Sony TX660 vs Tascam DR-10L: Which Is The Best Recorder in 2025?
In this article, I’ll be sharing my honest review of the Sony TX660 vs the Tascam DR-10L. Deciding on the right mic can be tough—especially when you’re weighing budget, features, and overall quality.
And when it comes to two heavy hitters like Sony and Tascam, known for their awesome cameras, impressive voice cancellation on audio recorders, and top-notch sound systems, it can make the choice even trickier.
I’ll dive into how these two stack up in key areas like price, sound quality, performance, features, battery life, and overall build.
At the end, I’ll break down which one offers the best bang for your buck and give my personal recommendation on which one you should go for.
SONY TX660 VS TASCAM DR-10L PRICE COMPARED
Sony Tx660 Prices
Retail Price: $159.00
Tascam DR-10L Prices
Retail Price: $169
Renewed Price was running from $89, however you have to get it while it is still available. Availability on amazon can vary from time to time.
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SONY TX660 VS TASCAM DR-10L SOUND CHECK
You can judge for yourself when listening to both, but here’s what I found: when recording with the Sony TX660, I could definitely hear my fan in the background (it was about 2 feet away from me) while editing in post.
Now, you might not notice it as much if you layer in ambient noise, sound effects, or music in the background. But if you’re aiming for crystal-clear audio, it could be something to keep in mind.
On the other hand, the Tascam really impressed me—it only picked up the sound of my subject. I didn’t have to do much editing in post, which is a HUGE plus if you're someone who loves working quickly and efficiently.
Sony TX660 Sound Check: 4.0 out of 5
Tascam DR-10L Sound Check: 4.5 out of 5
Winner: Tascam DR-10L
SONY TX660 VS TASCAM DR-10L PERFORMANCE
The performance of both audio recorders have surpassed my expectations, they both work great for my intentions in filming.
The Sony TX660 has clear, crisp audio with a built-in mic, great for spoken word.
However as mentioned earlier about capturing my fan, it struggles in noisy environments, and no external mic support which limits flexibility. Therefore, it picks up handling noise if moved
While the Tascam DR-10L is more controlled, professional sound with a lav mic. More tamed in loud/noisy environments.
However, it requires a setup and a lav mic whereas the Sony TX660 has a great and easy clip that slides right into your pocket.
The Tascam DR-10L is more ideal for those who plan to do video and long-form recording.
Sony TX660 Performance: 3.5 out of 5
Tascam DR-10L Performance: 4.0 out of 5
Winner: Tascam DR-10L
FEATURES / BATTERY LIFE / QUALITY
The Sony TX660 and Tascam DR-10L serve different needs, but both pack impressive features. Whether you’re a content creator, journalist, or filmmaker, choosing between these two depends on how and where you plan to record.
Audio Quality & Recording Formats
Both devices capture high-quality audio, but with different approaches.
The Tascam DR-10L records at up to 24-bit/48kHz in WAV and BWAV formats, ensuring professional-grade sound with impressive dynamic range. Since it uses a lavalier mic, it captures clear, isolated audio—perfect for interviews, film production, or event recordings.
The Sony TX660, on the other hand, has an internal stereo microphone designed for high speech intelligibility. It records in MP3 and PCM (up to 48kHz/16-bit), which is great for spoken-word applications like lectures, meetings, and interviews.
Safety & Backup Features
If you’re recording something crucial, the Tascam DR-10L is the safer bet. Its dual recording mode simultaneously saves a second file at a lower gain, preventing distortion if the input suddenly spikes.
That’s a game-changer for unpredictable environments. The TX660 lacks this feature, so if the audio peaks, you’re left with a distorted audio.
Storage & Playback
Both recorders support microSD storage, but the Tascam DR-10L handles up to 32GB—ideal for long-form recordings. It also offers a headphone jack for real-time monitoring, letting you check levels before and during recording.
The Sony TX660 leans into convenience with built-in speakers (which I prefer) since I like quick playbacks. It also comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening, additionally it has a Time Jump feature, making it easier to skim through long recordings.
Portability & Usability
Sony TX660 – Ultra-slim, pocket-sized, and built for convenience. It’s easy to carry, set up, and use on the go. Perfect for quick, everyday recordings.
Tascam DR-10L – More of a "set it and forget it" device, designed to be clipped onto talent and left running. Ideal for professional shoots and long recording sessions.
When it comes to battery life, the Tascam DR-10L has the edge for long recordings, while the Sony TX660 focuses more on everyday convenience.
The Sony TX660 has a built-in rechargeable battery with up to 12 hours of continuous recording. Charges via USB, making it easy to top up on the go. Great for short sessions but keep in mind that it needs frequent recharging.
While, the Tascam DR-10L runs on a single AAA battery and lasts up to 10 hours. Since it uses replaceable batteries, you can swap in a fresh one anytime, making it more reliable for long shoots and events.
OVERALL BATTERY LIFE
If you need a longer-lasting, swap-and-go power source, the Tascam DR-10L wins.
If you prefer USB charging and don’t mind recharging often, the Sony TX660 does the job.
TX660 = Rechargeable, 12 hrs. DR-10L = AAA battery, 10 hrs (but replaceable). Pick what works best for your needs!
The Sony TX660 records in MP3 and Linear PCM (up to 48kHz/16-bit),
Whereas the Tascam DR-10L records in WAV and BWAV (up to 48kHz/24-bit).
This simply means the Tascam captures more detail with higher bit depth (24-bit vs. 16-bit), allowing for better dynamic range and more precise sound reproduction.
The Tascam DR-10L also isolates voices better due to its lav mic design, whereas the Sony TX660 captures a wider, more ambient sound.The Tascam DR-10L has superior noise handling and backup recording, making it more reliable for professional use.
OVERALL QUALITY
Sony TX660 is good for general speech and ambient audio, but lacks external mic support and high bit depth, while the Tascam DR-10L is better for professional, clean vocal capture, with higher bit depth, noise isolation, and backup protection.
Sony TX660 Battery Life / Features / Quality: 3.5 out of 5
Tascam DR-10L Battery Life / Features / Quality: 4.5 out of 5
Winner: Tascam DR-10L
OVERALL WINNER: Tascam DR-10L
The Sony TX660 holds its own as a solid choice, especially for those who prioritize convenience.
Its built-in features are impressive, and you can’t overlook its ultra-portable design.
However, the Tascam DR-10L steals the show, offering unbeatable value with its higher bit-depth recording and superior audio quality, making it the go-to pick for professional projects, videos, and you cannot beat all these amazing features with the price! It's a bang for your buck.
FAQ
1. What is a TASCAM DR-10L?
The TASCAM DR-10L is a small, portable audio recorder with a built-in mic and a clip-on lavalier. It’s perfect for recording interviews or speeches with high-quality 24-bit/48kHz audio.
2. What is the TASCAM DR-40?
The TASCAM DR-40 is a more advanced handheld recorder that can record up to four tracks at once. It has adjustable built-in mics and supports 24-bit/96kHz audio, with inputs for external gear.
3. When did the TASCAM DR-10L come out?
The TASCAM DR-10L was first released in 2016. It quickly became a popular choice among videographers, podcasters, and content creators due to its compact size and professional-grade audio quality.
