Sony TX660 Review: Best Mini Audio Recorder?
In this article I will be writing a Review on the Sony TX660. It will be going over a quick overview of the Sony TX660, pros & the cons, a sound check, and the strengths and weaknesses of the Sony TX660.
This will help you choose which mic is best for weddings, short films, or even a backup for your podcast. I know with so many options out there, choosing the right one can be a little overwhelming.
VERDICT OF THE SONY TX660
The Sony TX660 has quickly become one of my favorite lavalier mics—and for good reason! Its versatility is unmatched, making it a solid choice for weddings, short films, interviews, and even a podcast.
Sony nailed the design with an intuitive interface that's easy to navigate, so you won’t get lost in complicated settings.
Despite its small size, this mic delivers a big impact, offering crystal-clear audio in a sleek, portable package. Plus, the build feels great in hand, adding to the overall premium experience and feel.
PROS OF THE SONY TX660
Portable
Great size
Can fit in a mic sleeve
Easy-to-navigate interface
High-quality sound
Has a speaker on the device to playback
CONS OF THE SONY TX660
Pricey for the size
Wind noise sensitivity
Tricky clip placement
SONY ICD RECORDER TX660 SOUND CHECK
STRENGTHS OF THE SONY TX660
Portability
The Sony TX660 dimensions are approx. 102.0 mm × 20.0 mm × 7.4 mm (W x H x D) and it weighs only 29 grams – guys that's only 1 ounce!
You can’t feel a single weight on that thing. The Sony TX660 can fit in your purse, your pocket or even your wallet!
This thing is so small that you can easily lose it if you’re not paying any attention to it.
See the comparisons:
For more specifications on the Sony TX660 visit: ICD-TX660 Specifications | Sony AP
Easy-to-use Interface
If you own an audio equipment or even a camera for crying out loud – the interface is always so complicated and so complex to understand.
Good news, I never once had to look up a youtube video on how to use this device, it was straightforward and easy to maneuver.
Everything was clearly worded and it was so easy to work around since the menu is well displayed and seriously easy to use!
High Quality Sound
I honestly cannot hear a difference from the Zoom H4N pro and the Tascam that I own, it is as high quality as the other audio equipments I am currently using.
The Sony TX660 is great for weddings, interviews and voice overs on your projects!
With its smart parabolic design and upgraded stereo tech, this mic captures sound with incredible depth and clarity—making every recording feel natural and true to life.
Fits Right In a Pocket Holder!
For guest speeches at weddings, you can simply place the TX660 in a pocket holder and have it wrapped around a microphone. This is a genius hack and idea that I learnt from the famous wedding videographer Matt Johson.
Built-in Speaker
Not everybody cares about this, but I do! I have a habit of wanting to listen to my playbacks, and the Sony TX660 has a well designed built-in speaker that plays your recordings back super crisp.
It also comes with a headphone output jack, so you can just plug in your earphones and monitor your audio on the spot.
I use this feature since I like to hear and track if my audio is good or not.
WEAKNESS OF THE SONY TX660
Pricey For the Size
Although the size is to be praised for, but certainly not the price. It is pretty expensive for the price of one, if you’re looking for cheaper alternatives there are definitely affordable options out there.
Here are the current prices of the Sony TX660: Sony Website , Amazon & B&H
(These links are NOT affiliated)
All ranging from $160- $158 – worth mentioning – tax not included.
Battery Life of the Sony TX660
The Sony TX660 has a decent battery life, but it’s not exactly built for marathon recording sessions.
On a full charge, you’ll get around 12 hours of recording in MP3 192kbps, though higher-quality settings can drain it faster.
Since it doesn’t have replaceable batteries, you’ll want to top it up before long shoots. Thankfully, it charges via USB-C, so keeping a power bank handy can be a lifesaver if you’re out recording all day.
Very Sensitive
The Sony TX660 is super sensitive, not only wind sensitive but rubbing on clothes sensitive.
Since it doesn’t come with a wind protector, you might be able to hear all the “tss, ss, the spits” and all the sounds we drag hearing in post production.
While this option isn't ideal for some folks since sound is a huge part of their project, there is a way to go past this. You can purchase a headphone earpad, very affordable and simply place it over the TX660 and wallah – problem solved!
Credits to Canadian Nomad for this idea.
Awkward Clip Placement
While I didn’t personally experience this, some users have reported issues.
That said, I can definitely see how the mic’s placement could be tricky with certain shirts and suits. So, if you’re planning to get this, it’s something worth keeping in mind.
OVERALL THOUGHTS ON THE SONY TX660
The Sony TX660 is a compact mic with impressive sound quality, perfect for quick shoots and on-the-go recordings. It’s easy to use, and comes in handy. Though minor setbacks, this recorder has not once let me down!
All in all, it’s a reliable, no-fuss option that delivers solid performance.
SONY TX660 FAQS
1. What is the best digital voice recorder?
The ideal digital voice recorder depends on your specific needs:
For Podcasters and Musicians: The Zoom H5 is highly recommended due to its excellent audio quality, versatility, and value.
techgearlab.comFor Note-Taking: The Sony ICD-UX570 is a compact and convenient option, ideal for quick recordings and note-taking.
techgearlab.com
2. What are the specifications of the Sony ICD-PX470 recorder?
The Sony ICD-PX470 offers:
Built-in Memory: 4 GB, providing up to 59 hours and 35 minutes of recording time at MP3 128 kbps.
sony.comExpandable Storage: Supports microSD cards up to 32 GB, allowing for over 536 hours of additional recording time.
sony.comBattery Life: Approximately 55 hours of continuous recording with a single AAA battery at MP3 128 kbps.
sony.comRecording Formats: Supports MP3 and Linear PCM (LPCM) formats.
sony.com
3. What is the best Sony recorder?
Sony offers several high-quality recorders:
Sony ICD-UX570: Compact, with a built-in rechargeable battery and high-resolution audio recording.
helpguide.sony.netSony ICD-PX470: Features expandable storage and long battery life, suitable for extended recording sessions.
sony.comSony ICD-TX800: Ultra-compact design with a built-in rechargeable battery, ideal for discreet recording.
sony.com
4. How long does a Sony voice recorder last?
Battery life varies by model:
Sony ICD-UX570: Approximately 22 hours of recording at MP3 128 kbps.
helpguide.sony.netSony ICD-PX470: Up to 55 hours of recording with a single AAA battery at MP3 128 kbps.
sony.comSony ICD-TX800: Up to 15 hours of recording at MP3 128 kbps.
sony.com
