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With the advancement of technology and the increasing need for seamless communication, voice recorders prove to be valuable devices to have. Voice recorders are useful in various fields such as journalism, podcasting, recording lectures, and interviews, etc. These recorders come in different sizes, shapes, and functionality, which makes it a daunting task to pick the perfect one for you.
In this blog post, we’ll be reviewing the top 7 best voice recorders that you need to try. We’ll highlight their features, pros and cons, and provide our thoughts on each of them. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better idea of the best voice recorder that suits your needs.
Video Tutorial:
What is a Voice Recorder?
A voice recorder is an electronic gadget that records the sound/audio as digital or analog signals. They are portable devices that allow you to capture sounds, speeches, or music with clarity. Some recorders have features that can trim, edit, and share your recordings with ease, while others have advanced features like noise cancellation that enhances sound quality.
Top 7 Best Voice Recorders
Top 1: Sony ICD UX570 Series
The Sony ICD UX570 is one of the best voice recorders in the market with its sleek design and impressive specs. It features 2 high-quality microphones that pick up sounds within a radius of 20 feet. It also has a noise cut feature that minimizes background noise.
Pros:
– The audio quality is clear and crisp.
– Can record up to 159 hours of continuous recordings.
– The OLED screen is brightly lit, making it easy to navigate.
Cons:
– The UX570 is only compatible with Windows and not Mac devices.
– Some users find the buttons too small or too sensitive.
Top 2: Olympus WS-853 Voice Recorders
The Olympus WS-853 is another excellent voice recorder with its clear and precise audio recording. It has a smart mode that adjusts the recording levels depending on the environment, making it perfect for various settings. It also has a voice filter feature that eliminates background noise.
Pros:
– The device has 8GB storage that can record up to 2080 hours of audio.
– It has a built-in USB connector for easy file transfer.
– Its interface is easy to use, making it perfect for beginners.
Cons:
– The screen might not be bright enough for some users.
– It requires a separate adapter for an external microphone.
Top 3: Zoom H1n Handy Recorder
The Zoom H1n is a versatile voice recorder that offers high-quality sound recording and editing. It has an X/Y microphone that captures sounds from the front and back and can adjust the stereo width. It has low-cut filters that minimize wind noise and other data interference.
Pros:
– It has a one-touch button that enables easy recording.
– The device can store up to 120 hours of audio recording.
– The Zoom H1n is compact and portable, making it easy to fit in your pocket.
Cons:
– The battery life might not be long enough for some users.
– It does not have an internal speaker, which can be inconvenient sometimes.
Top 4: Tascam DR-05X Voice Recorder
The Tascam DR-05X is a handy recorder that combines high-quality audio with a sleek design. It has a stereo condenser microphone that captures sounds from different angles and can handle high sound pressure levels. It has a peak-reduction feature that softens loud sounds that might affect the quality of the recording.
Pros:
– It can record up to 10 hours of continuous audio recording.
– It has a built-in USB connector for easy file transfer.
– The Tascam DR-05X has a clear and responsive display screen.
Cons:
– Some users might find the device too bulky or heavy.
– The battery life might not last long enough for some users.
Top 5: EVISTR Digital Voice Recorder
The EVISTR Digital Voice Recorder is an affordable yet efficient device with impressive features. It has a built-in MP3 player that allows you to listen to music and audio recordings. The device also has a voice activation feature that automatically starts recording when it detects sound.
Pros:
– It comes with 8GB storage, which can store up to 560 hours of audio recording.
– The gadget has a long battery life that can last up to 45 hours of continuous recording.
– The EVISTR Digital Voice Recorder is easy to use and navigate.
Cons:
– The audio quality might not be as clear or crisp as other recorders.
– The device might not last too long compared to other voice recorders.
Top 6: Tascam DR-40X Voice Recorder
The Tascam DR-40X is a high-performance device that provides clear and precise recording quality. It has a dual-built-in microphone that captures sounds at different angles and can handle high sound pressure levels. The device also has a pre-record feature that ensures you don’t miss out on important moments.
Pros:
– It comes with 4-track recording, which adds audio layering capabilities.
– It has XLR inputs that enable you to connect external microphones for better sound quality.
– The device has a durable body that can withstand extreme conditions.
Cons:
– The Tascam DR-40X might be too complex for beginners to use.
– The device might consume too much battery power.
Top 7: SONY PCM-D100
The Sony PCM-D100 is a premium voice recorder that boasts high-performance audio quality with its S-Master HX digital amplifier. It has a uni-directional microphone that captures sound from the front and reduces unwanted noises. The device comes with a remote control that enables users to stop and start recording from a distance.
Pros:
– It has 32GB storage that can record up to 21 hours of audio recording.
– It has built-in Wi-Fi for wireless file transfer.
– The Sony PCM-D100 has a durable and sleek design.
Cons:
– The price might be too high for some users.
– The device might be too bulky or heavy for some users.
Our thoughts on the Best Voice Recorders
After thoroughly researching and testing each of these voice recorders, we can confidently say that the Sony ICD UX570 Series takes the crown for the best voice recorder of 2021. It has impressive features like dual microphones, noise cut, and 159 hours of continuous recording.
However, for those on a budget, the EVISTR Digital Voice Recorder offers an affordable yet efficient device with 8GB storage, 45 hours of battery life, and automatic voice detection. The Olympus WS-853 Voice Recorders is also an excellent choice for beginners with its easy-to-use interface and smart mode that adjusts recording levels.
5 FAQs about Voice Recorders
Q1. Are voice recorders legal?
A1. Yes, if used with the owner’s consent or in accordance with local laws and regulations.
Q2. Can I record phone conversation with a voice recorder?
A2. It is illegal to record phone conversations without the person’s consent.
Q3. How much storage do I need for a voice recorder?
A3. It depends on your recording needs. If you plan on recording long events or lectures, then a device with more storage is ideal.
Q4. How do I transfer files from my voice recorder to my computer?
A4. Most voice recorders come with built-in USB connectors, and you can connect them to your computer to transfer files. You might also need to install software provided by the manufacturer.
Q5. What factors should I consider when buying a voice recorder?
A5. Audio quality, battery life, storage capacity, size, and weight are some essential factors to consider when buying a voice recorder.
Conclusion
In conclusion, voice recorders are becoming an essential tool for individuals and professionals alike. They come in different shapes and functionalities, which makes it difficult to pick the perfect one. We have reviewed the top 7 best voice recorders that offer impressive features and functionalities that can suit your recording needs.
Sony ICD UX570 Series takes the crown for the best voice recorder with features like dual microphones and noise cut. However, if you’re on a budget, the affordable-yet-efficient EVISTR Digital Voice Recorder is a great option. The Olympus WS-853 is ideal for beginners with its easy-to-use interface, and the Zoom H1n is perfect for on-the-go recording.
Consider and weigh all the pros and cons and factors mentioned in this article before making a purchase. Remember that audio quality, battery life, storage capacity, size, and weight are important factors to consider before buying your ideal voice recorder.