I have typically used digital voice recorders (typically Sony or Olympus) like this one: https://www.amazon.com/SONY-PX333-Digit ... order+sony. I often pair this with a lapel mic like this one https://www.amazon.com/Microphone-JK-Un ... =lapel+mic. The head of the mic is actually quite small and can fit under a typical hotel door . I like to use decent quality hardware because it does have an impact on the results. Typically I've spent $50-$70 for the recorder and $25 for the mic. However, one downside is that in the last 2 years I have had two of my setups swiped while recording. That can be an expensive proposition.
I'm curious about the quality difference between these and the USB devices. Anybody have any insight? Also I assume none of these devices have the ability to plug in an external mic?
Sorry I font have any knowledge of mica and other recording devices. All as I can say is that I use USBs as they can be left, I doing very much you could leave that recorder and mic without it being easily spotted. Although I bet your recordings are far superior to anything I have ever managed. I left a USB outside a door the other week with a dead cert capture but all I got was white noise!! How pissed off wadi when I listened back. Sorry for not being helpful with your question.
. I like to use decent quality hardware because it does have an impact on the results. Typically I've spent $50-$70 for the recorder and $25 for the mic. However, one downside is that in the last 2 years I have had two of my setups swiped while recording. That can be an expensive proposition. 