Sony ICD-BX140 4GB Digital Voice Recorder

Sony ICD-BX140 4GB Digital Voice Recorder — image 1
82%
18%
88%
Battery Life
91%
Ease of Use
85%
Voice Activation
79%
Recording Clarity
94%
Portability
81%
Build Quality
76%
Noise Reduction Performance
90%
Affordability
80%
Compatibility
75%
Microphone Sensitivity
72%
Durability
68%
Customer Support
More

Overview

The Sony ICD-BX140 4GB Digital Voice Recorder is a compact and user-friendly device designed for clear audio recordings. With its built-in 4GB memory, it offers up to 4,175 hours of storage, making it ideal for capturing long sessions. This portable recorder is perfect for lectures, meetings, and personal notes, offering users a simple and effective way to record. The device’s battery life ensures you can record up to 28 hours on a single charge, making it highly reliable for extended use.

Features & Benefits

One of the standout features of this portable recorder is its voice-activated recording, which allows for hands-free operation. The built-in Low Cut Filter helps reduce wind noise during recordings, while the Noise Cut mode ensures clearer audio playback, especially in noisy environments. With a long-lasting battery capable of recording for up to 28 hours at 128 kbps, this recorder is perfect for extended recording sessions. Its compact design makes it easy to carry, offering convenience and portability wherever you go.

Best For

The Sony ICD-BX140 is best suited for students who need to record lectures or seminars for review later. It’s also ideal for professionals who attend meetings, conduct interviews, or need to capture notes on the go. This device offers an affordable, reliable recording solution for anyone who requires a simple voice recorder without unnecessary complexity. Additionally, its lightweight design makes it perfect for those who need a compact recording device that won’t weigh them down during travel or daily use.

User Feedback

Overall, users have praised this digital audio recorder for its simplicity and ease of use, with many mentioning how quick it is to start recording. The voice activation feature is a major plus, with many appreciating the hands-free convenience. However, some users have noted that while the recorder performs well in quiet settings, it could be improved in terms of audio clarity in louder environments. Despite these minor issues, it remains a solid choice for those looking for a straightforward, reliable voice recorder.

#Digital Voice Recorders
#Portable Audio & Video
#Electronics

Pros

  • The compact design makes this device easy to carry around for on-the-go use.
  • Voice activation allows for hands-free recording, making it ideal for multitaskers.
  • 28 hours of battery life at MP3 128 kbps ensures long recording sessions without frequent recharges.
  • 4GB memory provides ample space for up to 4,175 hours of recordings, perfect for lectures and meetings.
  • Ideal for students who need a simple, affordable recorder for lectures or seminars.
  • Low Cut and Noise Cut features help improve recording clarity in various environments, even with background noise.

Cons

  • The microphone may not perform well in very noisy environments, leading to reduced clarity.
  • Some users feel that the build quality is too lightweight and may not withstand rough handling.
  • The device lacks advanced features, such as Bluetooth or more sophisticated recording modes, which may disappoint tech-savvy users.
  • In highly crowded or noisy settings, background noise may still impact the quality of recordings.
  • Some users report that the sound quality could be better when recording in echoey rooms or open spaces.
  • The plastic construction may feel fragile to those looking for a more durable, metal-bodied recorder.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews worldwide across multiple platforms and languages, we found that the Sony ICD-BX140 4GB Digital Voice Recorder consistently receives high marks for its reliability and ease of use. Authentic, quality feedback from diverse sources highlights both the strengths and pain points of this device, offering an accurate reflection of user experience. Reviews have been thoroughly filtered to ensure only genuine, high-quality feedback informs these ratings, allowing us to provide balanced and trustworthy insights.

Battery Life
88%
Many users are impressed by the impressive battery life of this device, especially when using it for long recording sessions such as lectures and meetings. At up to 28 hours of recording at MP3 128 kbps, it's ideal for users who need a reliable, long-lasting recorder without constant recharging.
However, a few users noted that the battery life might not be as long if the recording quality is set to a higher bit rate, such as 192 kbps. Some wished the battery performance could be more consistent for prolonged usage beyond 28 hours.
Ease of Use
91%
The simple design and intuitive interface make this portable recorder easy to operate, even for users who aren't tech-savvy. Many appreciate its user-friendly buttons and straightforward setup, which make it ideal for quick, hassle-free recordings.
A small number of users mentioned that, while the interface is generally easy to use, it can be a bit challenging to figure out some of the advanced features without reading the manual. The lack of a touchscreen may feel a bit outdated for those used to more modern devices.
Voice Activation
85%
The voice-activated recording feature is highly praised for hands-free operation. Users find it particularly helpful when recording meetings or lectures, as it automatically starts and stops recording based on sound, saving them from having to manually operate the device.
While many find it convenient, some users reported that the voice activation feature can occasionally miss the beginning of a recording if the sound level is too low. Others mentioned it sometimes picks up background noise unintentionally.
Recording Clarity
79%
21%
The clarity of recordings is generally good for a device in this price range. Users find the audio quality sufficient for everyday use, including recording meetings and lectures, with the option to improve sound with noise-reduction modes.
However, a few users noted that the microphone could struggle in noisy environments, especially when trying to capture voices over background noise. In such cases, the clarity can suffer, and recordings might need additional editing or enhancement.
Portability
94%
The lightweight design of this device makes it highly portable, with users praising how easy it is to carry around for daily tasks. Its small size fits comfortably in a pocket or bag, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go recording.
While its compactness is a major plus, some users wish it had more robust build quality. A few pointed out that the plastic construction, while lightweight, could feel a bit flimsy for those seeking a more premium feel.
Build Quality
81%
19%
Users generally appreciate the solid build for a recorder of this price. It’s compact, and despite being made from plastic, it holds up well under normal daily use, especially when carried in a bag or pocket.
On the downside, a few users expressed concerns about the plastic construction feeling less durable than expected. Some worried about the device's long-term resilience, especially if dropped or exposed to wear and tear.
Noise Reduction Performance
76%
24%
The noise reduction features, including the Noise Cut Mode and Low Cut Filter, help improve sound quality in certain environments. Users who primarily record in quieter spaces find these features effective at minimizing unwanted sounds.
However, some users reported that the noise reduction isn't always as effective in louder environments. In highly dynamic or noisy settings, background noise can still be noticeable, which limits the overall effectiveness of these features.
Affordability
90%
Given its feature set, many users find this device to be an excellent value for the price. It offers a balance of affordability and performance, making it an attractive option for students, professionals, and anyone looking for an economical recorder with useful features.
Some users feel that while the price is low, certain premium features like enhanced sound quality or higher build quality may be lacking compared to higher-end models. However, this is generally seen as a trade-off for affordability.
Compatibility
80%
20%
Users find the device to be compatible with a range of computers for transferring files, making it easy to access and manage recordings. The simple MP3 format also ensures that recordings can be played on most devices without issues.
A few users reported challenges with the device's compatibility with certain operating systems or software. The lack of built-in direct support for cloud storage or advanced file-sharing options also led to some dissatisfaction.
Microphone Sensitivity
75%
25%
Many users appreciate the sensitivity of the built-in microphone, especially for recording clear audio in quiet environments. The mono microphone captures sound accurately for most personal or small-scale recording needs.
On the flip side, some users felt the microphone could be too sensitive to ambient noise. In environments with multiple sound sources, it may not capture voices as clearly as expected, especially when there's interference from background noise.
Durability
72%
28%
While the recorder is built to last for normal usage, many users are satisfied with its reliability for everyday recording tasks. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry around without worrying too much about wear.
However, several users expressed concerns about the overall durability, particularly regarding the plastic casing. Some felt that it may not stand up to rough handling or long-term wear, especially when used frequently in demanding environments.
Customer Support
68%
32%
Some customers reported positive experiences with Sony's customer support, noting that they were responsive when help was needed, especially for minor issues like troubleshooting or repairs.
However, a few users mentioned that customer support could be slow to respond and sometimes less helpful when addressing more complex problems. Some felt that they did not receive the level of assistance they expected given the device's reputation.

Suitable for:

The Sony ICD-BX140 4GB Digital Voice Recorder is an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable, portable, and easy-to-use recorder. Students with limited budgets who need to record lectures or seminars will benefit from its affordability and simple operation. Professionals, such as those attending meetings or conducting interviews, will also appreciate its compact design and long battery life, making it ideal for extended recording sessions. Additionally, individuals who prioritize hands-free functionality, such as those who often multitask, will find the voice activation feature a valuable tool. Its lightweight construction and easy file transfer options make it a great option for on-the-go use.

Not suitable for:

While the Sony ICD-BX140 4GB Digital Voice Recorder works well for most basic recording needs, it may not meet the expectations of users who require superior sound quality in challenging environments. Those needing to record in noisy or crowded areas may find the microphone's performance lacking, as background noise can sometimes overpower speech clarity. Users expecting premium build quality might be disappointed by its plastic construction, which could feel fragile for those who need a more robust device for frequent or rough use. Finally, tech-savvy individuals seeking advanced features or touchscreen controls may find this device too basic for their needs.

Specifications

  • Memory: This recorder has a built-in 4GB memory, providing ample space for storing recordings.
  • Recording Time: The device can store up to 4,175 hours of recordings, depending on the audio quality settings.
  • Recording Format: Records audio in MP3 format, ensuring broad compatibility with various devices and software.
  • Battery Life: Offers up to 28 hours of continuous recording at MP3 128 kbps quality.
  • Voice Activation: Equipped with voice-activated recording, allowing hands-free operation when sound is detected.
  • Noise Cut: Features Noise Cut mode, which reduces background noise for clearer audio playback.
  • Low Cut Filter: Includes a Low Cut Filter to minimize wind noise during recordings in outdoor environments.
  • Microphone: The recorder has a mono microphone, suitable for capturing clear audio in various settings.
  • Weight: Weighs only 72 grams, making it lightweight and easy to carry around for extended use.
  • Dimensions: The compact dimensions are 4.72″D x 2.36″W x 2.36″H, allowing for easy portability.
  • Headphone Jack: Includes a 2.5mm headphone jack for private listening and playback with compatible headphones.
  • Power Supply: Powered by two AAA batteries, providing convenience and easy replacement when needed.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with personal computers for easy file transfer and management.
  • Material: Constructed with durable plastic, ensuring a lightweight yet sturdy build.
  • Color: Available in black, offering a sleek and professional look.
  • External Storage: Does not support external storage expansion, limiting memory to the built-in 4GB.
  • Recording Quality: Records at up to 192 kbps for high-quality audio capture.
  • Included Batteries: Comes with 2 x AAA (LR03) batteries included in the package.
  • Microphone Type: Uses a mono microphone for recording, optimized for single-source audio capture.

FAQ

To start using this recorder, simply insert the included AAA batteries and turn it on. Press the 'Record' button to begin capturing audio. For hands-free recording, you can activate the voice-activated recording feature. Use the playback buttons to listen to your recordings.

The Sony ICD-BX140 provides up to 28 hours of recording time at 128 kbps MP3 format. This makes it suitable for long lectures, meetings, or interviews without needing frequent recharging or battery replacements.

This recorder comes with a 4GB built-in memory, which can store up to 4,175 hours of audio in MP3 format. It offers plenty of space for personal notes, lectures, and meetings over extended periods.

Yes, the Sony ICD-BX140 has both a Low Cut Filter and a Noise Cut mode. These features help reduce unwanted background noises, like wind or static, making recordings clearer, especially in noisy environments.

Yes, this device is lightweight and compact, measuring only 4.72″D x 2.36″W x 2.36″H and weighing just 72 grams. It's easy to slip into a bag or pocket, making it convenient for on-the-go recording.

Definitely! This digital voice recorder is ideal for recording interviews. Its simple controls, long battery life, and good audio clarity make it a great tool for professionals and students alike.

Yes, the Sony ICD-BX140 includes a small built-in speaker for playback. However, for higher quality listening, especially in noisy environments, it is recommended to use the headphone jack with external headphones.

Voice-activated recording automatically starts when it detects sound, meaning you don't have to press any buttons to begin recording. This feature is perfect for hands-free use during meetings or lectures.

The Sony ICD-BX140 records audio in MP3 format, which is widely compatible with most devices, including computers, smartphones, and media players. This format also ensures efficient storage and playback.

While the recorder includes features to reduce background noise, its microphone may still pick up some ambient sounds in very noisy or crowded settings. For best results, use it in quieter environments or with the Noise Cut feature activated.