page lists recommended hardware for: NCH Software lists this information based on information provided by our customers and equipment manufacturers. We cannot verify all the information and models and specifications can change. If you are buying through one of our order forms please check the specifications carefully. Otherwise please check with the manufacturer about suitability before purchasing.
| SoftwareVRS Software Home MSRS Software Home TRx Software Home MixPad Home Hardware OptionsSound Cards Phone Line Connections Phone Handset Connections Telephony Boards |
Recommended Sound Cards (for multichannel recording)Our software uses the standard Windows MME Sound System so any sound card that claims to work under Windows should work. For professional multichannel sound cards that have been tested and proven to work with NCH Software we recommend AltoEdge's MultiChannel Sound Cards.
Problem with too soft microphone level signals into line level input sound cards:If your multichannel sound card only has line level inputs and you wish to connect a microphone level device (this includes microphones and some call record interfaces) you will find the recording might be too soft or noisy. To improve the record volume, we recommend installing an inline microphone to line level amplifier for each line. Radio shack has a single line amplifier for $11.99 cat 277-1008C.Recommended Phone Line Interfaces (for call recording)To use the VRS or TRx Recording Systems to record telephone calls some kind of connector is required between the phone and the input of the sound card. There are a number of options depending on your requirements. Option 1: Direct Phone Line ConnectionsThese devices connect directly to between the phone line and the sound card input on the PC or Mac OS X. With this option VRS and TRx records all calls on the line (there can be a number of extensions or a PBX on the line). Note that all direct phone line connections work with regular analog PSTN lines - they do not support digital lines. With digital lines we recommend you use a 'handset' style adapter. Read further below for more information about handset connections.
Option 2: Phone Handset ConnectionsThese devices connect directly to the handset of each phone. The cable connects between the handset and the base. This option is suitable for DIGITAL PHONE LINES. However you cannot connect mobile phones this way - for mobile phones see the connected microphone adapter below.
Option 3: Telephone Suction Attached MicrophoneThese are special small microphones that attach to the back of the telephone and are designed to pick-up both sides of the conversation. They will work with all types of telephones including MOBILE CELLULAR PHONES.Radio Shack supply a suction cap phone attach microphone (cat number 44-533). You can order this online at www.radioshack.com. You sound card should have a microphone level input to use this adapter.
Option 4: Professional Telephony BoardsThe VRS Recording System will work with professional telephony boards to connect to an ANALOG telephone line. These are PCI or USB boards you install on your computer with 2/4/8 and sometimes more line sockets to connect to analog lines. The cost a bit more than the more do-it-yourself solutions discussed above but offer a very high quality turn-key solution including multichannel, line connect and caller ID on the one board.
Where to purchase (online suppliers list) |