OK, my original Sony ICD-UX512 2 GB Flash Memory was the best pocket voice recorder gadget. I bought it like... I mean, years ago! And it served me well until it got too old. I looked at many other voice recorders and this Sony - UX ICD-UX570 4 GB flash memory recorder in my opinion is few steps us from others. Here are just a few important points: PROS 1. Price: this one is way cheaper! Back then, I bought UX512 for $200+ but this UX570 is like 80$ (on sale of course!) and the best thing is - the quality of recorded sound is not lost (which it may sound like it would with the price cut of such). 2. Built in batteries: I love the fact that I don't have to change batteries. (this is also a CONs, see later) 3. It is much lighter, though the same pocket size as UX512. It fits nicely and snuggly into a shirt pocket or jacket and does not feel like you have something heavy pulling it down. 4. extractable USB is a VERY good feature because you DO NOT have to carry extra cables with you. Sony must definitely keep this one forever! 5. fast - because it has 4 GB flash memory. I dont really use any external cards and dont know how fast those are but once i will try, i will provide feedback. Of course, if you want speed, you need to buy a good card. CONS 1. Quality of recording: So, i added this as CON but here is why: because when i compare my old UX512 and this new UX570 - the new one does fall short. I tried many settings and i still cannot get that crisp, clear sound that is loud enough and clear enough without distortion even when i am at the back of the classroom during recording. In my class, i cannot just sit next to the instructor/professor all the time; they get intimidated if I have to place a recorder near them. With old UX512, the quality of the recording is yet unbeatable. I dont know what Sony did to their recorders since then but, i tried quite a few, and even this one (UX570), though better than others, is not on par with the older UX512. I know that you can get much higher quality with way pricier models, but, those are also HUGE and are not for a pocket recording. But, i will yet try to play around with settings on UX570 , mix and match and see if i can pull this one up to par with UX512. 2. Batteries: even though you dont have to change batteries, you have to watch out for this, because the battery can die on you before you know it and because the battery is built-in, you cannot quickly swap it. You have to wait until it charges (it charges pretty fast but not like in a few minutes...). I consider this a PRO and CON because it adds an extra step to be careful and if you need to record this for more than 8 hours - you have to make sure you charge it sometimes through that time. Whereas when batteries are not built-in, you can simply change them quickly and continue without much or any interruption. 3. Settings are not the same of course as with UX512. But, i find it difficult to match the settings, and to be honest 4. The documents included are not really good for HOW TO instructions. You have to go online and get more info. I dont mind that, but, every time you have to jump an extra step - it adds complexity. Though, for some, it might be a convenience ... so, in my opinion, if you want to drive people to online instructions, then dont add some steps on paper and then some others online. It feels kinda disconnected. Maybe Sony should just add a QR code to scan and go directly online for all steps, including quick setup. Recommendations: Do not be filled by mere Voice recording presets. I personally found it that when I switch to Music Recording, the VOICE/LECTURE recordings sound MUCH MUCH better. So, what that means is that you just need to play around with settings and select the one that works best for you, for your environment. But, overall, i think that UX570 is a pretty good buy, considering the price and other PROs. I would recommend buying this, considering the callouts i made, in order to make an educated choice.

I use this for recording interviews and I set this on the table in the middle and it is crystal clear. Does a great job for this type of recording. I also love that it plugs directly into a computer so that I can quickly archive the interviews.

I'm working on my first book and needed a mini recorder to capture interviews and additonal commentary. This recorder is the perfect size and works perfect for my needs.

[Employee of bestbuy] I bought this to use in a professional setting where it was necessary to review interactions with clients. The recorder is easy to use and has exceptional sound quality where it's always easy to hear the entire conversation.

I love this recorder! A phone doesnt even match up to the quality of this device. Plus a phone will stop recording if you get a call or text. I use this for business meetings and much more. I highly recommend and were in 2024