Best Digital Recorder for Podcasting

Best Digital Recorder for Podcasting

Are you somebody who wants to start a podcast of his own? Then you know the first thing that you would need – a podcast recorder! A recording device is the most basic thing that you would need to start your podcasts. That’s quite obvious as to record audio, you need a recording device.

These audio recorders can come in many forms. They can range from simple dictaphones to high-quality recorders for professional audio recording. In rare scenarios, a desk computer, laptop, or a mobile phone can work as an audio recorder for your podcasts. The microphones inbuilt in computers and laptops are good enough for simple podcasts. But still, there’s always the question of the best digital recorder for podcasting.

This question is relevant when people think of starting podcasts professionally. Although there are suggestions out there that any simple recording device would suffice for a podcast, when it comes to professional podcasts, looking for the best digital recorder for podcasting is important.

Before we jump into the best digital recorder for podcasting, let’s first try to understand why someone would need a digital recorder for podcasting.

Why are Professional Podcasters so keen on Digital Recorders?

The answer is simple. You get clearer and high-quality audio recordings with digital recorders. You will be able to rescue yourself from the clutches of unclear and fluctuated voice recordings that come with mobile phones or simple device recorders.

You will also be able to do a lot more stuff if you are using a digital recorder for podcasting. Things such as recording interviews, on-the-go music creation, etc. would become quite swift if you have a digital recorder. The best digital recorders for podcasting come loaded with numerous extra features that would extend help to making your podcasts even easier to produce and professional.

What Qualities should One Look for in Digital Recorders for Podcasting?

There are quite a few things that one must pay attention to while purchasing a digital recorder for professional podcasts. The priority of these factors would depend on the podcaster as each professional podcaster would have different requirements. Some podcasters are always on-the-road while some create their podcasts from the comfort of their homes. Depending on your requirement, the below factors can be prioritized and checked while going for a digital recorder.

1. Microphone quality: This factor would have equal importance for everybody. If your recording doesn’t have a good quality microphone, then there’s no use for it! Also, microphone quality is the biggest differentiating character between digital recorders because the quality of the microphone would determine the application of the digital recorder.

If the requirement of the podcast is detailed audio, then a higher quality microphone would be required. Let’s say the requirement is for a one-to-one closed quarters interview. In that case, a simple microphone would suffice as there would not be much disturbance around. But if the requirement is to capture audio at a conference or a concert or some other huge venue, then the microphone on your digital recorder would make all the difference. Large venues have quite a bit of amplified sounds; hence a microphone with better sound capabilities would suit the best.

2. Battery life: This factor is quite important for people who are always on-the-go. If you are constantly moving to produce your podcasts, then you might be inclined towards a digital recorder with a long-lasting battery capability. You will need to squeeze out every drop of your battery juice to get you through the big event that you are podcasting for your audience. Running away to get your recorder charged might not be an option. So it’s always better to go for a digital recorder with extensive battery life if you’re dealing with such special podcasts. But if you are someone who designs podcasts from the comfort of their homes, then this might not be a priority for you.

3. Storage space: Again, this factor would be very important for people on-the-go, people who are delivering podcasts to people while they are travelling or covering extensive events. The digital recorders would need to have enough space to store huge files or multiple files, all at the same time. But for people who would not need to store large files or who would be able to easily access other storage devices, this factor can be less prioritized.

4. USB Connectivity: Having USB connectivity would ensure that the files in the recorder can be easily shared with multiple devices. This can also make it easy for podcasters just to transfer their files in any device they have on hand and start mixing and playback easily.

5. Recorder size: The size of the recorder would define the ease of portability of the device. A large-sized recorder may not be feasible for people on-the-go, people who stream podcasts while they are travelling to different places or events around the world.

Now that we are well-versed on the factors that we need to pay attention to in a digital recorder, it’s time we look into some of the best digital recorders for podcasting. These are high-performing, easily portable podcast equipment that are being used by the best podcasters across the world.

What are the Best Digital Recorders for Podcasting?

We bring to you an exhaustive list of the best digital recorders for podcasting. Depending on your requirements, you can select the one that suits you the best.

What are the Best Digital Recorders for Podcasting from Zoom?

The Zoom recorders are one of the best handheld recorders out there. They have amazing built-in microphones with input and output sources for external headphones, microphones, storage devices, and other related instruments. Also, they go well with small tripods. Let’s look through them one-by-one.

1. Zoom H1

The Zoom H1 is an ultra-compact handheld audio recorder. This amazing device adds additional meaning to the term “easy portability.” The device is so small that you can easily slip it into your pockets and carry it around with extreme ease. But don’t relate the size with quality. Despite being tiny, the Zoom H1 provides professional quality audio recording, and that too at a price that won’t burn holes in your pocket.

The Zoom H1 is very comfortable for people who record podcasts on-the-go – be it live concerts, events, lectures, or meetings. The Zoom H1 has a X/Y in-built microphone which comprises two similar microphones that are placed at 90 degrees to each other. This provides optimum sound capture with minimal interference. Apart from the in-built microphones, there is also a provision to connect external microphones.

1. Zoom H1n

The Zoom H1n is another pocket-friendly handheld podcast recorder that has the potential to capture high-quality sound. The device supports at most 24-bit audio that can be sampled at frequencies 44.1, 48, and 96 kHz. Audio formats that are supported include WAV and numerous MP3s. The device comes with a one-touch control mechanism that makes it super-easy to record audio for podcasting. The high profile onboard limiter helps to limit distortion in signals up to 120 dB SPL.

The H1n provides the functionalities to pre-record, auto-record, and self-time that ensures that you never miss the right moment. Storage capacity can be upto 32 GB.

iii. Zoom H4N Pro

The Zoom H4N Pro is for podcasters who are extremely serious when it comes to supersonics. This device can deal with environments surrounded by high decibel sounds and can record multiple tracks at the same time! How cool is that? The Zoom H4N Pro also comes equipped with numerous audio effects so that podcasters can make changes on-the-go and share with the world from the device itself.

As with other Zoom handheld recorders, the Zoom H4N Pro has inbuilt X/Y microphones that capture all kinds of sounds around it. If you are technologically coaxed, there’s not many things that you won’t be able to accomplish with the Zoom H4N Pro.

1. Zoom H5

The Zoom H5 has an added advantage – interchangeable mics! The X/Y microphone configurations in the Zoom H5 can be swapped for shotgun mics, XLR inputs, stereo mics, and many other compatible microphones. This is at par with the evolving needs of modern creators.

The Zoom H5 microphone has the ability to handle upto 140 dB sounds. This is equivalent to the supersonic sound of jets that are about 200 feet away! And to keep the sounds under control, the H5 comes with compression and limiting capabilities. The device also comes with rubberized coating that helps to eliminate wind sounds and frequency rumbles. The H5 is similar to the H4N Pro when it comes to having a 4 channel recorder with adjustable phantom power on each of the XLR input.

There’s not much price difference between the Zoom H4 Pro and the H5. If you can spare an extra $70, you can get your hands on the H5.

1. Zoom H6

The Zoom H6, being a flagship product of the brand, do jump up when it comes to the price. But the price is worth it. You will get so many features that the price wouldn’t look too big. The Zoom H6 has a combo of 4 – XLR, line, mic, and instrument inputs. Each of the inputs has a separate gain with phantom power control and -20dB pad. The display screen is slightly angled towards the back that makes monitoring quite accessible while it’s mounted to one’s camera.

Like the Zoom H5, the H6 comes with interchangeable mic heads. The memory storage in a Zoom H6 can be upgraded to a maximum of 128GB per card.

What are the Best Digital Recorders for Podcasting from TASCAM?

TASCAM is another brand that is quite competitive to the Zoom handheld audio recorders.

1. TASCAM DR-05

The TASCAM DR-05 is quite similar to the Zoom H1 and is one of their basic audio recorders. It enables basic quality stereo recording, and due to its compact size, it is quite easy to carry around. The device supports WAV and MP3 formats while recording audio. The microphone configuration in TASCAM can handle up to 125dB SPL. They are sensitive enough to capture enough details to make your high video quality. The device is quite easy to use with all the controls available through your thumb. A little time with the device will bring up features such as low cut filtering, sound limiting, a built-in chromatic tuner, and many more.

A unique feature of the device is the Peak Reduction feature. This feature helps to set the recording level depending on the input sound level. It then adjusts the output to the best level. Coupled with the limiter, you can aim for a distortion-free recording.

1. TASCAM DR-40

Now that’s the device where the game starts to get interesting. The TASCAM DR-40 gives fierce competition to the Zoom H4N Pro, at the same time being around $20 cheap. This portable device is adorned with a 4-track recorder that has 2 XLR and line jacks with two built-in microphones. The microphone configuration can be either X/Y or A/B. The device can have storage capacity up to 32GB with an internal storage of 2GB.

iii. TASCAM DR-44WL

What is missing in all the above portable recorders? A WiFi connection. The TASCAM DR-44WL comes with its unique WiFi capability so that it can be wireless. The WiFi capability can be used to wirelessly transfer files. But there is a downfall to it. When you are connected to the WiFi, you won’t be able to connect it to your laptop, phone, or tablet at the same time.

The TASCAM DR-44WL comprises 2 locking XLR inputs that accentuates the preamp design of the device’s microphones. For the WiFi capability, the device has an app which can help to sort files, transfer them, and stream them directly to smartphones.

1. TASCAM DR-100mkIII

Being the flagship model for the TASCAM podcast recorder line, the TASCAM DR-100mkll has the ability to record up to 192kHz. Now since the sound quality is far superior, the card storage of the TASCAM DR-100mkIII can be exceeded to 128GB. The device reduces noise disturbance to a bare minimum.

The device is physically durable as it is made with solid aluminium and comprises two XLR/TRS input combos. This is TASCAM’s top of the line model with 24-bit compatibility.

1. TASCAM DR 60DMKII

Last but not-the-least is their DR 60DMKII model. This is specifically designed for the DSLR filmmakers. Videographers love this device as it helps them to capture the best sound quality, neutralizing noise.

The TASCAM DR 60DMKII comes with an upgraded HDDA microphone that provides up to 64dB of gain. This helps to capture each and every detail of the surrounding sound. The device provides the option to record up to four channels into an internal storage card. Two inputs for the mic utilizes XLR connectors that are locking in nature and have 48V phantom power. The other two mics have a 1/8 “stereo connector for wireless functionality.

What are the Best Digital Recorders for Podcasting from other brands?

Although Zoom and TASCAM are the market leaders, many other brands have come up with affordable and highly equipped audio recorders. Here are a few of them:

1. Sony PCM-D100

The Sony PCM-D100 is a high-performance audio podcast recorder. The device supports 192kHz with a 24bit PCM and DSD compatibility. Since the device is compatible with DSD, podcasters can record audio using digital signals. The highly sensitive microphone utilizes a unidirectional 15 mm mic piece, that helps to capture the surrounding sound in concerts to multiple people speaking all around.

This device has a built-in flash memory of 32GB, which is expandable with the help of SD card or external memory stick. The lightweight aluminium body combined with the long battery life makes this device very useful for on-the-go podcasters.

1. Sony PCM-M10

This linear PCM portable audio recorder supports 96 kHz with a 24bit PCM compatibility. It comprises stereo microphones with 4GB internal flash memory which is expandable with the help of SD card or external memory stick. Notable features of the Sony PCM-M10 audio recorder include cross-memory recording, built-in speaker, pitch control digital compatibility, limiter, track marking, low-cut filter, 5-second buffer for pre-recording and A/B repeatability.

Uploading and downloading from this device is USB based. Compatible file formats include WAV and MP3. The method utilizes AA alkaline batteries that offer a durable and long battery life.

iii. Sony ICD-PX312

The Sony ICD-PX312 is a 2GB audio podcast recorder that has the ability for expandable memory. This ensures that you can keep recording and not worry about storing your audio files too much. The device has a voice-activated mode that helps to manage the audio settings hand-free with just the sound of your voice. The device also comprises an intelligent noise cancellation feature that makes recording quite feasible even in areas with too much disturbance.

Another useful feature this device has is that it enables basic editing on-the-go. So you can start editing your files while they are still in the device and without transferring them to your computer/laptop.

1. Sony ICD-PX370

The Sony ICD-PX370 was designed with a simple ability in mind – it should be easy to use. Hence the device has a very simple interface and provides very high-quality sound outputs. The interface is quite easy and can be used to locate old recordings that can be easily transferred to a computer with the help of a USB cable. The Auto Voice Recording feature helps to cut away background noises and make the recordings smoother.

The device has quite a long battery life and allows almost 57 hours of tireless audio recordings. It has an internal memory of 4GB that stores up to 59 hours 35 minutes of audio files.

1. Sony ICD-PX470

The Sony ICD-PX470 comes with the unique feature of Calender search that makes locating files on the device easy-peasy. The device doesn’t require a USB cable and can be directly inserted into a free USB port. Although the device comes with just 4GB internal memory, it offers the ability to be expanded to 32GB.

Another useful feature in this device is the transcription playback feature that helps you to review files on the device itself and only transfer those that are required. The Auto Voice Recording feature helps to cut away background noises and make the recordings finer. The device comes with a S-microphone that is highly sensitive.

1. Sony ICDUX560BLK

The Sony ICDUX560BLK has MP3 compatibility with LPCM recording. It comes with a S-microphone that is highly sensitive and captures even the faintest of sounds. The device supports PC connectivity, and has an internal storage of 4GB. The easy-to-use user interface enables easy browsing of the recordings.

The device offers the ability to either focus the microphones or keep it wide depending on the requirements. For example, in a conference, the wide shot microphone functionality can be enabled while for focused one-to-one talks, the focus microphone can be enabled.

vii. Marantz Professional PMD661 MKII

The Marantz Professional PMD661 MKII has won numerous praises for its professional sound recording qualities. The device offers point and shoot ability through its integrated stereo condenser. It supports switchable balanced microphone/XLR line inputs and unbalanced line outputs. Recording option comes with 96 kHz compatibility. Memory can be expanded up to 32GB.

An interesting feature of this device is the Retake function. With just a single button, you have the ability to revisit your previous recording and record over it. This eliminates the requirement for unnecessary retakes to just correct a single word or sentence. You can just record the correct word or sentence over the old recording. Saves a lot of time!

vii. Olympus LS-100

The Olympus LS-100 is a multi-track podcast recorder that enables high-quality 96kHz / 24-Bit recording. The sound quality is quite rich with the two 90° directional stereo microphones that operate frequencies in the range of 20Hz to 20kHz. This enables the device to capture a wide range of sounds, basically the entire human hearing frequency range.

The device supports sound levels up to 140dB, which means you can even record while being at the loudest music concert. The microphones are equipped with independent recording dials, so that balance is maintained from all sides.

Viii. Nagra SD

With the Nagra SD, you have the option to utilize an omni-directional or cardioid microphone or a clip-on microphone. The device has an instant start up button and with a single button press, you can start recording. A set of switches towards the back enables the user to access all the other functionalities.

The device can be directly inserted into the USB ports of computers for easy file transfer and editing.

1. Roland R-05

The Roland R-05 is one of the most affordable pocket-sized recorders that offer high quality audio recordings. This device raises the bar in its own price segment. Equipped with 24/96 clear capture, editing capabilities, and a battery life of 16 hours, this device is full of convenience and quality. It even has a built-in tripod socket with a highly sensitive built-in microphone for capturing crystal clear podcasts.

1. Yamaha PR7

Last but not the least is the Yamaha PR7. It is Yamaha’s portable audio recorder with ultimate linear PCM capabilities. The recorder is quite effortless to use and provides high-quality recordings through its XY stereo microphone that provides smooth recording of natural sounds. The PR7 has added functionalities like onboard tuner and the metronome. Strong recording functions such as marker editing and overdubbing makes this device very convenient for musicians.

The user interface is quite friendly and all functionalities can be easily accessed without much complication. The device comes with many optimized presets that can be used to record sounds depending on the application of the sound. For example, a specific preset is present for interviews while another preset can cater to concert recordings.

Conclusion

These are some of the best available digital recorders for podcasting in the market. Before pinning to any one of them, it’s important that you understand your requirements. Try to figure out the best microphone configurations that would cater to your needs. You might need to understand the microphone polar patterns along with the recorder softwares to see if any one of those fits your requirements better. It might be hard at the beginning but a little research never hurts.

The best digital recorder for podcasting can also turn out to be your smartphone if you do not wish to invest heavily on any recorder as of now. You may not be able to get that high-quality sound that you are hoping but it gets the job done. The only problem that you might face while recording through your smartphone is noise disturbance. Digital recorders help to cut them at the source through their microphones, but the same may not be the case with smartphones. Hence, it’s always a better option to invest in a digital recorder for podcasting if you want that professional quality in your podcasts. You can choose one from the list we have provided above as we believe in each of the products we have mentioned. It’s up to you now which one to pick!