Field Recorder reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 282 Reddit reviews across 27 subreddits and 73 posts to rank the best Field Recorder brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/fieldrecording, r/LocationSound, r/podcasting, r/Elektron, r/audioengineering. Top-rated brands include Zoom (4.2/5), Sound Devices (4.9/5), Tascam (3.8/5).
Stats
Reviews282
Subreddits27
Posts73
Brands45
Products69
282 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Zoom
4.2
(97)
"I’d more seriously recommend the zoom f3 + accessories, plus the best hypercardioid mic + medium/light wind protection you can afford."
"I'd recommend the Zoom F3. It's a solid unit with low noise."
"I recently got my setup and went with Zoom F3."
"I am finding that the F3 with a power bank and a microphone is a portable and practical setup (has 2 inputs)"
"With F3 (because of 32bit float) you won’t have to worry about clipping."
"If you’re doing film sound, Zoom H1 for sure. If for games, still Zoom H1."
"I've used Zoom H1, H2 and H5 and they are fantastic. Since you are not specifically recording vocal sound effects, a field recorder is awesome."
"I use the F3 with the Immersive Soundscapes omnis."
"F3 is pretty hard to beat."
"Zoom F3. Clean preamps, 32-bit float recording, USB interface, very compact."
#2
Sound Devices
4.9
(28)
"I love my Mix Pre 6 II. Great machine, really solid."
"If I were in your spot right now I'd probably buy something current like a Sound Devices MixPre-10 II."
"MixPre-3II is less «pick up and record», but is super high quality."
"My favourite: mix pre 3. Small, Interface yes! Power consumption low, Best preamps, Solid build."
"For what you're after I'd go the mix pre 3"
"No budget eh? [Sound Devices 833](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1506381-REG/sound_devices_833_portable_compact_mixer_recorder.html)"
"The Sound Devices Mix Pre 6 II can record up to 32-bit floating point quality."
"Sound Devices MixPre 6 II is good."
"If you have a higher budget, pick one of the Sound Device, if you have a slightly tighter budget, pick a Zoom F series."
"Sound Devices MixPre 6 for about $1000."
#3
Tascam
3.8
(30)
"Tascam DR40 is my favorite."
"The Tascam DR70D is a cracking good deal, incredibly good value for only a little more than two hundred USD!"
"Zoom is good, but I use a Tascam - Its absolutely incredible!! Recorded vocals with it a long time ago in a pinch."
"I have the tascam DR-40x and it works good for sampling into my Morphagene."
"Any tascam in that range, maybe used..."
"Tascam has at least one portable recorder for under $100."
"Dr680mkii with some nice mics."
"I really adore my old tascam dr07."
"I love my Tascam dr40x (had the zoom H4n pro) because of the mp3 encoder. Low noise floor."
"Get a Zoom F3 (or heck, at least a Tascam DR60D)."
#4
Zoom F3
4.7
(18)
"A Zoom F3 with Micboosters Pluggys would make a better up-to-date drop rig."
"A Zoom f3 would give you the best sound quality."
"The Zoom F3 “field recorder” series is on sale now for $290 with their better pres than their “handy” H-series."
"Three Zoom F3’s ☺️, or a second hand MixPre3 II"
"I got one for the same reason prob 6 months ago. It’s an F3. Very good so far."
"The quality given it’s 32bit is fantastic."
"I'd highly advise you to invest in the Zoom F3 + Clippy combo. Currently its the best budget setup."
"For quiet nature/soundscape recording an F3 with a pair of Clippy XLR style EM272 capsule based mics is going to be the best value."
"The zoom f3 is an amazing deal."
"F3 + Clippys"
#5
Sony
4.7
(17)
"If you can find a decent price on a used Sony M-10 it should fit your criteria."
"If you can find a good used Sony M-10…they are easily pocketable, quiet pre-amp and have gain control."
"If 16 bit is ok…can’t go wrong with the tiny Sony UX570…it punches way above its weight as a portable field recorder."
"In terms of quality vs price, the Sony PCM-D100 has been the recorder I’ve gotten the most mileage out of."
"I use a Sony PCM-D100 for all my field recording stuff."
"Sony PCM-D10 or a Lectrosonics SPDR with inline phantom supply"
"Quiet: sony d100"
"I have a Sony PCM-D100, and there’s no doubt it makes beautiful recordings through it’s built in mics."
"Pcm-d100 is kind of the holy grail of field recorders that have great on board mics."
"For a unit that is very small, but high performance with built in mics, I would choose the Sony PCM-A10."
#6
Zoom H6
4.6
(12)
"I have an H6 that get’s a lot of use. It’s sturdy, has good mics and can be used as an audio interface."
"So, I use a Zoom H6 for field recording."
"I have a zoom h6 and I love it."
"I have a zoom h6 and have never had any problems."
"The Zoom devices all recently got an update. They are now the Zoom H6 Essential and the Zoom H4 Essential."
"I have zoom h6 and it is awesome."
"I've used a Zoom H6 for a lot of outdoor recordings and get some great stuff with the out of the box unidirectional mic."
"A Zoom H6 essential and the SSH-6e shotgun microphone are a decent option."
"I like it a lot, had it for a couple years."
"It does a great job of recording and is kind of efficient on"
#7
Zoom H4n
4.3
(7)
"Get one of the Zoom Essentials if you're going zoom. Probably the H4E."
"The h4n Pro has been recently replaced by the h4essential."
"I have a zoom h4n and it is excellent but it does take a long time to boot up."
"I’ve had a good experience doing this for Digitakt with an H4N."
"To answer your question H4n all the way, prob pick up a used one for cheap."
"I have a h4n and used it to record band practice, just as a mic in the room."
"H4N is great. But you should be using it along with a shotgun microphone, not just on it's own."
#8
Rode
4.8
(5)
"I use an NT1 for the mid and an NT2 multi/pattern mic in figure of 8 mode for the side."
"I use an NT2 multi/pattern mic in figure of 8 mode for the side."
"For versatility and size, I'd suggest a Rode Wireless Go Version 2 System."
"My recommendation: Hire a production sound mixer, even if they are just starting out, but have a good setup, work ethic, and skills."
"My recommendation: Hire a production sound mixer."
#9
Zoom H5
4.4
(5)
"+1 for the H6 or the H5 (which I own) if you’re looking for something smaller than the H6 with the same specs"
"I am looking at the H5. Looks good too."
"I find that the preamps in the H5 are fine."
"It's easy to use; you can operate it with your left thumb!"
"I had an h5 and it was great."
#10
Sonosax
5.0
(4)
"If you want something even more portable: Sonosax SX-R4+"
"He does this with a Sonosax SX-R4+, and usually DPA mics I think"
"Easy - The Sonosax R4+"
"I’m using a Sonosax R4+ and I haven‘t regretted it yet."
#11
Tascam DR-40X
4.5
(4)
"Tascam DR-40X."
"I have the DR40X and found it terrific for most cases."
"I’m happy with the DR-40X for this kind of thing."
"Tascam DR-40X has served me well so far."
#12
Sound Devices MixPre-3 II
4.3
(3)
"I’m really pleased with mine. It sounds great and is incredibly flexible."
"Sound devices MixPre 3 or 6 (II) depending on how many inputs needed."
"Sound Devices MixPre-3 II"
#13
Zoom H2n
4.3
(3)
"Zoom H2n, best recorder for $170. 5 different mic and 4 recording modes."
"It works well."
"High quality, relatively cheap and indestructible."
#14
Tascam Portacapture X8
4.0
(3)
"It’s really nice."
"Tascam Portacapture X8."
"Pretty dam good recordings, 32 bit float."
#15
Aaton
5.0
(2)
"As of course it is the Aaton Cantar X3!!"
"But if had to choose something as best, I will pick Aaton Cantar X3."
#16
Sound Devices MixPre II
5.0
(2)
"Great preamps, built in limiters and it can be used as an USB audio interface."
"Sound Devices are more expensive but also amazing products and the Mix Pre II series are more affordable."
#17
Zoom F6
5.0
(2)
"I'd vote Zoom F6."
"I have the f6 and it’s amazing."
#18
Olympus
3.3
(3)
"My Olympus LS-P1 (or P4) is a workhorse, small, reliable"
"Fine: olympus ls-11"
"I picked up an Olympus LS-P1 for £35 delivered. It may not have the most amazing mics or the lowest internal noise but it’s a step up from my phone."
#19
Nagra
5.0
(2)
"Nagra 7."
"The *best*? Probably a digital Nagra."
#20
Zoom H1n
4.5
(2)
"I use a Zoom H1n Handy Recorder and it works great."
"It’s entry level for sure but provides really good audio."
#21
Zoom H2
4.5
(2)
"I’ve had a zoom h2 for over a decade and it’s never let me down."
"I still love my old Zoom H2."
#22
Tascam DR-40
4.5
(2)
"I got a Tascam dr-40 for $200 and I love it. Perfect for grabbing/creating your own samples and sound beds."
"I like the dr40, dr44wl and the new tascam Portacapture."
#23
Zoom H1
4.0
(2)
"Zoom H1 essential has 32bit float so less clipping issues."
"A zoom h1 is a good option for small and cheap."
#24
Podtrak
4.0
(2)
"Podtrak p4 has so much more versatility of definitely give it a look as it comes in far more cost effective"
"I have the P4 and love its recording and USB functionality but hate that it's only 16 bit / 44.1 KHz."
#25
Roland
4.0
(2)
"There are some good quiet recorders like roland r-07 or sony pcm-d100."
"Quiet: roland r-07"
#26
Sony A10
4.0
(2)
"The Sony A10 is an excellent option, too."
"[SONY]"
#27
Deity
4.0
(2)
"I carry a Deity V-Mic D4 Mini microphone in my knapsack."
"The Deity S Mic is a as good a mic as the NTG4."
#28
Tascam DR05
3.5
(2)
"I use this recorder with a Xone 92."
"I have this recorder. The input is mic in not a true line in."
#29
Ambient
5.0
(1)
"You need this, select the microdot option"
#30
Tascam Portacapture X6
5.0
(1)
"I just got a tascam portacapture x6 and am happy with it. I'd recommend it."
#31
Sound Devices F8
5.0
(1)
"Sound Devices or, if more inputs are needed, Zoom F8."
#32
Tascam D05
5.0
(1)
"Tascam D05. Small, boots fast."
#33
Zoom R4
5.0
(1)
"It's worth checking out the R4 if you primarily want it for music."
#34
Centrance
5.0
(1)
"Can absolutely recommend the Centrance MixerFace for going outside."
#35
F-Series
4.0
(1)
"F-Series (particularly the newer ones) over the H-Series for better/quieter pre-amps."
#36
Tula
4.0
(1)
"Check out the Tula and see if it meets your needs."
#37
F8n Pro
4.0
(1)
"I would invest in an F8n Pro and put the money saved into professional wireless systems."
#38
Nomad
4.0
(1)
"If they’re comparable in price, I would recommend the Nomad (I really love mine)."
#39
Lectrosonics
4.0
(1)
"I'm very tempted to get a Lectrosonics MTCR as a drop recorder."
#40
Sony PCM-M10
4.0
(1)
"I have had the Sony PCM-M10 for years and it's really great."
#41
LOM
4.0
(1)
"F3 + LOM Uši or a pair of Line Audio CM4."
#42
Zoom Q3HD
4.0
(1)
"I still use my old Zoom Q3HD and it's perfectly fine."
#43
Sony PCM-A10
4.0
(1)
"What about Sony's PCM-A10? Seems to meet your criteria."
#44
Sennheiser
4.0
(1)
"+1 on mke 600, low noise and very good off-axis rejection."
#45
Audix
4.0
(1)
"Lots of affordable options like the Audix HCX1."
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