FAQs for Pen Voice Recorder

FAQs for Pen Voice Recorder

Introduction

Looking for a smart and discreet way to record conversations, meetings, or lectures? The Pen Voice Recorder is a powerful tool that works both as a regular writing pen and a hidden audio recording device. Whether you're a student, journalist, professional, or simply need a reliable way to capture audio, this compact recorder makes it easy.

In this blog, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about how to use the pen voice recorder — including setup, recording, playback, battery, storage, and more. If you're new to this device or want to get the most out of it, this guide will help you understand all its key features step by step.

TCTEC Voice Recording Device | Voice Activated Recorder | 64GB Voice Recorder

Pen Voice Recorder, Photo by TCTEC

Question 1: What's Included in the Box?

Each full Pen Voice Recorder set includes:

  • 1 × Pen voice recorder (64GB – Stores up to 750 hours of audio recordings)
  • 1 × USB-C charging and data transfer cable
  • 1 × USB-C to USB-A adapter (for easy connection to laptops or PCs without standard USB ports)
  • 1 × User manual
  • 1 × Pair of earphones
  • 1 × Ink-filled pen recorder body

Question 2: What to do when the ink in the pen voice recorder runs out?

If your pen voice recorder runs out of ink, please contact us via live chat on our website or email info@tctecinnovation.com with your order number, name, and address — we’ll help you with ink refill.

Question 3: What Material Is the Device Made Of?

The Pen Voice Recorder features a durable aluminum alloy body. This sturdy material offers lightweight strength and protects the device from minor drops and impacts.

Question 4: Can the Pen Voice Recorder Record While Writing?

Yes, as long as you press the top button to start recording first, you can write normally while the pen continues recording in the background.

Question 5: Where is the microphone on voice recorder?

The microphone is discreetly built into the center of the device. While it may not be immediately visible from the outside, it’s specially designed to capture sound from all directions (omnidirectional) within its recording range, no matter where or how you place it.

Question 6: How Do You Charge the Device? How Long Does It Last?

Charging the Pen Voice Recorder is simple. Just plug the included USB-C cable into your laptop or a USB wall charger.

If your device only has a USB-A port, use the included USB-C to USB-A adapter for easy connection to standard USB ports.

  • Charging time: About 1 to 2 hours for a full charge
  • Battery life: Records continuously for 8 to 24 hours, depending on your settings

This makes the Pen Voice Recorder ideal for long meetings, full-day classes, or discreet all-day recording.

Question 7: How does the LED light work when charging and recording?

The Pen Voice Recorder uses a smart LED light system to show different device statuses. Here's how it works:

1. Charging LED Indicators

  • While charging: The LED light turns red
  • When fully charged: The LED changes to blue

Note: You do not need to turn on the device while charging. Do not use the pen voice recorder while it’s charging

2. Recording LED Indicators

To start recording, simply press the top button of the voice recorder pen once. The red LED light will blink three times, then turn off. This means the device has entered recording mode and is now silently recording audio without any light or sound — perfect for discreet recording.

To save your recording and turn off the device, just press the top button one more time. The red light will blink twice, confirming that your audio file has been saved successfully.

TCTEC V10 Voice Recording Pen Tutorial

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 8: Does the Device Make Any Noise or Light Up While Recording?

No. The pen voice recorder operates in complete silence and does not emit any lights during recording. This ensures maximum privacy and makes it ideal for discreet use in sensitive environments.

Question 9: What Recording and Writing Modes Does the Pen Voice Recorder Support?

1. Recording Mode

  • Press the top button once to start recording.
  • Press it again to save the recording and turn off the device.

2. Writing Mode

Hold the pen tip with one hand and the upper body with the other, then twist the pen 180 degrees to extend the writing tip. Twist back 180 degrees to retract it.

Question 10: How Should You Position the Pen Voice Recorder to Capture Clear Audio?

To get the best sound quality from your Pen Voice Recorder, follow these tips:

1. Ideal Recording Distance

The recorder can clearly capture sound within up to 15 feet (about 4.5 meters) in a quiet room. For the best clarity, place it 8–20 inches (20–50 cm) away from the sound source, such as the person speaking.

2. Point the Device Toward the Speaker

Although the built-in microphone is omnidirectional (records from all directions), pointing the device toward the person speaking improves clarity—especially in noisy environments.

3. Use the Included Earphones for Close Recording

You can plug the included earphones with microphone into the device and place the mic close to your mouth. This is especially helpful when recording yourself or in a loud environment.

4. Adjust the Gain Level for Your Environment 

Open the MRECSET.txt (RECSET.txt) file on the recorder to change the GAIN setting, which controls microphone sensitivity:

  • Low Gain (1–3): For quiet rooms or close-range recording
  • High Gain (4–7): For large rooms or distant voices
Time:20211210093005  //Time setting,YYYY―ＭＭ-DD―HHMMSS, Advice: Not change
Gain:5   //Adjust recording sensitivity 0-7, Advice:5
Vor:0    //0 means voice activated mode is ff, 1-10 means is on, Advice: 0
Bit:3     //0-32kbps  1-64kbps  2-128kbps  3-192kbps 4-384kbps, Advice: 3
PART:0  //Recording file division, Adjustment 0-240 minutes, 0 meaning 8 hours, Advice:0

Proper gain settings help reduce background noise and capture voices more clearly.

Question 11: How to Listen to Recordings from the Pen Voice Recorder

There are two simple ways to play back your audio files from the pen voice recorder:

1. Listen Directly on the Device

Use the included earphones with volume control — simply twist the pen body until it separates to reveal the headphone jack, plug the earphones into the device, then press the top button once to turn it on and start playback.

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. 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”

TCTEC Pen | How to Playback Recordings on Laptop, PC

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,  or convert the audio (WAV) file to (MP3) format for easier playback on phones and tablets.

TCTEC Pen | How To Convert Audio (WAV) format to (MP3) format for Phones, Tablet, Playback

Question 12: How to Use the Audio Control Buttons on the Pen Voice Recorder?

The Pen Voice Recorder comes with simple buttons that allow you to control playback easily. Here's how each function works:

  • ▶ Play/Pause: Press once to start or pause playback.
  • ⏮ Previous: Press to go to the previous file.
  • ⏭ Next: Press to skip to the next file.
  • Volume + / - : Press to increase or decrease the volume.

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 13: How to Set the Time on the Pen Voice Recorder?

Once your Pen Voice Recorder is connected to your computer, you can easily set the time by editing a simple file.

Here’s how:

  1. Open the folder labeled “USB DISK” on your computer.
  2. Find and open the file: Settime → SetDigitRecorderTm.exe
  3. A time setup window will appear in this format:
     YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS (e.g. 2025-05-12 10:40:01)
  4. Adjust the date and time to match your current local time.
  5. Click “Set Time” to save.

TCTEC Pen | How to Set time

Question 14: How to Customize the Recording Settings?

Once your Pen Voice Recorder is connected to your computer, you can easily change the recording settings by editing a simple text file.

Here’s how:

  1. Open the folder (USB DISK) for the device on your computer
  2. Find and open the file named MRECSET.txt (RECSET.txt)
  3. Adjust the settings by editing the specific lines in the file

If the MRECSET.txt (RECSET.txt) file is missing or empty, create a new file using Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (macOS), copy and paste the correct settings, save it as MRECSET.txt (RECSET.txt), and place it in the recorder’s USB drive.

Time:20211210093005  //Time setting,YYYY―ＭＭ-DD―HHMMSS, Advice: Not change
Gain:5   //Adjust recording sensitivity 0-7, Advice:5
Vor:0    //0 means voice activated mode is ff, 1-10 means is on, Advice: 0
Bit:3     //0-32kbps  1-64kbps  2-128kbps  3-192kbps 4-384kbps, Advice: 3
PART:0  //Recording file division, Adjustment 0-240 minutes, 0 meaning 8 hours, Advice:0

Note: Please do not delete any existing content or settings on the device, as this may affect its pre-configured operation. Only adjust the parameters as instructed, based on your specific needs.

Key Settings

Valid Range

 Function

VOR - Voice-Activated Recording

1 - 7
  • Enables automatic recording when sound is detected.
  • The device starts recording when noise levels exceed a certain threshold and pauses when it’s quiet.
  • Helps save storage space by avoiding silent recordings.

BIT - Bit Rate Setting
  • 1 → 32Kbps (Low quality, small file size)
  • 2 → 64Kbps (Medium quality, saves space)
  • 3 → 128Kbps (High quality, larger file size)
  • 4 → 192Kbps (Very high quality, largest file size)
  • Determines audio compression quality.
  • Higher bit rate = Better sound quality, but larger file size.

GAIN - Microphone Sensitivity

1 - 7
  • Adjusts microphone sensitivity during recording.
  • Higher values = Captures more sound, but may pick up background noise.
  • Lower values = Reduces noise, but quieter voices may be harder to hear.

PART - Recording File Length

10 - 240 minutes
  • Splits recordings into separate files at a set duration.
  • Helps prevent files from becoming too large, reducing the risk of file corruption.
  • Ideal for long recordings like lectures or conferences

Question 15: 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 (USB DISK)

  • On Windows:
    • Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
    • Click on This PC or My Computer.
    • Look for a new USB drive listed.
  • 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 Windows + X → Select Disk Management.

Step 1: Open Disk Utility

Press Command + Space → Type Disk Utility → Press Enter.

Step 2: Find Your Recorder

Look for a disk named KL130, L800, L89, USB Disk, or TCTEC. 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 (Windows + E) → The recorder should now be listed.

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 16: How to Rename a Recording File?

To rename a recording, simply connect the Pen Voice Recorder to your computer using the USB cable. Once it appears as a USB drive (USB DISK):

  • 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 17: 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 “USB DISK” disk drive on your computer.
  • Locate and open the file named "RECORD" in a text editor.
  • Drag and drop the recordings to your Mac 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 18: Does the Pen Voice Recorder Support Transcription or Translation?

The pen 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 19: Do I Need to Install Any Software to Use It?

No software is required. The Pen 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 by editing the MRECSET.txt (RECSET.txt) file — no special software or apps needed

This makes it easy to use on any Windows or Mac device, with zero setup hassle.

Question 20: Can You Delete or Format the Memory?

Yes, the Pen 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 Command + Space, type “Disk Utility”.
2. Select “Format” from the context menu. 2. Select your device from the left panel.

3. In the Format window, set the following:

  • File System: exFAT
  • Allocation unit size: Default
  • Volume label: (Optional) name your drive
  • Quick Format: Check this box
 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: Verify After Formatting
    • Open the USB drive to ensure the memory is empty.
    • If the MRECSET.txt (RECSET.txt) file is missing or empty, download a new version here or create a new file using Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (macOS), copy and paste the correct settings (here), save it as MRECSET.txt (RECSET.txt), and place it in the recorder’s USB drive.

Notes:

  • Only format if you have backed up important data.
  • Do not disconnect the device during formatting to avoid errors.

Question 21: Can You Reset or Restore the Device to Factory Settings?

The Pen Voice Recorder does not have a physical reset button. However, you can easily reset the device to default settings by deleting or editing the MRECSET.txt (RECSET.txt) file stored in its memory.

  • To reset, simply open the MRECSET.txt (RECSET.txt) file and restore the original values
  • Or delete the file — the device will recreate it with default settings the next time it’s used

This simple method allows you to troubleshoot or start fresh without needing any special software.

Note:  If the MRECSET.txt (RECSET.txt) file is missing or empty, download a new version here or create a new file using Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (macOS), copy and paste the correct settings (here), save it as MRECSET.txt (RECSET.txt), and place it in the recorder’s USB drive.

Question 22: Is the Pen Voice Recorder Waterproof? What Should You Do If It Gets Wet?

The pen 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 23:  How long can the Pen 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)

Question 24: Can the Pen Voice Recorder Keep Recording Until the Battery Dies?

Yes. The Pen 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 25: How to Find the User Manual for the Device

You can easily access the detailed user manual for your pen voice recorder by following these steps:

  1. Visit the official TCTEC Innovation website
  2. Scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and look for the “Technical Support” section
  3. 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 26: What Is the Warranty Policy for the Pen Voice Recorder?

The Pen 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:

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 Pen 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.

Copyright 2025 TCTEC. All rights reserved. This content may not be reproduced or distributed without permission.

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