Sony ICD-UX71 Digital Voice Recorder with 1GB Flash Memory

I have no idea why there are so few reviews for this one - as it's a really great machine and I am a pretty fussy customer too.

I picked it up in Singapore a couple of months ago and it's just what I want - something that records very high quality sound and can be plugged straight into the PC's USB port without requiring any cable or software. And it records in MP3 format! I need to give recordings of sessions to clients, so they must be MP3 without requiring time-consuming conversion (like my last Sony recorder) and quality is very desirable too.

Of course this might not be perfect for everyone. First, the high-quality files get pretty big, but if you want high quality (i.e. the top 192kbps setting), that goes with the territory. The 128k setting is 2nd best quality and still perfect for voice so I will use that and save some memory as I only bought the 1Gig version. Down to 48kbps and 32kbps and then 8kbps I guess if you need to record the stated 287...Read more

First of all, this has great sound in a tiny package for a good price. Clear as a bell stereo sound, when played back on the computer. So for sound I'd give it 5 stars.

The frustrating aspects include a microscopic display that for these 50 something eyes, require reading glasses. Confusing menus.

But most of all, a tiny and tinny speaker makes this impossible to use except to download recordings to the computer. I used my old Panasonic digital voice recorder to keep track of ideas and things to do, and would replay them in my car, while walking, etc. The Sony has such low tinny volume that I doubt I will be able to do this. I know it is small, but my iPhone has such a better speaker!

Anyway, if you plan on only recording and downloading to the computer then this might be ideal, and you can't really beat the price for stereo high quality mp3 recording.

If you use it on the fly, then buy something else.

Five stars...Read more

I am using the sony ICD-UX71 to record solo piano and vocal solo with piano accomp. for review and analysis of the performed pieces. It records well, is easy to use, and is small and light weight. I've been using it fairly frequently in the last two weeks and the battery is still good. Easy transfer of files from the recorder to my pc. Recordings do have a slight static sound, like you would hear from playing a tape, when the piano was playing softly. I bought a condenser stereo mic and it doesn't seem to make a difference. Overall, very happy with the quality of the recorder.