Podcast

Philips DVT1170 VoiceTracer Portable Audio Recorder

Name: Philips DVT1170 VoiceTracer Portable Audio Recorder
Brand: PHILIPS
Rating: 2.6 (8 reviews)

2.6 8 reviews 1 min read Updated 11 October 2026

2.6/ 5

Customer rating

Average of 8 reviews

Brand PHILIPS

5 stars 3
4 stars 0
3 stars 0
2 stars 1
1 star 4

Product review

What you get: the VoiceTracer DVT1170 recorder, a USB data/charging cable, a quick-start guide and a small belt clip. The unit ships ready to record with 8 GB of onboard flash and a microSD card slot for expanding storage.

Build and size: the recorder has a lightweight plastic housing designed for pocket carry. It’s a compact, pocket-sized device (roughly 110 x 40 x 18 mm) that fits comfortably in hand and includes a built-in 360° microphone array to pick up sound from all directions.

How it works: the device saves high-resolution WAV files, offers voice-activated recording for hands-free use, and stamps each file with date/time for easier indexing. Use internal memory for long takes or insert a microSD card to increase capacity. Battery life is extended for long meetings and interviews; charge via the included USB cable for uninterrupted sessions.

Pros

360° omnidirectional microphone
8 GB internal plus microSD expansion
Long battery runtime

Cons

Playback can be inconsistent
Lightweight, plasticky construction
Audio clarity varies in multi-speaker settings

VerdictThe DVT1170 is a compact recorder aimed at meetings and interviews: its omnidirectional mic and long runtime are useful, and the WAV format plus time-stamps make file handling straightforward. However, users report uneven playback and a plasticky chassis that may not stand up to heavy daily use.

Reviews

Anton Robert Frey 5/5

Highly recommended

Very handy and well-made.
robert g. 2/5

Not top quality.

Hard to use.
Lou 5/5

Does its job

Good product.
SG 1/5

Regret the purchase

After decades relying on recorders daily, this has been the weakest performer. I wish I had returned it while I could.
kandk 1/5

Older Sony outperformed it

I recorded a meeting with several people nearby. My older Sony picked up voices more clearly; this unit produced faint, muddy audio even when placed close and set loud. I expected clearer captures.
sparrow 1/5

Weak onboard playback

On-device playback is underpowered; transferring files to a PC improves audibility but the overall sound reproduction remains disappointing.
Michela Clemente 5/5

Practical and reliable

I made work recordings and the results satisfied me: consistent quality, robust feel and easy controls.
Padan1972 1/5

Failed after about 20 uses

Initially it did its job, but the casing feels cheap compared with older Philips models. After roughly twenty uses the unit stopped powering on from battery (it briefly runs on mains but is then unresponsive) and it never reliably recorded to card. Warranty handling was difficult and I couldn’t rely on it for regular work.