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It’s true that smartphones are very versatile and offer us a wide range of device types in a smaller size. But when it comes to quality, there is still a lot of work to be done. As in this case, every smartphone is equipped with a built-in recorder. But is the quality good? We’d say it’s manageable, but not satisfactory for a professional job.
However, digital voice recorders are still widely used because they offer amazing sound quality, versatility and portability comparable to a smartphone. If you are also looking for such recorders, you can take some time off, because in what follows, we will show you the best digital recorders that are included in this top list based on these aspects:
- Sound Quality : It’s the closest. Of course, the sound quality must be completely satisfactory, because that is only our goal. Quality can be assessed according to the equipment and technologies used, such as capacitors, tone generators and other aspects such as the sensitivity of the microphone, etc.
- Memory: These dictation devices do not necessarily have built-in memory. So it’s a good thing you can put your own SD cards in there and keep as many as you like. However, make sure that the maximum storage space for each product is supported.
- Rechargeable battery : Since these devices are generally smaller and remarkably portable, they are not wired. As a result, most of these digital dictation devices run on built-in batteries that need to be recharged regularly. A product with a good and long battery life is therefore a good deal for you.
That’s all for now. Let’s take a look at the list and see which of the following top digital recording devices offer you the best value for money. If you’re curious about what to consider before buying a new digital dictation device, we’ll tell you in a separate section below, so be sure to read it.
Best digital voice recorders in India 2020
Best digital recording devices in India 2020: Reviews
1. Sony ICD-UX570FVoice Recorder
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Every audio and video enthusiast knows how good Sony’s reputation is. However, one of Sony’s best dictation machines is the ICD-UX570F, which is known for its excellent performance and light weight.
Although the sound quality of the integrated high-sensitivity S-microphone is very good, you still have the possibility to use your own microphone with this recorder. It is also equipped with an automatic music recording function that allows you to set optimized parameters for voice recording on certain frequencies.
Speaking of battery life, 20 hours of backup is enough, and even with a quick 3-minute charge, you can record for 1 hour without interruption. You can also insert a microSD card into this recorder to buffer the internal memory of 4 GB and then transfer the recording to your computer via the USB output.
| Specifications for Sony ICD-UX570FRecorder | |
| Login | USB |
| Reminder | Up to 4 GB |
| Automatic recording function | Yes |
| Battery life | Until 8:00. |
| Support for external microphones | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
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2. Zoom in on H1n Practical Dictation Machine
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Zoom is a fairly popular brand in this sector because of its first-class features, and in this case it’s the quality of the built-in microphone that makes this Zoom H1n mobile phone recorder so special.
The exceptional quality of sound recording is due to the built-in 90 degree X/Y stereo condenser microphones, which capture every detail perfectly. It even has a tone generator, very useful for camera operators.
In terms of operation, the front panel also has buttons for playback with the decentralized LCD display. The design is also unique and looks very professional. On the sides you will find slots for micro-out, headphone-in and microSD cards. Speaking of microSD cards, it supports up to 32GB of memory, which is pretty good compared to most other recording devices.
However, this cannot be said of the life of the batteries, as they can only be absorbed for 10 hours when 2 AAA batteries are fully charged.
| Technical data Practical dictation device with zoom function H1n | |
| Login | USB |
| Reminder | up to 32 GB |
| Automatic recording function | Yes |
| Battery life | Until 10 in the morning. |
| Support for external microphones | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
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3. Voice recorder Sony ICD-PX240
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To move on to the next product, Sony offers a fairly simple product called the Sony ICD-PX240 MP3 Digital Voice IC Recorder, which is ideal for beginners who do not want to get into the complications. The size of the recorder is quite small and fits easily in any pocket.
Although the IC recorder is suitable for beginners, the sound quality it captures is amazing. It is powered by a small lithium-ion battery that provides 23 hours of uninterrupted backup power when fully charged. There is no way to expand the memory of this device. So this recorder has only 4 GB internal memory.
However, they still have a USB output for fast file transfer to another device. At the top of the unit there is a headphone jack and a separate jack for connecting external microphones to this recorder.
| Specifications for Sony ICD-PX240 MP3 Recorder | |
| Login | USB |
| Reminder | Up to 4 GB |
| Automatic recording function | Yes |
| Battery life | Until 11:00. |
| Support for external microphones | Yes |
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4. FaironlyDictaphone
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You can certainly take a look at this professional digital audio recorder from Faironly. With first-class hardware, it can process and record MP3 and WMV formats at a high data rate of 1536 Kbps. The integrated storage capacity is only about 8 GB.
This amount of memory allows you to store high-definition audio files for up to 96 hours. In normal quality, the storage capacity can easily record 136 hours of sound. If you need more storage, insert a microSD card up to 32 GB and get started.
Speaking of battery capacity: It has a small built-in battery of 220 mAh, which allows considerable backup autonomy of about 15 hours on average. The manufacturing quality and features of this product are very satisfactory, and you can even use your own microphone with this device. However, this recorder is not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
| Dictation machine FaironlyTechnical data | |
| Login | USB |
| Reminder | up to 32 GB |
| Automatic recording function | Yes |
| Battery life | Up to 136 hours |
| Support for external microphones | Yes |
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5. EVISTRdigital dictation device
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The EVISTR 16GB digital dictation recorder comes in a rugged, high-quality ABS case with aluminium grilles to protect the microphone. Thanks to the high-quality built-in microphone, the sound quality is also well-regulated and crystal-clear sound recordings can be made.
All main buttons are located on the front, with a small LCD display showing all the important details of the plan. The recording quality exceeds all expectations because it is able to capture and process the audio signal at a high speed of 1536 Kbps, for which it is also equipped with a built-in 16 GB drive.
It also has a voice control function that allows you to start recording without physically touching it. In terms of battery life, it is easy to store the batteries for more than ten hours.
| Specifications for EVISTRDigital Voice Recorder | |
| Login | USB |
| Reminder | up to 16 GB |
| Automatic recording function | Yes |
| Battery life | Until 10 in the morning. |
| Support for external microphones | Yes |
Buy now on Amazon
6. Voice recorder Sony ICD-PX470
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There is another good medium distance option for Sonia that you might want to try. Most people like to use it because it is super thin, light and extremely easy to wear. Like any other recorder, it uses a USB interface, allowing you to easily transfer files to your computer.
Thanks to Sony’s engineers, the audio recording quality of this device is too high, even at low frequencies. Thanks to the built-in high-sensitivity S-microphone, it can record in MP3 and LPCM format. In addition, on request, you will receive a port to connect your own microphone from a third party.
For data storage Sony offers an internal memory of 4 GB that can be expanded with a microSD card. You can use the supplied AAA battery to power this unit, providing a reasonable operating time of 55 hours.
| Specifications for Sony ICD-PX470Recorder | |
| Login | USB |
| Reminder | Up to 4 GB |
| Automatic recording function | Yes |
| Battery life | Up to 55 hours. |
| Support for external microphones | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Buy now on Amazon
7. Olympus WS-852Recorder
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Then we have another budget option for the mid-range Olympus, which can be your ideal companion if you want to record long podcasts. This product is always in the spotlight thanks to its long service life of more than 100 hours, thanks to the 2 AAA batteries it uses.
The recorder is very easy to use because all playback buttons are located on the front panel. This unit has several recording modes that make it possible to adjust the sensitivity of the real stereo microphone.
And that’s not all, what makes it more suitable for podcasting is the voice filter function that improves each individual’s voice in a fantastic way. The built-in memory of this Olympus WS-852 digital voice recorder has a capacity of 4GB, which can easily be expanded to 32GB with a microSD card.
| Specifications for the Olympus WS-852Recorder | |
| Login | USB |
| Reminder | Up to 4 GB |
| Automatic recording function | Yes |
| Battery life | More than 100 hours |
| Support for external microphones | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Buy now on Amazon
8. Sony ICDPX370.CE7 Voice recorder
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We already talked about ICDPX470 above. So if you don’t have a budget for it, this USB ICDPX370.CE7 Digital Voice Recorder from Sony is the perfect choice for you. There are no significant differences between the two devices, so almost all functions are the same on both devices.
The battery life of the recorder battery is approximately 39 hours in continuous recording. But instead of finding a built-in battery, he needs an AAA battery. Thanks to a device perfectly designed by Sony, it simply enables quiet voice recording with absolutely correct frequencies.
Headset and microphone ports are available for connection, as well as a USB port for connection to a PC. If the built-in 4 GB hard drive seems limited, you can use your own microSD as additional storage space.
| Specifications for Sony ICDPX370.CE7Recorders | |
| Login | USB |
| Reminder | Up to 4 GB |
| Automatic recording function | Yes |
| Battery life | Up to 39 hours |
| Support for external microphones | Yes |
Buy now on Amazon
Recitals
Since digital dictation devices come at different prices and can be used for different purposes, you should choose a device very carefully. Still, there’s a lot to think about before you start investigating and buying.
If you do not know the most important factors to consider when choosing a DVR for yourself, we recommend that you read this section carefully. In the case of a digital recorder, there are many factors that a person has to take into account when checking. We look at all these important factors separately and tell you what important role they play.
1. Sound quality
Of course, not all products can offer you the same sound quality. So let’s split it into two segments that are fundamental in terms of sound quality for those who just want to take notes and don’t need specific quality. On the other hand, for films where, for example, sound quality is important, this is a professional evaluation.
As you know, it is now up to you to decide for what purpose you will use the recorder. If you want a recorder for random use, you can choose any budget option because they also offer good recording quality, even better than a smartphone. Otherwise, we also recorded professional level voice recorders, you can easily find in the list.
2. Compatibility of the control system
Once you have recorded audio on your device, you can play and listen to it using the device itself. But that’s not what everyone’s looking for. Either you want to use audio with some videos, or you are losing space on the device itself.
In this situation, you need to connect the camera to your computer, transfer files and clean the memory. In order to work with a computer, you need to know whether or not the product is compatible with the computer’s operating system. Normally, most dictation machines run on Windows without any problems, but if you are using another operating system, such as Linux or MacOS, you should check this beforehand.
3. Mono or stereo
Sound perception is strongly influenced by whether the sound is recorded in mono or stereo. With stereo recordings you get the feeling of a 3D environment in which you can easily distinguish whether the sound comes from the left or right side.
On the other hand, mono recordings have a uniform sound distribution on the right and left channel, making it impossible to determine the direction of the incoming sound. In general, tape recorders that record in mono are cheaper and can be used as needed. But it’s always better to have a stereo for professional work.
4. Storage
Digital dictation devices usually have a built-in memory to keep all your recordings safe. In general you will find devices with about 4 GB, 8 GB and even 32 GB internal memory.
However, if you find that this space is insufficient for your needs, you can check if the recorder supports a microSD card for memory expansion. Although most brands offer a microSD card slot for expansion purposes, many brands do not. Take a look at this.
5. Battery fuse
Finally, the battery life of the device also plays an important role. You don’t want your recorder to end up without a battery in the middle of an important project. Therefore, make sure that the recorder has a sufficiently long battery life.
Although some brands offer built-in rechargeable batteries that provide an average of 20-30 hours of reserve power. Some products use AAA batteries, which provide a much better backup power supply and can be replaced at any time, while recharging the built-in battery takes some time to get the device working again.
Conclusion
We hope this list of the best digital dictation devices meets your needs. Whether you’re looking for a product for a professional job or you’re just a student who wants to take notes and accidentally write down unimportant things, there’s a product for every one of our customers. In case you have not been able to make your own decision so far, we have some personal recommendations for you, which might make it a little easier for you to find the best solution for your needs.
- The Sony ICD-UX570F lightweight dictation device is undoubtedly one of the best professional digital dictation devices on the list. You will appreciate the sound quality and details picked up by the S-microphone.
- Another interesting option for professionals and occasional users looking for high-quality stereo sound. Practical, the Zoom H1n impresses with its built-in 90 degree X/Y stereo condenser microphones and tone generator for better sound quality.
- The Sony ICD-PX240 MP3 Digital IC Registrar can be considered the cheapest option on this list, perfect for beginners. The quality of the audio recording is exceptional and also gives you a battery life of 23 hours.
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