Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

It’s a pretty solid recorder. For the most part, I use it to log diaries and to catch special moments with my families. In the future, I plan to use it for notes and lectures. I’ll probably start using it for my podcast as well.

Excellent product. Sleek, good battery and excellent voice clarity. Program esaily transcribes

Use it for lectures, very lightweight, and easy to manage.

My mom is in the beginning stage of dementia. Instead of writing things down, she uses it to give herself reminders for everything.

Works good for recording meetings and being able to go back and catch up.

Much more sophisticated from the larger records from 20 years ago. Used it the minute I received it. Very satisfied.

Purchased the open box, excellent condition one to save a few dollars. The recorder itself seems to work fine, but it looks like someone’s dog or child got ahold of it and chewed on the top of the device (see attached pictures).

Excellent recorder, small but really picks up sound for all over the room when in meetings. Also, very easy to use, and battery seems to last a while. Handy to have the USB in the unit so you can just plug it in to recharge it. I have bigger fingers and even with the small size I can navigate the buttons without any issues with just using my thumb. Also, bought a very small case for it so I can have it my pocket or backpack when I have an idea, just record it quickly so I can review my ideas later that night.

Good quality very easy to use best feature is the expandable memory slot good battery life very easy to transfer to PC with the inbuilt USB which also charges. Easy to edit, Sony software available for free to use

I've had the pleasure of using the Sony UX Series Digital Voice Recorder for a while now, and it's been a game-changer for my recording needs. This sleek device has proven itself to be a reliable companion in capturing crystal-clear audio in various settings. One of the standout features of the Sony UX Series is its exceptional audio quality. Whether I'm in a lecture hall, a meeting room, or outdoors, the recordings have consistently been sharp and clear, picking up even the subtlest of sounds without distortion. The sensitivity of the microphone is impressive, capturing details with remarkable accuracy. What truly sets this recorder apart is its versatility. The variety of recording modes available cater to different scenarios, ensuring optimal settings for every situation. The ability to choose between different formats and bitrates provides flexibility without compromising on quality. The device itself is user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that makes navigation a breeze. The buttons are responsive and well-placed, allowing for easy operation even while on the go. The battery life is commendable, lasting through long recording sessions without needing frequent recharges. Additionally, the design is sleek and portable, fitting comfortably in hand or pocket. Its durability gives me confidence in its longevity, making it a dependable tool for my recording needs. The Sony UX Series Digital Voice Recorder has certainly exceeded my expectations. Its exceptional audio quality, versatility, and user-friendly design make it a top choice for anyone in need of a reliable recording device. Whether for professional or personal use, this recorder delivers on performance and convenience. Overall, I highly recommend the Sony UX Series Digital Voice Recorder to anyone seeking a high-quality, versatile recording device that consistently delivers excellent results.

Crystal clear, easy to use, amazing voice recorder. One could argue this is the best voice recorder that you can buy for less than 100 dollars. Fast, charging, battery last for more than 24 hours. Compact, discreet and light. I still have not explored all the features, but this is a voice recorder that you hit the jackpot. I really love that the USB connector is built in the recorder. Brilliant!!

This lightweight, compact recorder does an excellent job picking up on key voices in a noisy environment. It is simple and straightforward to use, and it fits nicely in the hand. Although smartphones have great recording options, having one device for recording simplifies interviews and research processes and frees up the smartphone for other uses. It is easy to download files, and holds a charge for many hours. Highly recommend!

No complaints about the technical aspects of this voice recorder. The sound is great and it's easy to use. The great part about it is that it does not run on disposable batteries. You can easily charge it with your computer. I just wish the price was cheaper. Over $80 is a pretty penny to pay for a voice recorder, but I hope its reliability will make up for it.

The Sony UX Series Digital Voice Recorder is very compact -- about the size of a candy bar! By adding a 256GB SanDisk card, you can extend your memory time for voice recordings to over 1,000 hours. Battery time is good, and it is easy and quick to recharge if you have a USB port or adapter plug. Operation is relatively simple and mainly is limited by the fact that the tiny screen and toggle controls limit the degree of flexibility. The file renaming system is extremely limited, so it is not possible to change the auto-generated filename to a short descriptive name and date. I also haven't yet figured out how to improve the mic pickup strength. I was conducting interviews but recording strength was not good when the person speaking was more than about two feet away. I bought this voice recorder because it is one of the most highly rated. If I can figure out the problems that I mention (which may just be user ignorance), then I would rate this recorder as 4 stars.

I love this recorder. Im using it for a phlebotomy class since i have my IEP accommodations. Its crystal clear and easy to operate. I like how the USB is automatically conected to it so i can just plug it into my laptop when it needs a charge. Its a bit procey but get it in open box if it’s available.