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Best Recorders for Podcasting 2024

Zoom H6 6-Track Portable Recorder

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Zoom H6 6-Track Portable...
  • Direct recording to SD cards up to 128GB.Display 2.0-Inch full color LCD (320 x 240 pixels)
  • Gain knobs, pads, and Phantom power for each input
  • Newly redesigned preamps with an ultra-low noise floor, up to 24-bit/96kHz audio in WAV or MP3 format

The Zoom H6 is like a complete recording studio that fits in the palm of your hand. It is a portable digital recorder that can be used to capture high-quality audio recordings directly to the device or into your computer’s audio recording and editing software. Takes 4 XLR inputs as standard and captures 2 more channels through the top-mounted stereo microphone; hence the 6 in the name. Add to that a host of built-in device features like limiters, compression, and other processing tools, and you’ve got plenty here, all in one small device.

The Zoom H6 is its flagship portable audio recorder and its price is climbing again, but it is gaining a lot of entries. It has 4 combo XLR / mic / line / instrument inputs with separate gain, -20dB pad, and phantom power control. The screen tilts back, making it easy to control levels when mounted on the camera. It also has interchangeable microphone heads and comes with the XYH-6 adjustable X / Y head and the MSH-6 mid-capsule. If you were to buy one separately, it would cost $ 80, so you get the cost back right away. The Zoom H6 also upgrades the maximum memory storage allowed up to 128GB per card.

Without a doubt, the best Zoom recorder on the market for podcasting is the Zoom H6 six-track portable recorder that opens in a new tab with an interchangeable microphone. The XY and mid-side microphone module and studio headphones are part of the appeal of this recorder, in addition to the 6-channel simultaneous recording. The Zoom H6 is the best digital voice recorder for those who are serious about their audio sounds and are budgeted for items in this price range. The H6 has adjustable and interchangeable microphones, and is a rugged and versatile device. Musicians and podcasters can use the H6’s impressive audio capabilities, but keep in mind that this device is by no means for beginners. Also, before you buy, keep in mind that the H6 only has 2GB of internal storage, so be prepared to find another device to store your files.

Tascam DR-40X Four-Track Digital Audio Recorder

Tascam DR-40X FOUR TRACK AUDIO...
  • Line Level Input For Live Capture: The Tascam DR-40X Audio Interface features dual Neutrik XLR/TRS combo...
  • Versatile Four-track Recording: In addition to normal stereo channel recording and dual recording mode,...
  • Wide Covering Range: The DR-40X Audio Recording Interface allows high-quality recording with its stereo...

At first glance, the DR-40X looks a lot like its predecessor. Although, when turned on, the new LED display jumps out immediately, is brighter, more modern, and departs from the slightly dated look of the DR-40’s previous orange display. The new display is a clear improvement and has more visibility in difficult lighting environments. Besides the display, the only other real noticeable aesthetic difference is the red stripes surrounding the two built-in condenser microphones, which really pop and look stylish. The unit is rugged yet portable and its ergonomic design makes it easy to navigate all the essential controls.

A healthy dose of new features have been added to the DR-40X, most notably a USB 2.0 audio interface (Mac / iOS compatible via CORE audio and Windows via ASIO driver download). This is a very useful feature for those looking for a device that doubles for portable recording tasks and for recording directly to the computer. You can also use the USB connection for efficient file transfer from the SD card. Some other updates include overwrite recording mode, for quick instant recording, dictation mode for efficient reading and transcription of the human voice, a feature that will be exploited by journalists and content creators. More SD card storage has also been added, now allowing the use of SDXC cards up to 128GB.

Those familiar with the predecessor model will be delighted to know that the features that made the DR-40 so popular have been preserved in the new DR-40X. Life-saving dual recording mode, allowing you to store two separate recordings, one at the selected input level and the second recording attenuated between -6dB and -12dB, saving you the terrors of clipping. accidental during recording. Overdub, pre-record, and auto-record recording modes are still available, as is the built-in chromatic tuner for musicians who need to tune before starting to record and reverb for a touch of atmosphere if needed.

With quiet preamps and excellent audio quality and a host of great features, the Tascam DR-40X is a fantastic package. It is capable of recording four tracks simultaneously, using its built-in microphones in conjunction with two external microphones. This makes it perfect for group or “round table” recordings. The DR-40X’s small size allows the recorder to easily fit into a small bag or purse. Record up to 96/24 in professional quality, more than enough to handle everything from interviews to recording sound effects on the fly.

Zoom H4n Pro 4-Track Portable Recorder

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Zoom H4N PRO Digital...
  • Four-channel recording up to 24-bit, 96 kHz. Built-in stereo X/Y microphones, up to 140 dB SPL
  • 2 XLR/TRS inputs with locking connectors. Records directly to SD/SDHC cards up to 32 GB
  • 4-in/2-out USB audio interface. Monaural speaker: 400 mW 8 Ω

The H4N Pro is the updated version of the original H4N. It records up to 4 channels, comes with two professional microphones in an X / Y pattern, has two XLR / line / instrument combo inputs with optional phantom power and ⅛ ”mic input. It also has the ability to act as a USB interface for Mac or PC. The H4N Pro has a headphone / line jack for monitoring or a direct connection to the DSLR. The H4N Pro is the affordable mid-range option that can work well for professionals and novice podcasters. Functional, portable, and moderately priced, this is a home podcast studio with the ability to quickly and easily pack it up and turn it into a mobile interview setup if needed. You can also connect your camera to the H4N Pro to capture professional-quality audio with your video.

Many reviews continue to praise its phenomenal quality. It is useful with multitrack recording due to its 4 channels (including an X / Y stereo microphone and 2 XLR / TRS combo inputs), which is useful for capturing room ambience and floor recordings. The preamps for its XLR inputs have been well received in customer reviews. It also has phantom power which is used to power external condenser microphones. The sound quality of its built-in microphone is appreciated and offers natural stereo sound known to be as good as using studio microphones. It also has a simple and easy to use menu.

Zoom H1n Handy Recorder

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Zoom H1n Portable Recorder,...
  • Streamlined body with matte finish and newly designed protective mic enclosure
  • Built-in stereo condenser microphones in 90-Degree x/Y format
  • One-touch button controls

This little podcaster recorder is ideal for new podcasters who perform a lot of face-to-face or location-based recordings in noisy environments. Through the threaded hole in the rear of the recorder, you may easily mount them on mic stands, tripods, and DSLR cameras.

It’s small enough to fit in your pocket and boasts noise-cancelling capabilities. These features make the device ideal for journalists and other content creators who need to record audio on the fly and in noisy environments on a frequent basis.

Have no fear, budget-conscious podcast producers. Using its integrated X-Y mics, the under-$100 Zoom H1N records high-quality audio in stereo or mono. They are exceptionally high-end for the price and capture a lot of information. The H1N is simple to use, with many of its capabilities accessible via the recorder’s buttons rather than cycling through interminable menus.

The device resembles a portable microphone in size. With a haptic record button that is easy to find without looking, recording is quick. If you’re looking to get into stereo field recording for audio dramas on a budget, the Zoom H1N is an excellent option.