Portable recorders abound, and their features range from bare basics to multitrack editing giants. We narrowed our choices to mono/stereo recorders with XLR mic inputs. Then you can use your favorite field mic, because a recording is only as good as the mic.

One choice is based on a mic design with several mic capsules. All the models operate on batteries or another power source. As always, we included suggested price, although street prices are typically much lower.