Four Recording Devices We Recommend
Ready to move beyond cell phone recordings? Read on!
Four Recording Devices That We Recommend
Digital recording devices vary widely in terms of their features and the level of technical expertise required…and of course new products are constantly being released!
Some devices trade off physical ease of use for more memory space. Others may have plenty of disc space, only to run into issues when connecting to your comptuer or other external device in order to share your files.
Here we profile a few of our favorite audio recording devices for early 2019.
As always, take the time to do your own research and select a recording device that suits your unique needs. Whether or not our specific suggestions work for you, hopefully the reviews will provide insight into what you should look for when selecting a device for your own projects, whether you are a journalist or reporter, a writer or researcher.
Sony ICD-PX470 Stereo Digital Voice Recorder
This tiny, snappy recorder fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, and offers the push-button ease you’ve seen in the movies, where reporters never have to fuss with settings and dials! A built-in USB connection makes for easy uploading, saving you time and unweildy cables.
The Sony ICD is best suited to people just starting out with recorders, or looking for a reasonably priced model for field work. Customers praise its easy-to-use interface, as well as a unique feature that allows you to hear a file before deleting, to prevent accidentally deleting the wrong file.
It should be noted that this recorder takes AAA batteries, setting it apart from other recorders, which are generally rechargeable. Battery power may be a plus for those traveling for prolonged periods, or who plan to carry the recorder around extensively.
Dictopro Digital Voice Activated Recorder
This Dictopro employs solid buttons that will please those looking for an easy-to-use, uncomplicated recording device. Those new to digital recording may want to do a few practice runs with the voice-activated recording feature.
Customer reviews point to the Dictopro’s sensitivity in picking up sound, as well as its physical resilience. Several also praise the highly responsive customer service from the company that makes this recorder.
Try one of these four recording devices
Sony ICDUX560BLK Digital Voice Recorder
The quick-charge feature sets this model apart, and customer reviews gush over the extended battery life, as well as the ease of use despite its small size.
Experienced users will find the Sony interface easy to use, and beginners will appreciate the presence of buttons with clearly labeled functions. This is a good training recorder for those looking to eventually work with more complicated devices.
Livescribe 2GB Echo Smartpen
This is certainly the most fun of all the recorders on this list! A bit more expensive than most of the other entries, the LiveScribe records not only sound, but what you write or draw with the working pen body when you write on Livescribe dot paper.
It’s fully compatible with Amazon Echo, and can charge out of a standard USB port with the included cord.
Customer reviews suggest that users of this recorder would best be served if they are looking to use the note-taking feature in tandem with the recording. We recommend this recorder for students attending lectures or employees looking to take meeting notes that will be necessary later.
What next?
Once you’ve made your recording and are ready to transcribe it, choose from wallet-friendly Budget transcription, or if you’re on a deadline try 1-Week or our super-speedy 1-Day transcription services.