Top 20 voice recorders

Each profession requires the use of specialized tools. Voice Recorder - a gadget associated with journalism. But recordings in audio format may be needed not only for an interview. A writer, a poet, a scientist, a student, a schoolboy, and simply any person, using a dictaphone, will save important thoughts, the necessary information.

In this segment of the market, voice recorders compete with portable recorders. The main differences between these devices are as follows:

1. Voice recorders - simple instruments designed to record voice. The most common areas of use are interviews, lectures, and voice notes. Dictophones are decorated in a compact case, they work for a long time from batteries. These devices do not require high computing power; they only need a small amount of internal memory. The devices are presented in all price categories, from economy class to premium.
2. Portable Recorders - advanced devices that can be safely called a full-fledged multi-channel recording studio. Simple models can record 2 channels, and more equipped ones can record 4 or 6 channels simultaneously. Many recorders are complemented by a pair of microphones for recording stereo signals with very high quality. Portable recorders are suitable for recording rehearsals or concerts, recording sound when shooting video, preparing a demo on trips, as well as any high-quality sound recording in the field.

Leading manufacturers of voice recorders and portable recorders (Olympus, Sony, Tascam, Zoom) and other firms are carefully working on the creation of each model, equipped with a functional that can cope with the tasks of a given complexity. With such a wide assortment, it is difficult for consumers to determine what parameters the apparatus they need to possess in order for the price-quality-life-to-life ratio to be optimal.

We present you the ranking of the best voice recorders and portable recorders, which will help in the selection of the actual device. When allocating positions in the TOP, the following were taken into account:

• device characteristics (number of communication channels, internal memory, weight, etc.);
• value for money;
• customer reviews;
• expert opinions.

The best inexpensive voice recorders: a budget of up to 5,000 rubles

Budget voice recorders found wide popularity. Despite the fact that most of them offer only one communication channel, these are practical and high-quality devices that can be useful in lectures, during experiments and experiments, for creating notes with voice, etc.

5 Sony ICD-PX370

It seems that Sony has set a goal to present the simplest and most trouble-free recorder on the market and successfully implemented its plans in the form of the ICD-PX370 model. It is good that the sound is recorded in mp3 format, which means that you can immediately listen to the files on any mp3 device without any processing, moreover, they occupy a minimum of disk space (4GB, there is an extension option). To optimize the recording quality in certain conditions, you can select one of the modes - lecture, music, conversation, etc.

Of particular note is the noise reduction function. In most budget tape recorders, recording in a crowded place is a weak point, but Sony is an exception: it can filter out parasitic sounds unambiguously, and with the automatic sensitivity adjustment, the gadget is capable of miracles. It is noteworthy that it is connected to the computer directly, through a sliding USB-module. The internal memory provides special software that is activated immediately when connected to a PC and is used for quick and easy ordering of valuable data.

4 Philips DVT1110

“Philips” does not lose popularity in the electronics market, therefore among the less promoted “Rhythmics” and “Zums” the DVT1110 recorder evokes a clear interest among potential buyers. Even more, it is fueled by an unusually low cost for this brand, they even try to find out in the reviews whether it is a fake or not. Despite the cheapness, the model is made with high quality, equipped with a connector for an external microphone and headphones, as well as a speaker with a diameter of 20 mm, which allows it to play the recordings loudly enough.

A clear advantage in relation to devices from the same price segment is to adjust the sensitivity of the microphone. With it, you can select the quality of the recorded sound, depending on the distance to the source. Another function is also convenient - the automatic separation of large audio files, for example, many hours of meetings. Users are satisfied with their purchase, considering it the best choice in terms of price / quality ratio and naming only the absence of a built-in battery. As practice shows, this minus is easily leveled, if you use rechargeable batteries.

3 Olympus WS-806

It does not matter whether the recording is done outdoors or indoors, in a conference room or at arm's length, hidden or open, this recorder captures sound in impressive quality. So says the manufacturer, who has no reason not to trust, and so say users who keep records in different conditions. The device is controlled mechanically through conveniently located buttons. The menu is intuitive to everyone who was holding a push-button mobile phone.

Another interesting feature of the model is the built-in USB plug, which provides a direct connection to a PC without an additional cable. In the connected state it can work as a microphone. In order to minimize the influence of vibrations during recording, the manufacturer has provided a support leg, with which you can install a voice recorder on the table surface.In general, Olympus tried its best this time, and the only flaw in the WS-806 is battery operation (2xAA), although for people who are often on business trips, this is more of a plus.

2 Ritmix RR-190 8Gb

You can fall in love at first sight with a model that replaces the legendary RR-650: compact, lightweight (with a battery weighs 58 g), in a stylish metal case and with a matrix display, it compares favorably with its solid design. During operation, the RR-190 also does not disappoint: the recording starts with two microphones and is triggered by pressing one button, in addition, there is voice activation and timer recording, a choice of 4 modes, including noise reduction, you can record lectures or radio programs via the built-in FM Radio in any of the formats WAV, MP3, APE, FLAC.

The list of functions of the device does not end there: it can serve as a removable disk when connected to a PC via USB 2.0 - no driver installation is required, thus ensuring quick and smooth file transfer. Thanks to the built-in speaker and a slot for a memory card (it supports microSD up to 32 GB), the owners use the voice recorder not only for its intended purpose, but also as an audio player with quite decent sound for such a kid. It charges in 2 hours, while the charge lasts for 12 hours. Records in high quality and more than 2 thousand hours - in low.

1 Philips DVT2000

The best budget voice recorder is the Philips brand. Experts highly appreciate the characteristics of the device, in particular the quality of the stereo recording, which the voice recorder demonstrates in field conditions. A two-channel unit is a great option for creating voice notes on trips and travels.

Features of the model:

• The ability to use the device as a voice recorder, clock, MP3-player and flash drive. The device is equipped with voice activation - this option saves recording time, you do not have to scroll through the “silence”, for example, while listening to a recorded lecture. The reviews thank the manufacturer for the presence of indicators of battery charge and the remaining recording time - the actual characteristics that help users to "calculate the force."
• In the set are headphones and USB-cable. On the case of the device there is a microphone input - an important aspect, who are used to making audio recordings by means of a microphone. Built-in memory is 4 GB - a good indicator, especially given the support microSD and microSDHC. The built-in speaker is useful for quick listening of the material.

It is compact (3.8 * 11.1 * 1.9 cm) and a lightweight (49 g without a battery) voice recorder, the operating time of which is limited to 38 hours. With high quality, it will be possible to record up to 23 hours, and at low quality - up to 270 hours. One of the best models in its price segment according to experts and buyers!

Best voice recorders: price - quality

Voice recorders from this category are the golden mean. They have all the most popular features, the devices look presentable, and their cost is available to most buyers.

5 Ambertek VR307

This thing is worthy of being in the arsenal of James Bond - no other voice recorder can compare with it in size and weight. The length of the model does not exceed the matchbox, there is nothing to say about the thickness and weight - they are 5 mm and 6 g, respectively. Therefore, if necessary, in covert recording, this mini-voice recorder is the best suited for this task. A special holder can attach it to the edge of the clothes, which makes the device completely invisible.

There is no doubt about the functionality of the “midget”: he is coping with the recording of lectures, webinars, conversations, including on the street. In addition to the size and decent sensitivity of the built-in microphone, the VR307 has another important difference: the built-in sound sensor provides activation of recording when sound is detected with a volume above 35 dB. In the form of a bonus, the device can be used instead of a regular USB flash drive (8 GB is quite a universal volume) or a music player. Music lovers of his ability to play, of course, seem to be unsatisfactory, but we must remember that we still have a voice recorder, and not a speaker.

4 Olympus VP-10

A recorder from Olympus with two channels of recording could easily be in the arsenal of James Bond. This compact model, slightly larger than a ballpoint pen, fastened to a pocket or collar, allows you to record everything and everyone, remaining hidden from prying eyes. It is enough to set the settings at which the noise of friction on clothes will be minimal - and “Voila!”, Click on “Play”.

Features of the model:

• Ability to connect the recorder directly to the computer.
• Intuitive and clear control.
• Excellent recording quality even from a bag or jacket.
• Convenient buttons for pressing.

In reviews, enthusiastically write about stereo microphones.Clip reliably fixes the device, you can not be afraid that it will fall at the most inopportune moment. A good non-voracious battery - experts say in their recommendations of the model to buy.

3 Edic-mini Tiny A45-1Gb

This model of the dictaphone from "Edik Mini" is one of the best for hidden recording. At first glance, it is difficult to guess that we have a recording device, and not a pen. Appearance is deceptive - the same case!

Features of the model:

• The weight of this voice recorder without battery is a record 14 grams. Easier and you can not imagine.
• The device offers work for 50 hours and up to 210 in standby mode.
• This is a mono-device with built-in memory of 1 GB.
• In terms of functionality, the model does not lag behind competitors: activation by voice, timer recording, adjustable microphone sensitivity.

The recorder is equipped with a microphone input. According to buyers in reviews, this is a compact device, easy to operate and, at the same time, possessing the characteristics of a professional level. Elegant design, convenient operation. Experts emphasize in the number of advantages - low current consumption and the possibility of recharging from USB.

2 Olympus WS-853

In the domestic market, the recorder from Olympus has proven itself well. The advantages of the model are even more than enough: it holds the battery perfectly and is equipped with a retractable USB that even the cord is not needed, there is a stand at a convenient angle (45 degrees) right on the case - a find, in one word.

Features of the model:

• Package includes batteries and cover.
• High quality microphone - hears literally every rustle.
• Built-in 8 GB device memory and the ability to connect external.
• Recording time up to 130 hours with high quality.

Dictaphone moderately compact, however, for hidden recording, most likely, will not work. This is a great solution for audio recording of lectures and interviews. In addition, the model is characterized by indexing each record, locking buttons to prevent accidental pressing, and the ability to pause audio recording.

1 Sony ICD-TX650

"In this model, everything is fine!" - Buyers say in a review. Let's understand in order. Before us is a stylish and compact voice recorder, which is not ashamed to put in front of you on the table, for example, during an interview. Not only does the device fit even in a shirt pocket (2.0 * 10.2 * 0.7 cm), so it also perfectly records the sound from there - the ideal solution for hidden use, because even the “work light bulbs” will not give you away. The interface is clear and extremely simple - even a child will understand. Such a gadget weighs only 29 g - and this, together with the battery, is fantastic!

Features of the model:

• 16 GB of internal memory - you can simply forget that the space on the media is over, enough for hundreds of hours of recording.
• 2 channel (stereo) recordings - high quality sound.
• The maximum recording time is 15 hours.

The recorder boasts an abundance of functions - pause, timer recording, clock, voice activation, change in microphone sensitivity. The manufacturer indicates that you can create up to 400 folders and more than 4,000 messages in the recorder. Included are headphones, computer cable and leather case. Another plus is a robust metal bracket for hooking into a shirt or jacket pocket. If you need to record lectures or take audio notes, this is what you need!

The best dictaphones of premium class: a budget of 10,000 rubles

Premium voice recorders are advanced devices with an extended set of features and a rich bundle. Many of them offer password setting for data classification. Some models have a certificate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, meaning the possibility of attaching audio from this voice recorder to evidence in court.

5 Olympus DM-770

This dictaphone model allows blind people to lead a full-fledged business life - to participate in conferences, record interviews and lectures, be present at the negotiations, without losing a single important moment. The device is controlled without the involvement of third parties thanks to a multilingual voice guide, large relief buttons with markings and instructions specially designed so that it can be dealt with blindly.

The model is positioned as a Hi-End class and justifies its high “position in society” using first-class materials (the body is made of aluminum), a well-thought-out package (the set includes an AAA battery and a clip for comfortable wearing on clothes or bags), as well as unique recording technologies sound. One of them - the TRESMIC system - consists of two stereo microphones and one multidirectional microphone, giving the most accurate and live audio recording in mp3 / pcm format. If recording is done in a noisy environment, Zoom and Scene Selection help to make a recording better.

4 Forty 16

For professional audio recording of the material, it is extremely important that the recorder has the following characteristics: a high level of microphone sensitivity, the ability to connect an external sound collector, a wide range of frequencies to be picked up, and easy interaction with a PC. Without exaggeration, the dictaphone “Forty-16” of the Russian company “The Second Laboratory” meets all these requirements. It is equipped with a highly sensitive MEMS microphone (sensitivity up to 9 m) associated with the built-in ADC and preamplifier. Such a constructive solution allows you to avoid distortion and get the most clear and clear sound.

The device is controlled by pressing a single button On / Off. All other types of interaction are carried out via USB and a card reader through a PC and software that comes on a CD in the kit. A charger, card reader and 32 GB memory card are also supplied with the voice recorder. Stored records - both individually and the entire storage medium - can be protected with a password and a digital signature. Thus, it is impossible to change the primary information in an inconspicuous manner, and phonograms recorded with this device can be used in court in the form of evidence.

3 Edic-mini Tiny + B76-150hq

The 16-gram voice recorder with the Edik-Mini brand of digital markers is a miniature device that many have adapted for recording lectures, taking interviews and creating voice notes, including in the hidden from prying eyes mode.

Features of the model:

• One recording channel (mono), offering nevertheless excellent sound quality.
• Built-in 4 GB memory.
• The maximum recording time is 150 hours.
• Recording features with different quality, by timer, voice activation.
• Loopback mode.

In the reviews, customers write that the voice recorder is password protected — an actual option for those who do not want to be heard by someone else if the device is lost. Connecting to a computer via the included USB adapter.

2 Sony ICD-TX800

The novelty of the market is the Sony model of the voice recorder. After reviewing the characteristics you understand that the device owner is very, very lucky. This unit boasts an internal memory of 16 GB - one of the best indicators among the nominees of the rating.

Features of the model:

• Included is a remote control.
• The ability to control the voice recorder via Bluetooth using a special application.
• Compactness (3.8 * 3.8 * 1.4 cm) and lightness (22 grams with battery) is a quite suitable device for hidden audio recording.
• The maximum recording time is 238 hours.

Among the basic functions of the actual activation of the voice of users, saving the device. This model can be used as a flash drive and MP3-player. One communication channel does not adversely affect the quality of sound recordings - this is confirmed by buyers in the reviews and experts in the recommendations.

1 Gnome-Nano Speech Technology Center

The best Russian model is the Gnome-Nano dictaphone from the Speech Development Center. The miniature device is the holder of the nomination “Choice of professionals”. Despite the high cost - this voice recorder is in demand, and there are reasons for this: PIN entry and certification of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which makes it possible to use a recording from an audio device in court as evidence.

Features of the model:

• High quality recording with auto boost.
• To copy entries to a computer, no driver installation is required.
• Support digital signatures.
• Ability to install the manager on the USB flash drive itself.

Voice recorder implies the ability to connect an external microphone. Built-in memory (2 GB) is enough for a long time. Recording time is limited to 8.5 hours with settings set to maximum. With a low quality voice recorder can record up to 70 hours. The battery lasts an average of 9 hours, as the reviewers say.

Best portable recorders

Portable recorders are used for high quality audio recording. They are usually used at concerts, in podcasts or for audio tracks on recorded video. Clean voice transmission devices provide built-in microphones, creating a stereo effect. The ability to connect additional more powerful microphones expands the boundaries of use.

5 Tascam DR-44WL

In the numerous assortment of Tascam, the DR-WL series of voice recorders are most likely to be in demand. And all because these are the only models with built-in Wi-fi connectors, greatly expanding their capabilities: you can transfer recorded files through the air, connect to mobile devices with iOS or Android for the most convenient control, use an extended set of settings. These are familiar and necessary functions for any modern technology, but other manufacturers of dictaphones seem to have forgotten about it.

The ergonomics of the device is designed in such a way that it can be operated with one hand. The microphone unit consists of two condenser microphones, the design of which and the circuitry of the amplifiers makes it possible not to be afraid of strong overloads, so long as the correct amplitude range is chosen during digitization. The sensitivity of the microphones is so high that it allows you to control the recording from the director's chair when music devices are on the stage (from a distance of about 20 m). The manufacturer did not stint on the complete set, putting in it the windscreen, cover, memory card, power supply and mounting.

4 Zoom h1n

Back in 2010, the best-selling company Zoom was released - the H1 recorder, which became very successful due to the right price-performance ratio. H1n - its update with a rethought of re-design, the new features autostart and several additional recording modes. The location of the microphone capsules remained in the previous configuration - XY, typical of all Zoom recorders. The maximum sound pressure level is 120 GB, and this is enough for high-quality recording of a rock concert. What to say about the phonography of a lecture from afar or a noisy meeting - the new product is uneasy, the sound thanks to it is obtained quality everywhere.

The device has a lot of pleasant chips: the function of slowing down speech during playback, the ability to record in several layers, the licenses for the Cubase and Wavelab software included.Even in the list of advantages, the presence of a speaker on the front panel and a thread for a tripod are often mentioned - at the expense of such a construct, the recorder can be installed on a video camera to write video with the highest quality voice acting. In general, a great device for video bloggers, journalists and musicians.

3 Olympus LS-P1

LS-series voice recorders are designed for professional recording of rehearsals and interviews. LS-P1 is a younger model equipped with two stereo microphones. They are located at a right angle and, together with a high-quality amplifier, provide the most accurate sound fixation in linear PCM format with a resolution of up to 24 bits and a sampling frequency of 96 kHz. Such parameters mean that the recording level is better than the sound of the CD, and the pcm-format soundtrack can be an exact copy of the studio original.

An important feature of the entire linear series is their ability to work in combination with Olympus OM-D digital cameras and Android smartphones — to do this, you need to use the bundled software. According to user feedback, only older versions with a remote control and Bluetooth can serve as the best alternative to the original recording of music in the room; other manufacturers have no equivalent offer.

2 Zoom h6

The price category of the presented model is close to the professional counterparts of portable recorders. The functionality that it has is also on the level. Three built-in microphones and six recording channels will allow you to capture in perfect quality a large multi-voiced conference, any format of a concert, sounds of nature and so on.

Comfortable ergonomics of the buttons allows you to easily and quickly adjust the desired parameters. Plastic-coated Soft-touch, high-quality assembly, color display with backlight (2 inches) - highlight the device, giving it a presentable look. The quick start of the recording will not let the important moments be missed, and the duration of work, equal to 21 hours, will not force the device to turn off at the most inappropriate time.

The device looks impressive, not compact (78 x 153 x 48 mm) and light in weight (280 g without battery). Sometimes this can be a disadvantage, especially in the work of journalists - the dimensions attract too much attention.

1 Tascam DR-05

The best portable recorder model Tascam DR-05 is considered to be due to the main purpose of all recording audio devices - obtaining crystal clear, deep sound and the ability to capture even the smallest nuances of what is happening around. The model has more than 100 levels of sensitivity adjustment of the built-in microphones, so you can choose different modes for each situation. Recording is carried out in three formats: MP3, WAV, PCM.

The quality of materials, assembly and ergonomics of the device exceeds the competition in its price category. High-quality protection of the case and the microphones taken out will prevent an expensive device from being damaged, prolonging its service life. A good built-in speaker gives a clear sound, but if you need a clearer audibility, you can use the headphone output. On a small display, illuminated by a pleasant amber backlight, the desired limit indicator is displayed, warning the owner that the device is overloaded.

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of voice recorders?
We vote!

Edic-mini

Olympus

Panasonic

Philips

Ritmix

Roland

Sanyo

Sony

Tascam

Zoom

Speech Technology Center

Other

Second Lab

Ammbertek

Total voted: 204

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