Sony PCM-M10 Portable Linear PCM Voice Recorder with Electret Condenser Stereo Microphones, 96 kHz/

• WAV and MP3 format record and playUSB port for easy uploads and downloads96 kHz/24-bit capableElectret condenser stereo microphones4 GB of internal flash memoryMicroSD/Memory Stick Micro (M2) SlotBuilt-in speakerCross-memory recordingDigital pitch controlDigital limiterLow-cut filterTrack mark functions5-second pre-recording bufferA-B repeat capabilitySound Forge Audio Studio Recorder Edition softwareRugged constructionCompact sizeCool designBox contents:Soundforge audio studio LE software CD-RO

This is a superb portable digital audio recorder. It seems to be well-constructed, is relatively small in size, and, most importantly, records with outstanding sound quality. What makes it "hit" all the marks is that the device is available at about two thirds of it's list price of $350. If it were selling at an actual $350 price, one might argue a bit more about plusses and minuses, but at about $240, there is really little at all to complain about.

Especially when you listen to your first recordings. Wow. It's difficult to believe your ears when you listen to just how good this little guy sounds. There is virtually no noise whatsoever, the dynamic range and stereo separation is excellent, and the overall quality of the sounds is just what you would want for either voice or music. Many people purchase these for recording bands, music practice sessions, piano playing, etc., and the reviews show just how happy these people are with the PCM-M10, but I use it primarily for voice, and the ability of this unit to capture voice is just incredible. It's everything we wished we could have had years ago when we were all using cassette recorders, and then, later, minidisc, but this time done the way it should be. Can I say it again? Wow.

The unit records in both pulse code modulation (PCM) lossless format, as well as directly to MP3 lossy format. For each, there is an array of sampling sizes. SO, for example, in PCM lossless, one can record at the same sampling rate as CD-ROM (44kHz), but also higher (48kHz), and in either 16-bit or 24-bit format. You need to spend just a little time reading what format suits your needs best, but it takes only a bit of review, and, if you aren't sure, just accept the default setting, and record! The device has 4Gb of built-in memory, which is not bad, even when recording in PCM lossless format. But, if you want more space, the unit also accepts either a micro SDHC or Sony M2 card (the micro SDHC will almost certainly be less expensive than the equivalent M2) up to a size of 16Gb. So, if you put in a 16Gb micro SDHC card, you have 20Gb total size, which permits a huge length of recording time, regardless of the recording format).

Files are transferred from the device by connecting the supplied USB cable to the device and, on the other end, to your PC or Mac, and then copying using drag and drop. Its a cinch, and once you have the file copied over, you can use any number of audio programs to edit and/or transcode the file into another format.

The device is quite attractive, and seems to be well built. Many of the buttons are back lit, and the entire display screen (also back lit) is generally easy to read and contains all the information you need. The system is controlled by a menu system not unlike those seen in digital cameras. The menu system is accessed using the physically depressible buttons on the front of the unit. Buttons feel sturdy, as does the manual volume knob on the right of the unit (which is not needed if you leave the unit in auto recording level mode). The microphones used in the device seem very well tuned to the device's recording system, resulting in an extremely impressive recording. You probably won't feel the need to supplement with external mikes, but, if you insist, you can still record in PCM lossless with whatever mic you insist on using. But honestly, I don't think you'll find the need to use an external microphone.

I have now been using this device for about three months, and continue to be very please with it. It certainly offers a lot of recording quality for the money. It is well designed. It appears to be well built. It's light and relatively small. Its reasonably priced. It's not made in Japan (mine was manufactured in China), but its one of the better Sony's I've owned over the years. Highly recommended.

Pros

+ Excellent recording quality

+ Ability to record in either lossless PCM format, or lossy MP3 format

+ Good layout that is easy to learn and use

+ Very lightweight

+ Relatively small

+ Physical construction good

+ Accepts up to 16Gb memory card (in addition to built-in 4Gb memory)

+ Auto power save function

+ Backlit buttons

+ Extremely good battery life

+ Uses standard AA batteries (either alkaline or rechargeable)

+ Tripod socket in back (used to reduce noise pickup during recordings)

+ Very reasonable price, particularly when compared to its list price

+ Very well done printed manual (complete and clearly worded)

+ Some accessories, including a custom case, a windscreen, and a built-in speaker system/case, are available

Cons

Supplied audio software works only a the PC, not the Mac

No supplied carrying case

Battery and memory card hinges seem a bit flimsy

Top and rear of case appear to be metal, but sides appear to be only plastic

Flimsy and somewhat uncertain slot for additional memory card tricky to get the card in correctly

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