Portable recorders have been in use for the last few decades and they have taken huge importance in our lives. Portable recorders fulfill the needs of recording for many of us, especially for musicians, comedians, journalists and people with specialized needs. From debates, presentations, interviews, and lectures, it can record anything and provide high-quality recordings.  Recorders are meant to provide a high-quality sound recording and to save it for later use. Traditionally, recorders were used for radio recordings only and these were as large as a conventional cassette. However, traditional recorders used to provide low quality and limited sound recordings in the conventional tapes. Now, technology has changed traditional recorders replaced with digital ones.

Portable recorders are easy to carry. They offer not only better sound quality but also come with enhanced features. It assists users in many ways, especially for podcasting and gives access to audio files instantly. Audio recorders are known by different names like field recorder, digital audio recorder and handheld recorder, etc. it is a worthwhile device for recording rehearsals, songwriting, speaking presentations and for field recordings. We have compiled some of the best recorders for a podcast in the article. We suggest you have a look at them.

Digital recorders come with built-in microphones with various inputs and outputs to plug microphones, headphones, instruments and more instruments. It can connect with USB audio interfaces into the computer or can be used with an on-camera microphone/mixer. There are different types of digital recorders available on the market to give more choices to the users to pick the one which fulfills their needs. These recorders vary in size, shape, range, specification as well as price as well.

These digital recorders give a great alternative to the recording studio and helpful to those who don’t have the resources to own a studio. It helps to provide a better sound quality than recording on a mobile phone or a computer. The best thing about these recorders is their long supported battery which makes it an ideal for recording with impressive sound quality. They also come with huge memory to store a number of recordings and files.

As there are many portable devices, but finding a one that offers all the features and fulfills your professional needs is quite tricky. There a few things you must keep in mind when buying a digital recorder for yourself. The sound quality is the most important thing you have to consider when you are buying for music recording. Secondly, the size of the recorder should be small so it can be put into a bag to use in the field. You need to look for built-in microphone, storage, and battery life to get the best recorder for yourself. We have worked on some of the best recorders in terms of their features and usability.

Best Recorder For Podcast (Comparison)

Best Overall
Our Score 9.6 Out of 10
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Featured
Our Score 9.3 Out of 10
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Featured
Our Score 9.1 Out of 10
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Our Score 8.6 Out of 10
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Our Score 8.1 Out of 10
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Zoom H6

Our Score 9.7 out of 10
Zoom H6 6-Track Portable Recorder, Stereo Microphones, 4 XLR/TRS Inputs, Records to SD Card, USB Audio Interface, Battery Powered, for Stereo/Multitrack Audio for Video, Podcasting, and Music
Zoom H6 6-Track Portable Recorder, Stereo Microphones, 4 XLR/TRS Inputs, Records to SD Card, USB Audio Interface, Battery Powered, for Stereo/Multitrack Audio for Video, Podcasting, and Music amazon.com Check price

Direct recording to SD cards up to 128GB.Display 2.0-inch full color LCD (320 x 240 pixels)
Gain knobs, pads, and phantom power for each input. Maximum Sound Pressure Input: 122 dB SPL
Newly redesi...

If you are looking for a professional digital recorder for business and event management, then this is the best option you can avail. It comes with a six-track recorder which lets you record six different tracks simultaneously. It has high-quality microphones and extra four XLR inputs to capture high-quality sound. Though, it has only 2GB of built-in storage but can record data up to 128 GB storage. It helps to record directly on the SD card to help users save all of their recordings onto 128 GB SD cards. It gives truly exceptional sound quality and offers a portable device to take along anywhere for recording. Its sturdy built and shape makes it easier to carry it in a bag and make recordings with ease. It has stereo mics which can be adjusted as per requirement. It lets you switch mics depending on the situation. The device has 122 dB SPL sound pressure input with gain knobs, pads, and inputs.  Zoom H6 is easy to use with great EQ settings. It incorporates special marking features that further helps to sync audios and videos for composing and production. It’s a battery-operated recorder with versatile control and features. With such great control and operation, this device is truly a professional device. The quality of this recorder is B+/A-. Some professionals use it paired with a separate pre-amp. The buttons are very intuitive and you will not have to read the manual to get started.

Pros
  • Offers a great value of money
  • Six channel recorder
  • Easy operation
Cons
  • Low storage
  • A sensitive device

Conclusion

Zoom H6 is the best device to have if you are looking to capture mesmerizing sound quality and want this for professional use. However, its limited built-in memory with only 128 GB of card support is a concern for professional users. It is a very Spontaneous device to figure out whether you are a hobbyist or an advanced audio pro. This recorder enables you to get everything strung up and produce some high-quality recordings very quickly. The shape and build quality of the H6 makes it easy to use. The Zoom H6 is the best piece of gear you will ever purchase. You can do the recording for films and other compositions. The included microphones are pretty good as well. You can use the M/S in a pinch to record vocals for a song. The Zoom H6 will be the best mobile recorder you will ever use.

Zoom H4N

Our Score 9.5 out of 10
Zoom H4n Pro 4-Track Portable Recorder, Stereo Microphones, 2 XLR/ ¼“ Combo Inputs, Guitar Inputs, Battery Powered, for Stereo/Multitrack Recording of Music, Audio for Video, and Podcasting
Zoom H4n Pro 4-Track Portable Recorder, Stereo Microphones, 2 XLR/ ¼“ Combo Inputs, Guitar Inputs, Battery Powered, for Stereo/Multitrack Recording of Music, Audio for Video, and Podcasting amazon.com Check price

Four-channel recording up to 24-bit, 96 kHz. Built-in stereo x/Y microphones, up to 140 dB SPL
2 XLR/TRS inputs with locking connectors. Records directly to SD/SDHC cards up to 32 GB
4-In/2-out USB...

Zoom H4N is designed for recording music and film with high fidelity audio. It is a digital voice recorder with features like voice activation and prerecords. From simple capturing of audios during lectures and interviews to professional sound recording, this product is truly a blessing for such purposes. H4N Pro offers four-channel recording with built-in stereo X/Y microphones. With XY crossed unidirectional microphone design, it provides excellent stereo depth. It is designed keeping in view the needs of musicians and film producers. It provides 2XLR/TRS inputs with locking connectors and helps to record directly to SD/SDHC cards up to 32 GB. It saves recordings in mp3 and WAV formats. It equips monaural speaker with 400 MW. It can be connected to video cameras for filming and offer excellent equipment for professional filmmakers and broadcasters. It is perfect for Foley artists because it is quite helpful in creating sound effects and could be taken anywhere to capture sound. It is designed to enhance the performance and sound quality with a handy recorder. It provides natural-sounding preamps and a low noise floor, which can help to record everything without making interruptions. The overall quality of the sound recorded with its Mics is really fantastic. It is capable of producing a movie like sounds for example floor creeks, doors shutting and people steps. It is full and rich in features. A great digital recorder like this deserves the praise that has been heaped on it.

Pros
  • Improved microphones
  • Brighter display
  • Locking connector
Cons
  • Slow paced recorder
  • Doesn’t work good with XLR inputs

Conclusion

Zoom H4N Pro is a handy voice recorder with a sophisticated mic that can record anything with a better display and locking connectors to ensure safety. The ergonomic design and portable device can travel anywhere for field recordings. This is an absolutely amazing portable recorder. The best thing about this is, It’s not just for musicians, filmmakers can also take full advantage of this product. The complete look of it is just brilliant and professional. Built-in Mics not only look cool, but it also picks up audio really nicely. However, what might attract you the most is having 2 XLR inputs on this handheld device that provides 48v phantom power using two AA. It won’t be wrong if we call it a compact recording studio. It is truly a highly recommended product for all. Overall, Zoom H4N is a masterpiece.

TASCAM DR-40 4

Our Score 9.1 out of 10
Tascam, 4 AD Converter, Black, DR-40 (DR-40)
Tascam, 4 AD Converter, Black, DR-40 (DR-40) amazon.com Check price

Discontinued Model Replaced by New & Improved DR-40X
Switchable microphone position from X-Y to a-b. Os - Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8
4-Track recording - Record the built-in mic...

TASCOM DR-40 4 brings a digital audio recorder with all necessary features that offer convenience and flexibility to use in the field. It can record high-quality WAV/Mp3 files and saves them directly to the SD card which makes it an easier device to operate and record hours of data to share it to another medium.  Its built-in condenser microphones give you a choice to pick between A/B or X/Y recording pattern fulfilling the diverse needs of musicians and film producers. It incorporates low-cut filters and limiters to reduce noises and rumble for clear recordings. It can be used for dual recordings. Its input/output line allows connecting extra equipment with a USB port to connect to a computer directly to transfer the recordings for editing. It also offers a built-in speaker which allows to playback all of your recordings to check with many features that enhance the quality of the recordings. It equips 03 standard batteries which provide up to 15 hours recording with extra backup. Although, it only has 2GB built-in storage, but supports up to 32GB storage and provides easy navigation as well. It’s recording quality is excellent. You can get 24-bit, 192 kHz sampling in other recorders, but there is a difference between those devices and the DR-40 (which does 24-bit, 96 kHz sampling). The TASCAM DR-40 can record 4 channels, but, most people use only 2. The unit takes 3- AA batteries and runs for hours. The DR-40 uses a full-size SD card option too. It is an excellent piece of technology.

Pros
  • Dual mode recording
  • Peak reduction function
  • Locking XLR/TRS inputs
Cons
  • Complicated to operate
  • Has a short span of life

Conclusion

DR-40 offers fast track recording equipment with adjustable Mics that help in tailoring your recordings. Expect a good device with better memory and designed with high sound pressure design.  The audio produced by this recorder and the truth about all TASCAM products is clean, without the hiss. It offers an amplified line-out, that can be fed into the camera, or you can attach a good quality set of headphones and hear exactly what the gadget is recording. It is small enough to fit in a pocket but big enough to have 2 (XLR) connectors. It will take both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (1/4-inch) connectors, both line-level and Mic-level. It has a very convenient input-level control on the side. The display is big enough to see things easily.

TASCAM DR-10LW With Lavalier

Our Score 8.9 out of 10
Tascam DR-10LW Portable Digital Audio Recorder With Lavalier Microphone
Tascam DR-10LW Portable Digital Audio Recorder With Lavalier Microphone amazon.com Check price

Lavalier microphone with microphone clip and Windscreen included (Cable Length: 160cm)
Dual recording records two files simultaneously at different levels
Automatic file closing saves file data bef...

TASCOM DR-10LW  brings an ultra-slim and smart digital recorder with a lavalier microphone combo. It records at 24-Bit/48 kHz supporting different format files. It has 1/8 inch stereo headphone output with 32GB of Micro SD to store recordings. Its screw-down locking connector is compatible with most of the lavalier mics. It is quite useful for recording live events and film-making to remote locations. It carries a standard battery which enables users to record up to 10 hours continuously. It’s amazing OLED display offers a viewing at different angles. It equips a micro type-B USB port, making an easy transfer of recordings to the computer. It has become a great tool for audio production with enhanced features. Its compact and lightweight body enables users to carry it anywhere and make recordings effortlessly. The TASCAM DR-10L is an amazing alternative to a costly wireless Mic system. It is perfect for ‘DSLR’ recording on a budget. You can sync the audio from the DR-10L and your DSLR in the post. For better audio, you can buy a higher quality lav to replace the one provided. It records separate audio levels with the dual-channel recording. It can be a great product for anyone. The reason for which it works great for anyone is, it’s audio quality and besides, once you start recording, you don’t have to worry about audio, because it has a lavalier microphone. If your guest stands up or needs to be moving, there won’t be a problem. You can just stop recording as soon as you are done with your interview etc.

Pros
  • Support multiple formats
  • Smart & compact recorder
  • Long hours battery
Cons
  • Unreliable sometimes

Conclusion

TASCOM has been developing a number of creative equipment for the music industry and film production. Its DR-10L is designed to assist in recording quality sounds in a creative way. You will love this product. Price is good so you cannot beat the price. In the post, it’s easy to sync the audio plus video when using a clapboard, as an option. The cool thing about this gadget is that you can monitor your audio level and adjust the gain. It’s a handy recorder to add to the gear bag. Overall, Its sound quality and battery life are excellent. It has big functions, with a small package. TASCOM’s model is a superb piece of art and technology. Highly recommended.

ZOOM H5

Our Score 8.6 out of 10
Zoom H5 4-Track Portable Recorder for Audio for Video, Music, and Podcasting, Stereo Microphones, 2 XLR/TRS Inputs, USB Audio Interface, Battery Powered
Zoom H5 4-Track Portable Recorder for Audio for Video, Music, and Podcasting, Stereo Microphones, 2 XLR/TRS Inputs, USB Audio Interface, Battery Powered amazon.com Check price

Uses a system of interchangeable input capsules that can be swapped out as easily as the lens of a camera
Includes detachable x/Y capsule (xyh-5) with extended signal capacity and shock mounted mic...

The ZOOM H5 is the most sophisticated model for recording purposes. It is suitable for podcasting, broadcasting and video making. In its features, it has interchangeable input capsules that are super easy to swap out as the lens of a camera. The built-in speaker of the device has the capability to record four-track simultaneously. The recorder device runs just on simple AA batteries. The portable and compact size of the recorder makes it easy to carry anywhere this is the reason why it is used widely and professionally all over the world. The ZOOM H5 recorder is ideal for live rehearsals especially for a live concert, you cannot get anything better than this. Moreover, in the presence of XYH-6 diaphragm mic, it’s super easy to stereo, and the good thing is these 90 degrees adjustable means you can also adjust them to record in better sound. Furthermore, it has a Mid-Side mic capsule for accurate sound, SGH-6 shotgun mic is there to add high-class professional quality with digital signal processing and finally EXH-6 dual XLR/TRS which is called combo capsule that adds up two more inputs level to H5.

Pros
  • High-class recorder
  • Decent and professional looking
  • Less in price comparatively
Cons
  • Comes without warranty

Conclusion

ZOOM H5 is the professional recorder device that allows recording anything in high quality. The cool features and advanced level of recording makes this recorder a worth buying.

Overall Conclusion

Podcasting is Fabulously popular these days and the trends seem to show that it’s not slowing down any time soon. It is quite simple to do and mostly not very expensive, making it approachable for many types of people. Nonetheless, podcasting can have a learning curve to it, specifically when it comes to how to record a good and quality podcast. This is something people deal with on a regular basis now, so we understand how important it is to make sure you have a good quality recording for your podcast episodes. In this Piece, we have gathered some of the best digital recorders for podcasting. Let’s see which one impresses you!

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