Sony

Sony ICD-UX523/S Stereo IC Digital Voice Recorder

Pocket-sized stereo voice recorder with 4GB internal memory for clear capture of lectures, meetings, and notes.

View price on Amazon
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Studio Supplies earns from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

The Sony ICD-UX523 is a slim, portable stereo IC recorder designed for people who need a reliable way to capture spoken audio throughout the day. Whether you're recording a university lecture, a business meeting, or quick personal reminders, the device's built-in stereo microphones deliver clearer, more spatially accurate audio than basic mono recorders. With 4GB of onboard memory, it provides a reasonable amount of recording time right out of the box without the need to purchase or manage memory cards.

Finished in silver, the ICD-UX523 is designed for one-handed operation with intuitive controls that let you start, stop, and navigate recordings quickly. The built-in USB connector simplifies file transfer — just slide it out and plug directly into a computer without hunting for a cable. As an older model in Sony's IC recorder lineup, it focuses on core recording functionality rather than advanced features like Wi-Fi or app connectivity. It is a practical, affordable choice for anyone who values simplicity and portability in a voice recording device.

Specifications

Brand
Sony
Model
ICD-UX523/S
Internal Memory
4GB
Recording Format
Stereo IC
Color
Silver

Frequently Asked Questions

Recording time depends on the quality setting. At lower bitrates the ICD-UX523 can store many hours of audio, while higher-quality stereo settings reduce total capacity. Sony's IC recorders typically offer selectable quality modes to balance fidelity and recording time.
Sony's UX-series recorders in this generation feature a retractable USB connector that slides out from the body, allowing direct connection to a computer without a separate cable.
The ICD-UX523 records in stereo IC format. Playback and transfer to a computer allow you to access and manage your recordings easily.
Yes, the ICD-UX523 has built-in stereo microphones for recording and a built-in speaker for on-device playback, making it fully self-contained.
The recorder is primarily designed for ambient voice capture via its built-in microphones. Check Sony's specifications for whether it supports an external microphone or line-in jack for other recording scenarios.