As a simple digital voice recorder, the Sony ICD-UX533 is very effective. It features two omnidirectional microphones that provide a stereo recording. With few features and a simple interface, it's one of the most intuitive portable recorders to operate. However, it also lacks the versatility and audio quality of the best digital voice recorders. This means it's great for dictation, lectures and meetings, but not for recording rehearsals, songwriting and audio for film.
Most voice recorders only have two audio file formats to choose from – the lossless WAV format and the compressed MP3 format. The ICD-UX533 includes the AAC and WMA formats, which are compressed files with audio quality comparable to an MP3. The WAV and MP3 formats are almost universally compatible, which is why many portable recorders don't include the other two formats. The AAC is only compatible with iTunes format, while the WMA is a Windows-compatible format.
This device records with a linear PCM format using a 16-bit rate frequency. In comparison, the best digital voice recorders give you the option of recording with a 16-bit or 24-bit rate frequency. For simple voice recording, you won't be able to tell the difference between the two, but for the highest-quality audio, you need to record with a 24-bit rate. You can also record directly to MP3. There are five MP3 settings ranging from 320 kbps (kilobits per second) to 8 kbps in mono, which provides the lowest-quality audio but the smallest file size.
The Sony ICD-UX533 excels with storage and battery life. It comes with 4GB of internal storage, which is above the 2GB average for most portable recorders. It also comes with an SDHC slot for adding up to 32GB. It comes with rechargeable AAA batteries that provide approximately 30 hours of recording time. Most handheld recorders are compatible with rechargeable batteries but require you to purchase them separately. This recorder recharges by using a USB port that slides out from the bottom to connect directly with your computer. This makes transferring audio files quick and easy, because you never have to worry about losing a cord.
One of the major downsides is the lack of multiple tracks and XLR/TRS inputs. The best digital recorders need to be able to excel in every situation. Without additional inputs for external mics and guitar chords, this voice recorder doesn't work very well as a tool for songwriters. It can't synchronize with your video camera to record audio for your podcasts. It only records to one track, which lacks overdubbing abilities.
The Sony ICD-UX533 is one of the most intuitive digital voice recorders available. The 4GB of internal storage, rechargeable battery and 30-hour battery life make it a good option for any student, journalist or business professional looking for a simple but effective voice recorder. However, the lack of additional features means that it's barely one step above using a smartphone with a dictation app.
The Sony ICD-UX533 Digital Flash Voice Recorder features 4GB of internal flash memory and can capture audio as mono PCM WAV or MP3 files. You can record up to 1,073 hours to the built-in memory, and expand recording capabilities via its microSD expansion slot. The unit has a backlit LCD display that enables ease at night or in darkened locations.
The ICD-UX533 has a built-in USB connector that allows you to sync with your Mac or PC without the need to look for an external cable. It is powered by a single include AAA rechargeable battery. Sony also includes a USB cable and a pair of stereo headphones.
Automatic/Manual Record level
The recorder can be configured to automatically adjust recording levels for optimum results, or when necessary allow for manual control. In manual mode, a limiter function prevents recording distortion from loud sounds
Stereo S Microphone
The ICD-UXX533 has a built-in 2-element stereo microphone
Sync-Record Mode
Quickly and easily record from various audio devices with Sync-Record. When activated, press Play on the audio source and the recorder will begin tracking once it senses a signal
MP3 Playback with Graphic Equalizer
The UX533 supports MP3/WMA/AAC playback with a five-band EQ
Calendar Search
Search for recordings by date. When in use, a calendar displays, indicating the dates when recordings were made
Features
Thinner Design
Direct USB (Slide, Store and Charge)
4GB Internal Storage with Expandable microSD Slot
MP3/AAC/WMA/WAV/Music Playback
FM Record and Play
Louder Playback Volume
Built-In memory
4GB
PC Connectivity
Yes
Recording Format
Linear PCM/MP3
Playback Format
MP3/AAC/WMA/WAV
Messages/Folders
4074/400 (199 messages in 1 folder)
Earphone Jack
Yes
Battery type
AAA NiMH Rechargeable Battery
Dimension (W x H x D)
36.6 x 102.0 x 13.9 mm
Weight (including batteries)
58g (Including 1 x NH-AAA rechargeable battery)
Mic-In Jack
Yes
Supplied software
1 x NH-AAA Rechargeable Battery, Application Software 'Sound Organizer'
RECORDING TIME
LPCM (44.1kHz, 16-bit)
6Hrs 0 Min
MP3 8kbps (monorual)
1073 Hrs 0 Min
MP3 48kbps (monorual)
178 Hrs 0 Min
MP3 128kbps
67 Hrs 05 Min
MP3 192kbps
44 Hrs 40 Min
Product Highlights
4GB Internal Flash Memory
microSD Expansion Slot
Built-In Stereo Mic
Records as PCM or MP3 Files
Up to 1,073 Hours of Recording Time
Automatic or Manual Record Levels
Backlit LED Display
MP3 Playback with EQ
Built-In USB Connector
Includes AAA Rechargeable Battery
Product Specifications
Software
Operating System Compatibility : Windows® 8 Windows® 7 SP1 or higher, Windows Vista® SP 2 or higher, Windows XP SP3 or higher
Mac OS X (v10.3.9-v10.8), pre-installed
Supplied Software : Application Software, Sound Organizer (On unit) compatible with: Windows® 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista® SP 2 or higher, Windows XP SP3 or higher
Audio
Recording System : Digital Stereo, Monaural Recording
Microphone : Built-in, Stereo S-Mic Microphone
Audio Format(s) Supported : Recording -
MP3 files: Bit Rate: 8 kbps - 192 kbps, VBR Sampling Frequencies: 16/22.05/24/32/44.1/48 kHz File Extension: .mp3
PCM files: Bit Rate: 16 bit Sampling Frequencies: 44.1 kHz File Extension: .wav
Playback -
MP3/AAC/WMA/WAV
Audio Features
Microphone Sensitivity Feature : Yes (Hi/Med/Lo)
Recording Features : 6 Modes: Linear PCM / MP3 320kbps / MP3 192kbps / MP3 128kbps / MP3 48kbps (Mono) / MP3 8kbps (Mono)
Color : Black
Convenience
Message Folder(s) : 5 Pre-Programmed at factory (400 Maximum)
199 Maximum files per folder
4074 Maximum files
Convenience Features
Voice E-Mail Function : Yes
On-Screen Clock : Yes
Search Features : Cue/Review, Easy Search, Track Mark
Message Folder(s) : Yes (400 Folders maximum)
Erase/Protect : Yes
Safety Lock : Yes (Hold Function)
FACETS
Price Range : $90-$110
General
Type of Use : Ultra Portable Voice Recorder
Recording Media : Built-In Flash Memory 4GB³ and Memory Card Expansion Slot (microSD)
Recording and Playback Times : Linear PCM (16 bit): 6 hrs; Max 22 hrs battery MP3 (192 kbps): 44 hrs 40 min; Max 24 hrs battery life MP3 (128 kbps): 67 hrs 5 min; Max 24 hrs battery life MP3 (48 kbps MONO): Max 178 hrs; Max 25 hrs MP3 (8 kbps MONO): Max 1073 hrs; Max 30 hrs
Hardware
Display : Full Function backlit LCD Display with recording operation indicator
Inputs and Outputs
Microphone Input : 1 (Minijack, Stereo)
USB Port(s) : 1 (Type-A jack), High-Speed USB Compatible
Headphone Output(s) : 1 (Minijack, Stereo)
Memory Stick : Max recording time (8 kbps MONO): 4 GB = 1,073 hrs; 8 GB= 2,147 hrs; 16 GB = 4,294 hrs
Memory
Memory Size : 4 GB = 4,294,967,296 bytes Available: 3.6 GB (3,865,470,566 bytes)
Power
Power Requirements : One LR03 (size AAA) alkaline battery: 1.5 V DC One NH-AAA rechargeable battery: 1.2 V DC
Battery Type : Rechargeable MiMH "AAA" x 1 (supplied)
Battery Life (Approx) : Up to 30 hours
Output Power : 90 mW
Speaker
Speaker Dimensions : Approx. 13/16 in. (20 mm) diameter
Frequency Range : LPCM 44/16: 50 - 20,000 Hz MP3 192k: 50 - 18,000 Hz MP3 128k: 50 - 16,000 Hz MP3 48k (Mono): 50 - 14,000 Hz MP3 8k (Mono): 60 - 3,400 Hz
Weights and Measurements
Dimensions (Approx.) : Approx. 1.6 × 4.3 × 0.6 in. (36.6 x 102.0 x 13.9 mm) not including projecting parts and controls
Weight (Approx.) : Approx. 2 5/8 oz. (58 g)
Recording Time
PCM Mono: 6 Hours Recording in LPCM Format
HQ Mono: 44.66 Hours Recording in MP3 Format
SP Mono: 67.08 Hours Recording in MP3 Format
LP Mono: 178 Hours Recording in MP3 Format
SLP Mono: 1073 Hours Recording in MP3 Format
Frequency Response
50 Hz - 20 kHz @ 44.1 kHz Sample Rate / 16 Bit LPCM
50 Hz - 18 kHz @ 44.1 kHz Sample Rate / 192 kbps MP3
50 Hz - 16 kHz @ 44.1 kHz Sample Rate / 128 kbps MP3
50 Hz - 14 kHz @ 44.1 kHz Sample Rate / 48 kbps MP3
60 Hz - 3.4 kHz @ 44.1 kHz Sample Rate / 8 kbps MP3
Battery Life (approx.)
Playback: 22 Hours @ 44.1 kHz 16 Bit PCM (WAV)
Playback: 24 Hours @ 44.1 kHz 192 kbps MP3
Playback: 24 Hours @ 44.1 kHz 128 kbps MP3
Playback: 25 Hours @ 44.1 kHz 48 kbps MP3
Playback: 30 Hours @ 44.1 kHz 8 kbps MP3
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