5 Best Digital Audio Recorders for 2022
Digital audio recorders, also known as DARs, are some of the best devices for capturing great audio on the go. With the best digital audio recorder for podcasting 2022, recording will be as simple as pressing a button!
Why Use a Digital Audio Recorder?
First, let’s establish why a quality digital audio recorder is a worthy investment. After all, can’t you record a podcast using the mic built into your laptop or phone? Sure, but if you’re serious about podcasting and ready to take it to the next level, you can drastically improve the quality of sound by using a digital audio recorder or DAR. Your listeners are sure to notice and appreciate the difference!
Digital audio recorders are great for DIY podcasting because they are easier to use than a digital voice recorder. If you’re not tech-savvy, using digital audio recording software can be daunting or confusing. Recordings made on digital voice recorders – like the ones used by many journalists – aren’t easily transferable. However, a DAR is easy to learn how to use!
Additionally, for those seeking to produce a high-quality podcast on a budget, digital audio recorders are the top alternative to expensive studio time. With one of these top digital audio recorders, you can save yourself time and money while confidently recording professional-sounding audio from the convenience of your couch.
We researched the best digital audio recorders for 2022. In this article, we will share our top five recommendations, what makes them great for podcasting, and their pros and cons.
Selecting the Best Digital Audio Recorder – Ranking Criteria and Other Considerations
As you narrow the field and try to determine the best digital audio recorder for your needs, here are a few things you should consider:
- What settings will you be recording in?
- Will you be outside? Inside?
- How big or small is the room?
- How are the acoustics?
- Will there be multiple speakers? Will they have a microphone?
- What specific features will make your life easier?
- How often will you be recording?
All of the digital audio recorders that made our list are outstanding devices, but answering these questions in advance will help you better understand and prioritize your unique needs in order to make the best selection.
Just like any other tech device, not all DARs are created equal. If you’ve ever bought a cheap pair of headphones or tablet, you know that sometimes the cheap option costs you more in the long run due to repairs, updates, replacements, etc. For that reason, we’ll cover price in each review, but it wasn’t one of our determining factors. Here are the criteria we considered when ranking the top digital audio recorders for 2022:
- Audio Quality
- Storage Capacity
- Editing Capabilities
- Portability
- Battery Life
These DAR core components are what make or break the user experience. Sacrificing quality in any of these categories can really limit your potential. Other notable digital audio recorder features that you may want to research on your own include:
- recording time
- voice activation
- ease of sharing files
- interface
- transcript technology
Digital audio recorders are the best digital tools for capturing your podcast sound files. They can also be very effective for recording lectures, meetings, interviews, etc. The digital audio recorder market is crowded with choices, so to help you make the best choice here are the best digital audio recorders for 2022!
Zoom H8 Multi-Track Handy Recorder with Touchscreen Interface
The newest and highest performance product from Zoom, a brand trusted by podcasters, the H8 is designed to meet all your audio recording needs. The H8 Handy Recorder has 12 simultaneous recording tracks, interchangeable capsules, and an App-driven touchscreen interface. This device is perfect for serious podcasters who want to take their audio and production to the next level.
When it comes to inputs and outputs, H8 offers 4 XLR inputs with dedicated pad switches and gain control. 2 additional XLR/TRS combo jacks with Hi-Z switches allow you to capture line-level signals, microphones, or directly record electric guitars and basses.
This top-of-the-line digital audio recorder allows you to monitor tracks using the built-in 1/8” headphone output or connect directly to your camera using the dedicated stereo line output. The H8 is a powerful USB audio interface that can connect via USB to your PC, Mac, iPad, or tablet for up to 12 channels of simultaneous recording.
Pros:
- Great storage and easy uploading, the H8 records directly to SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards up to 512GB
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
- With the Podcast App the H8 changes into a mobile podcast production studio
- Includes a high-quality built-in mic
Cons:
- The interface system is slightly complicated during the initial setup
- Unlike the Zoom H4 or H6, the H8 does not come with a case
Evistr 16GB Digital Audio Recorder
This budget-friendly digital audio recorder is under $50 and comes with many desirable features. It is voice-activated with a dynamic noise cancellation microphone that captures 1536kbps crystal clear audio.
For the podcaster who wants to keep things easy, this mini DAR can set recording quality at MP3 (128kpbs, 64kpbs) / WAV (1536kpbs) and transfer recordings to the computer easily via supplied Micro USB cable. The setup and interface are a breeze to figure out and you’ll be recording like a pro in no time!
Need to record on the go? The EVISTER 16 GB digital voice recorder only weighs 62.8 grams and is just 3.97 X 1.06 X 0.42 inch (101X27X10.8MM) making it a super portable recorder, fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand!
Pros:
- Super easy interface & file-sharing system
- 24 hours of battery life
- Lightweight and portable
- Budget-friendly device for an entry-level podcaster
Cons:
- Limited editing capabilities
- Limited to one-track recording
Tascam Dr-07x Stereo Handheld Digital Audio Recorder
Want to a great value without sacrificing quality? At $165, this mid-range digital audio recorder offers premier features at an affordable price. It offers unidirectional stereo condenser microphones with variable X/Y or A/B configuration perfect for recording podcasts, instruments, sound effects, and more.
Users love the improved interface on this DAR which seamlessly allows you to easily access the recording, level adjustment, added markers, deleted takes, and smooth access to other common functions.
On top of all that, the Tascam DR-07X studio-quality 2-in/2-out USB audio interface is great for use in podcasting. With 16 GB of storage, 17.5 hours of battery life, and an accessory bundle included, it’s everything you need to get your podcast up and running ASAP.
Pros:
- Unique overwrite mode allows users to select a precise record drop-in time for replacement recordings with one level of undo.
- Condenser microphones handle small to loud sounds up to 125dB SPL possessing the sensitivity to capture every detail.
- The audio record function can be set to begin recording when a sound is detected.
Cons:
- Some users report lower audio quality when recording outdoors.
Roland R-07 High-Resolution Handheld Audio Recorder
Need a handy recorder that has easy-to-use editing capabilities? Look no further! This compact hi-res recorder has high-quality Qualcomm aptX playback and includes integrated stereo microphones for excellent recording quality capture.
Podcasters love the Roland R-07’s unique one-touch templates for instant setup in any recording scenario. No matter where you plan to record, this digital audio recorder is ready with a hybrid limiter and dual recording feature that ensures great-sounding recording in any setting. At just under $200, it’s worth the investment.
This portable handheld recorder is a new favorite in the podcasting community and can certainly help grow and streamline your podcast in 2022!
Pros:
- Extended battery life (over 30 hours of continuous playback, over 16 hours continuous recording)
- Simultaneous recording of WAV and MP3
- High-quality stereo recording (24-bit/96kHz) with the built-in stereo mic
Cons:
- Not as durable as other portable DAR models.
Zoom H1N Portable Recorder
If you’re new to podcasting and looking to launch for the first time in 2022, this trusty Zoom H1n portable recorder is an excellent choice to jumpstart your project. With an array of features such as onboard stereo microphones, USB microphone, overdubbing, dictation, and more it’s sophisticated enough to produce pro-level content but easier enough for newbies to use.
The built-in stereo condenser microphones in 90-Degree x/Y format produce the high-quality audio that Zoom is known for. This powerful DAR is small enough to fit in your back pocket and can record distortion-free audio anywhere your podcasting adventures take you. At $120, you can produce professional-level content on a reasonable budget.
Pros:
- Records directly to SD and SDHC cards up to 32 GB
- Supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio in BWF-compliant WAV or a variety of MP3 formats
- Sleek and intuitive interface
Cons:
- Approximately 10 hours of battery life, which may be plenty for your frequency of recording podcast episodes.
Clear Audio Amplifies the Quality of Your Message – Good AND Bad…
Our team at Keynote Content works with industry experts – coaches, consultants, trainers, authors, podcasters – who are ready to amplify their impact and help change the world for good.
Having a great digital audio recorder will amplify the quality of your content – and for the right audience, it will help you stand out even more.
We’ve worked with almost 1,200 industry experts to clarify their message, elevate their impact, and create an incredible future.
If you’re ready to see what’s possible, take the first step here.