Digital audio recorders are essential tools for capturing sound with pristine quality. Whether youre a budding podcaster, a musician who needs to record their band, or just someone who loves to capture the audio of live events, having the right recorder makes all the difference in the world. There are many great digital audio recorders on the market, but some are much better than others. In this article, we will discuss our picks for the best digital audio recorders available today.
Best Digital Audio Recorders
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Zoom H1n Handy
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Zoom H4N Pro
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Tascam DR-40X Handheld
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Sony ICD-PX470 Stereo
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Sony ICD-UX560
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Olympus Voice WS-853
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Roland R-07-BK High-Resolution
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Tascam DR-100 MKIII
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Philips DPM8000
|
7. 4
|
|
10
|
Olympus LS-P2 Linear PCM
|
7. 2
|
1. Zoom H1n Handy
The Zoom H1n Handy is a great portable audio recorder that offers great sound quality and is incredibly easy to use. It has a sturdy and lightweight design, making it a great option for recording audio on the go. The device has a built-in microphone which is capable of capturing clear and powerful sound. It also features a variety of inputs and outputs, allowing you to connect to a variety of devices. The battery life of the device is also impressive, with up to 10 hours of use on a single charge. The menu system is intuitive and easy to use, and the overall sound quality of the device is impressive. The Zoom H1n Handy is a great option for those looking for a high-quality audio recorder at an affordable price.
- High-quality stereo X/Y microphone
- Records up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio in WAV or MP3 format
- Records to microSD/microSDHC media
- Built-in speaker for instant playback
- Integrated USB port for data transfer to computer
- Overdubbing, dual recording and variable speed playback functions
- Limiter and auto level control
- 1/8″ stereo input
- Tripod mountable
- Compatible with optional plug-in power
- Includes windscreen and carrying case
2. Zoom H4N Pro
I’ve been using the Zoom H4N Pro for a few months now and I’m so glad I made the purchase. It has been a great addition to my home recording studio. The sound quality is excellent and it’s so easy to use. I can record multiple tracks at the same time and the built-in effects and mixing options make it easy to get a professional-sounding recording. It’s lightweight and portable, so I can take it anywhere I need to record. Overall, I’m really happy with the Zoom H4N Pro and would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a great recording solution.
- Four-track recording and simultaneous two-track playback
- Built-in stereo condenser microphones
- High-quality preamps and A/D converters
- XLR/TRS microphone/line inputs with phantom power
- Records up to 24-bit/96 kHz WAV files
- Supports SDHC cards up to 32 GB
- Onboard effects like compression, limiting and EQ
- Auto-record, Pre-record and Backup-record functions
- Integrated metronome and chromatic tuner
- Built-in effects like reverb, delay and amp modeling
- USB audio interface for digital streaming and transfers
- Includes Cubase LE for audio editing and podcasting
3. Tascam DR-40X Handheld
The Tascam DR-40X Handheld is an excellent piece of recording equipment that is great for any amateur or professional recording enthusiast. It has four tracks, each with its own microphone preamp and recording level, allowing you to record multiple sources at once. It also has an onboard mixer so you can easily adjust levels and fine tune your sound. The DR-40X is also very versatile and can be used for recording acoustic instruments, vocals, live performances, and more. The sound quality is great and it has a variety of features that make it easy to use. I highly recommend the Tascam DR-40X Handheld for anyone looking for a great quality recording device.
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- Four-track simultaneous recording capabilities
- XLR/TRS combo jacks with phantom power
- Two mic/line switchable inputs
- Two built-in condenser microphones
- Headphone and stereo line outputs for monitoring
- 3.5mm stereo line input
- Auto/manual level control
- High-quality 128x oversampling A/D and D/A converters
- High-capacity Li-ion battery operation
- Works with the free Tascam DR Control app for iOS and Android
- Locate Mark and File Divide functions for efficient editing
- High-speed dubbing
- Variable speed control
4. Sony ICD-PX470 Stereo
The Sony ICD-PX470 Stereo is a great voice recorder that offers a great value for the money. The recording quality is excellent and very clear, with minimal background noise. It has a variety of features that make it a great choice for any recording situation. The built-in microphone is adjustable and has a great range for capturing sound from far away. I like that there is a USB connection so that you can transfer your recordings to your computer quickly and easily. The battery life is quite good, and it’s easy to use. Overall, I’m very satisfied with the Sony ICD-PX470 Stereo and highly recommend it.
- Digital Voice Recorder with Built-in Microphone
- Up to 4GB Internal Memory
- MP3 and PCM Recording Format
- Automatic/Manual Record Level Control
- Noise Cut Function
- Voice Operated Recording (VOR)
- Large LCD Screen
- Date/Time Stamp Function
- Built-in USB Connector for PC Transfer
- Up to 55 Hours of Battery Life
5. Sony ICD-UX560
I recently purchased the Sony ICD-UX560 and I have to say I’m really impressed with this digital voice recorder. It has a great sound quality, making it perfect for recording lectures or other important audio. The onboard memory is expandable with a microSD card, so you can record as much as you need. The built-in microphone is also quite good, making it possible to record conversations clearly. To top it off, the recorder is very easy to use and the battery life is quite impressive. All in all, this recorder is a great buy and I definitely recommend it.
:
- 4GB Built-in Memory
- 2-Mic S-Mic System
- One-Touch Button Operation
- Long Battery Life
- Smart Recording Features
6. Olympus Voice WS-853
I recently purchased the Olympus Voice WS-853 and I am very happy with it. It is a very high quality, lightweight, and portable digital voice recorder. It has a great microphone that picks up sound clearly, is easy to use, and has a great battery life. I have used it to record lectures, meetings, and interviews and have been very pleased with the sound quality. It is also great for dictation, so I can easily transcribe my recordings. I definitely recommend this product for anyone looking for a reliable, quality digital voice recorder.
- 8GB Built-in Memory
- Voice Recording Up to 1073 Hours
- 2 Mic System with Noise Cancellation & Wind Noise Reduction
- Back-lit LCD Display
- Voice-guided Menu System
- Up to 800 Folder/File Capacity
- USB Connectivity for PC
7. Roland R-07-BK High-Resolution
I recently purchased the Roland R-07-BK High-Resolution and I couldnt be happier with my purchase. It is small, lightweight, and very portable. It records with crystal clear sound quality for the size and it is very easy to use. I like how the device has four channels and can be used as both an audio and video recorder. It also has a wide variety of features to choose from, such as XLR inputs, stereo line inputs, and even built-in mics. All this makes it perfect for recording both music and video. The battery life is also great, lasting up to 8 hours on a single charge. I highly recommend this recorder to anyone looking for a high quality, affordable recording device.
- High-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/96 kHz
- Records MP3 and WAV files to microSD card
- Two studio-quality condenser microphones
- Two XLR/TRS combo inputs
- Supports plug-in power
- Overdubbing and broadcasting functions
- Built-in effects, including compression and EQ
8. Tascam DR-100 MKIII
The Tascam DR-100 MKIII is an excellent recorder for both professional and amateur recording. It offers a variety of features for capturing sound in any environment, whether in the studio or in the field. The recordings are of exceptional quality and the preamps provide great sound. It features two XLR inputs, as well as dual SD card slots, allowing you to record up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio. The battery life is very impressive as well, providing up to twenty-five hours on a single charge. The built-in compressor, limiter, and low-cut filter help to make sure your recordings sound great. This recorder is great for capturing interviews, location recordings, and live performances. The Tascam DR-100 MKIII is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality professional recorder.
- Portable, 2-channel audio recorder
- Records to SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards
- Dual-mono recording and recording formats up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution
- Two independent line/mic/instrument level inputs each with selectable phantom power
- Integrated omnidirectional stereo microphones
- XLR/TRS combination inputs with level control
- High-quality preamps featuring up to 80dB of gain
- Rechargeable battery for up to 12 hours of operation
9. Philips DPM8000
I recently purchased the Philips DPM8000 and I’m incredibly satisfied with my purchase. It is a great device for people who are looking for a reliable and efficient digital dictation recorder. The device is very intuitive, with easy-to-read buttons and a large LCD display. It also comes with an impressive set of features, including a voice-activated recording, password protection, and a file management system. The recording quality is excellent, and I have noticed a significant reduction in background noise when using the device. The battery life is also impressive, lasting up to 20 hours on a single charge. Overall, I highly recommend the Philips DPM8000 for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient digital dictation recorder.
- Digital pocket memo with built-in microphone and speaker
- 8 GB internal memory and SD/SDHC card slot for up to 32 GB
- Records in PCM, MP3 and DSS audio formats
- USB 2.0 connection for fast transfers
- Integrated File Manager with intuitive search functions
- Large, illuminated color touchscreen display
- Voice activated recording and adjustable recording sensitivity
- Integrated telephone recording adapter
- Built-in rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
10. Olympus LS-P2 Linear PCM
The Olympus LS-P2 Linear PCM is a powerful sound recorder with great versatility. It has a lot of features, including a stereo microphone, two-track recording, and a wide range of recording formats. The sound quality is great and the recording time is long, making it perfect for recording long lectures and speeches. The size is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. The LCD display is easy to use and understand, and the menu system is intuitive. All in all, the Olympus LS-P2 Linear PCM is an excellent sound recorder and a great value for the price. Highly recommended!
- High-resolution and low-noise recording for superior sound quality
- Extremely portable design weighing just 1.7 oz.
- Linear PCM recording format for lossless and uncompressed audio
- Built-in stereo microphone
- Supports playback of PCM, MP3, and WMA audio files
- Supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio recording
- Up to 128GB of recording capacity with an optional SD card
- Built-in speaker for easy playback
- XLR mic input and 3.5mm line input
- USB port for charging and data transfer
