Sony ICD-AX412 Stereo Digital Voice Recorder

I bought this last semester (Spring 2012) in order to record lectures. I must say it has been most helpful. I have recorded it in only a graduate class setting (small classes) and it has worked wonderfully so far. The reason why I bought it was that I do not remember what the professor said in class at times. The added advantages are that 1) I do not have to take notes most of the times (just watch the slides and listen to the lecture simultaneously) implies I can completely focus on understanding the lecture 2) Sometimes you miss the point being discussed in class (maybe it was too complex or it had a deeper meaning) -- when you go through the lecture again -- it is easy to pick up. Last semester, I was taking a lot of courses. As a result, I did not get time to read from the book. At those times, this scheme of going through the recorded lecture and watching the slides proved crucial for preparing for exams.I like this sound recorder because it has two mics and it records clearly. I have set the sensitivity to medium so you can pick up unnecessary sounds like stuff moving, etc but that's okay because sometimes you can pick up the questions asked by your peers from some remote corner of the room. Disclaimer: I do not use the advanced features of this voice recorder. For my basic purposes of recording the lecture and then transferring the lectures onto my computer -- this device works great and I am really happy with it.Note: Do not delete the files on the device using your computer. The recorder does not recognize it. I made this mistake yesterday. As a result, I could not record a lecture today because the device thinks there is no memory left. Use the erase button only to delete files. The customer support (chat) was helpful. I basically formatted the built-in memory and now the device is okay.Here is a link to the user manual for those who intend to buy this device:[...]Hope that helps. I plan to use this device to record meetings with my professor.

Previously I have been using a Zoom H1 with amazing result but wanted something smaller for voice only.In comparison, you should consider-Interface. Not very intuitive, menu with different levels that are not very handy (especially when changing REC Mode or Mic Sensitivity). Big display but not backlighted (it would be a very good addition with the ability to turn it off).-The mic placement delivers a different outcome compared to the H1 but it is expected and ok for my purposes.-There is no input level adjustment, instead Sony provides a "Scene Select", with the options of "Meeting", "Voice Notes", “Interview" and "Lecture", plus, deep down on the menu, Mic Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High). You can set the mics by either of them, there is no combination. So far the results had been acceptable but I miss a VU meter and the ability to set/modify the input level as needed.-Built-in speaker works great (a lot better than the one on H1), loud enough to even share with others.-Very convenient capability to work as a charger for the rechargeable batteries when connected via the USB port (and it uses a mini-USB not micro) to your computer (when off-loading your recording) of phone charger. Big plus!-Requires 2 AAA batteries (included, but non-rechargable) compared to a single one on the H1 (but is compensated with the built-in charger ability)-Very easy and fast to turn on, not so much to turn it off (you have to keep the slide button down for a few seconds),which is ok.-I like the built-in stand, the weight (very light) and the (not fancy) carrying bag.Overall, very good and recommended.

I have had 3 now of these and plan to get more to give as presents. Bit rates are great and loading mp3 files on them is easy.Don't even bother getting a additional card as 2 gigs is plenty. It has a big manual that come with it that goes into great detail. I love the way you can slowdown or speed up the recordings which makes it great for anyone wanting to learn songs for singing lessons.My first one was lost and 2nd one is in use and the 3rd one is there for when i need it.I love the construction of these recorders. Dynamic sound from these is great and the sound speaker on the device is not loud. Get yourself a good set of noise cancelling ear buds headphones and you cannot beat the dynamic range.I purchased the iGadgitz Black Genuine Leather Case Cover for Sony ICD - PX312 Dictaphone and its a tight fit but will work. Its not a Velcro clasp so you would need to be careful it didn't jump out. I did also attach a lanyard to this recorder that is black and not real long. This keeps you from dropping the recorder.

This is the second Sony digital recorder we have purchased and are delighted with the features and ease of recording found on the ICD-AX412. We needed a good recorder that was expandable in memory, easy to use, and had some ability to download to a computer. We found all these features and more with this product. The Record/Play buttons are easy to see, and one-touch recording makes it a favorite for what we use the product for.We record music primarily on this for composition and classroom playback. The sound quality is great for the price we paid. There are better performing units available, but they are typically four times the price. Combined with the SD card expansion capability, and ability to download your recorded materials into a computer via the mini-USB port, there is no better performing product in this price range. The internal 2 GB of memory is sufficient for most our recordings, but when we need additional memory, the SD card slot is the perfect answer. We highly recommend this product for voice and music.