How to Connect a Recorder to a Telephone

Recording telephone conversations requires an adapter for connecting the phone to a tape or digital recorder. The recorder must be equipped with a microphone jack for attaching the adapter, which is available at electronics stores and many retail department stores. Once the equipment is set up, the recorder can capture both sides of a telephone conversation for later playback. There are laws regulating telephone recordings, so proceed with caution.

Things You'll Need

• Phone-to-recorder adapter

Instructions

1. Unplug the telephone line from the back of the telephone.

2. Insert the telephone line plug into the jack on the adapter.

3. Connect the phone plug on the adapter to the jack on the back of the telephone.

4. Insert the audio plug on the adapter into the microphone jack of a digital recorder or tape recorder.

5. Turn the sliding switch on the adapter to the "on" position to record a conversation. The "record" button on the digital recorder or tape recorder must also be activated to begin recording.

Tips & Warnings

• Voice-activated recorders stop and start with pauses in the conversation to conserve digital or tape storage space.

• Use caution and know the law before recording a conversation without permission. A state-by-state guide to recording telephone conversations is linked in the Resources section.

References

• ePanorama.net: How to Record Telephone Conversations

Resources

• The Reporter's Committee for Freedom of the Press: Can We Tape?