What Is the Best Audio Recorder for Capturing Quality Sound?

Whether you’re venturing into podcasting, documenting conferences, or recording audio with your DSLR or mirrorless camera during video shoots, the ideal way to capture audio is through microphones. However, it’s not always a feasible choice, especially if you’re on a budget or recording on-the-go.

Fortunately, there are tons of handy audio recorders that promise to capture good sound quality. And if you don’t have any real technical knowledge in voice recorders, you can get away with a good-quality digital audio recorder that you can easily connect to your computer.

To help narrow down your choices and help you find a recorder that will suit your needs and budget, check out our list of the best audio recorder devices below.

Why do you need an audio recorder?

Whether you are brand new to recording, or a seasoned pro, a standalone audio recorder should be in your kit. These portable devices are handy whenever inspiration strikes. You never know when the perfect melody will pop into your head or when you might happen across an interesting ambient sound to sample. Additionally, there may not always be space for your full mobile setup. Portable, small recording devices are ready to go instantly and will fit practically anywhere!

zoom audio recorder in outdoor recording — Photo by Vladislav Smigelski on Unsplash

How do I choose a good audio voice recorder?

There are many features to consider when looking at standalone audio recorders. The great news is that there are myriad options, making it easy to find a suitable model:

Track Count

The first consideration is track count (how many tracks can be recorded and played back separately). Some of these small recording devices can record one channel, while others offer up to 12 separate tracks. If you primarily focus on field recording or interviews, 1-2 tracks may suffice. Additional tracks may come in handy if you work on music, film, or podcasts.

Inputs

How many inputs do you need? Many of these devices have built-in microphones to capture ambient audio. Whether you will need one mic for mono recording or two microphones for stereo recording is an important choice here. Other audio recorders offer external microphone inputs or line-level inputs. Some
have mics and external inputs available simultaneously for ultimate flexibility!

Headphone Connection

Will you need to monitor the live audio while recording? Some of these audio recorders offer a standard 1⁄8″ headphone out. Podcast and music creators may want to invest in a model with additional headphone jacks.

Media Storage

Where do you plan to store your media? The recording medium is an essential consideration. Most of these setups record to a swappable SD card, but some can record directly to your computer via USB.

Recording Formats

Your end goal influences your recording specs. Not all users require the same level of quality, and there are options to best fit your needs. Some devices offer lower-quality choices, such as MP3, which take up very little disk space. When quality is critical, aim for a device that provides 24-bit recording with higher sample rates, such as 96kHz.

Effects

Want to get creative? Effects and processing are included in specific models. High-pass filtering (to remove rumble), compression, and limiting are also available to improve the sound quality out of the gate. Some of these audio recorders even have reverb, delay, and modulation effects — perfect for artists making demos on the go!

Best Audio Recorders

man holding a bulky audio recorder in the forest — Image via Shutterstock

Whether you’re looking for a simple digital audio recorder that you can bring with you anywhere or a bigger, more professional one that you can use with microphones as an audio interface for virtually every recording application, you’ll find one in our short list of the best digital recorders.

OM SYSTEM WS-882 4GB Digital Stereo Voice Recorder

If you’re looking to capture audio on the go, this OM SYSTEM voice recorder is a viable option. It has 4GB of built-in memory, which equates to about 1,040 hours of recording. Its two low-noise directional stereo microphones have a 90-degree layout to capture every detail of your subject(s). With a battery life of up to 110 hours, you can set back and let the recorder’s Intelligent Auto Mode adjust microphone sensitivity for optimal audio in any room size.

Key specifications:

Intelligent auto mode recording
4GB built-in memory (store up to 1040 hrs recording)
Built-in USB data transfer
MicroSD Slot (up to 32GB)
Long battery life (up to 110 hours)
Pre-set scene modes

Zoom ZH5 Recorder

The Zoom ZH5 Recorder is one of the best audio recorders for field recording. The ZH5 can record up to four tracks simultaneously via two XLR/TRS inputs and Zoom interchangeable capsules. Users can capture clear audio in up to 24-bit/96kHz in both WAV and MP3 formats, and can fine-tune the audio with effects like low-cut filtering, compression, and limiting effects. The ZH5 supplies phantom power to both mic inputs and is compatible with all of Zoom’ interchangeable capsules.

Key specifications:

24-bit/96 kHz WAV and MP3 recording
Four-track audio recording
Low-cut filtering, compression, and limiting effects
Pre-record, auto-record, and backup recording functionality
Compatible with all of Zoom’s interchangeable input capsules
Includes X/Y capsule with two mounter condenser microphones

Zoom H4n Pro 4-Input/4-Track Portable Handy Recorder

The Zoom H4n Pro is another great portable audio recorder with some features geared toward creative recording and music recording. The Handy Recorder can record up to 140 dB SPL without distortion and includes several built-in audio effects such as reverb, delay, and modulation for instant audio mixing. With the attached X/Y stereo microphone, two XLR inputs, and a ⅛” line input, users can record audio and music in many different ways.

Key specifications:

Built-in mic preamps
Four-track simultaneous audio recording
Attached X/Y microphones
Two XLR/TRS inputs
+24V and +48V phantom power in both inputs
Up to 140 dB SPL without distortion
Records to SD and SDHC up to 32GB
Many built-in effects including modulation, reverb, delay, and amps

Zoom H6 All Black Handy Recorder

The Zoom H6 Black Handy Recorder is an excellent option for on-the-go recording. The H6 comes with simple, intuitive knob controls and a decently sized LCD display for easy operation. Users are able to capture up to six-tracks of simultaneous recording through four XLR/TRS inputs and an additional X/Y stereo microphone capsule. Each of the four main inputs supply phantom power of +12/+24/+48V for condenser microphones. Users can take advantage of recording features like pre-record, auto-record, and back-record to ensure they don’t miss anything.

Key specifications:

Six-track simultaneous recording
Four XLR/TRS inputs plus X/Y stereo recording
Selection of four interchangeable microphone capsules
Pre-record, auto-record, and backup-record options
+12/+24/+48V phantom power
Record to SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards up to 128GB
Full color LCD display

Zoom H8 Handy Recorder

The H8 further expands Zoom’s line of Handy Recorders and offers different features. Most notably, the H8 Handy Recorder has a touchable interface with different, tailored application workflows for podcast, music, and field recording. The H8 is also capable of 12-track simultaneous recording when connected to a computer via the USB interface. Users can record in audio up to 24-bit/96kHz, and have access to built-in effects such as limiting, compression, and flow-cut filtering.

Key specifications:

Touchable interface
Applications for Podcast, Music, and Field recording
Up to 24-bit/96kHz audio recording
12-track simultaneous recording via USB interface
Four mic inputs, two XLR/TRS inputs, and interchangeable stereo recorder
Built-in audio effects

Zoom PodTrak P4 Podcast Recorder

As the name suggests, the PodTrak P4 by Zoom is designed for a podcast workflow. The podcaster recorder has a simple-to-use interface with knob controls and sound pads for easy producing. The P4 has four XLR inputs that supply phantom power and four headphone inputs so each user can adjust their own volume. Podcasters can even record remote guest’s call-ins by connecting a phone or computer to the PodTrak P4.

Key specifications:

Four XLR inputs with phantom power
Four headphone inputs with volume control
Sound pad for inserting pre-recorded audio or music
Record remote interviews with a phone or computer via TRRS cable or USB, respectively

Tascam DR-10X

The Tascam DR-10X doesn’t look like most of the audio recorders on this list because it is designed for direct plug-on connection to analog microphones. This basic recorder is not only one of Tascam’s most affordable recorders but it is also one of the most portable and compact. It fits right in the palm of your hand and weighs only 56.3 grams, so you can easily keep it in your gear bag or pocket.

Use it with XLR handheld microphones or battery-operated condenser microphones — just use the mic connector’s locking mechanism to ensure a secure fit to the microphone body. This creates a simple handheld or mic stand recording setup for small-scale reporting, press conferences, meetings, and even film documentary projects.

Key Specifications:

1-Channel Recording
WAV & BWF Recording Formats
One XLR Analog Inputs
Stereo 1/8″ Mini Jack
Powered by 1xAAA (Alkaline or NiMH) Batteries
Expandable up to 32GB with MicroSDHC Cards

Tascam DR-40X

Depending on your audio recording needs, you may sometimes need a portable Tascam recorder that does well on its own — and the DR40X is worth checking out. It already has a built-in stereo condenser microphone that you can use to record yourself or your interviewee from a comfortable distance — no need to include it in your video! — as long as you switch the mic to face the direction of the speaker.

Aside from being able to record conveniently, quality is also impressive at up to 24-bit. You can even use up to four microphone inputs, in case you need to record conversations between a group using external microphones. There’s also a low cut filter that helps limit noise, making it great for film projects with your DSLR camera.

Key Specifications:

4-Channel Recording
Linear PCM & MP3 Recording/Playback Formats
Built-In Unidirectional Stereo Condenser Microphone
One XLR/TRS Input with Phantom Power
Stereo 1/8″ Mini Jack
3xAA Batteries, USB or AC Power Charging
Expandable up to 128GB with SDXC Cards

Zoom H1n

We already know Zoom makes pretty special portable audio recorders (and for a premium price). But if you’re only looking for a more basic device that you can use with your DSLR and video camera, then the H1n is suitable for the job. Take it everywhere with you and use its X/Y microphones for most of your high-quality WAV or MP3 audio recording needs.

Now featuring a single button for most of the controls and a bright, monochromatic, 1.25-inch LCD display, using it has never been easier and more convenient, even in the brightest lighting conditions. It even features a new tone generator to help you calibrate the recorder and your camera audio levels, as well as a 1/8-inch stereo mic/line input that can accommodate your external microphones or other sound sources.

Key Specifications:

2-Channel Recording
WAV & MP3 Recording/Playback Audio Formats
Built-In Unidirectional X/Y Stereo Microphone
Stereo 1/8″ Mini Jack with Plug-In Power
2xAAA Battery, USB or AC Power Charging
Expandable to 32GB with microSD/microSDHC Cards

Zoom H2N

Zoom makes some of the most popular audio recorders and the fact that our list features so many of them says a lot about how the brand understands the needs of their primary consumers.

First, we have the compact and stylish Zoom H2n, which is one of the cheapest in their line of digital recorders but offers a number of powerful features. Among them are five built-in microphones for superior audio capture and four different recording modes, including the switchable 2- and 4-channel stereo recording.

Its impressive performance is great for recording everything from live concerts and hall lectures to video with a DSLR.

Key Specifications:

2-Channel & 4-Channel Recording
WAV & MP3 Recording Formats
5 Built-In Microphones
Up to 555 Hours of Recording Time
1.8” Backlit LCD Display
Direct Recording to PC or Mac via Built-in USB
2x AA Battery, USB or AC Power Charging
Expandable to 32GB with SD/SDHC Cards

Sony ICD-PX470

The Sony ICD-PX470 is a bit bulkier and less professional compared to its cousin, the UX560. But if you want the same layout and navigation system, and really don’t mind skimping a little on the audio quality just to save a couple of bucks, then the PX470 is for you. In fact, this one’s the cheapest on our list, but it still stands as one of the best audio recorders in its price range.

To make the most of the PX470, use it in quiet environments where there is minimal background noise. Even with that limitation, you can utilize it for recording lectures, small group meetings, one-on-one interviews, and other applications where there is a lot of talking involved. The perk is that you get a longer battery life than the UX560. It can also record in linear PCM format, aside from MP3.