Digital recorders are an indispensable tool for certain professions. They allow you to make high-quality voice or sound recordings. Moreover, since they are lightweight and easily transportable devices, you can carry them with you at all times. They are ideal for conducting interviews or taking voice memos.
Their use is prevalent in professional environments. However, given their attractive advantages, more and more people are opting for them for all kinds of applications. However, choosing a suitable model may not be an easy task. We have put together this comprehensive buying guide to make it easier for you.
The most important things to know.
Voice recorders are frequently used in journalism. However, this is not their only application. Many students use them to take notes; in many professions, they are essential for taking voice notes. And, of course, they are also used by many musicians.
Digital voice recorders ensure a high level of recording quality. Some have two microphones that work parallel to improve audio quality and achieve improved depth. In addition, some writers also have specific settings for different types of situations. And most have built-in noise reduction systems.
Today, most voice recorders record in MP3 and WAV format, although some also support other types of extensions. Many can also playback music in MP3 format.
Best Voice Recorder Recommendations in 2022: our recommendations
Here is our ranking of the five best voice recorders currently available on the market. We have tried to include items that are as varied as possible. Of course, we have selected products that offer excellent value for money, and all are from well-known brands.
Digital Voice Activated Recorder w/Password Protection
EVER 16GB Digital Voice Recorder
32GB Digital Voice Recorder
Olympus Voice Recorder WS-853
Sony ICDUX560BLK Digital Voice Recorder
Three recording options: wide/stereo, narrow/focus, and normal
What you should know about voice recorders
When purchasing a voice recorder, you must consider some critical issues. Don’t forget that there are different voice recorder models, each designed for further use. For this reason, in this section, we aim to answer the questions that may arise during the purchasing process.
What exactly are voice recorders?
Today’s voice recorders are digital devices that allow you to record voice or sound, for which they must be placed close to the transmitting source. Since they are digital, they do not use tapes but store the information in digital files that can later be transmitted to a computer or other electronic device.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of voice recorders?
Using a voice recorder offers several advantages. With them, you can record voice and sound at high-quality levels. Best of all, you can do it easily, quickly, and conveniently. In addition, since they are light and easy to carry, you can always take them with you.
Advantages
- Record voice and sound at high-quality levels
- Have higher quality microphones and reduce noise
- They are straightforward to use and very comfortable to use
- They are always ready to record and are transportable
Disadvantages
- Professional equipment can be a little pricey
- Some models use AA batteries as batteries and need to be replaced
Is it worth buying a voice recorder?
Given the advantages they offer, there is no doubt that it is worth buying a voice recorder. Although there are apps for cell phones that can replace voice recorders for certain basic tasks, the truth is that having specific professional recording equipment is essential for certain professions.
In addition, cell phone microphones do not offer the same performance. The quality of their recordings is inferior. And not only that, while you use your cell phone for recording, you lose the possibility of using it for its main uses. And, of course, its battery life is not as long.
What are the main applications of voice recorders?
Voice recorders have different applications. Perhaps the field in which they are most widely used in journalism, but it is not the only one. They can also be of interest to students who want to record the explanations of teachers. Or even for professionals in various fields who want to record voice memos with quality equipment. [1]8 Situations You Never Knew You Needed a Voice Recorder
What types of voice recorders are there?
Currently, there are different types of digital voice recorders. The two most common are portable voice recorders and mini voice recorders, which are ideal for making secret recordings. Each one has specific features and offers certain benefits. If you want to know more about them, you can refer to the following table.
| Guy | size and shape | Memory | Screen and buttons |
|---|---|---|---|
| portable voice recorders | They are portable devices. They are light and transportable | It consists of a small 2 GB hard drive | They have an LCD screen and several buttons |
| mini voice recorders | They are tiny voice recorders, ideal for staying hidden. They can be shaped like a pen. | Its internal memory is 2 GB or 4 GB. | They usually lack an LCD screen and generally only have one button. |
How to start using a voice recorder?
First of all, it is recommended that you read the instruction manual for the voice recorder. Once you have done this, you should start by learning how to use the buttons on the device, especially the most basic ones. At the same time, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the device’s display.
You should make a test recording as soon as you have done these first two steps. Then, we recommend that you play the test recording file on the device itself, with headphones, or on the computer. Finally, if the recorder comes with software for the PC, you can also take a look at it.
What format do voice recorders record in?
Nowadays, almost all voice recorders record in MP3 and WAV format. In general, the latter and FLAC are the ones that guarantee the best sound quality. Logically, files saved in these formats are much heavier. Other possible file systems are OGG, WMA, and AAC.
Purchasing criteria
When the time comes to buy a voice recorder, you must take into account a series of criteria that will help you make the right purchase. We have selected the most important ones to help you in the selection process. We hope that they will guide you in your purchase and help you to get the best value for money for your new recorder.
Sound quality
In general, today’s voice recorders ensure high sound quality. Some have two microphones that record in parallel to improve audio quality and enhance depth. In addition, some writers have specific settings for the different situations in which you may use them.
Equipment control
There is no doubt that the recorder should have a good quality digital display so that you can see as much information as possible and configure the equipment quickly and easily.
Another important aspect is that the buttons are comfortable and of good quality.
The recorder must have a button to set marks for processing the data. This type of button is beneficial for eliminating silences or noises so that when you want to play an audio file, you can skip to the moment you want to listen to it. It is also recommended that the recorder has a circular selector.
Memory capacity
Regarding the memory capacity of the recorder, you should consider both its internal storage and the additional storage that can be added with a microSD card. This can be between 4 and 8 GB (gigabytes), while the latter can reach up to 32 GB.
For reference, you should know that with 8 GB, you can enjoy up to 150 hours of recording. In any case, ultimately, the storage capacity you will need will depend on the primary use you will make of the recorder. Logically, recording short ten-minute interviews is not the same as recording several two-hour lectures.
Design
In terms of design, the most important thing is that the recorder is light and easy to handle so that you can transport it easily. Likewise, it should be sturdy and resistant, as it may be prone to knocks or falls when constantly moving. Therefore, it must be manufactured with good quality products.
Connectivity
As it can not be otherwise in a fully connected world, you can not overlook the connection options offered by the digital recorder you buy. You can find devices with Wifi, Bluetooth, or USB connection. A USB connection and a 3.5 mm jack input may be enough if you don’t want it for professional use.
Additional functions
An interesting “extra” function that is quite common in many digital voice recorders is the MP3 player, so you can listen to your favorite music with your writer. You may also be interested in the voice-activated recording function or timer recording.
Overview
Digital voice recorders offer higher levels of sound quality than can be achieved with recording applications for mobile devices. In addition, another significant advantage is the possibility of having a specific machine that allows you to free your cell phone for its most common uses.
To choose the most suitable recorder, you must consider some critical issues. To begin with, you need to be clear about what you want to use it for, as this will determine the sound quality you will need. Opt for lightweight equipment with significant autonomy and a simple control system is also advisable.
Finally, if you consider that this guide has been helpful in your selection process, you can leave us a comment or share it through different social networks.
