An audio recorder gives you more control over sound than recording straight into a phone or camera. Dedicated microphones, better inputs and higher-quality recording formats make them useful for interviews, podcasts, music, filmmaking and location sound.
The right audio recorder depends on what you are recording, how many microphones you need and whether you want something pocket-sized or built for a larger production setup.
Find the Right Recorder for the Job
Audio recorders range from simple handheld models to field units designed to capture several microphones at once.
Handheld Audio Recorders
Handheld recorders combine built-in microphones and recording controls in one portable device. They suit interviews, journalism, podcasts, live music and quick location recordings without a larger audio setup.
Field Recorders
Field recorders add professional connections such as XLR inputs for external microphones. They are a strong fit for film, video and location sound where several audio sources need to be recorded separately.
Multitrack Recorders
Multitrack models record several sources onto separate tracks, giving you more control when mixing later. They suit music recording, podcasts with multiple speakers and larger productions.
Compact and Wireless Recorders
Small clip-on and wireless recorders can sit close to the person speaking, making them handy for interviews and video. Some can also record internally as a backup to a wireless feed.
Check Your Inputs and Track Count
Built-in microphones are convenient when you want to start recording quickly. For more control over microphone placement and sound, look for external inputs.
XLR and TRS connections support a wider range of microphones and audio equipment. If you use a condenser microphone, check whether the recorder provides the phantom power it requires.
Track count matters when recording several people or sound sources separately. Some recorders can also work as audio interfaces, letting you send audio directly into a computer over USB.
Understand Recording Quality and File Formats
Sample rate determines how often audio is captured each second, while bit depth affects the available dynamic range. For many professional recording jobs, 24-bit audio provides plenty of headroom for editing levels.
Some newer recorders offer 32-bit float recording. This provides much more headroom when recording unpredictable sound levels and can make clipped or very quiet recordings easier to recover, although good microphone placement still matters.
WAV files retain more recording data and are widely used for editing. Compressed formats use less storage and can be useful when smaller files matter more than maximum quality.
Think About Power, Storage and Setup
Check battery type and expected runtime if you record away from power for long periods. Some models can also run from USB or external power while recording.
Recording time depends on memory card capacity, track count and recording format. Higher sample rates, bit depths and more tracks create larger files.
If your recorder is part of a video rig, check its mounting options too. It may need to attach to a camera, cage or stand alongside camera microphones and other microphone accessories.
Shop Audio Recorders at digiDirect
digiDirect stocks audio recorders from recognised brands, ranging from pocket handheld models to professional multitrack field units. Shop Australian stock with applicable warranty coverage, digiDirect's Price Match Guarantee and Click & Collect options depending on availability. Add headphones for monitoring or speakers for playback.
FAQs
Can an audio recorder be connected directly to a camera?
Yes, many recorders can send audio to a compatible camera using an audio output. This lets the camera capture a reference or main audio track while the recorder keeps its own recording. Check the connections and levels supported by both devices.
Do I need phantom power for my microphone?
Only some microphones need phantom power. Many condenser microphones require it, while dynamic microphones usually do not. Check your microphone specifications before switching phantom power on.
How do I sync separately recorded audio with video footage?
A simple method is to create a clear sound, such as a clap, that appears in both recordings. Editing software can then line up the camera audio with the separate recorder track. Some professional setups use timecode for faster syncing across multiple devices.
How much recording time fits on a memory card?
It depends on card capacity, recording format, sample rate, bit depth and number of tracks. Higher-quality multitrack recordings use more space than compressed stereo files. Check the recorder's storage requirements when planning longer sessions.
Can an audio recorder be used as a USB microphone for a computer?
Some models can work as USB audio devices when connected to a computer. This can be useful for calls, streaming, podcasts or recording directly into software. Check whether the specific recorder supports USB audio interface functionality.
