Portable Audio Recorders

Portable audio recorders are great for capturing high-quality sound in a wide range of situations. The best models combine excellent audio fidelity, durable design, intuitive controls, and flexible input options, making them ideal for both everyday use and more demanding recording environments. Compact and easy to carry, these devices let you record professional-grade audio anytime, anywhere.

Now it’s your turn to weigh in! Cast your vote for the best portable audio recorders and share your experiences in the comments. Whether you’ve found a favorite or have helpful advice for others, your input can guide fellow users toward the right choice.

1. Zoom H6essential

Zoom H6essential

No levelling required thanks to 32-bit float converter technology.
Recording and playback of up to 6 tracks in WAV, BWF or iXML format.
Max. recording quality: 24 bit / 96 kHz: 32 bit / 96 kHz.
4 x XLR/TRS combo socket for line and microphone signals.
6-Channel Mixer.
2" Colour display.

2. Zoom H8

Zoom H8

Maximum recording quality: 24 bit / 96 kHz.
X/Y-Microphone capsule XYH-6 (included).
Exchangeable clip-on microphones.
Ambisonic capsule optionally available (not included).
4 x Mic inputs: XLR.
2 x Mic / Line / Instrument inputs: XLR / TRS combo socket.
USB port (Micro B) for use as a 12-channel and stereo audio interface.
Colour 2.4" LCD touchscreen.
Built-in speaker.

3. Tascam DR-40X

Tascam DR-40X

Recording and playback of MP3 (up to 320 Kb/s) and WAV/BWF files (up to 24-Bit/44.1/48/96 kHz).
Built-in condenser microphones.
XY or AB alignment possible.
2x XLR/6.3 Mic/Line input with phantom power.
DualRecording records the signal twice (normal and lower level).
Overdub mode.
Switchable impact sound filter: 40/80/120 Hz.

4. Zoom H4essential

Zoom H4essential

No levelling required thanks to 32-bit float converter technology.
Recording and playback of up to 4 tracks in WAV, BWF or iXML format.
Maximum recording quality: 32 bit / 96 kHz.
Built-in X/Y stereo microphone.
Maximum sound pressure level: 130dB max. SPL.
2 x XLR/TRS combo socket for line and microphone signals.
2" Colour display.
Built-in speaker.

5. Tascam Portacapture X8

Tascam Portacapture  X8

USB 2.0 audio interface.
16 / 24 / 32 bit floating point resolution - 44.1 / 48 / 96 / 192 kHz.
3.5" Colour LCD touch screen.
With presets for multi-track, music or field recordings as well as interviews, podcasts and ASMR applications.
Two detachable condenser microphones with 14.6 mm diaphragm (positioning in AB or XY configuration).
An integrated USB 2.0 audio interface with 8 inputs and 2 outputs.

6. OM System LS-P5

OM System LS-P5

3 Directional microphones.
Bluetooth headphone monitoring and smartphone control.
TRESMIC II 3 directional microphone control.
96 kHz/24 bit.
Max. SPL: 125 dB.
16 GB Built-in memory.
Up to 37 hours battery life.

7. Rode Interview Pro

Rode Interview Pro

Wireless microphone with integrated recorder.
Polar pattern: Omnidirectional.
Condenser capsule.
Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz.
Max. sound pressure level: 122 dB.
Licence-free and registration-free 2.4 GHz band.
32 GB internal memory enables over 40 hours of recording time with 32 bit.

8. Roland R-07

Roland R-07

Stereo recordings up to 24 bit / 96 kHz in WAV format. or up to 396 kbps in MP3 format on microSD/SDHC card.
Built-in stereo microphone.
Integrated hybrid limiter.
Dual recording function for simultaneous WAV and MP3 recording.
Remote control via Bluetooth using smartphone or smartwatch.
Backlit LCD.
Built-in speaker.

9. Sony PCM-D10

Sony PCM-D10

24-bit/192kHz AD/DA for maximum sound quality.
Flexible internal microphones enable three different recording configurations.
XLR/TRS combo jacks.
Selectable 48V phantom power for your condenser microphones
Push-lock connectors
Digital Limiter.
Monitor your levels right from your smartphone via FREE Sony REC Remote app.

10. Sound Devices MixPre-10 II

Sound Devices MixPre-10 II

12 Tracks: Stereo mix + 10 single inputs.
Recordings with maximum 32-bit float / 192 kHz.
Dynamic range: 142 dB (A weighted, gain = 10 dB, fader = 0 dB).
Kashmir microphone preamplifier with 76 db gain.
Noise: -128 dBu max (A-weighting, gain = 76 dB, 150 Ohm source impedance).
Limiter per channel.
Low-cut filter: 40 to 160 Hz adjustable with 18 dB/octave.
12-in/4-out audio interface (USB-C).
8 Mic/Line Combo Inputs.
Product variations: MixPre-3 II, MixPre-6 II.

11. Tascam DR-07XP

Tascam DR-07XP

With 32-bit float resolution and USB-C audio interface
Two adjustable integrated condenser microphones: AB or XY configuration options.
Polar pattern: Cardioid.
Sound pressure level: Up to 125 dB SPL.
Recording/playback formats: WAV files up to 32Bit Float; 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz, MP3 files up to 320 kBit/s; 44.1 / 48 kHz.
USB-C audio interface with two inputs and two outputs.
Integrated mono speaker: 0.3 W.
Backlit LC display.
Product variations: DR-05XP

12. Tascam Portacapture X6

Tascam Portacapture  X6

Sampling rates up to 96kHz and 32bit floating point resolution.
Two adjustable condenser microphones (positioning in AB or XY configuration).
USB audio interface with six inputs and two outputs.
2 Microphone/line inputs with lockable XLR connectors.
Integrated loudspeaker for easy monitoring.
2.4-inch colour touchscreen.

13. Tentacle Sync Track E

Tentacle Sync Track E

Includes recorder, 16GB microSD card, powder coated stainless steel belt clip, USB charging cable, and license for Tentacle Sync Studio.
Up to +46dB of gain available and suitable for sources loud, quiet, near, or far.
24-bit depth recording and 32-bit floating-point technology.
Built-in low-cut filter and limiter.
Built-in rechargeable batteries deliver up to 10 hours of use per charge.
Locking 3.5mm mic input (with 5V power for lavaliers) and 3.5mm headphone output.
Microphone sold separately.

14. Tula - Portable Recorder & USB-C Mic

Tula - Portable Recorder & USB-C Mic

8GB internal memory.
Recording format: WAV 48kHz, 16Bit.
Frequency range: 50Hz - 20kHz.
Polar pattern: Cardioid, omnidirectional.
Noise reduction function.
With side-mounted function buttons and status LED.

15. Xvive XV1-R

Xvive XV1-R

Supports up to 96 kHz audio in 24 bit, 32 bit float WAV or AAC-LC / HE-AAC formats.
No levelling necessary thanks to 32-bit float recording technology.
Microphone configuration: 90° XY stereo.
Maximum sound pressure: 130 dB SPL.
1.7" LCD display.
Integrated speaker.

16. Yellowtec iXm Pro Cardioid

Yellowtec iXm Pro Cardioid

Recording microphone specially developed for interviews
Polar pattern: Cardioid.
The integrated LEA engine guarantees a perfect recording level without artifacts as with conventional standard AGCs or limiters.
Dual energy system for up to 16 hours total operating time with internal battery and additional battery compartment.
PreRoll buffer up to 30 seconds.
iXm uplink app for data exchange between iXm microphone and iOS devices.

17. Zoom H1 XLR

Zoom H1 XLR

With two lockable XLR/TRS combo inputs.
No levelling required thanks to 32-bit float converter technology.
Stereo recording and playback in WAV, BWF or iXML format.
32 Bit / 96 kHz.
Integrated speaker.
OLED display.

18. Zoom H1essential

Zoom H1essential

No levelling required thanks to 32-bit float converter technology.
Stereo recording and playback in WAV, BWF or iXML format.
Maximum recording quality: 32 bit / 96 kHz.
Built-in X/Y stereo microphone.
Maximum sound pressure level: 120dB max.
OLED display.
Built-in speaker.

19. Zoom H2essential

Zoom H2essential

3 Built-in microphones (2 x cardioid, 1 x figure of eight).
No levelling required thanks to 32-bit float converter technology.
32 Bit / 96 kHz.
Recording and streaming via USB to Mac, PC, iOS and Android (4 inputs and outputs).
1.3" Colour display.
Built-in speaker.

20. Zoom H2n

Zoom H2n

5 Integrated microphones, with mid/side, and surround recording (2-channel and 4-channel).
Up to 24 Bit/96 kHz (WAV) or 320 kb/s (MP3).
Records directly to SD and SDHC cards up to 32GB.
High-pass filter, compressor/limiter, metronome, tuner, and normalizer.
MP3 post-encoder, variable playback speed, marker, and surround mixer.
LCD display.
Built-in speaker.

21. Zoom H5

Zoom H5

Uses a system of interchangeable microphone capsules.
Includes detachable X/Y capsule (XYH-5).
Compatible with all Zoom input capsules.
Records up to 24-bit / 96 kHz.
4-track simultaneous recording.
Large backlit LCD display.
2 mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors.
Gain control knob on each input.

22. Zoom H5studio

Zoom H5studio

No levelling required thanks to 32-bit float converter technology and dual AD converter.
System with interchangeable microphone capsules.
X/Y microphone capsule included.
2 XLR/TRS combo sockets with F-series preamplifier.
Integrated speaker.
2" Colour display.

23. Zoom M4 MicTrak

Zoom M4 MicTrak

Integrated X/Y stereo microphone with honeycomb protective grille.
Recording of up to 4 tracks.
2 Mic/line inputs with F-series preamps: XLR/TRS combo jack.
Switchable phantom power (+24 V / +48 V).
No leveling required due to 32-bit float converter technology.
32 bit / 192 kHz (WAV).
LCD display for waveform display.
Built-in loudspeaker.
Product variations: M2 MicTrak, M3 MicTrak.

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