Top-rated products in the Audio recorders category
Here's a ranking of the top rated products in this category. To give you a quick overview, we've also added some key information about the products.
1. Zoom H2n
The H2 is the only portable recorder with five integrated microphones, allowing for four different recording modes: 90-degree X/Y stereo mode, 2-channel surround, 4-channel surround, and mid-side recording mode. It features RAW mode for subsequent editing of the microphone characteristics in mid-side mode and 360° surround recording on two tracks in 4-channel surround mode.
2. Zoom H5
The H5. Versatile Productivity.
The H5 offers four simultaneous recording tracks and the ability to use all Zoom microphone capsules. This way, you can choose the right microphone for every recording situation. The powerful and versatile H5 provides you with all the necessary conditions for creating multi-track recordings, film sound, high-quality podcasting, broadcast transmissions, and electronic news collections.
Louder.
The design of the XYH-5 allows the H5 to handle higher levels than any other handheld recorder. The maximum sound pressure level is 140 dB, equivalent to the volume of a jet engine taking off from about 60 meters away.
Purer.
The capsules are housed in a highly advanced shock-resistant casing that uses robust external cables and rubber-coated materials to decouple the recorder and capsule, thereby minimizing vibrations and background noise during operation.
Clearer.
The X/Y method offers a wide recording range while simultaneously capturing the sound center clearly and distinctly - ideal for stereo live recordings of all kinds. The XYH-5 X/Y microphone capsule included with the H5 features two matched unidirectional condenser microphones arranged at a 90-degree angle.
3. Tascam DR-40X
The Tascam DR-40X is a versatile 4-track audio recorder for theater, music, and podcast systems. It is easy to use and compact, featuring flexible connectivity options and high-performance functions for professional content creation. The DR-40X can also be used as a 2-in/2-out audio interface when connected to a computer or iOS device.
4. Tascam Dr-10l
The Tascam DR-10L is a compact audio recorder that is ideal for film and interview recordings. With its built-in lavalier microphone, it offers excellent sound quality that meets Tascam's high standards. The device is designed for ease of use and fits into any pocket, making it a practical solution for on-the-go recording. Useful features include automatic level control and the ability to record two tracks at different levels simultaneously. The switchable low-cut filter ensures that unwanted low frequencies are suppressed, further enhancing audio quality. With a single AAA battery, the DR-10L can record audio for up to 10 hours, making it a reliable companion for longer recording sessions.
- Automatic level control for optimal recording quality
- Dual recording function for simultaneous recording at different levels
- Switchable low-cut filter to reduce unwanted noise
- Intuitive operation with a key lock to prevent accidental use
- Compact design with a belt clip and pouch for easy handling.
5. Zoom F3
The small and mighty field recorder, the F3, is well-equipped for long location shoots or remote fieldwork, offering a variety of power options and massive storage.
Monitor your recordings with seamless accuracy as the F3 displays your audio as real-time waveforms.
The headphone output allows you to keep an ear on your recordings, while a line output enables you to connect to your camera or other gear.
Connect your F3 to a computer or iOS device via USB as an audio interface and record or stream up to two channels in crystal-clear 24-bit/96 kHz resolution. The loopback function allows you to combine your computer’s audio with the F3 inputs to complete the sound for your stream.
- 2-channel / 2-track field audio recorder
- Featuring 32-bit float recording and dual AD converters for full dynamic range and clip-free audio capture
- 2 discrete inputs with locking XLR connectors
- Input signals can be monitored with real-time waveform display on LCD
- Compact and durable (can be attached to boom mic with Velcro)
- High-quality mic preamps provide a super-low noise floor (−127 dBu EIN)
- Record up to 192 kHz sampling/32-bit float WAV format, mono or stereo files
- Stereo ⅛" phone/line output jack with dedicated volume control
- Records directly to microSDHC and microSDXC cards up to 1 TB
- Wireless iOS/Android remote control available through optional Bluetooth adapter
- Use as 2-in/2-out USB audio interface (up to 24-bit/96 kHz)
- Over 8 hours of operation with two AA alkaline batteries
- Runs on only 2 standard AA batteries or AC adapter or USB battery pack
- Wireless timecode synchronization (optional Bluetooth adapter and UltraSync Blue device by Timecode Systems are required).
6. Tascam Portacapture X6
Professional multifunction device for recordings of up to 6 tracks
The Tascam Portacapture X6 is an advanced multi-track recorder, USB audio interface, and DSP processor all in one. It allows simultaneous recording of 6 tracks directly onto micro-SD or into a DAW, making it suitable for recording sessions, synchronous operation with a video camera, and ambient recordings in nature. It can connect 2 microphones as well as an external line source. Additionally, the Portacapture X6 features 2 swivel condenser capsules that can be recorded on separate tracks. With the optional Bluetooth module AK-BT1, the Portacapture X6 can be remotely controlled from any mobile device or computer with Bluetooth capability. Thanks to its support for uninterrupted recording, the Portacapture X6 is also suitable for demanding users: powered by 4 AA batteries and connected via USB to a power bank, the device seamlessly switches to the other power source in case one fails.
6 recording modes and DSP processor
The Portacapture X6 is equipped with extensive software features. Directly through the 3.5-inch touchscreen, users can navigate an intuitive menu to select the 6 basic operating modes for various applications, internal recording folders, a metronome, and a tuner. The basic operating modes differ primarily in their user-friendliness tailored to the specific application.
7. Zoom P4 PodTrak
The microphone inputs of the P4 are equipped with professional preamps from Zoom. With up to 70 dB gain, they are suitable for use with the most demanding microphones. Additionally, with four independent headphone outputs featuring individual volume controls, everyone can hear everything.
8. Zoom F1-Sp
The Zoom F1 Field Recorder + Shotgun Mic is the ultimate solution for run-and-gun filmmakers who need to capture audio for video in professional quality. With the Zoom F1 Field Recorder + Shotgun, you can record professional audio wherever your camera takes you.
9. Zoom Ssh-6
The SSH-6 is a mid-side stereo shotgun microphone capsule for the Zoom H5 and H6 recorders. In addition to the highly directional shotgun microphone in the center, the SSH-6 features a bidirectionally oriented side microphone to capture sounds from the left and right. You can adjust the stereo width to your liking by changing the volume of the side microphone in the same way as with the MSH-6. If you use the RAW mode, you can also modify the stereo width after recording. This function is particularly useful when you want to specifically record a certain sound source with the shotgun microphone and later mix in the ambient sounds from the side microphone.
10. Tascam Portacapture X8
The Tascam Portacapture X8 is a high-resolution multi-track recorder designed for professional audio recording. With impressive sound quality that supports sample rates of up to 192 kHz and a 32-bit floating-point resolution, this device is ideal for lossless post-production in Digital Audio Workstations (DAW). The recorder offers a variety of features, including the option to operate on battery, mains power, or USB power. The two detachable condenser microphones allow for flexible recording in AB or true XY configuration, enhancing the versatility of the device. The large color touchscreen ensures user-friendly operation, and the MANUAL app provides precise control over recording parameters. With a built-in USB audio interface that offers eight inputs and two outputs, the Portacapture X8 is an excellent choice for musicians, podcasters, and audio professionals who value high quality and flexibility.
- Phantom power (24 V / 48 V) can be activated separately for each microphone input
- Integrated USB audio interface with eight inputs and two outputs
- Two detachable condenser microphones with a 14.6 mm diaphragm
- Built-in mixer, EQ, dynamics processing, and effects to optimize recordings
- Battery life of up to 11 hours.
