EmailBest Reviewed
Digital Voice Recorders
- Budget digital voice recorder Olympus WS-210S *Est. $60
- Best digital voice recorder Olympus WS-331M *Est. $115
- Professional-grade digital voice recorder Roland Edirol R-09HR *Est. $400
- Digital voice recorder for dictating and transcription Sony ICD-MX20 *Est. $200
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Digital voice recorder for dictating and transcription
- Best accuracy with speech-to-text software
- Built-in recording editing
- Expandable memory
- More expensive than basic recorders
- Very little built-in memory
- Records using proprietary file formats
The Sony ICD-MX20 is a professional-grade digital voice recorder that's especially recommended for those who do lots of dictation and transcription. It is optimized for use with Nuance's Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech-to-text transcription software and earns that company's highest accuracy score. Among its other features, the Sony ICD-MX20 has more editing functions than you'll find on basic voice recorders. However, it records using proprietary file formats that must be converted before it can be used by other software, such as Windows Media Player, and the Sony player/conversion software is not compatible with Mac OS. At just 32 MB, the built-in memory is skimpy, but a slot for Memory Stick Pro duo flash memory is provided, and those are available in capacities of up to 16 GB. Opinions are mixed on the device's unique joystick controller; some users love it, while others hate it. If all you want to do is record lectures or notes -- or if you use a Mac -- the less expensive Olympus WS-331M (*est. $115) deserves consideration.
PC World provides the most detailed analysis of the Sony ICD-MX20. About.com's report isn't as detailed, but also offers some useful insights. Amazon.com has a fair selection of user reviews.
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Our Sources
James A. Martin from PC World proclaims that the Sony ICD-MX20 is the best digital voice recorder, especially for speech-to-text transcriptions. Reviewing advantages and disadvantages of the recorder for an array of uses, he does presume that you are looking for a dictation device for use with transcription software like Nuance's Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
Review: The Best Digital Voice Recorder, James A. Martin, April 23, 2008
2. About.com
Susan Ward, About.com's guide to Canadian small business, lists seven voice recorders particularly suited for transcription and puts Sony's ICD-MX20 (reviewed here as part of a since-discontinued package that includes Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred voice-recognition software) at the top. The inclusion of the software (different bundles are now available) is one reason, but she also likes the numerous recording features and the expandable memory. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Top Seven Digital Voice Recorder Transcribers, Susan Ward
3. Amazon.com
Dozens of owners rate the Sony ICD-MX20 here, and the middling score (3.5 stars out of five) fairly represents the split opinions expressed. Those who like the recorder rate it highly for its quality and its ability to play well with speech-recognition software. Those who rate the Sony ICD-MX20 poorly complain that it is hard to use and that the file formats and required conversion software make life difficult, especially for Mac users.
Review: Sony ICD-MX20 Review, Contributors to Amazon.com
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3 picks by top review sites.
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2 picks by top review sites.
Olympus DS-40 Digital Voice Recorder
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