Last Updated: January 28, 2019 (Refresh Now)
Sony ICDUX560BLK Digital Voice Recorder 1 Black
Last Updated: January 28, 2019 (Refresh Now)
8.8
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
194
Old Reviews
7
Unverified
5
Spam Test
PASS
Yes
VIDEO
Micro SD
SD CARD TYPE
Review Analysis - 182 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Ease of Use
44easy, simple, menu, user, use
+98%
-2%
" ... Size & ease of operation, seemz to be simple. ... "
" ... It is simple to use and quick to upload to the computer. ... "
" ... really easy to use-wish I could actually rename the folder and files on the device itself-but you can do that when you transfer the files to the computer. ... "
" ... Easy to use. ... "
" ... Easy to use and good sound quality. ... "
" ... Its pretty simple to jump in and use. ... "
" ... Small and simple to operate. ... "
" ... The player has forward and reverse indexing, as well as repeat to make it easy to rehear any difficult phrases. ... "
Sound Quality
35sound, noise, voice, recorder, stereo
+97%
-3%
" ... I use it as a recorder, for transcriptions, and as an MP3 player. ... I use it as an MP3 player and appreciate the fact that the recorder has built-in speakers for playback of music and speech. ... There is a playback speed control that allows accelerated playback without changing the pitch of the recorded sound. ... There is also an audio equalizer built in, which enhances the listening experience through headphones or external sound amplifying equipment. ... "
" ... The only thing that could be improved is the sound output of the built-in speaker ... the recording sounds a lot better using earphones. ... "
" ... Easy to use and good sound quality. ... "
" ... I bought s lavalurr microphone for it, but I think the sound quality is better without. ... "
" ... There's stereo level meter which is extremely useful. ... "
" ... Wow, this is a real change from Sony's earlier voice recorders. ... "
" ... I use it for class lectures and the sound quality is perfect for what I need it for. ... "
" ... A phone is designed to capture voice at very close range and picks up a lot of unwanted noise. ... I can clearly hear his intros between songs (which is all I wanted), nearly every word and easily discernible. ... The sound quality of the music is not good, which I didn't need anyway. ... "
Microphone
24record, recorder, recordings, quality, hear
+92%
-8%
" ... Bought this to record meetings and lectures. ... "
" ... Recordings sound very clear, and you don't need to be too close to what you're trying to record in order to hear it later. ... "
" ... I use it to record lectures in a lecture hall and I always get decent quality recordings. ... "
" ... This digital voice recorder is much better and this time when I went too church I was able to record the whole sermon and choir as well. ... "
" ... Great sound recording with decent stereo sound separation. ... "
" ... This "test" resulted in an outstanding recording. ... "
" ... I would highly recommend this recorder to anyone that has to record meetings, college lectures, etc. ... "
" ... It's not a basic recorder, lots of cool effects, environments for optimizing recording. ... "
Battery Life
22battery life, great battery life, built, hours, aaa
+91%
-9%
" ... Long lasting battery. ... "
" ... It can run all night, the next day and the next night without needing a recharge. ... "
" ... Battery charges easily. ... "
" ... 27 hour battery life. ... This recorder, a battery pack, and an expansion card can go for weeks. ... "
" ... Shipped very quickly and battery life is awesome. ... "
" ... the battery is seemed still there for a couple of hours playing or recording. ... "
" ... Best recorder I’ve owned great battery life ... "
" ... Don't need batteries is a great feature. ... It charges quickly, and uses so little power it can play for many hours. ... "
Ports
19slide, built in usb, retractable, port, connector
+89%
-11%
" ... Charges quickly and connects to your laptop or desktop with a retractable USB port. ... "
" ... The slide out USB connector works great, no more searching for USB cables! ... "
" ... Built in USB (I didn't think I'd like this but it's awesome) ... "
" ... I re-used the small 4" USB extension cable from my Olympus, which has the same USB prong as the Sony. ... "
" ... It even has the USB plug built into the case! ... "
" ... Works great, and the built in USB comes in handy! ... "
" ... Built-in (male) USB connector slides out of the bottom for easy transfer to a computer. ... "
" ... Finally, there is no charging port. ... Best way to charge the device is via usb port. ... "
Size
18small, pocket, tiny, speaker, sound
+100%
" ... It is compact and feels durable. ... "
" ... It's small, lightweight and works well. ... "
" ... Small, easily fits into a pocket or purse, although better to carry in a case for protection. ... "
" ... Built in speaker is also not bad for the size. ... "
" ... This thing is absolutely ideal for lavalier mics because you can easily slide this in someone's pocket and it won't bulge out like the beefier H1. ... "
" ... Size & ease of operation, seemz to be simple. ... "
" ... It's small, but a good size for my needs, and has a nice, quality feel to it. ... "
" ... This thing is small and resilient. ... "
Charging
18charging, battery, computer, charges, usb port
+94%
-6%
" ... Love that you recharge it via USB with phone charger or computer. ... "
" ... Rechargable with any standard USB slot, battery pack, etc. ... "
" ... The voice playback is excellent and the USB charging is convenient. ... "
" ... The unit has an extendable usb for charging and data transfer - but with the weight of the unit hanging from the computer usb the whole thing looked like a break waiting to happen - I recommend getting a short flexible usb to usb cord. ... "
" ... It can run all night, the next day and the next night without needing a recharge. ... Recharge time is less than thirty minutes from any USB power source. ... "
" ... In fact I often prefer replaceable batteries so I'll never be caught waiting for a built-in battery to recharge. ... "
" ... Its pretty small has quick charging capability and can last hours recording I used it for an all day event and didn't even get to half battery and had more than I even needed on memory. ... "
" ... Charges quickly and connects to your laptop or desktop with a retractable USB port. ... "
Controls
13button, record button, recording, control, pitch
+69%
-31%
" ... I really like the button lock switch to prevent accidental button presses. ... "
" ... Digital is the key here. ... "
" ... Very easy to get started using and easy to intuitively understand the controls. ... "
" ... There is a playback speed control that allows accelerated playback without changing the pitch of the recorded sound. ... "
" ... With this device it's just a simple swipe down with my thumb on the power switch (conveniently located on the top right side) — it boots up instantly, then press the big red record button on top (press again to pause). ... plus has transcription capabilities with hot-keys and speed control with DPC (Digital Pitch Control). ... It takes about one second to boot up, then push the red record button and count another second for the recording to start. ... "
" ... Recording is easy, just push the button. ... "
" ... The design and buttons have a great tactile feel and the controls are pretty intuitive. ... "
" ... Instead a back/home button which makes it easier to use through the menu. ... The menu is intuitive. ... Those two are now on the wheel in front, which makes much sense. ... "
Price
13worth, penny, every, well, would
+100%
" ... Totally awesome and worth every penny. ... "
" ... I would call this a wise investment. ... "
" ... Worth every penny. ... "
" ... Love this thing for the price. ... "
" ... This one may not be the priciest or best but for the price and what you get it is the best choice. ... "
" ... The product is well made and couldn't beat the price. ... "
" ... I would not hesitate to buy this again - worth every penny. ... "
" ... An excellent device for a modest price. ... "
Call quality
13voice, sony, problem, phone, clearly
+100%
" ... My wife is in nursing school and needed a good voice recorder. ... "
" ... Great voice recorder! ... "
" ... I got this digital voice recorder for the research that I am working on, where I do a series of face-to-face and phone interviews. ... The only thing that could be improved is the sound output of the built-in speaker ... "
" ... Wow, this is a real change from Sony's earlier voice recorders. ... It calls menu "option" -- these are all radical changes for this system. ... "
" ... I use this to take "voice notes" while doing my volunteer job in the neighborhood to identify nuisances and things the City of Houston needs to fix. ... "
" ... I keep my Note8 and this tiny voice recorder in a small pouch that I always keep with me, attached to my belt if I'm out and about so I can pull either out at a moment's notice. ... "
" ... The Sony ICDUX560BLK Stereo Voice Recorder is amazing. ... "
" ... It caught all our conversations clearly. ... Caught everyone speaking clearly. ... GREAT voice recorder. ... "
Memory
11recorder, files, storage, recordings, recorded
+91%
-9%
" ... Good recorder overall but had a problem when trying to copy recorded files from its internal memory unto multiple locations on my desktop computer at the same time. ... "
" ... Battery life is excellent also, and the memory it comes with gives you a lot of space, though you can also get a micro sd card if you need more. ... "
" ... The old DS-2 worked best but ate batteries and had little storage. ... "
" ... The recorder appears as a USB thumbdrive which makes transferring files and creating and renaming folders as easy as can be (under Windows Explorer). ... "
" ... I also added an 16 GB SD card just in case I fill the 6 GB built in memory. ... "
" ... This recorder has lots of internal memory to store lots of music as well as your recordings. ... "
" ... You also get instant USB transfer, and the expandable memory slot means it's hard to be low on space. ... "
" ... I had recording a couple dozen short recordings of meetings and mental notes over the last two months worth plenty of memory left for more. ... "
Storage
11card, micro sd card, sd, micro, expandable
+100%
" ... I also added an 16 GB SD card just in case I fill the 6 GB built in memory. ... "
" ... Put a large memory card (micro SD) into its available card slot and you can easily capture thousands of hours of recording. ... "
" ... You also get instant USB transfer, and the expandable memory slot means it's hard to be low on space. ... "
" ... Very easy to use and with the micro SD card in it, you'll have about 30 days worth of non-stop recording (battery will run out first). ... "
" ... This little thing is really nice, I put a micro 64g sd card in and it’s perfect ... "
" ... It came with a charge and now all I need to complete this purchase is a micro sd card and a lanyard. ... "
" ... Battery life is excellent also, and the memory it comes with gives you a lot of space, though you can also get a micro sd card if you need more. ... "
" ... Great battery life and plenty of internal storage, which is expandable if you add a microSD card. ... "
USB
11built in usb, like, slide, hard, files
+73%
-27%
" ... For me, it's ideal because he can record his notes, then plug in the USB and e-mail me the file and I can play it on my computer. ... "
" ... Works great, and the built in USB comes in handy! ... "
" ... It even has the USB plug built into the case! ... "
" ... I like the built in USB thing too. ... "
" ... I'm very happy with this purchase and the USB easily opens up to slide into your computer. ... "
" ... An excellent recorder with a built in USB connection which relieves you from carrying a cord with you. ... "
" ... Built in USB (I didn't think I'd like this but it's awesome) ... "
Marketplace
10works, item
+80%
-20%
" ... Works as stated ... "
" ... This may be the best purchase I've ever made on Amazon. ... "
" ... The seller was awesome and gave me a 10 dollar refund for this situation though! ... "
" ... Just as described. ... "
" ... works as advertised ... "
" ... Item works as described. ... "
" ... The pictures make this thing look a lot bigger than it actually is. ... "
" ... good as described. ... "
Device Compatibility
10computer, mac, files, device, transfer
+90%
-10%
" ... Mac users beware . ... You don't need the software to transfer files back and forth, I was able to move files to my Macbook Pro just fine. ... "
" ... I also have no problem saving files on Mac. ... "
" ... really easy to use-wish I could actually rename the folder and files on the device itself-but you can do that when you transfer the files to the computer. ... "
" ... It is simple to use and quick to upload to the computer. ... "
" ... You do this by simply connecting the recorder to a computer. ... "
" ... Great little device for general recording, chargeable from a computer or laptop. ... "
" ... The quality of this device's audio pickup is well worth the purchase versus relying on one's smartphone. ... "
" ... Transfers data easily. ... "
Capacity
9room, meeting, hall, used, restaurant
+100%
" ... I once did an interview in a hotel lobby outside a conference room that was being cleaned. ... "
" ... I use it record classes and it is able to pick up the voices of people in the room. ... "
" ... The first thing I used this for was to record a presentation in a large meeting hall. ... I then used this recorder for a private meeting in a crowded public restaurant. ... "
" ... the speakers are really good and theres a setting to adjust the mics for close range to across a large room so its great for recording class listens. ... "
" ... I'm using it to record meetings in offices or conference rooms, and does the job nicely. ... "
" ... My wife uses this to record town hall meetings every month in our city. ... "
" ... I sit at the back of my lecture hall, about 100 feet, and it still records the professor perfectly! ... "
" ... We did use it in the car. ... "
Volume
9tiny, size, room, like, used
+78%
-22%
" ... For it's tiny size it has big sound. ... "
" ... The speaker is tiny (see my photo), but the sound is surprisingly good for its size . ... "
" ... The first thing I used this for was to record a presentation in a large meeting hall. ... "
" ... volume is fine! ... "
" ... High quality audio (sounds like you're IN the room) ... "
" ... the speakers are really good and theres a setting to adjust the mics for close range to across a large room so its great for recording class listens. ... "
" ... The only thing that could be improved is the sound output of the built-in speaker ... "
Product Reliability
8years, used, update, still, last
+88%
-13%
" ... have had six of them over the years. ... "
" ... Still going strong even after being exposed to months of drivel from politicians! ... "
" ... The best I have ever used in my 30 years. ... "
" ... I used this many times over the last 4 months, works great!! ... "
" ... You can stop preaching now. ... "
" ... I can't believe this worked. ... "
" ... (I have four working Sony recorders right now). ... "
Build Quality
8plastic, like, cheap, slide, wish
+88%
-13%
" ... This thing is absolutely ideal for lavalier mics because you can easily slide this in someone's pocket and it won't bulge out like the beefier H1. ... "
" ... It is compact and feels durable. ... "
" ... Great quality and great build. ... "
" ... Feels solid if yet really tiny in my hand. ... "
" ... This thing is small and resilient. ... I have dropped it a couple times and almost no damage from dings. ... "
" ... Wish it was metal casing but great sound. ... "
Codecs
7mp3, format, transfer, recorder, recorded
+100%
" ... I do wish I could rename the available folders in which the audio files are saved. ... "
" ... The best thing about this recorder is that you can title and name each file. ... Files can be in mp3 format which is a plus. ... "
" ... This recorder has a decent speaker to play back and can be used to play mp3 files. ... I only record MP3 format, and the sound quality is great. ... "
" ... I'm using it on a Windows 10 computer and the files transfer easily to iTunes or with the interface it allows the files to be copied to a CD. ... "
" ... It saves the recorded files in standard Mp3 format that any computer or smartphone can utilize. ... "
" ... It is more sensitive to the quality of the mp3 files that you might download from Overdrive for recorded books. ... The other recoders/mp3 players I have (which are mostly higher end devices) were not having problems playing the files. ... "
Product As Described
7works
+86%
-14%
" ... Works as stated ... "
" ... Just as described. ... "
" ... works as advertised ... "
" ... Item works as described. ... "
" ... The pictures make this thing look a lot bigger than it actually is. ... "
" ... good as described. ... "
Comfort
7hands, feels, plastic, like, fits
+100%
" ... Nice hand held voice recorder. ... "
" ... My wife, who is not comfortable in the digital age absolutely loves the ease of use and the quality of recordings this device produces! ... "
" ... Fits in the hand well. ... "
" ... I actually like the rounded form factor of my older Olympus W700M better, it's nicer grip in the hands even if the plastic used feels ultra cheap. ... "
" ... I have tried another, this one wins hands down! ... "
" ... Feels solid if yet really tiny in my hand. ... "
" ... Easy to use simple intuitive controls, great sound quality in a small package that feels comfortable in my hand. ... "
For Kids
6+100%
" ... I purchased this recorder for school. ... "
" ... I use it for college lectures. ... "
" ... Bought this for daughter at university. ... "
" ... Does the job so much so, my wife's childhood buddy wants one. ... "
" ... real good my son is very happy ... "
" ... Works great perfect for class lectures. ... "
Apps
6windows, software, notes, mp3, message
+83%
-17%
" ... I'm using it on a Windows 10 computer and the files transfer easily to iTunes or with the interface it allows the files to be copied to a CD. ... "
" ... Notes on my Note8 are supposedly backed up to Samsung's cloud, otherwise I haven't yet tried to figure out another method. ... "
" ... But If you want variable speed playback, you'll need to find your own software or app. ... "
" ... I really did my research on youtube and google and found this one was the best for my needs. ... "
" ... It is more sensitive to the quality of the mp3 files that you might download from Overdrive for recorded books. ... I finally ran across an open source app that can scan and repair mp3 files. ... "
Features
6use, feature, ease, disappointed
+100%
" ... While this one has some good features, I am quite disappointed overall. ... "
" ... Lots of filing options. ... "
" ... Many features, but simple to use. ... "
" ... I'm impressed with its features and ease of use. ... "
" ... real easy to turn on and use also has a lock feature. ... "
" ... That's a nice to have feature. ... "
Setup
5user, use, easy
+80%
-20%
" ... a GENUINELY GOOD USER INTERFACE - straightforward, minimal learning required. ... "
" ... Easy to use and my girlfriend figured it out on her own in 5 minutes. ... "
" ... I went to his concert the evening before the interview. ... "
Noise Cancellation
5voices, sound, clear
+100%
" ... Sound is clear and not much background noise present. ... "
" ... Sound very clear without noise. ... "
" ... Using noise reduction resulted in an excellent recording. ... "
" ... The sound suppression works! ... "
Software Platform
5mac, find, windows, want, notes
+100%
" ... I'm using it on a Windows 10 computer and the files transfer easily to iTunes or with the interface it allows the files to be copied to a CD. ... "
" ... UPDATE 6/11/2018: I am continuing to find this device useful for my needs, which include saving miscellaneous thoughts that I want to remember, better ways of saying something I want to say, long forgotten things suddenly remembered, new facts and sources, and anything else I want to remember which can be stated verbally. ... Notes on my Note8 are supposedly backed up to Samsung's cloud, otherwise I haven't yet tried to figure out another method. ... "
" ... Mac users beware . ... But If you want variable speed playback, you'll need to find your own software or app. ... "
" ... It's light and the UI is simple to understand. ... "
" ... Compatibility with software that fosters transcription. ... "
Cables
5usb, cables, connector, unit, slides
+40%
-60%
" ... It's too bad the UX560 doesn't come with such a cable. ... "
" ... The USB connector slides out of the bottom of the unit so there are no cables to fuss with - it plugs right in. ... "
Delivery
5delivered, arrived
+100%
" ... ARRIVED ON TIME. ... "
" ... Excellent product and delivered promptly. ... "
" ... Delivered exactly on the date it was expected. ... "
" ... Arrived quickly - packaged well. ... "
Display Clarity
5see, display, conditions, visible, turns
+80%
-20%
" ... The display is crisp and easy to read. ... "
" ... I did manage to get a small scratch on the screen but otherwise good as new. ... "
" ... The device is very compact, simple to use, and has a small screen that makes options selection a breeze. ... "
" ... I adjusted the screen setting to keep it lit while recording so I can see the counter. ... I work as a reporter so being able to clearly see the counter is critical, and this is -- by far -- the easiest, most visible display I've every worked with. ... The contrast is sharp and high and easy to see under dim lighting conditions. ... "
Recording
4use, recordings, recording, recorder, quality
+100%
" ... You can time stamp recording and it seems to record very well. ... "
" ... I use it to record lectures in a lecture hall and I always get decent quality recordings. ... "
" ... Recorder works perfect for my needs ... "
Headphones
4headphone, mics, mic, audio
+100%
" ... The audio output can drive headphones or can be used as a line output. ... "
" ... I bought a blue tooth transmitter that plugs into the headphone output and plays thru my Monster Boom box - WOW! ... "
" ... It's so small and has built in USB as well as mic and headphone jacks for lav mics and other accessories. ... "
" ... I use my Apple ear buds with the reorder, and the sound quality is great. ... "
Returns
4dim, daylight, conditions
+25%
-75%
" ... Sent it back. ... "
" ... Regret my purchase but it's too late for me to return. ... "
" ... But the major issue why this unit didn't work for us and why it was returned is because is the display is way too dim, it's impossible to see in daylight/outside conditions. ... "
Video Recording
4quality, excellent, use
+100%
" ... This "test" resulted in an outstanding recording. ... "
" ... Superb recording quality. ... "
" ... The recording quality appears excellent. ... "
Design
4pocket
+100%
" ... It is little and sleek. ... "
" ... It's very slim and attractive. ... "
" ... Sleek and inconspicuous. ... "
" ... I also like the matte finish and clean design. ... "
Fit
3fits, easily, case, small, slide
+100%
" ... This thing is absolutely ideal for lavalier mics because you can easily slide this in someone's pocket and it won't bulge out like the beefier H1. ... "
" ... Small, easily fits into a pocket or purse, although better to carry in a case for protection. ... "
" ... Fits in the hand well. ... "
Review Spam Test PASS
In order to keep our review summaries as accurate as possible, we aggressively detect fake reviews. We use various signals to detect unnatural patterns and will gradually expose them here.
Specifications
Camera
Video: Yes
Memory
SD Card Type: Micro SD
Recommendations
...