TileRec Audio Recorder Review – By a Private Investigator

Audio recorders come in all shapes and sizes.  You have covert hidden audio recorders like the Tile Rec Voice Activated Recorder and overt audio recorders like the EVISTR Digital Voice Recorder are used by reporters, students, and private investigators. What is the Tile Rec Audio Recorder?  The Tile Rec Audio Recorder is a 1 1/2 inch x 1 1/2 inch by 1/4 inch (40x40x5 mm) audio recorder.  This tiny flat audio recorder on demand or by voice activation. Let’s get into the TileRec Audio Recorder Review!

What is in the Tile Tec Audio Recorder Box?

• Tile Tec Audio Recorder
• Tile Tec Instructions
• 2 Lanyards 
• USB to USB-C Adapter
• USB to Micro USB
• USB Extention to Micro USB (Assumed to use USB-C Adapter)

Technical Specifications of the Tile Tec Audio Recorder According to the Manufacturer.

• Size: 40x40x5 mm
• Weight: 15 g
• Power Supply: Polymer Battery 3.7V – 240 mAh Battery Time (Which Gives up to 24 Hours of Recording
• Recording Format: Mp3, 128 Kbps
• Recording Time: With 8GB of Memory – 145 Hours of Recording Time
• Support System: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8/10/ Android
• Flash Memory: 8GB (FAT32)

Overall Design and Features

The TileRec Audio Recorder is Simple to Use

The overall design of this product is simple which is good for anyone using a recording device like this whether they make it overt or want it to be covertly hidden.  Many times devices especially devices meant to be covert can be overly complicated to use especially in hidden spy camera-themed devices.

This device turns on and turns off. When it turns on, it is automatically active meaning depending on the setting, it is either listening for voices to begin recording or it automatically begins recording.

You Can Program the Audio Recorder to be Covert With No Indicator Settings

Owners of the device can choose whether they would like to have a flashing light (notifying the user that it is on and recording) or choose to have no blinking lights at all. No blinking light is ideal when not wanting to draw attention to the device, especially in dark settings.

Program it to be Voice Activated or Immediate Recording

You can program the device to either be voice activated (only record when it hears noise or voices) or record continuously without a sound prompt.  This might be ideal when wanting to conserve battery power or recording storage.

Program the Time and Date on Your TileRec

When setting up the device you have the ability to set the time and date so your recordings will have a time stamp associated with them.  This is a very useful feature as some covert audio devices don’t include this feature.

Metal Casing 

Many audio recorders overt or covert usually have a plastic shell.  That is not so with the TileRec as it has a metal casing that should protect it to some degree if it is dropped on the ground for some reason.  This was not tested as I was not trying to break it.

Audio Quality

The audio quality for the TileRec is surprisingly really good considering the recording device is so tiny. Below I will share recordings from different distances so you can get an idea of what this device is capable of.

1 ft  From The Recorder (Recorder was plugged into my computer while testing)

Audio Quality at Distances from 1ft to 25 feet for the TileRec Audio Recorder

The audio quality really holds up when tested between approximately 1 foot from the recorder to approximately 25 feet from the recorder. 

Of course, it is natural for the sound to become fainter the further you are from something regardless of what type of recorder you are using.  And at approximately 25 feet from the TileRec Recorder, my voice was clear and distinct. You may hear a bit of an echo but that is due to the vaulted ceilings in the room I was recording.

During the recording, you can hear my dog’s footsteps, and cars driving by my house (because the windows were open) very clearly.  I do think however this device shines between 1 ft and 5 ft when recording.

Recording in a Moving Vehicle

I placed the TileRec in my glove box and before the vehicle was started you can clearly hear my voice. When I started the vehicle you could continue to hear my voice up until the air conditioner came on.  

As I drove the recorder had a difficult time picking up my voice clearly due to the air conditioning and sound of the vehicle itself. There are times when I can be heard clearly but you have to listen closely.

If using in a moving vehicle it is recommended that you keep the air off and windows rolled up to have the best chance of picking up voices clearly while trying to be covert. 

How to Listen to Your Recordings on the TileRec

The TileRec Recorder comes with a micro USB to USB-A  and a micro USB to USB-A female connecter to use the USB-C adapter. These USB cords are used to connect your TileRec to your computer. 

If you have an Apple Computer (Newer) you will use the USB-C adapter with the female USB-A.

Once the TileRec is connected to your computer you will see an icon appear on your computer indicating the device is connected. Click on the new icon and it will open and show the device folders. Click on the Record folder to access the audio files. 

How Do You Charge the TileRec Audio Recorder

Using the provided cables as discussed above, simply connecting the device to your computer will initiate charging on your TileRec Audio Recorder. If needed, the device does have the capability of recording while connected to your computer and charging. 

Ways the TileRec Audio Recorder Could Be Used

Using the TileRec Covertly

Being as small as it, it will be incredibly easy to record with this device covertly.  It is not a device that needs to be in plain sight to record clearly.  

• In a Vehicle (Glovebox, Under a Seat)
• In a Pocket (Breast Pocket of a Jacket or Dress Shirt)
• In an Office Drawer
• Velcroed Under a Desk

Overtly (In Plain View)

Recording Seminars or Lectures

Since this audio recorder does a fairly decent job of picking up voices from a distance, I could envision someone using this to record a seminar or lecture so you could replay it later.

Use it as a Backup Recording Device For Interviews

As an investigator, there is always an underlying fear when conducting recorded statements from individuals that for some reason the audio recorder won’t record or something will happen with the audio file.  

This device’s audio quality competes with traditional digital audio recorders and would make for a great backup device just in case a primary audio recorder fails. 

I would not however use this as a primary recording device.  I only say that because the aesthetics of the device would not fit in a formal interview. 

Positive Observations of the TileRec Audio Recorder

The audio is shockingly good for such a small recording device.  Atto Digital did a great job designing this device by keeping it simple and having it so small.

I like the fact that it has a metal casing because it provides me as the user with some sense of security that if it does fall that it will still work. I haven’t tested that theory but as I stated earlier, many recording devices have a plastic exterior which will be more likely to break if it falls on the ground.

Dislikes or Changes I Would Want For This Device

I don’t have anything critical to say about this device. It is small, simple to use and has two functions that would be ideal to covertly record (turning off the function/recording light and being voice activated).

I have reviewed tiny items for investigators many times. The only thing I would want to change is to have a carrying case for this device so it wouldn’t be easy to lose.  A carrying case would add some size to it when not being used and could possibly be a vessel for carrying the cables that are used to connect it to a computer.

Here is the affiliate link to this product. If you decide to purchase it through this link, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.