noun

recorder

rih-KOR-dur/rɪˈkɔːrdər/

A person or device that preserves information as a record.

The digital recorder captures speech through its two microphones.

Compact digital audio recorder with twin microphones and waveform on small screen beside a speaking person's hand gesture; device capturing sound, not musical flute; no brands or written labels.

Etymology

The verb meaning “remember” developed into preserving information, and a recorder was an official who registered writings or transactions. The name later extended to apparatus that performs the preserving task.

In context

Mentour Now!5:25

we actually use a different device than the black boxes to download the data, something called a QAR, or a quick access recorder. As the name suggests, the QAR is really quick to access

WHY don't we upload BLACK BOXES to the cloud?

More examples

The county recorder keeps copies of deeds and other public documents.
I use a screen recorder to save online training sessions.
Investigators check the flight recorder for data about the landing.

Forms

recorder · recorders

record verb — To preserve information for later use.

recording noun — Sound or images captured for later playback.

Similar words

registrar: An official who maintains records, especially enrollments or registrations.
logger: Usually records data automatically rather than capturing speech or video.