Are you trying to find field recorder among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling field recorder on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 14 hours of research and did 15 field recorder tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best field recorder you can buy today
- The dual internal condenser microphones can handle anything from subtle to loud, with sensitivity to capture every detail
- A revamped layout means operations like recording, adjusting levels, deleting bad takes and adding Markers are quick and easy
- Uses only two AA batteries, but can record for an outstanding 17. 5 hours; It can also be powered by a USB mobile battery
- Connect to a PC using USB Audio Interface Mode for voiceover work, live streaming, podcasting and songwriting with studio-quality audio
- Line Level Input For Live Capture: The Tascam DR-40X Audio Interface features dual Neutrik XLR/TRS combo jacks that support both mic-level and +4dBu line-level. These inputs can accept balanced microphone or line level from Mixers or the FOH console. The microphone preamp includes +48V phantom power and plenty of gain for detailed recordings with condenser microphones, as well as electret type microphones
- Versatile Four-track Recording: In addition to normal stereo channel recording and dual recording mode, the DR-40X has 4CH Mode that can record two different stereo feeds simultaneously. The combination of the sources are flexible; recording the built-in microphones along with a pair of external Mics such as close-up and ambient microphones, or recording the built-in Mics along with a balanced line input such as the feed from a mixer along with the sound in the room
- Wide Covering Range: The DR-40X Audio Recording Interface allows high-quality recording with its stereo built-in condenser microphones. Every detail is captured from small whispers to loud sounds up to 125dB SPL. These built-in microphones are adjustable unidirectional microphones for recording in an X-Y pattern for tight stereo imaging or in an A-B pattern for a more ambient recording
- Overwrite Mode: If you don’t like the last part of a phrase you just recorded with your guitar, or if you change your mind and want to rephrase narration, the Overwrite mode is exactly what you need. The Overwrite mode allows you to punch-in recording from a desired point. It is destructive editing with one level of undo
- Nondestructive Overdubbing: The overdubbing function allows for overdub recording while playing a previously recorded file. This allows you to record other parts such as a guitar solo over a recording previously made such as at a rehearsal studio. Overdubbing creates a new file, leaving the original file unaffected, making it easy to re-record
- Stereo 32-bit float recording - perfect audio with no need to set gain
- High-Quality X/Y Mics capture clean audio up to 120 dB SPL
- Records up to 96kHZ sample rate to SD card
- USB Microphone for PC, Mac, iOS, or Android using the USB-C Port
- Accessibility - Audio guidance function for the visually impaired
- 4-tracks of 32-bit float recording - perfect audio with no need to set gain
- X/Y Mics Capture up to 130 dB SPL, 2 XLR/TRS Combo Inputs with ultra-clean Zoom Preamps
- Records up to 96kHZ sample rate to SD card
- USB Interface for PC, Mac, iOS, or Android. Record to SD card and over USB Simultaneously
- Accessibility - Audio guidance function for the visually impaired
- Demo 2-input Track Recder
- Fits perfectly under a DSLR camera rig, without relying on bulky recorders or the limits of the camera’s microphone in
- Record up to 4 channels at a time to the internal SD Card, at up to 96kHz/24-bit WAV file resolution
- Two mic inputs utilize locking XLR connectors with 48V phantom power; the other two use a 1/8” stereo connector for wireless and lav mics
- The channel 3/4 input connector supports a high-level maximum input – up to +10dBV
- The upgraded HDDA preamps provide up to 64dB of gain and some of the lowest noise levels available
- 2-tracks of 32-bit float recording with Dual A/D Converters for clip free recording
- Two locking XLR/TRS combo inputs
- Records up to 96kHZ sample rate
- USB Microphone for PC, Mac, iOS, or Android using the USB-C Port
- Voice Guidance accessibility for the visually impaired
- 6-tracks of 32-bit float recording - perfect audio with no need to set gain
- X/Y Mic Capsule Captures up to 135 dB SPL, 4 XLR/TRS Combo Inputs with ultra-clean Zoom Preamps
- New 3.0 interchangeable Mic Capsule system
- USB Interface for PC, Mac, iOS, or Android. Record to SD card and over USB Simultaneously
- Accessibility - Audio guidance function for the visually impaired
- Over 20 hours of operation using two standard AA batteries. Mounts directly to tripod or DSLR
- Key Control, A-B Repeat, File Dividing, Normalize, MP3 Post-Encode, Marker and Surround Mixer
- Additional functions include Lo-cut Filter, Compressor/Limiter, Auto Gain, Pre-Rec, Auto-Rec, Tuner, Metronome, Variable Speed Playback
- Records in WAV up to 24-bit/96kHz and MP3 up to 320kbps
- File types supported: MAV,MP3
- 32-Bit float recording with dual a/D converters
- 6-Channel/14-track field audio recorder/mixer
- 6 discrete inputs with locking Neutrik XLR connectors
- Advanced look-ahead hybrid Limiters for 24-bit recording
- Ios wireless control with F control app
- Excellent built-in Mike for up to 24-bit audio at sampling rates of 11.1, 48, or 96 kHz in WAV and many different MP3 formats
- 1-Touch buttons for easy and fast recording
- Multiple recording settings for CONVENIENT use
- Usb port transports data in and out of computer and provides double-function as USB Mike and microSD card reader
- New tone generator for easily calibrating your device and camera's audio
- Intuitive Launcher system using a 3.5-inch color touch panel display.
- Recording applications such as basic multi-track recording, podcasting, music, voice (interviews, vlog), field recording, ASMR and more. Supports up to 192kHz/ 32-bit float point recording.
- 4 XLR/TRS locking combo jack MIC/LINE inputs with individual phantom power supply (24V/48V) and in-house-developed HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps.
- Detachable 14.6mm large-diaphragm condenser mics for both A-B position and X-Y position.
- Note: Only use AK-BT1 adapter. This product is not compatible with the AK-BT2 adapter.
- Three onboard mics offer 90° stereo, 120° stereo, and mono pickup patterns
- Select FRONT, REAR, or both to record surround sound
- No gain adjustment with 32-bit float recording
- Record to micro SDHC / micro SDXC cards up to 2 TB
- Use the H2essential as a 32-bit USB Microphone
- High-quality pocket-sized portable stereo recorder.
- Compact size and easy operation.
- Can be used as a USB audio interface for Mac and Windows computers (two inputs, two outputs).
- Supports WAV and MP3.
- Built-in omni-directional stereo condenser microphone for vivid, high-quality, high-resolution recordings. Permissible operating temperature range 0°C — 40°C.
- The TASCAM DR-05XP portable handheld recorder makes it easy to capture pro-quality recordings for music, audio-for-video, meetings, dictation, and more.
- Flexible recording modes include 32-bit float/24-bit/16-bit, 96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz and MP3
- Omnidirectional condenser microphones handle loud environments and sources (up to 125dB SPL)
- 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface for recording directly to your computer
- Up to 17.5 hours of operation with 2 x AA alkaline batteries (*SD card and batteries not included)
- 32-bit float recording technology
- 8-channel/10-track field audio recorder/mixer
- Records in BWF-compliant WAV format up to 192kHz/32-bit float
- 8 discrete inputs with locking Neutrik XLR/TRS combo connectors
- High quality mic preamps with up to 75 dB gain and less than -127 dBu EIN
- The dual internal condenser microphones can handle anything from subtle to loud, with sensitivity to capture every detail
- A revamped layout means operations like recording, adjusting levels, deleting bad takes and adding markers are quick and easy
- Equipped with adjustable unidirectional microphones that can be used for recording in both the A-B position and X-Y position
- Uses only two AA batteries, but can record for an outstanding 17.5 hours; it can also be powered by a USB mobile battery
- Connect to a PC using USB Audio interface mode for voiceover work, live streaming, podcasting and songwriting with studio-quality audio
- The TASCAM DR-07XP portable handheld recorder makes it easy to capture pro-quality recordings for music, audio-for-video, meetings, dictation, and more.
- Flexible recording modes include 32-bit float/24-bit/16-bit, 96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz and MP3
- Stereo AB/XY condenser microphones handle loud environments and sources (up to 125dB SPL)
- 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface for recording directly to your computer
- Up to 17.5 hours of operation with 2 x AA alkaline batteries (*SD card and batteries not included)
- Enhanced sound quality
- Newly updated slimmer design
- Built-in stereo microphone and voice operated recording
- Three recording options: wide/stereo, narrow/focus and normal
- Quick charge; up to 1-hour recording time, with 3-minute charge
How to choose a good field recorder
Does the idea of finding a fantastic field recorder make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in field recorder. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top field recorder products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top field recorder on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top field recorder brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top field recorder based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the field recorder were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good field recorder, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your field recorder.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting field recorder for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our field recorder. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what field recorder should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on field recorder.
