Abstract: A sound compression/decompression peripheral which operates with a host computer or other remote sound data storage device. The peripheral comprises a plurality of hand operable switches which may be dedicated to functions to which users of tape recorders are accustomed such as "RECORD" "PLAY" "STOP" "REWIND" "FAST FORWARD" and "PAUSE". The switches may also perform other functions. One possible embodiment of the peripheral comprises: a microphone; a speaker; a .mu.