A portable handheld audio recorder is a versatile tool that can help with a range of teaching and learning activities. It can be used to record rehearsals and performances, capture audio for self-reflection or peer assessment, and for outdoor or ‘field’ recording. Most recorders have high-quality audio recording and the ability to save in WAV or MP3 formats as standard. A key difference is microphone placement, with devices having fixed or moveable mics. There are many devices on the market, but here we look at some of the more affordable options, priced at £200 or less.

Zoom H1n

Price: £80

The Zoom H1n has two built-in condenser mics placed in an XY configuration (two directional mics positioned closely forming an ‘X’ or ‘cross’ pattern, for stereo recording). The front of the unit has a gain dial for setting input levels and a 1.25-inch backlit LCD screen for monitoring levels and changing settings. The unit is powered by two AAA batteries with a run-time of up to 10 hours. It is made of plastic and is light, weighing just 91g (with batteries). There are four buttons below the screen serving multiple functions as well as buttons for record, stop, play/pause, fast-forward, and rewind. There is a built-in speaker, mic and line input, and a mini-USB port. Recordings are saved to a microSD card (max 32GB). The 2023 model has several new features, including an onboard digital limiter that can help prevent distortion and an auto-level option if you want to record something quickly. There is also a new overdub function, enabling you to layer guitar parts or vocals – handy for quick harmony ideas. It does have a bit of ‘self-noise’, which can be heard on quieter recordings, but overall the Zoom H1n is an excellent option for easy recording.

Tascam DR-05X

Price: £90

The Tascam DR-05X combines a stereo handheld recorder and a USB interface. This makes it useful for streaming and podcasting, alongside recording audio. The unit has a pair of omnidirectional mics in fixed positions, angled at 120-degrees apart to produce a wider stereo recording. You can also use your own mic through the mini-jack stereo input, which includes plug-in power for mics that need it. Features include a low-cut filter, variable speed playback, and a chromatic tuner. Three auto-level modes (Limiter, Peak Reduction and Auto Level) can help prevent distorted recordings. The overdub function is non-destructive, which means your original audio is safe if you're unhappy with that slightly off-key harmony! The unit requires two AA batteries, powering it for up to 17 hours; you can also use USB power or an AC adapter. The entire unit, including the microphone housing, is made of plastic and weighs 165g (with batteries). For a little extra cash, you can purchase the Tascam DR-07X, priced at £110. The only significant difference is that the microphones are moveable, making it more versatile than the lower-priced DR-05X.

Olympus LS-P1

Price: £110

Olympus is best known for camera equipment, but it also produces audio recorders for vloggers, podcasters and musicians. The LS-P1 was first released in 2016 but is still going strong. It has two directional microphones, angled at 90-degrees apart for a natural stereo sound. It is powered by one AAA battery, offering an estimated run-time of 28 hours. Olympus has concentrated on the amplifier circuits, promising very low self-noise and clear sound quality. The main controls are simple, with buttons for stop, record, erase and list (showing a list of your recordings), and a circular control for play, fast-forward, rewind, and volume. Other features can be accessed via the menu button; these include a ‘zoom’ mic function, which enables you to record further away from the sound source. The casing is metal, offering more protection than plastic devices, but the unit is very light at only 75g (with battery). It has a 3.5mm headphone jack and a 3.5mm mic input, and you can connect the device directly to a camera. There is 4GB of internal storage or up to 32 microSDHC storage. It also has a convenient built-in USB connector for transferring data.

OM System LS-P5

Price: £170

In 2022, Olympus rebranded as OM System and launched the LS-P5. The main difference is the inclusion of a ‘tresmic’ system, which means there is a third microphone in the array. This is placed in the centre of the two fixed-position mics, offering improved audio quality. The LS-P5's new features include a Bright Sound mode, boosting mid to high frequencies, which is useful for capturing dialogue. The introduction of a Smart mode offers automatic gain adjustment, making recording easier, especially for beginners. It also incorporates Bluetooth connectivity. The LS-P5 is powered by two AAA batteries, offering an average run-time of up to 37 hours. The unit is made of plastic and slightly larger than comparable devices, but it is still light at 78g (with batteries).

Roland R-07

Price: £185

The R-07 is a stylish take on the handheld recorder, resembling a smartphone. There is a built-in stereo mic and, as you would expect, it records high-res audio in WAV and MP3 formats. In addition to the main controls there is a ‘rehearsal’ button, which sets your recording levels automatically. A Scene button lets you switch between a choice of pre-set ‘scenes’, designed to suit different situations and make recording easier. Hybrid limiting is another interesting addition. The R-07 can make two simultaneous recordings: one at full level and another at a lower level. This means if there's unexpected distortion in the main recording, you can replace that section with the lower-level recording, which can all be handled automatically. The R-07 uses the latest low-latency Bluetooth technology, and you can control up to four units with your smartphone – useful if you want to record wildlife without frightening it away! There is a mic/aux input and headphone output, or you can listen on Bluetooth speakers. The R-07 is powered by two AA batteries, offering up to 15 hours recording/playback time. You can also use USB power. The unit is robust and made from plastic, weighing 150g (with batteries). A microSD card (up to 32 GB) is needed to record and playback.