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Electronics
What are the best portable field recorders?
6
Options
Considered
37
User
Recs.
Oct 10, 2017
Last
Updated
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6
Options
Considered
Best portable field recorders
Price
Weight
Battery Life
4
Zoom H4n [$269 USD+]
-
-
-
--
Roland R-05 [$199.99 USD+]
-
-
-
--
Zoom H6 [$399 USD+]
-
-
-
--
Roland R-09HR [$239.00 USD+]
-
-
-
--
Korg SOS [$158 USD+]
-
-
-
See Full List
4
Zoom H4n [$269 USD+]
My Rec
ommendation
for
Zoom H4n [$269 USD+]
My Recommendation for
Zoom H4n [$269 USD+]
All
22
Pros
22
Top
Pro
•••
Stereo X/Y microphone pattern with adjustable angles
You can adjust position of each microphone independently between 90° and 120°. Spacious stereo, that captures depth and distance and ignores unwanted noise behind recorder without phase shifting.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Reduced handling noise
A rubberized grip reduces the handling noise.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Versatile and affordable
For it's price it is incredibly versatile.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Combined XLR/jack
The H4n features built-in combination XLR/Phone connectors with phantom voltage source capability.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Phantom power available for inputs
At the bottom you can add two inputs, including condenser mics that need phantom power.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Can use AC or USB bus power instead of batteries
With the AC adapter, you can record for prolonged periods of time without worrying about the battery level.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Screen illuminates
So you can use it in the dark.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Built-in editing features
Can set loop points, can split the file, etc.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Records wav and mp3
Choose up to 24-bit/96-kHz linear PCM WAV or select a variety of MP3 formats.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
4-track recorder
You can use either stereo microphone recording, input recording, or both at the same time. Additionally, using an external source for microphone with inputs you can get 4 different external mono sources.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Can use as an external mic for a camera
You can buy a DSLR mount and the input minijack can be found on the side of recorder.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Works with up to 32GB SD card
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Monitor via headphones
See More
Top
Pro
•••
4-track MTR mode
MTR mode allows simultaneous 2-track recording and 4-track playback. Level and panning can be adjusted individually for each track on the built-in mixer, and you can even do a mixdown right on the H4n.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Useful bundle
A 2 GB SD card, windscreen, mic clip adapter, AC adapter, USB cable, protective case and Cubase LE recording software are included.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Tripod mount on the back
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Increased battery performance with stamina mode
Can get up to 11h of performance out of a set of batteries.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Mark audio
You can set marks in recordings for use later in editing.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Works as a USB audio interface
The H4n also functions as a USB audio interface, letting you record directly to either a Mac or PC.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Comes bundled with Cubase LE
So you can start to produce and edit music right away.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Onboard effects include studio effects and guitar amp models
The H4n offers a choice of 50 studio-quality DSP effects including compressor, chorus, phaser, delay, and reverb. In addition, models of the most famous guitar amps are included.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Adjustable playback speed
Good for singers, musicians that might want to practice with backing tracks slowed down at first.
See More
Hide
See All
Get it
here
Recommend
11
--
Roland R-05 [$199.99 USD+]
My Rec
ommendation
for
Roland R-05 [$199.99 USD+]
My Recommendation for
Roland R-05 [$199.99 USD+]
All
10
Pros
10
Top
Pro
•••
Music-practice features
Change tempo without changing pitch, loop playback, etc.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Bundled with windscreen and built-in tripod mounting socket
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Rehearsal mode
The R-05 can automatically set the optimum recording level, and can split the songs for you automatically.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Auto record start, auto song split, auto level adjust
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Pre-record function
Captures 2 seconds of audio that precedes pressing REC
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Built-in reverb
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Onboard editing functions
You can trim, divide, and combine within the R-05.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Simultaneous wav and mp3 recording
Record 16-bit WAV and MP3 files simultaneously
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Records wav and mp3
Up to 24-bit/96 kHz WAV and different MP3 formats.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Great battery life
Over 30 hours continuous playback, over 16 hours continuous recording off of 2 AA batteries.
See More
Hide
See All
Get it
here
Recommend
8
2
--
Zoom H6 [$399 USD+]
My Rec
ommendation
for
Zoom H6 [$399 USD+]
My Recommendation for
Zoom H6 [$399 USD+]
All
15
Pros
15
Top
Pro
•••
Dedicated gain control for each input
As well as a pad switch and phantom power in 3 different voltages.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Interchangeable capsules
You can change to X/Y, MS, Shotgun, and Dual XLR/TRS Combo.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
6-track recorder
See More
Top
Pro
•••
4 XLR/jack inputs
Plus additional two XLR/jack inputs with dual XLR/jack capsule.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Up to 99 marks per recording
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Built-in effects
Including lo-cut filtering, compression and limiting.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Overdubbing, up to 99 takes
See More
Top
Pro
•••
X/Y pattern capsule has adjustable angles
You can adjust position of each microphone independently between 90° and 120°. Spacious stereo, that captures depth and distance and ignores unwanted noise behind recorder without phase shifting.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Records wav and mp3
Choose up to 24-bit/96-kHz linear PCM WAV or select a variety of MP3 formats.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Supportd SD cards up to 128GB
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Auto/Pre/Backup record support
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Screen illuminates
Can be used in low-light environments
See More
Top
Pro
•••
4 AA batteries account for 20+ hours of use
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Can be used as an audio interface
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Monitor via headphones
See More
Hide
See All
Get it
here
Recommend
7
--
Roland R-09HR [$239.00 USD+]
My Rec
ommendation
for
Roland R-09HR [$239.00 USD+]
My Recommendation for
Roland R-09HR [$239.00 USD+]
All
9
Pros
9
Top
Pro
•••
Rehearsal mode
The recorder can automatically set the optimum recording level, and can split the songs for you automatically.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Auto record start, auto song split, auto level adjust
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Music-practice features
Change tempo without changing pitch, loop playback, etc.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Wireless remote controller included
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Reduced handling noise
Because of rubberized body.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Built-in reverb
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Onboard editing functions
You can trim, divide, and combine.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Records to SD or SDHC memory cards
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Records wav and mp3
Up to 24-bit/96 kHz WAV and different MP3 formats.
See More
Hide
See All
Get it
here
Recommend
4
--
Korg SOS [$158 USD+]
My Rec
ommendation
for
Korg SOS [$158 USD+]
My Recommendation for
Korg SOS [$158 USD+]
All
13
Pros
13
Top
Pro
•••
Simplified use
Korg have attempted to keep things simple for the user, so selecting inputs is something the recorder does automatically, by scanning for a connection. For similar reasons, inserting a headphone jack disconnects the on‑board speaker, and there's an automatic input‑gain facility and a limiter, so you can maximise input levels.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Built-in effects
The effects and processors are very usable, and are a definite asset: when you're trying to build an idea quickly, having to mess around with settings just to get something half‑decent can be a huge distraction, so being able to dial up a good cab emulation or a reasonably convincing tremolo preset is great.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Unlimited overdubbing
What it does is provide a timing grid, and anything recorded is saved relative to the rest of the song's audio tracks, enabling the user to layer idea upon idea (hence the name) ready for mixing in your DAW later. At the same time, a mixed version of all the tracks is saved separately, making it quite possible to complete a mix in the box itself.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
4.5v DC input
For connecting an optional mains power supply
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Increase playback speed without affecting pitch
It's even possible to increase playback speed (without affecting pitch) to 150 percent and reduce it to just 25 — although overdubbing is only possible over slowed-down, rather than sped‑up, audio, presumably to avoid deterioration of quality when slowing it back down to normal speed.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Touchscreen display
Means that many settings and levels can be adjusted using nothing more than a finger move.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Omnidirectional microphone
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Pocket‑sized
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Ulimited tracks
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Ability to loop
There are several A/B looping settings, to help performers get things right before committing each part to the mix
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Built-in rhythms
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Can record wave and mp3 at the same time
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Dedicated guitar port
See More
Hide
See All
Get it
here
Recommend
3
--
Zoom H1 [$99.99 USD+]
My Rec
ommendation
for
Zoom H1 [$99.99 USD+]
My Recommendation for
Zoom H1 [$99.99 USD+]
All
17
Pros
16
Specs
Top
Pro
•••
Can use AC or USB bus power instead of batteries
With the optional AC adapter, you can record for prolonged periods of time without worrying about the battery level.
See More
Specs
Weight:
0.13lb (without batteries)
Battery Life:
9-10 hours
Batteries:
1 AA
OS support:
Both Windows and Mac
See All Specs
Top
Pro
•••
Comes bundled with WaveLab LE from Steinberg
So you can start to produce and edit your recording right out of the box.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Works as a USB audio interface
The H1 also functions as a USB audio interface, letting you record directly to either a Mac or PC.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Easy access switches for lo-cut, auto-level and file formats
On the back of recorder you can find switches for lo-cut, auto-level and file formats.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Really compact
It is small enough to fit in your pocket.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Stereo X/Y microphone pattern
Spacious stereo, that captures depth and distance and ignores unwanted noise behind recorder.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Monitor via headphones
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Screen illuminates
So you can use it in the dark.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Can use as an external mic for a camera
You can buy a DSLR mount and the input minijack can be found on the side of recorder.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Easy to use
It does not have a lot of features that could complicate things and turned face up it has a single button - record.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Mark audio
You can set marks in recordings for use later in editing.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Input level adjust
You can adjust level of incoming signal.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
An external microphone can be used
Minijack connection for an external microphone can be found on the side.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Lasts up to 10h on one AA battery
10 hours of continuous recording can be attained with a single AA alkaline battery.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Different bundles may include extra accessories
A windscreen, a mic stand clip adapter, an adjustable desktop tripod, a soft case, an AC adapter (USB type) and a USB cable.
See More
Top
Pro
•••
Can record wav and mp3
The H1 can record linear PCM (WAV) files at 24-bit/96 kHz and MP3 format to maximize the recording time.
See More
Hide
See All
Get it
here
Recommend
2
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