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Add to SafariWhen comparing Tascam DR-05 vs Sony ICD-PX440, the Slant community recommends Tascam DR-05 for most people. In the question“What are the best pocket voice recorders under $100?” Tascam DR-05 is ranked 1st while Sony ICD-PX440 is ranked 2nd. The most important reason people chose Tascam DR-05 is:
With two AA batteries at full charge, you can easily last a full day.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Great battery life
With two AA batteries at full charge, you can easily last a full day.
Pro Overdubbing
The Tascam DR-05 can overdub files with a new one while playing the old one back. This permits great on the spot rapid multi voice performances.
Pro Great sound quality and low noise floor.
The tascam DR-05 has very clear and crisp sound (even from the integrated microphones). It can record in MP3 and in 24-bit/96Khz WAV files.
Pro Very easy to use
The user interface is very simple and straightforward, since this recorder doesn't have advanced features or control of every aspect of the recording. Both the settings and button placement is intuitive and simple, so you won't lose a lot of time setting it up.
Pro Easy to manage recordings
You can create up to 400 folders, and name them after anything you need, such as "English study group" or "Business 101". This helps you find your way when you have more than a few recordings. You can also find specific segments in long recordings using the Easy Search feature.
Pro Great for recording voices
This recorder is well suited for any spoken word events, including lectures, meetings, interviews, study groups, taking personal notes, etc. This recorder has special EQ filters adapted for voice recording, which allows to capture clear audio in these environments.
Pro Easy to transfer recordings to a computer
This recorder features a direct USB plug, which means you won't have to deal with another USB cable. Transferring files to your computer is as easy as drag-and-drop.
Cons
Con Can not be conveniently used for live sets
since the tascam does not work over usb, it can only transfer sound through the line out, which for some reason has a much higher noise floor than the final recording which is stored on the micro sd card.
Con No protector over USB plug
Although you are probably not planning to role your Tascam in sand and mud any time soon, it is strange that the micro sd card has a rubber protector, but the usb plug does not. This could cause dirt, lint, or water to drop in it and cause problems.
Con Single track only
This device does not support recording many tracks at once (multiple mics for example).
Con No XLR/TRS inputs, or phantom power.
The only way to add a microphone on the DR-05, is to use a mic that can work directly on a mini headphone jack (plug-in power (most small lapel mics for example)), or use a self powered mic that can connect in a mini headphone jack input.
Con Not great at reducing background noise
While this recorder does have Intelligent Noise Cut technology, many users report it not working effectively in every setting. You would have to be careful when recording anywhere with a lot of background noise, for example, on a busy street.
Con Overall average audio quality
This recorder can not handle any extreme environments, such as live music events. And it won't be good for any semi-professional use, since it only records in a compressed MP3 format.
Con Plastic quality feels very cheap
This recorder feels hollow, and may creak when squeezed. The buttons clack when you push them and the sensory feedback from them may feel unpleasant.
