Best voice recorders for hidden recording for 2020

Of course, in the era of smartphones, it is difficult to surprise a person with a sound recording device. Yes, and most use a gadget as this function, but when it comes to hidden recording, then most smartphones will not be able to cope with this task. Because in a confidential conversation, the probability that the mobile device will be seized is 90%. But, besides this, some students need these devices to record lectures or seminars, and a smartphone is unlikely to be able to cope with this work efficiently. Therefore, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best voice recorders for hidden recording for 2020.

What it is?

A dictaphone is a compact device, the main purpose of which is continuous recording of sounds for further listening. The first copy appeared in 1877. Of course, at that time, he could not operate with compact dimensions, but with the main function: recording and subsequent reproduction of a human voice, he coped with 5 points.

Years later, it noticeably changed its shape, turning from a tabletop device to a pocket one. In addition, a dozen different functions have appeared in it, the interface has become "friendly" with the user, and not repulsive. And now it takes five minutes to find the device of the right size.

What types are there?

For 2020, only two variations of voice recorders are known: analog and digital.

• In the first version, the recording of a human voice, sound of nature, melody, etc. carried out on cassettes with magnetic tape. Such devices are familiar to most, at least from foreign films. For example, at the beginning of the documentary series "Chernobyl" Professor Legasov turns on a similar device.
• In the second case, the material is recorded on the internal storage. Therefore, such models can be of any shape and weight, and some can generally be used as a keychain, and no one will ever guess that this is a dictaphone.

However, despite all the variety of digital devices, if a person needs to prove something, it is better to use an analog device, since it is more difficult to fake a voice on these devices than in standard ones. Moreover, you can pick up such a device with good quality for 1000 rubles. In addition, you can safely rewrite cassettes on these devices. But, besides the advantages, the device has a number of disadvantages:

• Noise during operation that cannot be eliminated;
• Hard to find a cassette;
• An ordinary battery is used, which excludes the possibility of charging the device.

Therefore, if a person is looking for multifunctionality, small dimensions, clear sound, then a good purchase is a digital voice recorder. The main advantage of such models is the work with a memory microcircuit. With this solution, performance is increased and the battery drains more slowly.

Main characteristics for the digital model

In order for the device to work flawlessly and never fail, considering options, it is important to pay attention to such parameters as:

• Sensitivity;
• How long does one charge last;
• Format.

Sensitivity

Most often this parameter is indicated in meters.It shows the user at what distance a good recording is possible, without interference, etc. Because not every student or interviewer will be able to present the device directly to the speaker's face without causing bewilderment.

It is also important to understand that if the maximum frequency indicated is 44,000 Hz, this is of course good, only intended for professional use. If the dictaphone is bought only for the purpose of recording a human voice, then the best option is 4000 Hz, more is possible, but not worth it, but the minimum value is 100 Hz and you cannot go below, otherwise voices with noise cannot be distinguished.

For comfortable use, most modern models have the ability to adjust the sensitivity, this allows you to adapt to a specific situation, but it is also used more often by specialists who need the device not as a decoration. In addition, some voice recorders have such a useful function as protection against extraneous noise, but the cost of such devices is several times higher. This is important to consider, because when buying a cheap model from China for a dollar, you should not expect crystal clear sound, but background noise and human whispering are welcome.

Therefore, if a person buys a device for professional use, then quality with hidden recording should be in the first place, and not cost. The only thing that can be done to achieve such a parameter and protect yourself from an unprofitable purchase is to pre-test the device in a store.

In modern stores, there are models that can easily pick up the human voice from 14 meters. Therefore, some people may secretly eavesdrop on a conversation using such devices. But it is important to know that such actions are prohibited not only by ethics, but also by law.

Time

Most often, this parameter is influenced by the type of media. So, some have only a certain amount and there is no opportunity to expand, while others are combined. The latter are produced in greater volumes. Because 2 or 4 GB may not be enough for users, especially for journalists, as they process a large amount of information.

It is important to remember that it is necessary to choose a USB flash drive not on the basis of "the more the better", but on the capabilities of the device itself. After all, having bought a 256 GB memory card, you should ask a question, will the recorder be able to read it. Because most devices work with SDHC format (up to 32 GB).

It is better to be skeptical about the parameter maximum active work time, and in the case of Chinese models, not to trust at all. This is due to the fact that the manufacturer specifies the lower bitrate threshold. This means that the promised 120 hours of work will be carried out in low mode: 8 kbps. In other words, the person will receive quality interference, but not the voice.

To roughly understand the battery life, you need to pay attention to such a parameter as capacity and the amount of energy consumed. The last point is indicated in the technical data sheet of the product. So, if the power consumption is 0.2 W, and the battery capacity is 1200 mAh, then the approximate operating time will be 6 hours.

Select by format

The dictaphone is capable of recording in a large number of formats, but the following are considered popular:

• MP3 this option is ideally balanced in the ratio of the occupied memory and quality. In addition, it is a common format and can be read without problems on all devices without hassle. However, some professional users have identified such a nuance: it is not able to clearly convey sound with the slightest nuances. Although amateurs do not need this, it is important for specialists to know.
• WMA. The format is a cut above the quality of work, unlike the previous version, but it also takes up more space on the drive. Therefore, you cannot get by with a standard 2 GB or 4 GB device.
• DSS. A modern solution that is considered the ideal solution for journalists. The format does not take up memory, and the sound is clear. The only drawback of this solution is that not all devices are capable of reading it.Therefore, so that this problem does not become a headache, it is recommended to install additional software or convert to a popular format.

Special functions

Devices with voice activation are very popular. This is a useful feature for hours of interviews. Thus, the user will save unnecessary space and only write down what is useful. But it should be understood that such an opportunity has an "Achilles heel" - the time spent on activation. That is, the playback will begin after 2-3 seconds, and during this period the information that was needed may slip away. However, not everything is so bad, because some models are equipped with a special threshold control, that is, the owner sets the required noise value, which the device will perceive as silence.

Nice additions

Many experts prefer to buy a voice recorder with active noise canceling. So a person will be able to interview in a noisy room, on the street, etc. and not worry about the quality of the interlocutor's voice. It is important to take into account that this mode is called differently for each manufacturer. Also, we must not forget that when this mode is activated, all unnecessary noise will be minimized, but the voice will also be recorded imperfectly.

External microphone

This feature is considered useful in cases where the device is located at a remote distance from the object. It is also important to consider the direction in which the recording takes place, because then it will turn out to achieve the highest quality result.

So, having an external microphone, the user just needs to connect it to the recorder and that's it. In addition, this option will free your hands and allow you to record sound of high quality.

Automatic signal amplification

To implement this function, some manufacturers have implemented AGC in their instruments. The principle of its operation is simple: when the object begins to emit loud sounds, the devices automatically muffle it, and if the opposite happens, then it increases. This mode is useful for events such as a press conference, where it is difficult to hear the answer to a question because everyone is shouting and the person is at a distance.

Frequency setting

Standard models operate up to 3000 Hz. This meaning is sufficient when a person is having a simple conversation. And if you buy a device only for recording music, then it is better to buy a more expensive device. It will have an extended range that will allow you to choose the option that is more necessary for the current situation.

Mono and Stereo

If the microphone is bought for conducting loud disputes like in the Stray Dog cafe, then a great option is a stereo-enabled dictaphone, otherwise mono is the right solution.

Rating of quality voice recorders

Ambertek VR105

A device in the form of a flash drive that will record any conversation unnoticed by the interlocutor. It has its own battery (Li-Ion battery), which can withstand up to 16 hours of continuous operation. The recording is done in a popular format. According to buyers, this is the best solution for the money. Because the sound is as clear as possible and the user does not have to listen to every word.

The device is compact, you can put it in your pocket or hang it as a keychain. Weighs only 14 grams, so it won't be felt. Case material - plastic. One recording channel, which will not allow using the device for loud reasoning. Built-in memory for about 50 hours of active work.

The average cost is 1980 rubles.

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Ambertek VR250F

An advanced model that is more suitable not for students, but for lawyers, journalists and other people who are constantly faced with a high volume of information. Unlike the previous version, there are two recording channels, which significantly expands the scope of the equipment.

In addition, the device has a convenient LCD display and playback capability. For the security of personal data, the recorder can be password protected.Operating time on a single charge is about 25 hours, built-in memory - 16 GB. The weight of the device with the battery is 50 grams. The device is compact and does not take up space in your pocket.

To make working with the device more comfortable, the manufacturer equipped the device with a charge indicator, a clock and the ability to pause recording.

The average cost is 3280 rubles.

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Olympus VP-10

A high-quality model that will allow recording in three formats: MP3, WMA, PCM. This will keep the sound clean and pleasant. For convenience, there is a miniature LCD screen that allows you to monitor the current status of the device. Frequency range up to 17,000 Hz. Therefore, a person will be able to operate the device for almost any purpose.

For convenience, there is voice activation, which is triggered almost instantly, there is also a change in microphone sensitivity. The little finger rechargeable battery acts as the main power source, the approximate operating time is 50 hours. Power consumption - 0.9 W. Built-in memory - 4 GB, there is no expansion option.

The average cost is 7,000 rubles.

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Sony ICD-TX650

A good model that will allow you to record voice in two formats: MP3 and PCM. There are 2 channels, with the frequency range from 95 to 20,000 Hz. Thanks to this, a person will be able to use the recorder in professional activities.

For convenience, there are modes such as timer recording, voice activation, change in sensitivity. The maximum continuous operation time is 15 hours. The weight of the device is 29 grams.

The average cost is 8810 rubles.

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Noyazu

This option is considered to be almost the ideal solution for covert recording. The working format is WMA, which will give the user only pure sound, but in order to do this, you will have to buy a memory card (options up to 32 GB are supported). A useful function of the recorder is tight fixation to a metal surface and the ability to shoot video in 480p. The active work time from one charge is equal to 20 hours.

The average cost is 10,000 rubles.

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Magpie-17

A Russian model that will impress the user with its quality and compactness. The device is so inconspicuous that it will not arouse suspicion, even among the most vigilant security guard. In addition, the device is capable of continuously recording sound for 65 hours. The dictaphone is optimized for subzero temperatures, which will not let it deteriorate when you are outdoors for a long time. Format - WAV, no compression.

The average cost is 10 600 rubles.

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Finally

The presented models will allow secret recording without attracting attention from the object, which is a big plus. But it is worth remembering that in many cases such actions are illegal and a useful record can turn against a person at one point. If you have experience using the dictaphones described in the rating, or a more interesting model, then tell us about it in the comments.