32-bit float audio recorders were a total game changer for my production workflows. Whether it is for weddings, multicam productions, or even small marketing documentaries, these pocket audio recorders are now a must have in my video content production kit.
What’s the big deal? Essentially, 32-bit float recording is like camera RAW for audio. This recording format gives tremendous flexibility in post-production, giving creators confidence that they can get solid audio from even the most hands-off recordings. The 32-bit float algorithim can compensate for sudden surges in signal that would blow-out less beefy audio recorders.
Great use cases for these pocket audio recorders include placing them on the groom at a wedding. This is also great for vlog hosts when a wireless microphone kit isn’t realistic. They also work as a great backup option in dynamic production environments where a dedicated mixer isn’t on the table. So, what are some good choices for these pocket audio recorders?
Hollyland LARK MAX 2 Audio Recorder and Wireless Mic
This new version of Hollyland’s Lark Max made a splash at NAB 2025. The Lark Max 2 audio system made it onto a few “Best of NAB” lists, and it certainly is something to be excited about if you are in the market for a 32-bit float audio system. The key takeaway is that the Lark Max 2 is both a recorder and a wireless microphone system. Which is great, because it is always a good idea to run a recorder somewhere in the audio signal path as a redundancy.
With the Lark Max 2 you get both a wireless mic system that will send your audio into a 32-bit float audio recorder in each of the wireless transmitters and also send it to your camera’s audio input. If you shoot Sony, it will even pass a 24-bit/48 kHz signal directly into the camera using the hot shoe mount. You will have a great ISO recording from both mics, as well as the sound you get embedded with your video recording.
Deity PR-2 Pocket Audio Recorder
The Deity PR-2 is my first choice for a 32-bit float audio recorder in a production kit. This pocket recorder is super portable, comes with a great lavalier microphone, and looks great. While the controls aren’t as obvious as some recorders, the lack of extra buttons is a welcome efficiency.
While the ability to drop this 32-bit float recorder in a groom’s pocket or connect it a 3.5mm Mic/Line output is a great feature to begin with, it does have other strengths. This unit has the ability to sync timecode with a Deity TC-1 generator box. This would be a great help in narrative content or multicam documentary productions.
The PR-2 can be controlled remotely by the Sidius Audio app. With a 250 ft range, this could further enhance the advantages this tiny recorder offers a wedding or event producer. There is also a handy headphone output to check the feed quality before letting it go into the wild, so to speak.
Zoom H1 Essential 32-bit Float Audio Recorder
The Zoom H1 Essential is a fantastic update to the the Zoom line of portable audio recorders that have long been a boon to podcasters, event video teams, and even indie filmmakers. With a full set of 32-bit float recording features in a very affordable handheld unit, this one is certainly plenty of boom for the buck.
Features that make this handheld recorder stand-out include an OLED display that displays waveforms during recording. When used for accessing the menu it is very easy to navigate, especially for a small audio recorder. Zoom H1 Essential features 24/48/96 kHz options for recording. There are 120 dB SPL 90º XY mics if you need to use the recorder without an external mic.
There is a 3.5mm mic/line input for a lav mic or line feed. A 3.5mm headphone jack for monitoring or signal check. Protip: you can also use this line output to feed a wireless system for backup.
Zoom H1 Essential at B&H Photo
More 32-bit float audio recorders
(that are bigger than your pocket.)
The focus here has been small “pocket” recorders that are strike zone gear for one-man band or small crew productions. These units deliver much more than what similar gear has delivered in the past. They could be overlooked by established content creators.
I should probably point out that as great as 32-bit recording is, it won’t save you from, oh, a massively distorted board feed sent by a novice wedding DJ. Garbage in, garbage out still applies!
There are of course much more robust units that deliver great 32-bit float audio recording options as well as a comprehensive set of audio production tools. That is another topic, though, and one that would take considerable space to cover.
I hope you found this list of recorders useful! If you are inclined to purchase any of these, please note a portion of the sale goes to support my gear reviews. I use this stuff everyday in various productions, so I won’t be posting about any janky knock-offs.