Sony PCM-A10
Pen-sized hi-res recorder with 16 GB built-in and Bluetooth remote
Best for: Journalists, lecture recorders, and musicians who want a discreet, pocketable hi-res recorder with no external storage dependency
Check price on AmazonThe Sony PCM-A10 is a palm-sized linear PCM recorder with 16 GB of internal memory, three-way adjustable built-in stereo mics, and Bluetooth remote control via the REC Remote app. It records LPCM at up to 96 kHz/24-bit with a frequency response reaching 40 kHz, covers FLAC playback, and delivers around 15 hours of battery life in high-res recording mode.
Key features
- LPCM recording up to 96 kHz/24-bit, 40 Hz - 40 kHz frequency response
- 16 GB internal memory plus microSD/SDXC expansion
- 3-way adjustable built-in stereo condenser mics
- Bluetooth 4.0 with REC Remote app control
- Approx. 15 hours battery life at LPCM 96 kHz/24-bit
- FLAC and MP3 format support
Our take
The PCM-A10 occupies a different niche than the Zoom and Tascam recorders here. It is designed for discretion and solo capture: tiny, quiet, with 16 GB built in so you never need a card. Bluetooth remote access and FLAC playback make it a solid choice for journalists and musicians who double it as a hi-res playback device. The caveat is the ecosystem: Sony's accessories and community are smaller than Zoom's or Tascam's, and at its price point there are recorders with XLR inputs and float recording that offer more raw capability. The PCM-A10 wins on portability and build quality.
Pros
- 16 GB built-in memory - no card required out of the box
- Bluetooth remote is genuinely useful for solo recording
- Compact enough to carry in a shirt pocket
Cons
- No XLR input
- No 32-bit float
- Sony ecosystem: fewer accessories and community resources than Zoom/Tascam
