Sony
Sony M560 Microcassette Recorder Handheld Voice Activated
★★★★★
Capture dictation, meetings, and personal notes with Sony's portable M-560V microcassette recorder and voice-activated recording.
$149.98*$277.67Save 45%
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Overview
Specifications
Brand
Sony
Model
M-560V
Recording System
4 Track, 1 Channel Monaural
Tape Speed
2.4 cm/sec and 1.2 cm/sec
Frequency Range
300–3,500 Hz (at 2.4 cm/sec)
Microphone
Built-In Electret Condenser
VOR
Yes, with Mic Sensitivity Adjustment
Tape Counter
3-Digit
End of Tape Alarm
Audible
Speaker
Mono, 28mm Diameter
Output Power
250 mW
Battery Type
AAA x 3
Battery Life
Up to 9 Hours (Alkaline) / 2 Hours (Rechargeable)
Inputs/Outputs
DC-In (3V), Headphone Output (Stereo Mini), Microphone Input
Dimensions
2⅜ × 4⅞ × 15/16 in (60 × 122 × 23.4 mm)
Weight
6.5 oz (185 g)
Included Accessories
3 New Microcassettes
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Voice-activated recording with adjustable sensitivity reduces wasted tape during pauses.
- Two-speed recording lets you choose between better audio quality or longer recording time per cassette.
- Compact dimensions and lightweight 6.5 oz design make it genuinely pocket-portable.
- Comes bundled with three microcassettes, ready to use immediately.
- External microphone input allows improved audio capture when needed.
👎 Cons
- Microcassette tapes are increasingly difficult to find as the format has been largely discontinued.
- Frequency range of 300–3,500 Hz captures voice adequately but lacks clarity for music or nuanced audio.
- Rechargeable battery life is limited to only about 2 hours per charge.
- No digital output or USB connectivity, so transferring recordings to a computer requires additional equipment.
- Built-in speaker is small and mono, producing limited playback volume and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Sony M-560V support voice-activated recording?
Yes, it features Voice Operated Recording (VOR) with adjustable microphone sensitivity, so it automatically starts recording when sound is detected and pauses during silence to conserve tape.
What type of batteries does this recorder use and how long do they last?
It runs on three AAA batteries. Alkaline batteries provide up to 9 hours of recording time, while rechargeable batteries deliver up to 2 hours.
Does the recorder come with blank tapes?
Yes, this bundle includes three new microcassettes so you can begin recording right out of the box.
Can I connect an external microphone?
Yes, the M-560V has a microphone input jack that accepts an external microphone for improved audio capture in specific recording situations.
Does this recorder have a headphone jack?
Yes, it includes a stereo mini headphone output for private playback without using the built-in speaker.
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