[2023 Edition] Top 5 Popular Recommended Handheld Recorders Ranking

Handheld voice recorders are useful in various situations such as band practice, instrumental lessons, ambient sounds, and for recording work meetings. Based on my actual experience, here is how to select a handheld voice recorder along with other useful items that I listed in this ranking.

■ What is a Handheld Recorder?

A handheld voice recorder is a portable device for recording audio in your immediate surroundings. In terms of portability, you can record audio with your smartphone, but handheld recorders have more advantages in terms of functionality since they record with higher sound quality, editing functions, and the ability to be used as an audio interface when connecting to a computer.

■ Usage

• Home practice
• Musical instrumental lessons
• Language study
• Meetings, lectures
• Voice memos
• Live music, concerts
• Nature sounds, ambient sounds, train, car, animal sounds
• ASMR

■ Usage

Limited human memory

No matter how confident you are in your memory, it is impossible to remember everything you said or how you performed something briefly three years ago. At such times, recording with a handheld recorder may bring back memories of that time as well as the emotions you felt.

Want to record with higher sound quality than a smartphone

Although smartphones are convenient for making some recordings, there are times when you regret using your smartphone when you should have gone with high sound quality. Just as some people use a digital camera or SLR instead of a smartphone for photos, many people would like to record their precious moments in the best possible sound quality.

■ Key Points for Selection

Sound Quality

It is often said that the most important part of recording is what’s called"sound entrance," so it’s going to cost money for things like this. Things like the performance of the microphone, how many bits and sample rate should be at what Hz with as little noise as possible, are important. If you compromise too much here, you will not be able to recover the original best sound, no matter how hard you try to correct it later, apply effects, or mix and master it. Choose a recorder that supports linear PCM recording (uncompressed) and can record at the highest possible resolution, such as 24Bit/96kHz.

Features

In addition to recording, each model has a variety of additional features: Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi, automatic volume adjustment by scene, USB audio interface function, noise canceling, etc. Think about what you need, and look at the instruction manual on the manufacturer's website. It’s also a good idea to check them out in advance.

Design

Design, including portability, size, and shape, is also important. Since they are often carried in a bag, recorded outdoors, or seen by the public, and used for a long time, appearance is also important. If you carry it with you all the time, you will become attached to it. If you find a recorder that you like, you will use it for years to come.

No.1ZOOM / H1n Handy Recorder

This recorder is so light and compact that you don't even feel like you are carrying it, yet it can record high quality sound. The H1n is recommended for those who want to record easily and carry it with them to various places. The most-used recording button and input volume knob are located on easy-to-operate positions, so you can record instantly and stress-free without looking at the manual. Furthermore, despite its small size, it also has a USB audio interface function. It can be connected to a PC and used as a USB microphone for ZOOM web conferencing software, or used as an audio interface for recording/editing with DAW software or as a card reader. Its high cost performance is the secret of its popularity.

No.2TASCAM / DR-05X Handy Recorder

A recorder with 2-in/2-out USB audio interface functionality, the DR-05X is ideal not only for concert/instrumental performances, but also for natural sounds, railroad environmental sounds, and ASMR recordings, as its A-B omni-directional stereo microphone allows for expansive stereo recording. It can also be connected to a PC or iOS device and used like a USB microphone for live streaming, podcasting, teleworking, etc. The size is neither too large nor too small, and the sound quality/function/price balance is excellent, making it a good choice for first-time buyers of a handy recorder.

No.3ZOOM / H4nPro Black Handy Recorder

This 4-track recorder has a stylish design. Despite being small enough to be held in one hand, it is multifunctional. The H4nPro Black is equipped with the same high quality microphone preamplifier as the H5 and H6 models for clear and natural sound quality. The X-Y stereo microphones withstand sound pressure of up to 140 dB SPL, making them ideal for recording loud band performances and club music, etc. The MTR mode offers 4-track overdubbing, localization, level adjustment, mixdown, and even a guitar/bass amp simulator. A USB audio interface, Cubase LE, Wavelab LE, and other waveform editing software are bundled free of charge, so you can enjoy music production on your computer.

No.4ROLAND / R-07(BK) High Resolution Audio Recorder

This compact recorder is about the size of a smartphone and supports high-resolution recording at up to 24bit/96kHz. The R-07 can be connected to headphones or speakers via Bluetooth, and can also be remotely controlled via the R-07 Remote app for iPhone and Android. The R-07 also features a scene function that can be set to suit the recording environment (loud live performances, musical instruments, meetings, outdoor, and more), a rehearsal function that sets the appropriate level in advance, and a prerecord function that starts recording two seconds before the event. Generally, a handheld recorder has the impression of being bulky with an exposed microphone, but the R-07 does not look like a recorder with good sense, and its pop design makes you want to carry it in your bag at all times.

No.5Saramonic / SR-Q2 Handy Recorder with XY Stereo Microphone

Slim and compact linear PCM recorder. The key point is that it has only a few buttons, so there are no mis-presses, and is very easy to operate. Although it looks linear and bulky, it is vertical and easy to hold, making it easy to record with one hand. The somewhat futuristic design is also attractive. I recommend this product to those who want to enjoy recording in a simple way without difficult functions.