Sony ICD-PX470From real comments

Verdict distilled from 21 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment70%
PROS 70%
CONS 30%

Rank based on 21 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want long-lasting, replaceable AAA battery power instead of rechargeable cells
  • You need clear WAV-format recordings for interviews, lectures, or note-taking
  • You plan to pair it with an external mic like a lapel or shotgun mic

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need a simple, no-menu interface like an old cassette recorder
  • You require an input level meter to confirm mic signal before recording
  • You need strong lavalier mic amplification without external boosting

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

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Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
31Mid
Sony ICD-PX470
Replaceable AAA batteriesWorks well with external micsClear, crisp sound qualityLow lavalier mic amplificationClipping on loud voicesConfusing menu and file management
Sony ICD-PX470
Replaceable AAA batteries
Works well with external mics
Clear, crisp sound quality
Low lavalier mic amplification
Clipping on loud voices
Confusing menu and file management

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality and build are consistently praised. Multiple users describe the ICD-PX470 as producing very clear, crisp recordings that pick up nearby sound easily, calling it rugged and reliable even after years of regular use. One user still relies on a unit purchased in 2020, citing WAV recording format as a key selling point. Another values its solid, non-flimsy feel compared to other recorders they've tried.

AAA battery power is a favorite feature over rechargeable designs. Several commenters explicitly prefer replaceable AAA batteries, noting rechargeable batteries weaken over time and aren't replaceable, and that AAAs can be bought anywhere in an emergency. This was framed as a practical advantage for reliability during unpredictable recording situations, such as forgetting to charge a device before needing it urgently.

Menu complexity and missing input meter frustrate some users. One user described extreme difficulty naming files and avoiding overwrites, preferring a simple cassette-style interface instead. Others reported no input level meter, causing missed recordings when the mic mode wasn't set correctly, plus issues with low lavalier mic volume, clipping at low record levels for loud talkers, and a bug where the recording date/month reverted unexpectedly.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?