Comparison Sony ICD-PX370 vs Sony ICD-PX240

A slot for a memory card allows you to expand the recorder's own memory with interchangeable cards (and in some models , recording is only made on such cards, they do not have their own memory). This feature also makes it easier to share data with other devices equipped with a card slot: for example, by inserting a card from a voice recorder into a laptop card reader, you can immediately listen to the material recorded on it or transfer it to a hard drive without fiddling with cables. Cards of the same type usually differ in volume and, accordingly, in cost, which allows you to choose the best option in terms of the ratio of these parameters.

The maximum continuous recording time for the voice recorder. It depends primarily on the amount of memory (see "Built-in memory", "Memory card slot"), it is also directly related to the recording quality: the higher the quality, the more space the material occupies and the shorter the maximum recording time. In this regard, manufacturers usually indicate in the specifications the maximum possible recording time, that is, the recording time with minimum quality; with higher quality and time will be less.

— Change microphone sensitivity. The ability to change the sensitivity of the microphone allows you to optimally adjust it to the surrounding conditions. So, with a low level of extraneous noise (for example, at a lecture or a press conference), sensitivity can be set to the maximum in order to guarantee that everything that is needed is recorded, and in a noisy environment (for example, an interview in a cafe), on the contrary, it can be reduced in order to reduce outsiders noise to a minimum.

— Change the quality of the recording. Possibility to change the recording quality (usually the bitrate of recorded materials). The volume of the file is directly related to the quality: the higher the quality, the more space the recording takes up. Thus, this function allows you to achieve the optimal balance between sound and memory occupied: for example, for loud intelligible speech without extraneous noise, you can use low quality, in a noisy environment, on the contrary, increase it in order to achieve maximum intelligibility; if there is not much memory left, and nothing can be deleted, lower the quality of the recording, etc.

— Voice activated recording. When using this function, the recorder only records when its microphone captures a significant level of sound — in principle, this can be any source, but since human speech is most often recorded, the name of t...his function refers specifically to the voice. With such a recording, the recorder does not record long pauses, which saves both the occupied memory and time (and sometimes nerves) when listening to the recording. The disadvantage of this feature is that activation takes some time and the first sounds may not be recorded on the recording.

— Setting record labels. Ability to assign a unique label to each file. This can be either a number or a time and date, or both. Tags organize entries and make them easier to access, making it much easier to find the right file.

— Recording timer. The timer allows you to set the start time of the recording; when it occurs, the recorder will turn on automatically. Thus, you will be able to record the material you need (for example, a speech or a lecture) from the very beginning, even if you will not be there by the time you start.

— Ring record. The name of this function comes from its resemblance to recording on a magnetic tape closed in a ring. In this mode, the recorder can record regardless of the amount of free memory: new materials are simply recorded instead of the oldest ones. This eliminates the need to clear memory manually and can come in handy if your records quickly become out of date — for example, if you have to take surveys by phone and process the results on the same day. At the same time, this function requires caution, as increases the likelihood of accidentally erasing necessary, but old records.

— Connecting to a computer. The ability to connect the recorder to a computer, usually via a USB interface. Such a connection can be used to save recorded data on a computer, update the recorder's firmware, and some models allow using them as USB drives and even card readers (if there is a slot for memory cards, see above).

— Smartphone control. The ability to control the device remotely from a mobile device. First of all, the function is necessary for recorders that can be installed out of reach of your hands and any movement, pressing a button on the case can adversely affect the recording. But at the moment some new hit can be written.

— Lock buttons. The lock prevents the voice recorder from reacting to accidental button presses — for example, when carrying in a tight pocket or purse with a lot of things. By turning it on, you don't have to worry that accidental contact will start recording and drain the battery, erase files, etc. This feature is usually turned on and off by a slider, by pressing multiple buttons at the same time, or in some other way that eliminates the possibility of accidentally unlocking.

— MP3 player. The ability to use the recorder as an MP3 player to listen to music. Technically, almost all models with MP3 support have this capability (see “Recording Format”), however, some voice recorders have a separate “Player” pro...gramme mode that makes listening more convenient. Typically, the player function requires a headphone output (see below).

— FM tuner. The tuner allows you to use the player as an FM receiver — in this range today the vast majority of music radio stations broadcast. Some models with a tuner have the function of recording from the air.

— Built-in speaker. On the voice recorder with its own speaker, you can listen to recorded materials without using additional equipment (headphones) or connecting to a computer. It can also be used to play music and FM radio (if available); however, the sound quality of such a speaker is usually not high, and its main purpose is to listen to the actual recordings.

— Headphone output. A connector that allows you to connect headphones to the recorder. Their purpose is generally similar to the built-in speaker (see above), however, the sound quality of even inexpensive headphones is often significantly higher. As a result, it is quite possible to comfortably listen to not only recordings, but also music, radio programs, etc. through headphones. (if available). In addition, headphones are well suited for noisy environments. even open models still provide some sound insulation.