{"id":58432,"date":"2019-06-14T09:00:48","date_gmt":"2019-06-14T13:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=58432"},"modified":"2025-03-26T12:12:20","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T16:12:20","slug":"the-best-portable-recorders-for-musicians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/the-best-portable-recorders-for-musicians\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Portable Recorders for Musicians"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

True musicians know that carrying a <\/span>quality audio recorder<\/span><\/a> with them wherever they go is a serious necessity. In fact, recording sounds in an instant is a great way for musicians to help along the creative process, as well as lessen those expensive sessions at the recording studio. <\/span>But if you\u2019re having a hard time choosing a compact digital recorder for those spontaneous recording sessions or live performances, don\u2019t fret. Listed here are some of the best portable recorders for musicians who are interested in capturing crisp sounds and vocals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features to Look for in an Audio Recorder for Music<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Storage Type<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Various of the best portable recorders use different kinds of memory cards<\/a>. For example, smaller recorders typically use microSD cards, which have a maximum capacity of two gigabytes. However, if the device supports microSDHC<\/a> (HC meaning \u201chigh capacitiy\u201d), you can use a card up to 32 gigabytes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A full-sized SDHC provides up to 32 gigabytes of space, while an SDXC card gives you over 32 gigs worth of storage. This is perfect for prolific musicians who heavily rely on their music recorder device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recording Formats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most common recording formats are WAV, BWF, and MP3. WAV and BWF are both lossless formats, meaning they encode and retain the largest amount of binary information for a high-quality recording. Their file size is also the biggest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MP3 is a lossy format that trims file size by cutting out “unnecessary” information in the signal. The result is lower fidelity, but would be perfectly adequate for demoing songs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Audio Channels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A portable recorder provides the ability to record a certain number of tracks simultaneously. It typically ranges from two to six, so you could theoretically record a few musicians at once with a four- or six-track music recorder device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\/O<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s one of the most important features, because it can vary quite a bit between devices. The best portable recorder for musicians is going to have flexible inputs and outputs for a variety of situations. Above all, if you plan to use external microphones with your recorder, you\u2019ll be looking for XLR or XLR\/TS combo jacks to support direct recording with a mic or instrument. As far as output is concerned, pretty much all of the best portable recorders will have a headphone output; usually it\u2019ll be 3.5mm to keep size to a minimum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Portable Recorders for Musicians<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Image via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Zoom H5<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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With the H5, you get four-track simultaneous recording capabilities and great mic options for different recording environments. Its X\/Y recording feature is a perfect tool for capturing all live recording situations in stereo sound, since it provides broad area coverage with clear, defined sound. The H5\u2019s X\/Y capsule lets you achieve this effect through a pair of 90\u00b0 unidirectional condenser mics, which provide up to 140dB SPL of sensitivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being one of the best portable recorders, it enables overdubbing through its Multi-File mode, where you can add instrumental tracks to your first recording. And just like the H4n Pro, the H5 works as an audio interface for a Mac<\/a> or PC set-up. It offers a Loop Back function for easier playback narration when you connect it to your computer via USB. The recorder even provides you with free Cubase and WaveLab LE licenses if you\u2019re keen on making actual music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Specifications:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n