Sony ICD-PX470 Stereo Digital Voice Recorder with Built-in USB Voice Recorder, Black

The bottom line: Very fast delivery for international purchase and amazing product for its price!I bought this recorder on 22nd last month here on Amazon and had it send to Taiwan, where I live, using the cheapest Standard shipping method. The initial estimated time of delivery was 8th this month, but amazingly it delivered to my house on 31st last month, meaning it took less than 10 days to deliver and the item arrived at my place about a week earlier than the estimated delivery time, which is amazingly fast for international delivery and the fastest delivery I've ever had with any product I bought from Amazon so far. The package arrived safely and the product was intact and well protected.The product itself met all my expectations and some more. In fact it's better than the price it asked for IMHO. I'm glad I didn't pay more for the higher-end and more expensive model. And I don't understand why some people complain about its size or lack of LED screen. For me they aren't problems at all. True it may not be as compact as some of sony's other more expensive models but it sure isn't bulky either. It's compact enough for me. Also the lack of LED screen doesn't bother me either because I don't use it in the dark anyway. Besides having LED screen would only drain the batteries more quickly and I definitely don't want that. The point is you get what you pay for. For me what's important is the features of the product, which it totally delivered. I love that the settings are highly adjustable so that it can meet all the different recording needs and scenarios. And the ability to extend its memory up to 32GB through microSD card comes in handy too, especially if you need to record in the highest quality format LPCM. Speaking of quality, I mostly use this recorder for lectures and language learning and the recording quality is crisp and clear (the noise cancellation feature helps a lot there), and far superior than recording with iPhone (obviously).Overall I have nothing to complain about its functions and recording quality. My only gripes (if there's any) are: Firstly the sound quality of the built-in speakers are less than satisfactory. Fortunately I never use them and only listen to the recording files with my earphones, so it's not an issue for me. But if you plan to use them then don't expect too much. They are merely servicable at best. Secondly you can't recharge the device with its USB plug even if you have rechargable batteries inside. I pointed this out because I used to have an older model that could do that but this one doesn't have that function. But again it's only a slight inconvenience so I can live with it. Besides, like I said earlier, you get what you pay for.All in all I was very happy with this recorder and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants a quality recording device but doesn't want to spend a fortune and waste money on bells and whistles they don't need.2019/4/2 UPDATE:After more than 8 months of use, this recorder still works perfectly for me and I've also come to find that the build of the device is very robust because I've accidentally dropped it a few times from the desk or from my hand, yet there's barely a scratch. Although if I have to nitpick (other than what I've already mentioned above), I wish the recorder would allow the user to save their custom settings so they can easily switch among different ones depending on the situation. Also it takes a bit too much time to turn on the device. In normal circumstances this wouldn't be a problem but if you want to record something on the spot and you don't have it already turned on then it could be a bit annoying. But like I said, those are just my personal nitpicking and they don't affect my original review.

No extra cables needed. Simple to use with very easy interface for feedback. Included sliding USB to connect to computer to transfer audio. Battery life is good. Included onboard memory is adequate. Very well designed audio recording device that provided feedback for those concerned if the audio is loud enough to be recorded. Audio levels are displayed while its recording. We use this device for offsite recording of hearings without employees having to use their personal phones. Audio files are easily imported as the device connects to PC's easily with included sliding USB adaptor. No cables to loose. All self contained. Perfect for our needs and the best by far for the price.

The device is easy to use and has a good interface. Small enough to conceal for candid interviews and large enough so you won’t misplace it too often. Good little device. Sound quality is ok, but I didn’t buy it to be a crystal clear, studio quality recorder. I use this for journalism. Sony makes no exorbitant claims about the audio quality. It is what it’s advertised as, so I cannot complain. The interface is fairly intuitive and the options are clear, easily accessible and quick. You don’t have to click through a whole bunch of tabs to get what you want. No complaints there, either. My only complaint is the body or housing of the device. It’s made out of some brittle feeling plastic, I was kind of hoping for at least a decent grade polymer. Knowing people will use these in the field, Sony should put a little more into the housing of the unit. I have no doubt that this thing would break if I dropped it too many times from waist height, or from a slightly higher distance, maybe in one drop. That’s literally my only complaint. If you plan to use this a lot in the field, maybe look into a rubberized cover for it. Good device and would recommend.

Update: 10/17/2021 Was not the SONY recorder, was my three microphones all fairly new that were defective. Found out today as my second voice recorder arrived and had the same problem then I found a boom microphone testing both units. TIME FOR ME TO EAT CROW I was wrong. Will be sure to Follow up with SONY tomorrow. I love my ICD-PX470 great feature that it has its own USB connector for a direct line to my computer.Update: 10/15/2021 Talked with Sony 1yr warranty and they will be replacing recorder. Great sound recording except for right track when using external microphone.Update: 10/14/2021 Does not record right track with lavalier microphone anymore. Minus two stars as that is main reason I purchased this recorder.Pros: This Sony has great sound and great price. Currently under $50 I paid slightly more, isn't that always the case. Just had it out and about yesterday using Movo external TRS Lavalier microphone and the recorder performed flawlessly. I wish I could say the same for myself. The onboard microphones are more sensitive than my microphone for recording. There are many different options for recording. Also I found it super nice that you can even monitor while recording, found out my two lavalier microphones sound slightly different even though they are same make and model. Nice to know. :)CONS: Was a bit pricey when I bought but that has been solved. :) Would like the option to have belt clip case with microphone or as separate purchase offered.At under $50 this one is a must buy for anyone shooting video, or recording sound at all. Yes I'd buy this again. I like SONY Products, and I'd recommend to a friend.