The already eye-popping recording time is expandable via microSD up to 32GB of total storage for nearly eight times the recording space. The backlit displays add quick access to the date, time, and current recording mode, while a built-in earphone mini-jack offers private playback. Transferring files off the Sony is a snap, thanks to a built-in USB port that plugs right into both Windows and Mac computers. Storage: 4GB internal | Battery: 159 hours | Microphone: Stereo Playback speed control doesn’t alter pitch, so musicians learn new music and journalists can transcribe audio, free from concerns over quality shifting. Songwriters and musicians can take advantage of the overdub feature to layer new audio on top of previous recordings to experiment with different sounds. The 1.25-inch monochrome LCD display is easy to read, and the one-touch controls are intuitive and simple to use, making it a breeze to capture and record. Storage: Expandable to 32GB | Battery: 10 hours | Microphone: Stereo The Sony takes voice recording to an entirely different level with even more features such as remote control access via an Android or iOS application that can start and stop recordings, as well as adjust levels and settings directly from a smartphone. The 16GB of storage allows for hours of audio recording directly on the device, while the inclusion of a microSD slot offers even more storage capacity. Transferring recordings off the Sony is incredibly straightforward—just plug the PCM-A10 directly into a computer via USB to easily move your audio files. Storage: Expandable 512GB | Battery: 15 hours | Microphone: Stereo The included 2GB microSD card is in place of onboard storage and, while expandable, we’d prefer to have at least some onboard memory to start. There is an included SD card so you easily transfer data from the microSD card to a PC or Mac alongside plugging into your computer via the USB 2.0 slot. The tripod mount on the back offers expandability and additional functionality and could be perfect for attaching to the hot shoe on your DSLR or onto a tripod. Mounting the unit on a tripod? It sounds a little strange but it would, in fact, give you additional control over the direction of the microphones and eliminates any additional noise that emanates from hand-held recording. If you’re looking for even more control over removing external wind noise, you can purchase a windscreen separately to utilize in less-than-ideal windy conditions. Overall, the highlight of the H1 is the microphone and it does not disappoint with good stereo image, high sensitivity and automatic recording levels that sound great for interviews, meetings and the like. Storage: Expandable | Battery: 10 hours | Microphone: Stereo Extras such as auto gain, auto-record and pre-record features work along with the data-recovery function to add even more options that help make the Zoom second-to-none in the voice recorder space. Additionally, the Zoom is the lone voice recorder available for properly recording 360-degree “spatial audio” files that are native to Google’s JUMP virtual reality platform and is compatible with YouTube. A line-in jack adds the option of an external microphone for enhanced performance, while the 130-gram weight and 1.68 x 2.66 x 4.5-inch sizing make it ideal for sticking right in a pocket. Storage: Expandable | Battery: 20 hours | Microphone: Stereo Storage: 4GB internal | Battery: 57 hours | Microphone: Mono Jeff Dojillo is a Los Angeles-based writer and photographer who’s experienced with using tech in his workflow.
What to Look for in a Voice Recorder
Recording Quality
What will you be using your voice recorder for? If it’s just for personal memos and notes, you probably don’t need top-tier recording quality. But if you’re using it to do interviews or keep track of conversations in noisy places, then the quality of the recording is very important. For superior quality, you may want to look into a model that has built-in noise reduction. Aside from the standard MP3 audio files, if you want higher quality look for voice recorders that support FLAC and AAC. because those will have less quality loss.
Connection and Battery Life
Like any other portable device, battery life is important when it comes to voice recorders — especially if you’ll be using it often during the day. Some of these devices use AA or AAA batteries, while others recharge via USB. Others even have a built-in USB port so you don’t have to carry an extra cord. Think about what’s most convenient for you when it comes to these two factors. Smaller voice recorders can usually last around 10 hours, which is enough for a workday, while higher-end models can last up to an impressive 60 hours.
Size
A voice recorder is something you want to be able to tuck into a pocket or purse with ease. Often, there’s a tradeoff between size and recording quality (due to the microphone), so you want to make sure you find a device that’s a perfect balance of the two.
