In this article I will review both the TASCAM DR-05X and the Sony ICD-PX470 Stereo Digital Voice Recorders, by means of three hands on videos below. Firstly, I will take each of the recorders on their own and put them through their paces in two separate videos. After that I will put them side by side in a final comparison video. Check below for the latest prices.
TASCAM DR-05X
Main features of the Tascam DR-05X:
- Stereo omni directional condenser microphones
- Support multiple menu languages (ENG/FRA/DEU/ITA/ESP/RUS/PRT/JPN/CHI/KOR)
- Overwrite function for Punch-In recording with one level of Undo
- Functions as a 2in/ 2out USB Audio Interface for Mac, PC or iOS recording
- Dictation mode designed for human voice recording and transcription
- Reverb effect for vocal and instrument resonance
- Auto recording function that can detect the sound input signal level and automatically start recording
- Proven high sound pressure design for capturing loud sounds of up to 125dB SPL
- Peak reduction function
- Self timer recording function
- Seamless gain control
- Three low cut filter levels (40/80/120Hz)
- Speed change (VSA) function for adjusting the speed from 0.5 to 2.0 times (in 0.1 increments)
- Level align feature that prevents uneven volume levels
- Equalizer setting for adjusting playback sound quality
- Divide/delete functions
- Loop/repeat playback function
- Resume function that retains the last stop position and starts playback from that position when power is turned back ON
- Jump back and play (1 to 10 sec in 1 sec increments, 10 sec, 20 sec, 30 sec)
- QUICK menu button for easy access to various functions
- High-quality 96kHz/24-bit WAV/BWF linear PCM recording and long recordings as MP3 files possible
- microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC (up to 128GB) cards can be used as recording media
- Mark function that can set up to 99 points for a single track Mark information can be utilized by BWF compatible software
- Audio files created on computers can be played (Only in formats compatible with this product)
- Built-in monaural speaker with an output of 0.3W
- Pre-recording buffer that can record up to 2 seconds prior to starting recording
- When a predetermined maximum file size is reached, a new file is created to continue recording
- Track increment creates new files at arbitrary locations during recording
- File name format can be set to use a user-defined word or the date
- The first six characters of the file name for recording can be set freely
- Playlist function
- A chromatic tuner is equipped which is helpful for practicing musical instruments
- Stereo mini jack for external stereo microphones (provides plug-in power) / External line input
- Stereo mini line output / Headphone output connector
- 128×64 pixel graphic LCD with backlight
- High-speed file transfer to a computer is possible using USB 2.0
- Powered by 2 AA batteries, USB bus power, or optional AC adapter (PS-P520E)
- Tripod attachment screw-hole built in to the unit
Sony ICD-PX470
Main features of Sony PX470:
USB direct connection for quick file transfer. Transferring files to or from your computer is fast and convenient. Just plug the ICD-PX470 straight into a free USB port for an immediate connection—no USB cable needed.
Expand your memory with the micro SD card slot
The ICD-PX470 comes with 4 GB of memory built-in, which gives you a max recording time of 59 h 35 m when recording in stereo at MP3 128 kbps. You can expand your memory capacity with a micro SD card for up to 32 GB of additional memory—equivalent to over 536 hours (Micro SD 32 GB, MP3 128 kbps) of recording time.
Calendar Search finds the right file quickly
Recordings are marked by date, so you can easily find which ones were made on a specific day. Bring up the calendar to browse through days and find the recording you’re looking for.
Transcription playback helps you review recordings
Getting conversations down on paper is easy with the transcription playback mode. Easily fast-forward and rewind through the track, or create cue points that help you find your place quickly. Digital Pitch Control even lets you slow down the playback speed so you can listen more closely to what’s being said.
Low cut filter eliminates unwanted noise
Filter out low-frequency background noises when you record by engaging the low cut filter. Sources of unwanted noise like projectors, traffic or wind can be filtered out of your recording, so it’s easy to make out voices when you listen back.
Auto Voice Recording reduces background noise
Want to record someone talking? Turn on Auto Voice Recording and the ICD-PX470 will optimize audio capture settings for vocal frequencies. The result is a purer recording with reduced background noise. And when you listen back to the recording, Clear Voice technology cleans up the signal even more for improved clarity.
TASCAM DR-05X vs Sony PX470 Hands on Comparison
And finally the side by side comparison video with sound samples:
