Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder
The slim DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder from Olympus, gives you the versatility you need to get the most out of digital voice recording, playback and management. Including the ability to record and playback WMA media format, you can use the DS-30 for voice as well as music or other digital audio files.
An included USB cable makes uploading and downloading your high quality digital stereo recordings a snap. 256MB of built-in memory, a large back-lit LCD, compact design, voice activation, multiple recording formats, and more make the DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder a great choice for professionals, students, and anyone else who needs to remember personal notes, conversations, meetings, interviews or for any other voice recording needs.
- 256MB Built-In Memory
- Store up to 67 hours of voice recording on the built-in 256MB of flash memory.
- Voice Recorder/Music Player All-In-One
- Supporting WMA, you can record and playback both your digital recordings and music on this versatile digital voice recorder.
- Removable Highly Sensitive Stereo Mic
-
The detachable high-sensitivity stereo mic captures high quality audio, with a full rich sound. There is also a built in monaural mic so you can record without the external add-on.
Your voice recorder also features a filter that removes ambient noise, such as air conditioners, so you only record what you intend.
- Stereo Recording/Playback
- Capable of recording and playing back on its built-in speaker in stereo in ST XQ or ST HQ formats, this player is built for high-quality digital recording and playback.
- Folder Storage
- You can save up to 200 items in each of the 5 folders. Music, Podcast, and Audible folders are also available.
- Podcast Player
- This is a fully functional Podcast player! Simply register your favorite Podcast programs, and the new programs will be automatically downloaded when you connect to your. computer
- USB
- Not only can you use the included USB cable to upload your recordings to your computer, this vice recorder also functions as a USB mic or USB speaker system for your computer.
- Multiple Recording Modes
- Recording in ST XQ, ST HQ, HQ, LP and SP gives you the flexibility you need to store the maximum amount of digital files of the quality you specify.
- VCVA (Variable Control Voice Actuator)
- Don't waste space while recording. With VCVA on, this voice recorder detects and automatically starts recording when it hears your voice.
- Timer and Alarm
- You can set you voice recorder to record, or playback an audio file, at a preset time.
- Large, Back-lit LCD
- Finding the digital voice and music files you need and organizing is easy with the large LCD.
- DSS Player Software
- The included software not only lets you easily manage and archive your digital recording files.
- Repeat Function
- The voice recorder features a "repeat" button that allows you to loop a recorded audio clip automatically. This is a great option for helping to transcribe audio that you may have to listen to a few times to understand.
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Microphone Type | Built-in monaural mic |
| Mode | Stereo or mono |
| Clip Splitting | 256MB internal flash memory |
| Format | WMA |
| Time To First Fix |
ST QX mode: 4 hours, 10 minutes LP mode: 66 hours, 40 minutes |
| Voice Activation | Yes |
| Convenience | |
|---|---|
| Speaker | Built-In 23mm Round Dynamic Speaker |
| LCD | 1.02 x 0.98" (26 x 25mm) |
| Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Input | 3.5mm microphone mini-jack |
| Output | 3.5mm earphone mini-jack |
| Other | USB |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | 2 x AAA |
| Battery Life (approx.) | Alkaline: approximately 32 hours |
| External Power Supply | AC Adapter |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response | ST XQ mode: 50Hz-19KHz LP mode:100Hz-3KHz |
| System Requirements (Minimum) |
PC: Windows: 2000 Professional/XP Intel Pentium II 333MHz 64MB RAM or more (256 Recommended) 2 x or faster CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM Drive USB Port |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 1.5 x 4.4 x 0.6" (3.8 x 11.1 x 1.6cm) |
| Weight | 2.8 oz (80g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 11 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Compact (10)
- Good audio (9)
- Reliable (8)
- Long battery life (7)
Cons
Best Uses
- Conversation piece (8)
- Lectures (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Tech savvy (7)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 11 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-11
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Conversations
- Lectures
- Weddings
Comments about Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder:
I use this recorder for capturing city meetings in a room that measures 30ft x 60ft and it picks comments made by people in the back of the room with no problem when in "Lecture" setting.
I also place it on the groom and officiant at weddings with a omni-directional lappel mic and get great audio in "Dictation" setting. It picks up the Bride also.
Nice thing is that you don't have to worry about dead spots and interference like you do with wireless sets.
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable
Cons
- I have none
Best Uses
- Recitals
Comments about Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder:
We use this to record my daughter's singing lessons for study review and the sound is great. I have even used this to record singers and then sync the audio to video. Worked perfect.
Pros
- Flexible
- High Quality Sound
- Reliable
Cons
- Wma format
Best Uses
- As a simple solution
Comments about Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder:
I have had this device for a year and a half. I connect to an auxiliary send from our sound board to record talks. It is super sensitive, and works great. It is a very versatile device and has held up nicely to weekly use.
My only complaint is that it records in .wma (windows) format. I am not a fan of just about anything microsoft, so .wma doesn't work for me. I use software to rip it into an mp3, so it is not a big deal.
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable
- Very good value
Cons
Best Uses
- Conversations
- Lectures
Comments about Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder:
I'm using this to record interviews and ambient sound to accompany multimedia photojournalism, and it's just fine for that purpose. I had previously borrowed and used this same recorder but with a hand-held microphone attached. Probably a better set-up for voice interview, but doubled the price overall, and actually, the built-in mic works just fine. Almost too sensitive at times - be careful of cars/people/other ambient noises interfering with your intended subject.
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable
Cons
- Picks Up Background Noise
Best Uses
- Conversations
- Lectures
Comments about Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder:
Great for doing audio interviews (for research). Easy to use. Many different settings. I frequently use it on conference setting if I'm interviewing a person in a restaurant, etc. Picks up some background noise, but voice is discernable and can still be understood. If really close and in a quiet atmosphere I may use the Dialogue setting. A bit hard to capture audio in lecture setting from last row of a theater if the person on stage is talking softly, but if there's a mic, it's fine. Will pick up hand movement noise on the recorder though, so best to set it down. Overall it's great. I download it (no software needed) to my Macintosh with no problem. Can drag into Quicktime and save as a quicktime. A friend also uses it with his PC, and just downloads the files as well.
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable
Cons
- Picks Up Background Noise
Best Uses
- Conferences
- Conversations
Comments about Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder:
I used this product within a week after I received it to record a phone conversation and to record a two-day conference. It was easy to learn to use, the sound quality was good and it was easy to upload the files to my computer and transcribe them. The battery life seems very good, and the player software works very well for transcribing. I will use this recorder a lot in my business.
Pros
- Compact Design
Cons
Best Uses
- Conversations
- Lectures
Comments about Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder:
We used this product at a breakout at our leadership forum with over 200 senior executives. It worked wonderfully - picked up all of the questions and little nuances to the breakout conversation and panel. Very easy to operate - just two pushes of a button and done!
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Conversations
- Lectures
Comments about Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder:
Easy to use right out of the box.
Folder organizes files usefully.
Voice activated directions were helpful at first, but then turned off once I got familiar.
Wish it used file type other than WMA so I did not have to convert it with my Mac.
Would love to have the USB plug right from the unit instead of having another cord to manage.
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Conversations
- Lectures
Comments about Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder:
Use it for spontanous ideas while I drive in the car, for site surveys and keeping ideas handy. Sound quality is excellent, top design, robust and easy to use.
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
Cons
- not mac compatible
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder:
I use it specifically for recording phone interviews at the moment. I bought a little adaptor that plugs into my landline for about $15 and the combo works perfectly. The quality of sound is great.
I haven't had it that long so I can't say much about how it lives up to its promises in terms of storage capacity etc.
The only down side is that it isn't technically compatible with MACs and I didn't realize this. I have been able to to download some freeware that allows me to listen to my files on a mac but it has made transcribing a bit trickier.
For a PC owner however, i would have no reservations recommending it.
Pros
- Compact Design
Cons
Best Uses
- Conversations
Comments about Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder:
The only drawback is the amount of time it takes to turn it on if you need to record something ASAP
- Recommended:
- RS-29 remote
Displaying reviews 1-11
Cases & Straps
- Price: $6.95
- Price: $26.40
Batteries & Power
- Price: $2.49
Microphones
- Price: $43.99
- Price: $64.95
Phone Recording
- Price: $14.99
Earphones
- Price: $6.99
Cables & Adapters
- Price: $15.24
Software
- Price: $12.95
Transcription
- Price: $20.00
What's in the Box
- Stereo Microphone
- USB Cable
- Stereo Earphones
- DSS Player Ver.7 Software
- 2 x AAA Battery
- Product Manual
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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