Sony PCM-A10chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Multiple users power the recorder continuously from USB power banks, allowing essentially unlimited recording time without swapping batteries. This workaround is praised as a practical solution to the sealed internal battery.

@chriskucharik

I just got one this year (2025) to replace my aging Olympus. I got it BECAUSE of the Internal Battery -- no more messing with AA's or barrel jack to USB! This is NOT a problem vs. replaceable batteries because I use a lipstick size Power Bank rechargeable battery pack -- strap it to my fixture and I'm good! Oh, and a USB extension cable (so the bank does not weigh on the audio recorder. Talk about power for DAYS!!! No need to EVER change batteries during a shoot! One thing I would love to see is USB3 speeds OR MORE!!! EVERYONE (Sony, OM Systems, TASCAM, ZOOM etc) are STILL using USB2 -- just try to download 1-file of 1-hour 96khz 24-bit from internal memory... yeah, that is WAY too long!!!launch

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November 25, 2025

@Entropic_Nightmares

I have the Sony UX 570 model with the built in battery as well and I have plugged the recorder into a usb battery bank while recording and it will keep the battery charged at the same time so you dong have to worry as much about the battery running out.launch

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September 3, 2023

@TRUEiMPROrecords

I read a pro review that compared the best Sony handhelds and the reviewer said that when using EXTERNAL mics he heard ZERO DIFFERENCE between the flagship D100 and this one, so the preamps on this thing must be top notch! Cheapest D100 I found costs 650 euros and A10's go for under 180 euros from Japan, so your left with 470 euros for HIGH END mics, stands, windscreens etc. This thing is an awesome deal! Of course the battery wears out in time, but you can then power this from any USB powerbank, giving it basically limitless continuous working time. As a backpacker the size and weight is best in class too so bravo Sony!launch

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April 7, 2021

@acffh

if the power runs low, plug it into USB power while running?!?launch

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December 28, 2019

Reviewers highlight the small size and light weight as ideal for backpacking, pocket carry, or mounting near a camera without protruding awkwardly. It's frequently described as a great little recorder to always have on hand.

@LookingForSounds

Great little recorder to always have in the pocket or backpack. I just wish Sony would start making them again, or come out with new models. Was the recording using the A20 on it's own, i.e. without Clippys ? I guess it was by the sound of it.launch

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July 4, 2023

@TRUEiMPROrecords

I read a pro review that compared the best Sony handhelds and the reviewer said that when using EXTERNAL mics he heard ZERO DIFFERENCE between the flagship D100 and this one, so the preamps on this thing must be top notch! Cheapest D100 I found costs 650 euros and A10's go for under 180 euros from Japan, so your left with 470 euros for HIGH END mics, stands, windscreens etc. This thing is an awesome deal! Of course the battery wears out in time, but you can then power this from any USB powerbank, giving it basically limitless continuous working time. As a backpacker the size and weight is best in class too so bravo Sony!launch

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April 7, 2021

@raksh9

I like that the tripod screw mount is set further towards the bottom of the recorder. When mounted on a camera, it won't protrude too far over the back of the camera and get in the way.launch

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November 7, 2019

Users report the preamps are top-notch, with one reviewer hearing zero difference from the flagship PCM-D100 when using external mics. This makes the A10 a strong budget-to-mid option for pairing with high-end lav or shotgun mics.

@stevenhjelle9584

I have been using this recorder for over a year, and find it is an excellent unit. I still have an older version that uses two AAA batteries, but it records in Sony's proprietary format, which is very good, but recordings then need to be converted to MP3 for sharing online. I like that the PCM-A10 records in MP3 (or WAV, if you need even higher, 24-bit quality, which is amazing, too). I have yet to use all the features, but the ones I have used are amazing. I usually use it with a Rode lapel mic so the voice quality is great. In large group settings, the built-in mics, adjusted for a group, pic up voices from the back of a large room with excellent intelligibility. I typically use it for public presentations, so I found a small cell phone case that clips to my belt, then use the wireless lapel mic (the Rode GO). The built-in USB connector makes uploading the recordings to my computer super easy as well. For recording outdoors, I got a furry windscreen to fit over the built-in mics and this brought wind noise down to almost nothing,launch

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October 19, 2022

@TRUEiMPROrecords

I read a pro review that compared the best Sony handhelds and the reviewer said that when using EXTERNAL mics he heard ZERO DIFFERENCE between the flagship D100 and this one, so the preamps on this thing must be top notch! Cheapest D100 I found costs 650 euros and A10's go for under 180 euros from Japan, so your left with 470 euros for HIGH END mics, stands, windscreens etc. This thing is an awesome deal! Of course the battery wears out in time, but you can then power this from any USB powerbank, giving it basically limitless continuous working time. As a backpacker the size and weight is best in class too so bravo Sony!launch

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April 7, 2021

In group and close-up settings, the built-in mics reportedly pick up voices with excellent intelligibility even from the back of large rooms. With the noise filter turned off, sound quality was described as hugely better.

@stevenhjelle9584

I have been using this recorder for over a year, and find it is an excellent unit. I still have an older version that uses two AAA batteries, but it records in Sony's proprietary format, which is very good, but recordings then need to be converted to MP3 for sharing online. I like that the PCM-A10 records in MP3 (or WAV, if you need even higher, 24-bit quality, which is amazing, too). I have yet to use all the features, but the ones I have used are amazing. I usually use it with a Rode lapel mic so the voice quality is great. In large group settings, the built-in mics, adjusted for a group, pic up voices from the back of a large room with excellent intelligibility. I typically use it for public presentations, so I found a small cell phone case that clips to my belt, then use the wireless lapel mic (the Rode GO). The built-in USB connector makes uploading the recordings to my computer super easy as well. For recording outdoors, I got a furry windscreen to fit over the built-in mics and this brought wind noise down to almost nothing,launch

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October 19, 2022

@aussie8114

Nice little gadget 👍🏼 I see on eBay you can buy a dead cat for it. The foam is probably not as effective as a furry dead cat for outdoors. The foam is probably more effective just for talking into it up close to reduce voice implosives. It sounded very good up close at 20.launch

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February 16, 2020

Compared to pricier Sony flagships costing hundreds more, the A10 is seen as an excellent deal that frees up budget for premium external mics and accessories. One user bought four units after being convinced by a review.

@danielramosstudio

I bought 4 of these thanks to your video review, it’s waaaaayyyyy better than zoom.launch

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September 16, 2023

@TRUEiMPROrecords

I read a pro review that compared the best Sony handhelds and the reviewer said that when using EXTERNAL mics he heard ZERO DIFFERENCE between the flagship D100 and this one, so the preamps on this thing must be top notch! Cheapest D100 I found costs 650 euros and A10's go for under 180 euros from Japan, so your left with 470 euros for HIGH END mics, stands, windscreens etc. This thing is an awesome deal! Of course the battery wears out in time, but you can then power this from any USB powerbank, giving it basically limitless continuous working time. As a backpacker the size and weight is best in class too so bravo Sony!launch

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April 7, 2021

The recorder supports both MP3 for easy sharing and 24-bit WAV for higher fidelity needs, giving users flexibility depending on their project.

@stevenhjelle9584

I have been using this recorder for over a year, and find it is an excellent unit. I still have an older version that uses two AAA batteries, but it records in Sony's proprietary format, which is very good, but recordings then need to be converted to MP3 for sharing online. I like that the PCM-A10 records in MP3 (or WAV, if you need even higher, 24-bit quality, which is amazing, too). I have yet to use all the features, but the ones I have used are amazing. I usually use it with a Rode lapel mic so the voice quality is great. In large group settings, the built-in mics, adjusted for a group, pic up voices from the back of a large room with excellent intelligibility. I typically use it for public presentations, so I found a small cell phone case that clips to my belt, then use the wireless lapel mic (the Rode GO). The built-in USB connector makes uploading the recordings to my computer super easy as well. For recording outdoors, I got a furry windscreen to fit over the built-in mics and this brought wind noise down to almost nothing,launch

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October 19, 2022

The phone app lets users monitor levels and start/stop recording discreetly, enabling stealthy setups like hat-mounted binaural rigs for ambience recording.

@vidworxsfx

I have a set of LOM MikroUSI and use them attached to a hat for a stealth semi binaural type recording rig, whats great about this set up is you can place the recorder in your pocket and monitor your lev as well as start or stop recording directly with the Phone app, thus you can be pretty stealthy as it just looks like your looking at your phone. I have recorded restaurant ambience this way try the app if you have not it really makes this recorder so much better. Plus because you have control of your lev via the app you can make small changes during recording that would not be possible without loud click sounds if you were to do this directly on the recorder itself. Overall a great little recorder love mine I like others really think they should make a line of MKII versions of all there classic recorders but they seem to only be concentrating on cameras not much pro audio recorders anymore it seems.launch

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June 22, 2024