Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red)
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 50 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (46)
- Excellent sound (42)
- Versatile (32)
- Low distortion (28)
- Good power output (19)
Cons
Best Uses
- Performances (29)
- Amateur recording (27)
- Home studio (26)
- Outdoor events / games (26)
- Professional recording (23)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (25), Professional musician (17), Novice (8)
Most Liked Positive Review
Amazing Recorder!`
I like to record some of my practicing (viola) and analyze it. I also like to practice tough passages using A-B repeat and at various speeds (at same pitch). In the past ...Read complete review
I like to record some of my practicing (viola) and analyze it. I also like to practice tough passages using A-B repeat and at various speeds (at same pitch). In the past I used a minidisc recorder for the former and a Tascam CD-VT1 Mark II for the latter. I got the Sony M10 several weeks before Christmas. First of all, it replaced both of the above and was more convenient than either. It was easy to use with a short learning curve. It has more switches than you might think by looking at it. Besides the expected ones on the front, it has several switches on the side and back (mic sensitivity, manual/auto record level, speed control on/off, volume). I tried recording a Christmas program my daughter and family were in. I used a manual recording level (adjusted by the wheel on the right). I wasn't particularly close and just held the recorder. Yet the recording came out well beyond what I expected. It was so easy and of high enough quality that in the future, I intend to have my wife record some of my performances from her seat in the audience. Of course, you don't get pro quality with mikes in all the right places, etc, but it is surprisingly good, especially considering how ridiculously easy it is. My only complaint is that the playback speed adjustment is buried in a menu. On my Tascam it was a control, right on top. I can live with that. The build quality is very good. It was fun to use. The two double A batteries seem to last forever.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good recorder
Sony PCM-M10 is a good recorder. It's easy to use. I use it when I practice piano at school. It does record most of the sounds but the dynamic range feels like too compressed...Read complete review
Sony PCM-M10 is a good recorder. It's easy to use. I use it when I practice piano at school. It does record most of the sounds but the dynamic range feels like too compressed and small. Compared with 10 years old (portable) Sharp MD, Sony did not perform any better. MD was three times more than this one. You will get what you pay for. I am satisfied about the battery life.
Reviewed by 50 customers
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Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
- Hard to use in low light
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Open air concerts
- Performances
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
I bought this digital recorder to record my children's music concerts at school. In the past I've used my video camcorder as my only means to record not only the image, but more importantly, the sound. As one would guess, the resulting audio recording from my camcorder was very poor. So I purchased this Sony recorder in the hope that I would get a reasonable audio recording and was very pleased with the excellent quality of the sound recording I was able to get just open air recording from my seat in the auditorium! I was worried I would get a lot of "audience chatter" but again was pleasantly surprised that I did not hear a lot of static. The external mics seem to do what Sony has designed them to do. I haven't recorded in any other manner so I cannot comment on the rest of the features of this recorder. I can only say that it was very easy to learn how to use, the manual is straightforward, and most importantly this recorder is easy to use "out in the field" during an actual recording - press a couple buttons and you're recording! It's also been very easy to copy the files onto my computer and burn a cd. My only negative comment would be that it was hard to see the buttons in the darkened auditorium, other than the illuminated Record button. Sony should make the Stop and the Play buttons illuminated as well (same goes for the remote). Bottom-line, I'll be taking this recorder with me to all of my children's concerts (size-wize it's very small and portable) and will be loaning it to my son to record his music practice so he can hear how he plays!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
I bought this to replace my Zoom H4N which was too complex. The H4N is more like a mini studio - The Sony PCM-M10 however is very user friendly. I record my rehearsals and performances. You do not need to go into a menu, all the buttons you need are on the machine itself. It records live music like a dream and is the perfect product for me. I only wish the Sony had multi-track capability then I would give it 5 stars.
- Similar:
- Zoom H4N
Pros
- Excellent Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
I had a need for mobile (professional) audio recording at my Church and other Churches and this recorder exceeded my expectations.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
For me it works perfect . Small and long battery life. I use it for audio with my sony Hx9v camera for video and to make audio books. Great for memo to. The preamps on the low seting are very clean a quiet. I had the zoom H4n I like pcm-m10 better the only thing I would change would be to have XLR's. I mostly use it with a Lav Mic. For video this with the AT35s Lav mic and Audacity and Izotope Music and speech cleaner I am gettimg pro results. The key to the whole set up is the preamps and the A to D convertors in the sony pcm.
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 (Red):
PROS: Clear sound. Lowest noise floor, self-noise, and distortion of its class, excellent stereo imaging. Hi/low Michael sensitivity switch + sturdy gain knob make for easy level adjustment. Limiter option. LEDs and LCD backlight can be disabled. Compact.
CONS: Editing is laborious due to menu digging; removing track marks and dividing tracks were easy on Sony's old minidisc units; I guess they forgot how to do that. Concatenating tracks in-unit not possible. Does not come with Mac software; Soundforge for PC only.
SUMMARY: Amazing piece of equipment for about $250. I'm a classical musician and subtlety matters. If you can't afford Sony's $1500.00 PCM-D1, this is only slightly less dynamic sounding; the PCM-M10 will satisfy and impress. Just sorry I waited so long to get it. Looking forward to Sony's next PCM unit.
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
I first used this recorder for the first time at the Transom Story Workshop for beginning radio producers and found it very easy to use. I am a woman with small hands, and I liked how this recorder fit in my hand. More expensive recorders had a few features I liked better, like a well-placed knob, rather than a dial to adjust levels, but I opted for this one because of the size and price.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
Not as small as I thought, but the sound quality is quite good.Easy to operate.
Pros
- Battery Life
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
I haven't had mine long but it's worked great (mostly recording a person speaking to someone on a speakerphone). Excellent battery life.
I did want to recommend a Lowepro Rezo 30 carrying case; it fits like a glove. It wasn't easy finding something suitable, either, because the recorder is significantly thicker than most digital cameras of the same height and width.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Light weight
Cons
- Poor Sound Quality
- Unnecessary Functions
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
Sony PCM-M10 is a good recorder. It's easy to use. I use it when I practice piano at school. It does record most of the sounds but the dynamic range feels like too compressed and small. Compared with 10 years old (portable) Sharp MD, Sony did not perform any better. MD was three times more than this one. You will get what you pay for. I am satisfied about the battery life.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
I am not a techy so ease of use is foremost for me. It took me no time to learn to use this recorder. I'm an author and lecturer and used this SONY to record the narration for webinars I did on WebEx. Now I am finding all kinds of new ways to use this beautiful device. I love the quality of the sound and ease of use. For sure, I have not a clue about special features--but I don't need them. I am very very happy with this product.
Pros
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
I use a lot for my classes and preparing for interviews.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Long battery life
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
I use this for audio recording live events with external microphones. Battery life is great as i've already recorded 4+ hours and haven't had a single bar drop on the battery meter. Easy to use and small enough to fit in your pocket.
Pros
- Battery Life
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- No case
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
Powerful recorder in a small package. I record live performances often and this is a portable and useful tool.
Blows all other recorders out of the water with it's battery life. I've been using it for two weeks now and the battery life is still on full.
One issue:
Stray away from the auto record level feature during loud performances and set the level manually for best results. If the dynamics vary too much as live performances do, the unit will keep adjusting itself leading changing the recording quality.
You can't beat SONY quality!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
I've had this unit for ~month now, and I've been nothing but pleased. I can't detect any noise, it's easy to use, and the battery life is unbelievable.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
This is a very good portable recorder. Great sound, easy to use. I can easily make recordings of myself playing the piano, and with high quality. I use these recordings as samples of my works to send to composers and other artists I collaborate with. For the price, this is an amazing machine!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
I use this for recording musical jam sessions, voice interviews, and overnight radio programs.
Pros: Excellent audio quality, not only in PCM, but also in MP3; built-in mics are very good; small enough to fit in you pocket; expandable memory with micro SD cards. Display is easy to read and menu options are very clear. No guesswork needed.
Cons: for me, it would be better to have the earhone jack on top of the unit as are the line in and external microphone jacks. That would releave the stress on the fragile cable when carrying it in my shirt pocket while listening to my recordings.
In summary: I have already recommended this product to several of my friends and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a high quality portable audio recorder.
Pros
- Battery Life
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
We bought this for my wife, a professional singer, to use in recording rehearsals, master classes, and performances. It's a snap to use, the battery life is incredible, and the recordings are excellent. (We use external mics for really important recordings, but the internal mics work better than I'd expected.) I had read reviews that were critical of the user interface, but we haven't had any trouble figuring it out. I'd recommend it without reservation.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- No sink trigger to cam
Best Uses
- Film maker
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
Sound record are really nice, you can compare to Sony d50.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Perfect for line inputs
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- Cannot search files
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
1. I AM A CLUB DJ.. SO MY PRIMARY USE FOR THIS ITEM IS TO RECORD VIA LINE INPUT.. VERY NICE UNIT SUPER EASY TO USE...EXCELLENT MICS.. SO SO CLEAR.. BATTERY LIFE IS CRAZY, CRAZY LONG LASTING SERIOUSLY.. WOW~! PS. now, concerning battery life,,, battery life is a little shorter when utilizing the micro sd cards... reason is,, any unit while utilizing external devices consumes power in order to accommodate the external attachment... especially if they're power dependent.. (make sense??) cool.. on we go..--->>>>
2. SECONDLY, I REALLY REALLY HATE THE IDEA THAT YOU CANNOT SEARCH FOR FILE INDEPENDENTLY, YOU HAVE TO SCROLL SINGLE AT A TIME.. NOT KNOWING WHAT YOUR NEXT FILE NAME IS.. I REALLY REALLY HATE THIS FUNCTION... SHAME ON SONY'S ENGINEERS.....
Pros
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Performances
Comments about Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder (Red):
Outstanding recorder, I use it for classical concerts, as a professional musician I need something easy to use and mobile. Only issue I would have would be that one has to be careful when using the editing program on your computer, it is easy to accidently erase the music from the recorder if not carefull
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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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