Digital Voice Recorder Reviews

Technology's best feature is the ability to cram a lot of function into a little frame. Take the voice recorder for example. It can cram a whole secretary into a tiny electronic device! But seriously, digital voice recorders are ideal for taping lectures and meetings or memos to self and for others. While previous models were as large as books and had limited battery life, today's recorders are small and nifty enough to fit into a shirt pocket, yet capable of recording at high quality and for a long time.

Key Features of a Digital Voice Recorder

• Look for the maximum possible built-in memory or storage. You are going to need a good amount as recordings take up space
• Look for a digital voice recorder with USB connectivity, for backup and playback purposes. See if there is a USB arm on the recorder or you may need a USB cable to connect the recorder to the computer. Check for plug and play compatibility with different operating systems as well
• Battery life and recording time are also important. Try to opt for a rechargeable battery model to make it more convenient for office use
• An amazing ability with voice recordings is transcribing or translating them from voice files to text. This is possible only through an external audio-to-text software or program, which is sold separately. Check for bundled recorder and software deals
• Playback and recording features like voice activation, security lock, erase protect and so on, are the functional abilities of a digital voice recorder and should be considered while purchasing

Top of the Line Digital Voice Recorders

The best and slightly expensive voice recorders, with an interesting array of features.

☸ Philips LFH0655

• Easy operation through large, LCD, backlit display
• Intelligent ClearVoice software for superb audio recording
• Battery life of 19 hours in SLP mode
• Rechargeable power supply: connect recorder to USB port or car adapter to charge battery
• For longer recordings, recorder can be powered by USB connection
• Supports USB 2.0 technology for speedy data transfer
• Built-in 4 GB Flash storage
• Compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux OS
• Recorder multi-tasks as MP3 player; supports WMA and MP3 music formats
• Hands-free microphone, headphones and USB cable provided with device
• Recording formats: PCM and MP3
• Price : $75 - $90

☸ Olympus DS-2400

• 1.7 inch LCD backlit screen with customizable navigation control
• Start and stop recordings with voice activated Variable Control feature
• Recordings stored on SD card; 2GB SD card provided with recorder
• Transfer data to PC using USB connector
• Manage files with 5 customizable folders, index marks and "Erase" button on screen
• Powered by 2 AAA batteries; battery life of 32 hours
• Compatible with Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000 OS and Mac OS X 10.3.9
• Recording format: DS2
• Price : $300

☸ Zoom H4n

• Easy usage through 1.9 inch LCD backlit screen
• Dual X/Y mics mounted on top of recoder for enhanced audio capture
• Data can be stored on removable SD/SDHC memory cards; memory up to 32GB is allowed
• Built-in speaker allows you to preview recorded audio
• Record audio directly to a PC using recorder, through USB port
• Can be powered by battery (2 AA batteries), AC adaptor or USB 2.0 connection
• Cubase LE recording software bundled with recorder
• Accessories included with recorder are AC adapter, USB cable, mic clip adapter and 1 GB SD card
• Can be used as a high performance music recorder for musicians
• Compatible for connection with Mac and Windows OS
• Recording formats: PCM/WAV/MP3
• Price: $300

☸ Sony ICD-SX712D

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking® software included
• Converts voice recordings into printable text
• Use included stand for crisper and more sensitive audio pickup
• 2-way stereo microphone
• USB port for file transfer, compatible with Windows and Mac OS
• Safety lock and protection against Erase feature
• Recording formats: PCM and MP3
• Built-in 2 GB memory
• Price : $200

Budget Friendly Digital Voice Recorders

Some of the best digital recorders that are packed with features and easy on the wallet.

☸ Philips LFH0635/00

• Voice activation feature allows for hands-free recording
• Speaker located on the front of recorder
• Hands-free headset included with recorder
• USB 2.0 port for file transfer
• Plug and play compatible with Windows, Mac OS and Linux
• Records in MP3 format
• Built-in 2 GB memory
• Price : Between $50 - $60

☸ Sony ICD-UX512

• Compatible with Dragon NaturallySpeaking® software (not included)
• MP3, WMA and AAC audio files playback
• Swing out USB arm for easy connection to computer
• Automatically stops recording when there is little or no sound
• Overwrite recording during playback for easy correction
• Intelligent Noise Cut™ mode for less external noise
• Memory card slot included (card sold separately)
• Recorder menu can be displayed in English, French or Spanish
• Silver, red and black color option
• Recording formats: MP3 and PCM
• Built-in 2 GB memory
• Price : $100

☸ Olympus VN-8100PC

• Large LCD with adjustable font size for easier viewing
• Interface supports English, French, Spanish and Portuguese languages
• USB 2.0 port for file transfer
• Records in MP3 and WMA format
• Built-in 2 GB memory
• Price : $60

☸ Sony ICD-BX800

• Voice operated recording feature automatically stops and starts recording based on audio pickup
• Digital pitch control function included
• Correct and record over playback for dictation correction
• Built-in 2 GB memory
• Price : $40

Note: All prices mentioned are approximate and depend on various factors like location and offers available.

When shopping for a digital voice recorder, keep your budget and needs in mind. Be realistic in your expectations. Heavy-duty and high quality recording with data connectivity does not come cheap, unless you go in for a lesser-known or cheaper brand. Ask about the warranty and return-back policy. Hopefully the above digital voice recorder reviews has made your shopping for the ideal voice recorder easier!