Introduction
Looking for clear answers about how to use your digital voice recorder (L89)? Whether you're a student, journalist, or business professional, a digital voice recorder is a powerful tool for capturing clear audio anytime, anywhere.
In this guide, you'll find the most frequently asked questions about digital voice recorders—how they work, how to record and play audio, adjust settings, and keep your files safe. This blog covers important topics like recording tips, mic sensitivity, storage space, battery life, and more.
If you're new to digital voice recording or want to get the most out of your device, this FAQ will help you record better audio, save time, and avoid common mistakes.
Let’s dive into the top questions people search for when using a digital voice recorder (L89).
TCTEC Digital Voice Recorder
Question 1: What's Included in the Box?
Each full Digital Voice Recorder set includes:
- 1 × Digital Voice Recorder (96GB memory — 32GB built-in + 64GB card included, stores up to 7,000 hours of audio)
- 1 × USB-C charging and data transfer cable
- 1 × User manual
- 1 × Pair of earphones
- 1 × External Lavalier Microphone
Question 2: What Type of Microphone Does the TCTEC Digital Voice Recorder Have?
The Digital Voice Recorder features a built-in high-sensitivity stereo microphone designed to capture clear and detailed audio from multiple directions.
In addition to the internal mic, the recorder also supports:
- External Lavalier Microphone (included): Plugs into the 3.5mm input jack for close-range or discreet recording, such as interviews or personal notes.
- Line-in Recording: Allows direct audio input from other devices (e.g., mixer, radio) through the same 3.5mm jack.
This combination makes it suitable for voice memos, lectures, meetings, and professional use cases where sound quality matters.
Question 3: What Material Is the Device Made Of?
The Digital Voice Recorder is made of durable zinc alloy with a sleek acrylic mirror surface. This sturdy material not only gives the device a premium appearance but also ensures it can withstand everyday use.
Question 4: Where is the microphone on voice recorder?
The built-in microphone is located at the top of the device, right above the screen. It features a high-sensitivity stereo design, ideal for capturing clear audio from all directions. You can also connect the included external lavalier microphone to the 3.5mm jack on the side for even better sound quality in interviews or noisy environments.
Question 5: How long can the Digital Voice Recorder record in voice-activated mode? Is there a time limit?
There is no fixed time limit per recording session. Total recording time depends on:
- Battery life
- Available storage
- Sound conditions (it only records when sound is detected)
- Audio quality setting (bitrate)
For example, in WAV format:
- At 512kbps, you can record up to 418 hours
- At 1536kbps, up to 139 hours
Because the device pauses during silence, your actual usable time might even be longer than this!
Question 6: How to Adjust Microphone Sensitivity and Set Up Auto-Recording?
Both microphone sensitivity and automatic voice recording can be configured in the Sound-activated recording menu.
Steps to Enable and Adjust:
- Go to Menu → Recording
- Select "Sound-activated recording"
- Turn ON the Automatic Voice Recording option
- Set the Sensitivity Level:
-
- Level 1 = High sensitivity (records even soft sounds)
- Level 7 = Low sensitivity (only records louder sounds)
Note: The higher the level, the lower the sensitivity. The lower the level, the more sensitive the microphone. To reduce microphone sensitivity and minimize background noise, use level 6 or 7.
Using an External Lavalier Microphone: After plugging in the external microphone
- The device will prompt to select the microphone source
- Choose "External Microphone"
- Then return to the Sound-activated recording menu to adjust the sensitivity level
This setup is recommended for better clarity in various environments, especially when background noise is present.
Instructional Video | TCTEC® Digital Voice Recorder
Question 7: Can the Digital Voice Recorder Keep Recording Until the Battery Dies?
Yes. The Digital Voice Recorder includes a power-off save feature. This means if the battery runs out during a recording session, the device will automatically save the file before shutting down.
- No data loss.
- No corrupted files.
- Peace of mind, even in long sessions.
It’s a smart safety feature designed for uninterrupted and reliable voice capture.
Question 8: How Do You Charge the Device? How Long Does It Last?
The recorder takes about 2–3 hours to fully charge using the included USB Type-C cable into your laptop or a USB wall charger. Once fully charged, the built-in 420mAh lithium battery can support up to 15–20 hours of continuous recording, depending on the recording quality and usage mode.
For example, recording in lower bitrate (like 32kbps MP3) will use less power compared to high-quality WAV recordings.
Question 9: What Is the Default Recording Format?
The default recording format is WAV, which offers high-definition, lossless audio quality. You can change it to MP3 if you prefer smaller file sizes and longer recording time.
To switch between WAV and MP3 formats:
- Turn on the device.
- Go to the “Recording” menu.
- Scroll to “Recording Format” and press the confirm/play button.
- Choose your preferred format: WAV (higher quality) or MP3 (smaller file size, longer recording time).
- Press confirm again to save your selection.
Question 10: Does the Digital Voice Recorder Have a Password Protection Feature? How Is the Password Set?
Yes, the Digital Voice Recorder supports password protection to keep your recordings private and secure.
- Go to the Settings Menu.
- Select "Password Setting."
- Choose "ON" to enable the feature.
- The screen will show two sets of “00 00”.
- Use the up/down buttons to choose numbers.
- Press the Menu button to switch between number groups.
- Press Confirm (Play/Pause) to save the password.
Example: You can set a password like “12 34”.
Note:
- If the password is incorrect, you won’t be able to access your files on the device or through a computer.
- To unlock quickly, enter “18 18” and press the Back button (default override code).
Question 11: How does the LED light work when charging and recording?
While Charging: The LED light displays the battery icon on the screen, showing charging progress. It takes about 2–3 hours to fully charge.
While Recording: A small LED recording light will turn on to indicate that recording is in progress. You can turn this light off in the settings if you want discreet recording: Go to Recording Menu → Recording Light Switch → Set to Off.
Need More Help?
If you still experience issues, please contact us for assistance:
📩 Email: info@tctecinnovation.com
💬 Live Chat: Visit our website at tctecinnovation.com and chat with our support team.
▶️ YouTube chanel "TCTEC": Watch step-by-step video tutorials for each product.
Question 12: Does the Recorder Make Any Sound or Light Up While Recording? What Appears on the Screen?
No, the Digital Voice Recorder is completely silent while recording—there are no beeps or sounds.
By default, a small LED light turns on during recording, but you can disable this light for discreet use: Go to Recording Menu → Recording Light Switch → Set to Off
While recording, the screen will show:
- A red recording icon
- Recording duration timer (shows how long you’ve been recording)
- Battery level
- Available storage space or memory indicator
- Recording format and bitrate (e.g., WAV 1536kbps or MP3 128kbps)
If you turn off the recording light, the screen still displays this info silently — perfect for discreet monitoring. The screen will turn off automatically after a set time if the backlight timer is enabled (to save battery).
Question 13: What Recording Modes Does the Digital Voice Recorder Support?
The Digital Voice Recorder supports several versatile recording modes. Here's how each mode works and how to set it up:
1. Standard Recording
Records continuously until you manually stop it.
Simply press the REC button to start recording. Press REC again to stop and save the file.
2. Voice-Activated Recording (Sound Control Recording)
The device starts recording when it detects sound and pauses when the environment is silent. This saves storage and battery life.
- Go to the Recording Menu.
- Select Sound Control Recording.
- Turn it On, then adjust sensitivity level (1–7). A higher level means it is less sensitive to sound (i.e., needs louder noise to trigger recording).
3. Monitoring Mode
Allows you to plug in headphones and listen in real time while recording.
- Go to the Recording Menu.
- Select Monitoring Settings.
- Set to Monitoring On.
Note: Turn off the noise reduction feature before using this mode.
4. Timer Recording
Automatically starts and stops recording at a scheduled time. You can set it to record once, daily, or on weekdays.
- Go to the Recording Menu.
- Select Timer Recording.
- Turn the timer switch On.
- Set the desired start time, end time, and frequency.
5. Segmented Recording
Automatically splits your recording into separate files every 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.
- Go to the Recording Menu.
- Select Recording Split.
- Choose the time interval you prefer.
6. External Microphone / Line-In Recording
Allows you to record using an external lavalier microphone (included) or another audio source via line-in.
- Plug in the external mic or line-in cable to the 3.5mm input jack.
- Press the REC button.
- The device will prompt you to select External Mic or Line-In. Choose accordingly.
Question 14: How Should You Position the Digital Voice Recorder to Capture Clear Audio?
To get the best sound quality from your Digital Voice Recorder, follow these tips:
1. Ideal Recording Distance
The recorder captures sound clearly within a range of 0.5 to 2 meters (about 1.5–6.5 feet). For the best clarity, place it 20–50 cm (8–20 inches) from the speaker, especially in quiet environments.
2. Point the Microphone Toward the Speaker
Although the built-in microphone captures sound in stereo from multiple directions, pointing the top of the device (where the mic is located) toward the speaker improves voice clarity—especially in environments with background noise.
3. Use the Included External Microphone for Closer Recording
Plug the included lavalier microphone into the 3.5mm input jack and clip it near your mouth or shirt collar.
This is ideal for:
- Recording yourself
- Interviews in noisy settings
- Hiding the recorder discreetly while still capturing clear audio
4. Adjust Sound Sensitivity (Voice-Activated Recording)
You can enable voice-activated recording and adjust its sensitivity level (1–7):
- Low sensitivity (6–7): Records only when louder sounds are present – best for noisy rooms.
- High sensitivity (1–3): Triggers easily with soft sounds – best for quiet environments.
Go to Recording Menu → Sound Control Recording → On, then choose the appropriate level.
5. Enable the Noise Reduction Feature
To reduce background noise and capture clearer speech:
- Go to Recording Menu → Noise Reduction Switch
- Set it to "On"
This feature uses a built-in noise reduction chip to help minimize unwanted sounds like fan noise, echo, or ambient chatter—especially useful in meetings, lectures, and busy environments.
Question 15: How to Listen to Recordings from the Digital Voice Recorder?
There are three simple ways to play back your audio files from the digital voice recorder:
1. Play Directly on the Device
- Press the Menu button to access the Recording Library.
- Use the up/down buttons to browse your recordings.
- Press the Play/Pause button to listen.
- Use the Volume buttons and Next/Previous to adjust playback.
You can also change playback speed, repeat sections, or add bookmarks during playback.
| Feature | How to Access | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Playback Speed | While playing/paused/stopped → Press Menu → Select Speed Settings | Choose from 8 speed levels to slow down or speed up playback (MP3, WAV, WMA only). |
| Repeat Sections | While playing → Press Menu → Select Play Mode | Choose Single Repeat, Repeat All, Random Play, or Single Play. |
| Add Bookmark | While playing → Press Menu → Select Bookmarks → Add Bookmark | Marks a specific timestamp in the audio file for quick access later. |
| Go to Bookmark | While playing → Press Menu → Select Bookmarks → Go to Bookmark | Jumps to a previously saved bookmark during playback. |
| Delete Bookmarks | While playing → Press Menu → Select Bookmarks → Delete Bookmarks | Removes saved bookmarks from the file. |
2. Listen Using Headphones
- Plug your headphones into the 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Navigate to your recording and press Play.
This offers better sound quality and privacy.
2. Listen on a Computer (Windows or Mac)
Connect the recorder to your computer using the USB cable. It will appear as a removable drive (L89). Your recordings are stored inside as .WAV files.
To play a recording:
- Step 1: Right-click the audio file you want to listen to
- Step 2: Select “Open with” > “Windows Media Player Legacy”
If your computer doesn’t have that player, you can download VLC Media Player, a free and lightweight app that supports nearly all audio formats.
TCTEC | How To Play .wav files On Windows Computer
Question 16: How to Use the Audio Control Buttons on the Digital Voice Recorder?
| Button | Function | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Play / Pause | Starts or pauses playback or recording. | Short press during playback or recording. |
| Previous / Next | Skips to the previous or next file during playback. | Short press the Previous or Next button. |
| Volume Up / Down | Adjusts the volume level. | Short press Volume to show volume, then use Previous (up) or Next (down). |
| Fast Rewind / Forward | Rewinds or fast-forwards during playback. | Long press Previous to rewind; long press Next to fast-forward. |
| Menu | Opens the settings or sub-menus. | Short press to access menu options while playing or paused. |
| Back | Returns to the previous menu or exits playback. | Short press to go back; long press to return to main screen. |
| Confirm / OK | Confirms selections in menus. | Short press to select a highlighted item or start playback. |
Quick Tip - How To Navigate On the Device | TCTEC 96GB Digital Voice Recorder
Need More Help?
If you still experience issues, please contact us for assistance:
📩 Email: info@tctecinnovation.com
💬 Live Chat: Visit our website at tctecinnovation.com and chat with our support team.
▶️ YouTube chanel "TCTEC": Watch step-by-step video tutorials for each product.
Question 17: How to Customize the Recording Settings?
| Setting | How to Access | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Recording Format | Menu → Recording Format | Choose MP3 (smaller files) or WAV (higher audio quality). |
| Bitrate | Menu → Recording Bit Rate |
Higher bitrates (e.g., 1536kbps WAV) mean clearer sound but use more space. For MP3 Format:
For WAV Format:
|
| Voice-Activated Recording | Menu → Sound Control Recording | Starts recording only when sound is detected. Adjust sensitivity from Level 1 (high) to 7 (low). |
| Noise Reduction | Menu → Noise Reduction Switch | Helps reduce background noise for clearer voice capture. |
| Monitoring Mode | Menu → Monitoring Settings | Listen live through headphones while recording. |
| Timer Recording | Menu → Timer Recording | Schedule recordings at a set time (once, daily, or weekdays). |
| Recording Split | Menu → Recording Split | Automatically split long recordings into files every 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes. |
| Recording Light | Menu → Recording Light Switch | Turn the LED light on or off during recording for discreet use. |
| Recording Source | Plug in external mic or line-in → Press REC | Choose between internal mic, external mic, or line-in. |
| Storage Location | Menu → Storage Location | Save files to internal memory or microSD card. |
Question 18: How to Set the Date and Time on the Digital Voice Recorder?
To make sure your recordings are labeled correctly with the right date and time, follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Turn on the device.
- Go to the Settings Menu.
- Scroll down to "Date and Time."
- Use the up/down buttons to adjust the numbers (hour, minute, day, month, year).
- Use the volume buttons to switch between fields (e.g., from hour to minute).
- Press the Confirm (Play/Pause) button to save your changes.
Question 19: USB Not Connecting to the Laptop?
To access your recorded files or configure the device, you need to connect your voice recorder to a computer correctly. Follow this step-by-step guide to check and fix connection issues if your computer does not recognize the device.
Note: If your computer doesn’t recognize the device or the drive doesn’t show up, follow the step-by-step guide in this article: Quick Fixes for Common Voice Recorder Connection Issues with Your Computer
1. Choose the Correct USB Cable
- Use the USB-C cable included in the box.
- If your computer does not have a USB-C port, use the USB-C to USB-A adapter (also included) to connect the recorder to a standard USB port on your laptop or PC.
2. How to Connect
- Plug the USB-C end into the voice recorder.
- Plug the other end (USB-C or USB-A) into your computer’s USB port.
3. Wait for Your Computer to Recognize the Device
After connecting, your computer should automatically detect the recorder's drive (L89)
-
On Windows:
- Press
Windows + Eto open File Explorer. - Click on This PC or My Computer.
- Look for a new USB drive listed.
- Press
-
On macOS:
- Open Finder.
- Look under the Locations section in the left sidebar for your USB device.
4. What to Do If Your Recorder Doesn’t Show Up
If your voice recorder doesn’t appear in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS), it may still be connected but not yet visible. This often happens when the device isn’t assigned a drive letter or hasn’t been mounted. Follow the steps below to fix the issue based on your operating system.
| Windows – Device Not Showing in File Explorer | macOS – Device Not Showing in Finder |
|---|---|
| Cause: Device is connected but not assigned a drive letter. | Cause: Device is connected but not mounted. |
|
Step 1: Open Disk Management Press |
Step 1: Open Disk Utility Press |
|
Step 2: Find Your Recorder Look for a disk named KL130, L800, TCTEC, etc.If it shows “Healthy” but no letter (like F:), that’s the issue. |
Step 2: Locate the Device Look for a disk named KL130, L800, L89, USB Disk, or TCTEC in the left panel.If it’s gray, it’s not mounted yet. |
|
Step 3: Assign a Drive Letter Right-click → Choose Change Drive Letter and Paths... → Click Add or Change → Pick a letter (e.g., E, F, G) → Click OK. |
Step 3: Mount the Device Select the device → Click Mount at the top. |
|
Step 4: Check File Explorer Open File Explorer ( |
Step 4: Check Finder Open Finder → Look under Locations → Your recorder should now appear. |
5. Troubleshooting Tips
If your voice recorder still doesn’t appear:
- Unplug the USB and reconnect it.
- Try using a different USB port.
- Check if the cable is damaged or loose.
- Restart the recorder or your computer.
- Try connecting the recorder to a different computer.
Note: Please try checking if the device is still recording properly. You can listen to the recordings directly on the device using the included Type-C earphones (Use the earphone’s volume control to switch between different recording files)
This step will help us determine whether the issue is related to the recording process or another cause, so we can provide the most accurate solution for you.
Question 20: How to Rename a Recording File?
To rename a recording, simply connect the Digital Voice Recorder to your computer using the USB cable. Once it appears as a USB drive (L89):
- Open the folder containing your audio files
- Right-click the file you want to rename
- Select “Rename” and enter your preferred file name
- Press Enter to save the new name
This is a quick and easy way to keep your recordings organized for easier access later.
Question 21: How to Download Recordings on your computer?
- Connect the device to your computer using a USB cable and adapter included with the product.
- Open the device’s storage, which appears as a “L89” disk drive on your computer.
- Locate and open the file named "RECORD" in a text editor.
- Drag and drop the recordings to your computer to save them
- Save the file and safely eject the device from your computer. (right-click the device’s drive and select Eject to safely disconnect it from your computer.)
Question 22: Can Deleted Recordings Be Recovered from the TCTEC Digital Voice Recorder?
It depends on how and where you delete the files:
1. If You Delete Files Directly from the Device (via buttons or system reset)
- Recordings are permanently deleted
- They cannot be recovered from the device's internal memory
2. If You Delete Files from the Computer (USB Mode)
- On Windows/macOS, deleted files may be moved to your computer’s Recycle Bin/Trash, depending on how you deleted them
- If you use Shift + Delete or empty the trash, they cannot be recovered
Question 23: Does the Digital Voice Recorder Support Transcription or Translation?
The digital voice recorder does not support built-in speech-to-text transcription or language translation.
However, if you need these features, you can still use the device in combination with third-party software:
- Copy the .WAV audio files from the recorder to your computer
- Use transcription software to automatically convert the voice recordings into text
- From there, you can edit or translate the text into other languages as needed
Need More Help?
If you still experience issues, please contact us for assistance:
📩 Email: info@tctecinnovation.com
💬 Live Chat: Visit our website at tctecinnovation.com and chat with our support team.
▶️ YouTube chanel "TCTEC": Watch step-by-step video tutorials for each product.
Question 24: Do I Need to Install Any Software to Use It?
No software is required. The Digital Voice Recorder is completely plug-and-play:
- It automatically records and saves audio files
- It connects to your computer like a regular USB drive
- You can customize recording settings on the digital voice recorder
Question 25: Can You Delete or Format the Memory?
Yes, the Digital Voice Recorder lets you manage storage easily. You can either delete recordings manually or format the memory like a standard USB drive.
Option 1: Delete Files Manually
When the device is connected to your computer, just open the USB drive and delete the recordings you no longer need.
Option 2: Format the Memory Completely
Follow these steps if you want to erase everything and start fresh:
-
Step 1: Connect the Device to Your Computer
- Use the USB cable provided to connect the voice recorder to your computer.
- Wait for the computer to detect the device and display it as a USB drive. Open the USB drive on your computer.
- Step 2: Format the Device’s Memory
| On Windows | On macOS |
|---|---|
|
1. Open File Explorer Right-click the recorder’s USB drive. |
1. Open Disk Utility Press |
| 2. Select “Format” from the context menu. | 2. Select your device from the left panel. |
|
3. In the Format window, set the following:
|
3. Click “Erase” at the top. |
| 4. Click “Start” to begin formatting. | 4. In the Format section, choose “MS-DOS (FAT)” (same as FAT32). |
| 5. Click “OK” when formatting is complete. | 5. Click “Erase” again to confirm and start formatting. |
-
Step 3: Open the USB drive to ensure the memory is empty.
Notes:
- Only format if you have backed up important data.
- Do not disconnect the device during formatting to avoid errors.
Question 26: Can You Reset the Device to Factory Settings?
Reset the Digital Voice Recorder in two ways:
Option 1: Reset via the Settings Menu (Factory Reset)
- Turn on the device.
- Go to the Settings Menu.
- Select "Factory Settings."
- Choose "Yes" to confirm
This will restore all system settings to default but won’t delete your recordings.
Option 2: Use the Physical Reset Button
- Locate the small “Reset” hole on the device (usually on the side or bottom).
- Insert a paperclip or pin and press gently.
This is useful if the device becomes unresponsive or frozen.
Note: Resetting the device will not delete any of your recorded files.
Question 27: Is the Digital Voice Recorder Waterproof? What Should You Do If It Gets Wet?
The digital voice recorder is not waterproof and does not have an IPX water resistance rating. Exposure to water, high humidity, or liquids can damage internal components and may result in data loss or device failure.
If the device comes into contact with water, follow these steps immediately:
1. Power Off Immediately
Turn off the recorder right away if it’s still on.
2. Do Not Charge or Connect to a Computer
Avoid plugging it into a charger or USB port while the device is still wet or even slightly damp.
3. Gently Dry the Exterior
Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe off any visible moisture.
4. Remove Moisture Safely
Do not use a hairdryer or apply direct heat. Instead:
- Place the device in a sealed container with silica gel packets
- Alternatively, place it in a container of uncooked rice for 24–48 hours to absorb moisture
5. Test the Device After It's Fully Dry
Once you’re sure the recorder is completely dry, try turning it on or connecting it to your computer to check if it still works.
Question 28: How to Find the User Manual for the Device?
You can easily access the detailed user manual for your digital voice recorder by following these steps:
- Visit the official TCTEC Innovation website
- Scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and look for the “Technical Support” section
- Click on “Technical Support”, then navigate to find the User Manual that matches your product
If you’re having trouble locating it, you can go directly to the support page here
Question 29: What Is the Warranty Policy for the Digital Voice Recorder?
The Digital Voice Recorder is covered under the official warranty policy provided by TCTEC. If your device experiences any issues during normal use, you can request support by following these steps:
1. Prepare the Following Information:
- Your order number (e.g. #1234) has been sent to your email as confirmation of your purchase.
- Your full name
- Shipping address
- A detailed description of the issue, including what troubleshooting steps you've already tried (such as those listed in the connection guide)
2. Send the Information via One of These Methods:
- Live chat on the official TCTEC website
- Email: info@tctecinnovation.com
The TCTEC support team will review your request and guide you through the warranty process — whether it’s a replacement, or other solutions, depending on the issue.
TCTEC Digital Voice Recorder
Need More Help?
If you still experience issues, please contact us for assistance:
📩 Email: info@tctecinnovation.com
💬 Live Chat: Visit our website at tctecinnovation.com and chat with our support team.
▶️ YouTube chanel "TCTEC": Watch step-by-step video tutorials for each product.
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