Digital Recorders

When you're looking to buy a digital recorder, the number of options can sometimes feel overwhelming. What are the most important functions? What do I need it for? Recording devices like this do vary hugely, not only in terms of their quality (audio and otherwise), but also when it comes to price and to their situations they've been designed for.

With all this choice, this buyers' guide is intended to explain exactly what the key features of a mobile recorder are, and to help you find out which one is right for you. If you'd like to learn even more about the various options, take a look at our Online Guide to Portable Recorders. For any questions you may have, the Thomann Studio department is also on hand with advice and support at studio@thomann.de, via web chat, or by phone on +49 9546 9223‑30.

Sometimes, even with the best advice in the world, you order a device that's still not quite right. This is exactly why we offer our 30‑day money‑back guarantee, to allow recording artists to test their new gear properly. Once you've found the right device, our 3‑year Thomann warranty ensures that you can enjoy it with complete peace of mind.

What does a digital recorder do?

A digital recorder – more precisely, a digital audio recorder – records audio signals (such as music) and stores them in digital form. Unlike analogue devices like tape machines and cassette recorders, digital devices save files, much like a computer or smartphone does. This offers several advantages in terms of sound quality and convenience, as the recordings can be easily transferred, stored, edited, and shared.

These devices are usually designed to record specific different types of audio signal: Some compact recorders, like the Zoom H1, use their built‑in microphones to record instruments, vocals, speech or ambient sounds, while others also provide analogue inputs for keyboards, mixing consoles, and other audio equipment or instruments, like the Tascam DR-40X.

What types of digital recorder are there?

The digital recorders category is further divided into portable recorders, master/stereo recorders, multitrack recorders and multitrack compact studios. These different types are designed to cover a wide range of applications.

• Portable recorders (also known as field recorders) are particularly compact and operate on batteries or rechargeable li-on cells. Most can be held in one hand, and nearly all can be mounted on a stand. Typically, mobile recorders feature built‑in microphones similar to those found on dictaphones, with some models even allowing the microphones to be swapped out. Other units have no built‑in mics but offer multiple inputs instead, which makes them popular in TV, video and film production. Some recorders can also be mounted directly onto the hot shoe of a DSLR camera.
• Master recorders/stereo recorders are usually rack‑mount units designed for studio or live use. In some studios, they've replaced the traditional master tape machine for recording finished mixes. In live settings, they're used to capture performances, but are also often employed to play back pre‑recorded music.
• Multitrack recorders are digital recorders capable of capturing multiple signals separately. While some mobile devices offer similar functionality, they typically support fewer channels. Multitrack systems are often used as backup recorders in studios or for capturing a large number of individual signals during live recordings.
• Multitrack compact studios enable you to put together a complete productions without the need for a computer. As such, they're not only appealing to users who prefer not to work in front of a screen all they time. They're also valued for their reliability and structured workflow, which means that once you're familiar with the system, you can get straight on with producing of music, podcasts, and similar content. Thanks to their built‑in effects and editing tools, their feature sets can be surprisingly extensive – although they don’t quite match the full capabilities of computer‑based audio software.

What can digital recorders be used for?

In principle, digital recorders can cover a wide range of audio recording tasks, as they're capable of handling many different types of signals. Depending on the specific model, they can be used for:

• Recording rehearsals (stereo or individual tracks)
• Live recordings (stereo or individual tracks)
• Ambience recordings, outdoors and on the go
• Recording sound effects
• Producing entire tracks
• Making podcasts
• Voice notes, and as a "musical notebook"
• Recording audio with a DSLR or video cameras
• Deliberate redundancy in studios
• Master recording in studio environments

What should you look out for when buying a digital recorder?

There are a few things you should keep in mind when buying a digital recording device: Ideally, you should be able to find one that matches your actual needs exactly.

• The number of inputs is important, as is the kinds of signals they accept. Line‑level signals, microphone signals, maybe even instrument signals from bass and guitar?
• If there are built-in microphones, can they be swapped out?
• Can you also connect microphones that require 48V phantom power?
• How many tracks can be recorded at the same time?
• Does the manufacturer (or third party producers) offer accessories for this specific digital recorder?
• Some recorders have small built‑in speakers for quick monitoring.
• And of course, there are big differences when it comes to ease of use features – the display or control interface is perhaps most important here.

There are also various other things you should consider before buying a recorder: For example, which memory cards it accepts, or whether the device can run on standard batteries or rechargeable ones.

Alternatives to digital recorders

Are there alternatives to buying a digital recorder? Yes – instead of a dedicated digital recording device, there's range of other audio products that might also fit the bill.

Compact studios often look much like mixing desks anyway: So, instead of a multitrack compact studio, it might be worth looking at it the other way and considering a digital mixing desk that can also make recordings. There are many differences here: Some mixers can only record the combined stereo "sum" signal. But even mixers that offer multichannel recording almost never allow proper editing in the way compact studios do. That said, if your focus is mainly on recording and you prefer to do the rest of the work on a computer, this can be a viable alternative.

Audio interfaces are, of course, also an option, as many of them have recording capabilities. Or, conversely again: Almost all digital recorders – especially portable ones – can also be used as an audio interface with a computer.

Dedicated podcast recording studios are tailored to a very specific purpose: They're designed for connecting broadcast microphones. A special feature you'll often find here are pads: When pressed, they can trigger sound effects, applause, music jingles, or any other sounds you might like to assign yourself.

A niche category is microphones with built‑in recording functions. These devices are also known as recording microphones. In terms of functionality, they're ultimately not unlike digital recorders with microphones built in. However, they're very compact, look like standard handheld microphones, and can be used, for example, for interviews, reporting, or surveys.

What useful accessories can you buy for digital recorders?

• Memory cards are the medium almost always used for storing recordings.
• Tip: With large memory cards, make sure the recorder can actually use them. For multitrack projects and high sample rates (96 kHz, 192 kHz, etc.), check that they’re "fast" enough.
• Cables for connecting additional microphones or other signal sources. Alongside audio cables, you'll often need computer cables to connect the recorder to a Mac, mobile device, or PC. Sometimes these are included. Alternatively: a card reader for your computer.
• Clip‑on or interchangeable microphones: Some recorders can accept different stereo microphones or even shotgun mics via a dedicated connector.
• External microphones: depending on the task at hand, you can often connect exactly the microphones you need. From lapel mics for recording interviews with the recorder, to **large diaphragm studio mics for vocal or speech recording, right through to specialised mics such as bass drum microphones.
• Modules for additional inputs: with some devices, instead of a microphone, a small add‑on module can be used to provide extra inputs.
• Rechargeable batteries, standard batteries, power supplies: Depending on the device and its features, the right power accessories are essential.
• Windscreens for integrated or external microphones.
• Stands, if the recorder isn't being used as a handheld or on a table. Note: Many recorders use camera‑tripod threads, not microphone‑stand threads! Of course, there are inexpensive adapters available for this very eventuality.
• Headphones: To properly monitor what you're recording, it's best to use headphones. Tip: For outdoor or field recording, use closed‑back headphones!
• Cases or bags, to keep your recorder protected during transport. It's practical if there's space for accessories as well.