Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black)
The PCM-M10 from Sony is a compact digital audio recorder that packs a wealth of features into a rugged design. The PCM-M10 can record MP3 or WAV files at rates up to 24-bit/96kHz. The stereo audio files can be stored on the 4GB of internal flash memory, or to a removable Micro SD or Memory Stick Micro card. The unit has built-in microphones for stereo recording, as well as 3.5mm mic and line input jacks for connecting an external mic, portable music player, and more.
The PCM-M10 features a 5-second pre-record buffer, ensuring that you never miss a priceless audio moment, even if you hit the record button a moment too late. The recorder also has digital pitch control, allowing you to adjust your recordings. The built-in USB port allows you to quickly transfer your files to a computer, while the monochrome LCD screen provides an intuitive operating interface. The recorder operates on standard AA batteries for easy replacement in the field.
- Compact and Rugged
- The small and robust construction make this an ideal recorder for musicians or sound effects recordists working in the field
- High-Quality Audio
- The unit records MP3 or WAV files at rates up to 24-bit/96kHz to capture every nuance
- Storage Options
- Audio can be stored to the 4GB internal flash memory, or to removable Micro SD or Memory Stick Micro flash cards
- Onboard Mics
- Onboard stereo microphones capture lively audio, and have LED level indicators
- Input Jacks
- Standard 3.5mm mic and line inputs allow you to connect an external mic, music player, computer, and more
- Record Buffer
- A 5-second pre-record buffer allows to you capture audio from 5 seconds prior to hitting the record button, so that you never miss a priceless moment
- LCD Screen
- The monochrome LCD screen and intuitive buttons make it easy for anyone to use the recorder
- USB Port
- A USB port is provided for quick file transfer to a Mac or PC
- Pitch Control
- Digital pitch control lets you manipulate audio files
- AA Batteries
- The recorder uses standard AA batteries for easy field replacement
| Type | Hand-Held Stereo Recorder |
| Recording/Reading Methods |
Internal 4GB Flash Memory Memory Stick Micro (M2) and microSD (Optional) |
| Recording Bit Rate |
WAV - 16, 24-bit MP3 - 64-320kbps |
| Sampling Frequency |
WAV - Up to 96kHz MP3 - Up to 44.1kHz |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (44.1kHz) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 87dB or Higher |
| Dynamic Range | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | < 0.03% |
| Inputs |
1 x 3.5mm Mic Input 1 x 3.5mm Line Input 3 x Built-In Condenser Microphones 1 x 3.5mm Remote Input |
| Outputs |
1 x 3.5mm Stereo Headphone/Line Out Jack 1 x Mini USB 2.0 Port |
| Power |
2 x AA Batteries AC Wall Power USB Bus Power |
| Battery Life | 19-46 Hours, Depending on Recording Mode |
| Display | Backlit LCD |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.5 x 4.5 x 0.9" (64 x 114 x 23mm) |
| Weight | 6.6 oz (187g) (With Batteries) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 126 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (114)
- Excellent sound (109)
- Versatile (80)
- Low distortion (75)
- Good power output (52)
Cons
- Unnecessary functions (4)
Best Uses
- Amateur recording (91)
- Outdoor events / games (68)
- Performances (68)
- Home studio (57)
- Professional recording (57)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (80), Novice (23), Professional musician (21)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great recording time
I bought this recorder to record outdoor nature sounds. It has an unexpectedly great frequency response. I recorded song birds, loons, mice in the woods and a rumbling train passing by, 6 miles...Read complete review
I bought this recorder to record outdoor nature sounds. It has an unexpectedly great frequency response. I recorded song birds, loons, mice in the woods and a rumbling train passing by, 6 miles away on a lake. The recorder could pick up sounds that my ear could barely hear. There was plenty of gain control in the manual gain control mode. I used gain settings of 2 to 4 on a scale of 0-10 to pick up quiet night time sounds in the Maine woods. The recorder's internal noise level was very low, well below the ambient noise level. The VU indicators read several dB (3-4) different when the internal mics pick up the same sound. This was not noticeable during playback. The gain of the two internal mics are not individually adjustable. The stereo separation with the internal mics is weak. It was hard to determine that something passed from left to right using headphones for example. Aiming the recorder does not change the sensed level of the built in mics. It's nearly as if there was only one mic. Added memory is not used by default unless one selects it via the programming menu. The feature list is very long, almost too long and the well written manual takes several nights to read. There is a main menu and one imbedded menu with as many selections. Overall it was easy to use but keep the manual handy! I did not try external mics as carrying a lot of gear was not my goal. I used a tripod and the included remote control as pushing buttons on the recorder will be picked up. I saved uncompressed files into itunes that were several GB in size with no problems.
Don't get the factory case. It has a hard exterior (good) but only has room inside for the recorder (not good). As a minimum, it needs room for spare batteries, the manual, and the remote control with it's cable.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Faulty file splitting is a deal killer
I gave this two stars because I like the look and feel and features. Unfortunately, this does not do seamless file splits whether splitting within interal memory, across internal and external memory, or ...Read complete review
I gave this two stars because I like the look and feel and features. Unfortunately, this does not do seamless file splits whether splitting within interal memory, across internal and external memory, or entirely within external memory. The TMark function also introduces a "pop" at the file split. I have a number of digital recorders all of which split files seamlessly. This one is going back.
Reviewed by 126 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Excellent Sound
Cons
- Difficult To Use
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
I use this as a music player, I put it lossless file(wav), it is a very good player
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
Using to grab sounds for video pieces. Looks easy to use and carry about. Former recorder was a DAT this recorder looks great and pretty tough. And easy to use.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
Simple to use, excellent workmanship, super quiet self noise. I searched for months reading every review possible and always the Sony M10 was held in high regard, it has proven to be worth every dollar.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
I use this for choir rehearsal and final church performances. I put it on my video tripod and it didn't,t matter whether I was pointing it at the choir or eight feet away in the other direction on the floor. the fidelity was fantastic. Transfer was very easy from recorder to PC and MAC. Ordering,mailing and shipping was great and a snap. Have been dealing with BH for over ten years and never had an issue.
T. Lane
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
Live sound recording & for video sound with DSLR camera filming
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Unnecessary Functions
Best Uses
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
I got this to record live concerts (rock) with external mics and to upgrade an aging iRiver. Product is as advertised. One consideration - I couldn't get the PC to recognize files recorded to a memory card, only the internal memory. I had to go out and buy a card reader for it. Also had a bit of trouble finding a card that it would recognize but ended up returning and rebuying one at a large office store which worked perfectly. The best cost-effective recorder for concerts period IMHO.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
I use this for recording rehersals and lectures and my choir concerts
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Performances
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
I use it for recording our church choir on Sundays and to practice my parts during the week. It works very well for this application. MP3 format at the middle sampling rate is just fine and does not overload the storage. The WAV recordings are phenomenal but take too much storage. I liked the ability to break up long recordings into separate files. Recording analog line input works well also.
The remote would be much more useful if it was wireless. That way I could stay in my spot in the choir and still control the recorder.
The steps to delete recordings and playback speed control are more awkward than they need to be. Slow and fast playback should be front buttons.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Reasonable price
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
I had always wanted a device that would give me high quality recording of live musical events. This recorder does that and more for the price. Recorded my son solo with a college chorus and the result was awesome. I am still learning all the " bells and whistles" in this recorder but so far have been very impressed.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Choir rehearsals
- Home Studio
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
I am a novice of such things, but I wanted to invest in a recorder that records true to sound without spending a lot of money. I'm embarking on a voice- over career and I couldn't invest in a home studio just yet. This allows me to do demos with great quality and I'm sure to get even more jobs using this recorder. I highly recommend this product.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
I've had the PCM-M10 for about a week now and I'm really impressed with the construction. It "feels" solid. I've been making journalistic recordings and the sound quality is great. I'm hoping to stretch its legs here in the next few months and really see what it can do.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
Great r ecorder for any foley or on site field recordings. No 48V, but otherwise it's great.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
I am delighted with the functionality of this unit. I am using it as a back-up unit in a documentary, 2-ch RF camera-hop setup. I didn't realize that it came with a CABLED REMOTE CONTROL. How awesome is that when the unit is buried in your bag!
Pros
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
- No remote "play" button
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
I use the M10 primarily for live music recording. I like the size, the solid construction and, of course, que good quality of recordings. I have not tried yet a good pair of external microphones but the internal ones do a good job, as expected considering their size and fixed orientations. On the other hand, I found that the position of volume control is a bit inadequate when a phone is plugged in. Also, a wireless remote with a "play" button could be more suitable.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
- Unnecessary Functions
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
I bought this unit to record scratch sound effects/ambiences.
It is perfect for this use, the startup time is pretty short, less than 5 seconds. Although the navigation menu could be better, it is still pretty easy use it.
The internal mic/preamp quality surprised me. It has very low self noise and the frequency response is fair.
If you intend to use it outdoors, be aware that the internal mics are very sensitive and the wind could ruin the perfect take. Use a windshield.
Another great feature is the battery life. You can use it for hours without changing the batteries.
The remote control is very useful to create markers/record/stop without getting handling noise on your recording.
I would definitely recommend this recorder.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
reveived it a week ago. It's easy to learn, and functions properly. I haven't yet tried mixing or over-recording (if it even has that feature).
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
Excellent little recorder. I use it to record solo violin, then transfer the recordings to my computer.
I use Sonar to edit the recordings,so I didn't bother to load the included software.
Several reviewers commented on the weak sound volume from this unit. If they would read the comprehensive instruction booklet, they would discover as a safety precaution, the unit is shipped from the factory with the sound output set to "Headphone". Use the menu to change the sound out to "Line Out" and the use the volume control and the speaker is just fine.
It always helps to read the instructions.
By the way, the instruction booklet is over 100 pages, and it's not in triplicate, (English/French/Spanish) it's all English. So plan on spending some time reading.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
Had a hard time deciding between PCM-M10 and PCMD50. Decided on M10 because it records in both WAV and MP3, small size, and good price. Was not disappointed. Great for portability and on-site recording. Generally use with external mikes.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- Unnecessary Functions
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
I use this product all the time. I recorded walla and crowds while on vacation and it turned out great. Looking forward to using it in my next movie.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
- Weak output signal
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Voice recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Black):
I was tempted to give the product 5 stars. For the price, you really can't expect it to perform any better. Its voice recording is excellent. Its music recording is passable. However, you can't expect such microphones to do any better.
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Batteries & Power
- Price: $1.23
- GBP 0.79
-
- Original: $13.99
- Save: $1.40
- Price: $12.59
- GBP 8.04
Cables
- Price: $14.29
- GBP 9.12
Media
- Price: $3.54
- GBP 2.26
Headphones
- Price: $49.99
- GBP 31.92
Wind Protection
- Price: $49.95
- GBP 31.89
Cases & Protection
- Price: $24.95
- GBP 15.93
What's in the Box
- Power Adapter
- Wired Remote
- USB Cable
- 2 x AA Batteries
- Sound Forge LE Software
- Hand Strap
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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