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Handheld Recorders Buying Guide

Friday July 1, 2022. 06:00 PM , from Sweetwater inSync
How to Choose a Handheld Recorder

Handheld recorders are some of the hottest products in the audio world, and for good reason! You can take them almost anywhere and record an enormous amount of dialogue, ambient sounds, and music. Artists and engineers from all walks of life use these handy devices to record song ideas, jams, memos, and important conversations. This guide will help you identify the key features to look for when shopping for a handheld recorder and will cover aspects you should consider, such as track count, recording time, battery life, and more.

Why Choose a Handheld Recorder?

People love handheld recorders because of the sheer number of tasks they’re good at performing. You can use them almost anywhere — record band practices, recitals, and board meetings, or take it to the far reaches of the globe to capture ocean waves or tropical rainstorms. They’ve got stellar battery life, provide great audio quality, and have awesome features that are useful to any audio engineer. The best part? Today’s handheld recorders are absolutely tiny. Most are small enough to fit in your pocket while still providing you with amazing audio quality. 

Today, almost all handheld recorders have built-in stereo microphones that work remarkably well and make setting up quick and easy. If you need more control and options, many recorders have mic/line inputs and use XLR/TRS connectors, so you can plug any mic or line-level device into them. Some models also have phantom power so you can use condenser mics. If you want to record a song, you can plug a guitar, bass, or other line-level source into the line input and record multiple tracks from that and the mic at the same time.

Other recorders come loaded with onboard digital effects that process your audio in real time. You can choose to use amplifier modeling, add a splash of reverb, play your recordings back in half time, adjust to the beat of a metronome, and more. The possibilities are limited only by which recorder you choose.

It’s easy to think that handheld recorders are made just to record lectures, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Handheld recorders are the newest way to make sure your ideas don’t get lost, whether it’s a three-hour seminar or a three-second sample.

In short, if you’re recording audio outside your home, why wouldn’t you make it easy on yourself? You don’t have to lug around heavy equipment and power supplies — just bring your handheld recorder, and it’ll do everything you need and more. You’ll be shocked that a device so small can do so much. Trust us: when you start using your handheld recorder, you’ll open the doors to a world of discovery that’ll change the way you record, mix, and use audio.

Why Can’t I Just Use My Phone?

A lot of us already use our phones to record audio in a pinch, but there are limitations to using your phone, such as having to record in mono unless you have an external microphone. If your phone dies or breaks, you could lose your entire recording library if it’s not backed up to your computer or cloud-based storage. While you can record at higher resolutions with different apps, you still will only have a fixed amount of internal storage. And unless you are carrying an external interface, you won’t have the ability to use professional microphones.

What’s more, keeping a handheld recorder locked away in your pocket while you’re on the go sets you up for success the moment inspiration strikes. Imagine you hear the perfect ambient soundbite as you walk through the heart of a downtown district, or you want to capture audio of a fellow performer busking at a festival — handheld recorders offer impressive audio quality from the start, unlike smartphones, meaning the samples you capture can be freely used later without spending valuable time editing around extraneous noise. Depending on your storage capacity, you can keep a whole library of these recordings and musical ideas right at your fingertips!

Of course, using a handheld recorder isn’t just for recording quick captures. You can use them to record podcasts with multiple mics, audio for motion pictures, full-length ASMR sessions, and even song demos. Some units let you choose your audio resolution between 16-bit/44.1kHz and 32-bit/192kHz — even super-high-resolution DSD! Also, whereas smartphones only offer an omnidirectional mic, handheld recorders provide you with more polar patterns, with some featuring multiple choices such as cardioid and omnidirectional.

Additionally, storage space is a nonissue with most handheld recorders. Unlike smartphones that have to share their storage with photos, videos, contacts, and apps, handheld recorders are exclusively dedicated to audio. Plus, handheld recorders typically offer a slot to accept external SD, SDHC, SDXC, and MicroSD cards. That means you can nab external storage upward of 512GB — that’s enough storage to record an entire symphony orchestra!

If you’re serious about recording audio, investing in a handheld recorder is the way to go. You’ll get more storage, better audio resolution, and more recording versatility than a smartphone can give you. Whether you’re recording in the wild, finishing song demos, or snatching audio for your first ASMR YouTube video, the right handheld recorder can make all the difference when it comes to professional-sounding audio. So, let’s get started with a list of helpful parameters to consider when choosing the right unit for your needs.

Track Count and Connections

When choosing a handheld recorder, the number of tracks you can record is one of the most important criteria to consider. Most handheld recorders will record in stereo, but if you need more than just stereo, you’ll want a recorder with microphone inputs. Many units will record four tracks simultaneously — with two built-in microphones and two XLR/TRS connectors. Adding two extra mics allows you to record the main mics along with room mics or additional instrument mics.

Some recorders can record up to eight tracks simultaneously, and they still fit in a small bag or a pocket. These designs add six XLR/TRS inputs to the standard onboard stereo mics. With these handheld recorders, you can record your demo or full band practice without batting an eye. You can also use an 8-track recorder to record a podcast or a radio show with the onboard mics plus six external mics.

It’s also important to consider your future needs when selecting a handheld recorder. If you think you’ll only ever record a two-person podcast with two mics, then a recorder with two inputs will work. However, you may find yourself in a situation where you are interviewing two people, creating a need for three mics. It happens. Go ahead and invest in a recorder that has enough inputs to handle what you will likely encounter as your recording skills grow.

Also, when it comes to microphone inputs, you’ll want to understand the recorder’s phantom power capabilities. Many recorders on the market today provide optional phantom power to their inputs, allowing users to connect external condenser mics. Some recorders even allow you to choose levels like +24V or +48V phantom power, which enable you to use an even wider range of microphones.

Storage Capacity

Knowing how much audio you need to record is paramount for knowing what size storage media you need. Handheld recorders can store data on a variety of different media types: internal storage, SD, MicroSD, SDHC, and SDXC. Each storage method has its own advantages and disadvantages, mostly due to storage space vs. compatibility with other recorders.

Internal storage is great for those making short recordings who regularly back up to their computers. The main advantage of using internal storage is that you don’t have to keep extra SD cards with you when you’re recording. However, if you’re using internal memory and run out of storage space, you won’t be able to keep recording until you back up your recorder and erase the internal storage.

External storage options for handheld recorders are small SD memory cards. The three common types of SD cards found in handheld recorders are MicroSD, SDHC and MicroSDHC, and SDXC. The standard MicroSD card is capped at 2GB of storage. SDHC can handle up to 32GB of storage. SDXC cards are usually sold with 128GB capacities but can be purchased with storage space up to 1TB, and the price increases with data capacity. What does all of this mean? Simply put, the more space there is, the more audio you can record.

Recording Formats

Handheld recorders can record audio at amazing resolutions. They commonly record at 24-bit/92kHz, and some can record audio at rates of 32-bit/192kHz. Some handheld recorders can even record in stunning DSD! When you choose your recorder, make sure to think about future projects. Even if you normally record at 24-bit/96kHz, there might come a time when you require 24-bit/192kHz or 32-bit/192kHz. Instead of having to turn that project down, you’ll be prepared if you choose a recorder that can record at a higher resolution.

It’s important to remember that higher-quality formats take up more space than compressed MP3 files. The following chart shows recording duration with various formats using 32GB of storage.

FormatRecording Time Available (32G)MP3 128K555 hours (23 days, 3 hours)WAV 16-bit/44.1kHz50 hours (2 days, 2 hours)WAV 24-bit/48kHz30 hours (1 Day, 6 hours)WAV 24-bit/96kHz15 Hours, 25 MinutesWAV 24-bit/192kHz7 Hours, 42 MinutesWAV 32-bit/192kHz   5 Hours, 47 Minutes

SD cards offer an amazing amount of recording time in a small package. However, total available recording time depends on the recording format you choose. If you want to have uncompressed CD-quality recordings, they will naturally take up more space than compressed MP3 recordings by nearly a factor of 10.

Battery Life and Power Supplies

The handheld recorder’s biggest advantage is its extreme portability. All handheld recorders run on battery power, so you won’t have to worry about lugging around power cables. Most recorders use disposable or rechargeable batteries for power and can boast recording times from three to 44 hours nonstop. This wide time range is determined by the specific recorder you have, the audio quality you’re recording, and your battery type. If you’re going to be in the field for a long day, check out units with power-saving modes or bring replacement batteries with you. 

Whether you choose a recorder that uses disposable batteries or rechargeable batteries is both a matter of preference and of the circumstances you will encounter. If you’re going to be recording on location in Ghana, you need to make sure you’re going to have enough batteries to make it through the entire shoot. Disposable batteries are a great option because you can buy them in bulk and don’t need to recharge them, but they can cost a lot if you use them all the time. Traveling with a case of them also adds quite a bit of weight to your luggage. And if you run out of disposable AA or AAA batteries while on location, you might have a hard time finding more.

Alternately, some recorders use proprietary rechargeable batteries. This option is more economical if you have the time to recharge them. However, if you get back to your hotel room at 2AM and need to be on the road by 6AM, you may not have enough time to fully charge your batteries. You also need to have your charger and replacement batteries on hand at all times. You may find it safest to use rechargeable batteries when possible, but to also keep a supply of disposables on hand for emergency backup.

Some handheld recorders can be used with an AC adapter. This works well when recording indoors near an outlet if you don’t need to be moving around. Using AC power allows you to record without worrying about battery life.

Transferring Audio Files to Your Computer

As audio engineers and hobbyists alike know, capturing great audio is just the beginning. After you’ve gotten the perfect take, you’ll need to edit it. Transferring the files to your computer needs to be fast and easy.

Using removable storage makes it super easy to transfer files to your computer. Simply pop out the SD card and put it into the SD slot on your computer, and you can transfer your files in short order. If your computer does not have a MicroSD slot, adapters are available.

When it comes to transference speed, some SD cards are faster than others. Handheld recording beginners won’t need to worry about this, but for those working on projects with tight deadlines, a faster card can really help move things along while keeping inspiration fresh. The manufacturer of your recorder will let you know the best SD card for your unit, but if you find yourself needing quicker transference speed to your computer, you can opt for a card with quicker reading speeds.

If you choose a handheld recorder with internal storage only, transferring files involves using a USB cable that connects your recorder to your computer. Just transfer the files onto your computer’s drive, and you’re ready to edit your recordings.

Audio Interfacing

Handheld recorders get better and more powerful every year. Some recorders will now even function as an audio interface with your computer. This sort of compatibility works exceedingly well if you want to record and mix on the go. All you need is your laptop, a connecting cable, and your input cables to start creating memorable recordings. Some recorders come bundled with editing software.

When you’re using your handheld recorder as an audio interface, you can mix your tracks in real time and adjust levels and gain on the fly. If you want to record a tender love song in a romantic setting beneath a weeping willow tree for a project, your recorder can do that. Want to record the sounds of Africa while standing in the middle of the Serengeti? A handheld recorder can do that too. If you’re planning on regularly using your handheld recorder as an audio interface, make sure the recorder you choose is compatible with your DAW of choice before you buy!

Extra Features

Most handheld recorders come with awesome features that make them even more versatile. Some models allow interchangeable mics for different field and video applications. Some are geared toward journalists or dictation and offer slow-motion playback, while others are targeted for musicians and offer digital effects such as amp modeling, reverb, and filters. Some even sport some handy mic preamps. If you decide that using effects with your handheld recorder is something you’re interested in, check that it’s compatible with your computer and OS.

And of course, manufacturers have enhanced smartphone compatibility with handheld recorders through apps and Bluetooth functionality. Most handheld recorders are simple to operate while some present quite a learning curve for more complex features. However, if you’re looking for intuitive operation through your smartphone, you can find many recorders that offer dedicated control through compatible apps.

Depending on your taste, you can opt for a hands-on recorder with menus and control navigation via tactile buttons, or you can go with a recorder that has a touch-screen interface. Some recorders even offer discrete modes for their LED displays, allowing user to record without brightness. Whatever your application is, you can find a recorder with a robust feature set that is perfect for your needs.

What’s the Next Step?

When you’re looking to purchase a handheld recorder, there are a lot of factors to consider. Music makers and podcasters here at Sweetwater agree that having a handheld recorder is totally worth the investment. We’ve covered the major features of handheld recorders in this buying guide, but you may have even more questions. Don’t hesitate to call us at (800) 222-4700. Your Sweetwater Sales Engineer will be more than happy to help you find the best recorder to meet your needs!
The post Handheld Recorders Buying Guide appeared first on inSync.
https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/handheld-recorders-buying-guide/
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