A look at the best digital voice recorders when on a budget

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Practically everything has a digital version these days, from sending messages to marketing and promotions. Many of these digital transactions can be done using the smartphone, whether it’s an Android phone or an iPhone. Apart from this, documenting auditory data can now be done conveniently using a digital voice recorder, as well.

What is a digital voice recorder?

The digital voice recorder is an extremely important device for taking notes or recording meetings, interviews or lectures. While this device started with cassette tape recorders, modern digital voice recorders are now more compact and can record long hours of high-quality digital audio. Data may be easily transferred using a USB to a personal computer for permanent storage and dictation.

Although cassette tape recorders still exist to this day, the outstanding features of digital voice recorders are simply too amazing to disregard. In this article, we will share with you some of the best digital voice recorders if you’re on a shoestring budget, and a list of factors to consider when looking for a digital recording device.

Best budget-friendly digital voice recorders

If you intend to own a device for making voice recordings, browse through the following list to see which device is the most suitable voice recorder for your needs:

EVISTR Mini Digital Voice Recorder Black

The EVISTR Mini Digital Voice Recorder is one of the best voice recorders under $50. This recorder has a lot of useful features despite its low price. It boasts of a very effective voice recording system with 8GB memory storage that allows you to record up to 20 hours of continuous audio.

This digital voice recorder produces MP3/WAV audio format at 384 kbps. This means that you get MP3 quality recordings, although recording at a lower bitrate allows you to record more. If you are not concerned so much about producing high-quality recordings, EVISTR Mini can record up to 560 hours at 32 kbps.

Olympus VN-8100PC Digital Voice Recorder

This digital voice recorder comes with 2GB of internal memory storage that can store up to 843 hours of recording time. It also comes with a large LCD screen with extra-large fonts that make it easier to read. It can record MP3 and WMA formats.

The Olympus VN-8100PC uses a USB cable to connect directly to your personal computer for file transfer. This also comes with a headphone jack so it would make it easier for you to review your audio recordings. This is smartly priced under $100.

SONY ICD PX333 Digital Voice Recorder

SONY ICD PX333 comes with a 4GB MicroSD memory card and can record audios in MP3 format. It has the ability to record for more than 1,000 hours.

What is good about this voice recorder is that it has a noise removal feature that works to remove unwanted background noise, which helps to make your voice recordings crisp and clear.

This voice recorder is compatible with both PC and MAC computers and comes with a USB cable for transferring files. The recorder makes use of two AA batteries.

Finding the Right Digital Voice Recorder

If your job requires you to record voice data, you have to understand the capabilities of a digital voice recorder that will meet your needs. People who don’t handle too much auditory data may rely on smartphones to record the information. However, for higher demand in recording, here are some factors that you need to look for in a digital voice recorder:

User-friendly interface

The functions of the digital voice recorder should not be complicated to use. Basic buttons such as PLAY, RECORD, PAUSE, and STOP should be visible and easily accessible.

Extended battery life

The fact that you’re thinking about buying a digital voice recorder means that you’re looking for a device that you can use for longer hours without worry of having the recording cut in the middle of an interview or lecture. The battery life should last at least 48 hours.

Sound quality

The digital voice recorder should include a variable setting, which can produce the kind of sound quality that you need. Some high-end digital voice recorders are capable of making concert-hall sound quality recordings and multi-track stereo technology using high-quality directional microphones.

Additional features

Take note of the other features that digital voice recorders have, which can provide you the best quality recordings to complete your tasks more efficiently. Look for digital voice recorders with variable speed playback, voice activation, and track-marking.

Recording time

Some digital voice recorders are able to handle at least 1,000 hours of recording time. However, take note that the capacity of the voice recorder depends on the quality of the recording. Higher quality recording may mean shorter recording time.

Size and weight

Digital voice recorders come in different sizes and shapes. Compact voice recorders are usually about the size of a smartphone, which means that they weigh only a few ounces.

On the other hand, high-quality voice recorders that have additional features tend to be larger and heavier than 10 ounces. Assess your needs for a light and compact recorder, if this is an important factor for you.

Transcription capability

Some digital voice recorders have the ability to transcribe audio, which would make it so much easier for users. These devices usually come bundled with voice recognition software. Sometimes, though, you need to purchase it separately.

Foot pedals and headphones are some of the accessories that you may also need if you want to use manual transcription.

Price

Considering that there are various brands of digital voice recorders, their prices may also differ. The cost may depend on the number of features that the voice recorder has. Naturally, devices with higher prices tend to produce higher quality audio.

Relying on your smartphone for audio recording may not be enough for your specific needs. Therefore, consider using a digital voice recorder instead, so you can take advantage of the many features that it has to help you with your tasks. Even with a limited budget, you can score a good quality digital voice recorder without burning a hole in your pocket.