So, you want to start a podcast… how will you record your podcast episodes?
Before you spend thousands of dollars renting a studio, especially during this COVID-19 craziness, you should consider a digital audio recorder, or DAR as they're often referred to by podcasters. Using a Digital Audio Recorder is one of the best ways to capture high-quality audio to help your podcast gain traction. We researched the best digital audio recorders of 2021 to give you a list of options to get started.
TASCAM DR-40X 4-Track Portable Digital Recorder
Adobe Audition is an excellent vocal recording and audio editing software for both Windows and Mac. You can record audio from any device or microphone. Before starting to record, don't forget to adjust the signal‑to‑noise levels to clear the input signal as much as possible. This video shows you how to use all the channels of your audio interface to record simultaneously within Audacity.
If you want a digital audio recorder the next level up, you won't find a better value than the Tascam DR-40X 4-Track Portable Digital Recorder. The Tascam DR-40 was one of our top choices for 2020, and the DR-40X is a great next-generation in the same tech family. The biggest changes for the Tascam DR-40X compared to the DR-40 include:
- The biggest change is that the DR-40X can now be used as its own audio interface or even as a USB mic. The DR-40X's USB port is a micro-B 2.0 compared to the mini-B on the DR-40.
- DR-40X's screen color uses a great-looking white background with a larger font that's much easier to read. The DR-40 has an orange-yellow screen background that's harder on the eyes.
- Also, the DR-40X increased its SD card max size to 128GB compared to the 32GB limit of the DR-40.
- If you're wanting to use the DR-40X for videos, it has a nice tone generator that helps with slating videos.
In case the name didn't give it away, the TASCAM DR-40X also includes four tracks in 96kHz/24-bit audio for ecording. This digital audio recorder can give you studio-quality sound at an affordable price. The TASCAM DR-40X 4-Track Portable Digital Recorder is an investment worth making if you're serious about podcasting.
Zoom H6 Six-Track Portable Recorder with Interchangeable Microphone System with Deluxe Accessory Bundle
In the world of digital audio recorders, Zoom has a name you can trust. The Zoom H6 Six-Track Portable Recorder with Interchangeable Microphone System with Deluxe Accessory Bundle is the pinnacle of Zoom's DARs for podcasters. The Deluxe Accessory Bundle includes studio headphones that are good quality for you to review your recording. XY and mid-side microphone modules are included with a six-channel simultaneous recording experience in 24-bit/96kHz Audio.
You may find yourself using the XY microphone more than the mid-side, but that may be just our preference. If you're serious about podcasting, use the Zoom H6. If you want on-the-go recording with the same experience, try the Zoom H6 Handy option.
Sony PCM-M10 Portable Linear PCM Voice Recorder with Electret Condenser Stereo Microphones, 96 kHz/24-bit, 4GB Memory & USB High-Speed Port
The Sony PCM-M10 Portable Linear PCM Voice Recorder is an excellent digital audio recorder for beginning podcasters. It comes with up to 4 GB of internal flash memory with a micro SD (M2) slot for adding a memory card if more space is needed. Its built-in speaker is pretty decent with a number of other features that are nice for recording a podcast.
Arguably the best feature of the PCM-M10 is how easy it is to offload your recording into your computer. It includes two presets of .wav or .mp3 recording formats, which is nice if you're getting started as a podcaster. The PCM-M10 is durable and has a battery with a surprisingly long life. For less than one hundred dollars, this is the most affordable and best DAR to get your feet wet with podcasting.
The only drawback is the price at around $900. For a beginner, that's a pretty steep price tag, but if you know you're in this for the long haul, choose between the Zoom H6 or the PCM-M10. You get what you pay for with both, and you can't go wrong.
Zoom H4n PRO 4-Channel Handy Recorder Bundle with Movo Omnidirectional and Cardioid XLR Lavalier Microphones
The Zoom H4N PRO 4-Channel Handy Recorder is another recorder that's been around for a few years and podcasters keep swearing by it! The Zoom H4N line provides some of the best audio quality in any given environment, period. The XY stereo mics will probably become your new best friends with how much time you'll want to spend with them.
The recording process is smooth and comfortable with good frequency response and high SPL rating for a crystal-clear sound. Having a built-in SD/SDHC slot is always nice for extra memory to go with the four-channel simultaneous recording capabilities. You will LOVE using the Zoom H4N Handy. Don't leave home without it.
TASCAM DR-100mkII 2-Channel Portable Digital Recorder
Are you concerned about battery life? That's the first feature covered by the TASCAM DR-100mkII 2-Channel Portable Digital Recorder. It features a dual-battery system to give you hours of uninterrupted recording time. The locking XLR inputs allow balanced mic or line inputs to match with the two sets of microphones included (cardioid or omnidirectional).
The TASCAM DR-100mkll 2-Channel Portable Digital Recorder often comes with an accessories pack that includes:
- 2GB SD card
- Exclusive Li-ion battery (BP-L2)
- USB connection cable
- Exclusive soft case and windsock
- Wireless remote control (RC-10)
- Coin cell battery for confirming remote control operation
TASCAM DR-05X Portable Digital Recorder
Multitrack Podcast Recording Device
If your goal is to record a podcast without breaking the bank, start with the Tascam DR-05X. It's as trimmed-down as you will get with a DAR for a little over $100. The Tascam DR-05X records up to 24-Bit/96 kHz with audio storage via MicroSD/SDHC cards. You will get good-quality .wav and .mp3 recording options in a lightweight but sturdy design.
Audacity Multitrack Recording
The Deluxe Accessory bundle is a steal with how much value you will get, especially for a beginner podcaster. A good 32GB MicroSDHC memory card is part of the bundle along with a Handgrip table tripod, Samson stereo headphones, cleaning accessories, and four AA batteries, and a standard 1/8″ aux wire. Ipad keynote import powerpoint.
