Olympus DM-420 Digital Voice Recorder (2GB)
The Olympus DM-420 Digital Voice Recorder (2GB) comes supplied with a number of features that make it a solid value. First in that list of features would be the built-in 2GB flash memory. The DM-420 also comes equipped with an expansion slot for microSD/SDHC cards. The recorder can capture up to 533 hours of audio (with 2GB memory) and boasts 51 hours of battery life, along with USB charging.
Aside from long battery life and recording time, the DM-420 features a high quality built-in zoom stereo microphone and a 3.5mm jack for adding an optional external microphone. When you're ready to edit your audio the recorder comes with Olympus Sonority editing software. This easy-to-use software helps with sound editing, file and Podcast management, and is compatible with both PC and Mac. And speaking of Podcasts, you can download them automatically using the included USB. Last, but certainly not least, like most digital voice recorders on the market today, the DM-420 features voice activation.
- 2GB built-in memory and microSD/microSDHC expansion slot
- Up to 533 hours of recording time (w/2GB memory)
- Records and plays back in MP3 and WMA and plays back in WAV
- PC downloads, including podcasts, can be done via the included USB
- Super high quality stereo recording with the built-in zoom microphone
- Built-in VCVA (Variable Control Voice Actuator) is a handy hands-free function
- Voice guidance ensures seamless, user-friendly operation of all functions in the menu
- Up to 51 hours of battery life with recharging possible via USB ports on your computer
- Files are PC down-loadable for editing, storage and all post-recording management
- Easy-to-use Olympus Sonority editing software for sound editing, file management and Podcast management, compatible with PCs and MACs
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Microphone Type | Built-in zoom microphone (stereo) |
| Mode | Stereo |
| Clip Splitting | 2GB internal flash memory microSD/SDHC explansion slot (512MB-16GB) |
| Format | MP3, WMA |
| Time To First Fix |
MP3 44.1kHz 320kbps 13 hours, 45 minutes 44.1kHz 128kbps 34 hours, 45 minutes
WMA |
| Voice Activation | Yes - VCVA (Variable Control Voice Actuator) |
| Convenience | |
|---|---|
| Speaker | 23mm round dynamic speaker |
| LCD | Yes |
| Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Input | 3.5mm microphone jack |
| Output | 3.5mm earphone jack |
| Other | USB 2.0 |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | 2 x 'AAA' Ni-HM rechargeable batteries |
| Battery Life (approx.) | 51 hours |
| External Power Supply | AC power supply |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response | Not specified by manufacturer |
| System Requirements (Minimum) |
Windows XP, Vista Mac OS X 10.4.11-10.5 |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 1.53 x 4.33 x 0.63" (38.9 x 110 x 16mm) |
| Weight | 2.96 oz (84g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 11 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Compact (9)
- Good audio (7)
- Long battery life (7)
- Reliable (5)
- Easy to use (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Conversation piece (4)
- Lectures (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Tech savvy (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Fine All-Purpose Voice Recorder
I bought it primarily to record music rehearsals, so I can check on my own performance accuracy. It does what it should do. Easy to use, easy to file the voice data and ...Read complete review
I bought it primarily to record music rehearsals, so I can check on my own performance accuracy. It does what it should do. Easy to use, easy to file the voice data and retrieve it. Sound quality is accurate. Battery life excellent. Well designed, both sturdy and featherweight. I've had no problems with it.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Voice quality is great!
I use solely with a Lav mic and get amazing audio quality. Kind of wish it has a way to monitor the audio or record in a .wav file by all in all it ...Read complete review
I use solely with a Lav mic and get amazing audio quality. Kind of wish it has a way to monitor the audio or record in a .wav file by all in all it is the best for the money.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 11 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-11
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Good Compatibility
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- Limited audio file types
Best Uses
- Business Use
- DSLR Video
Comments about Olympus DM-420 Digital Voice Recorder (2GB):
I use solely with a Lav mic and get amazing audio quality. Kind of wish it has a way to monitor the audio or record in a .wav file by all in all it is the best for the money.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus DM-420 Digital Voice Recorder (2GB):
I needed a digital recorder to record telephone conversations (using a commercially available splitter in the handset line of the telephone). After carefully comparing available products and pricing, I bought the DM-420 from B&H via internet. [...] The instructions are easy to follow (a big plus, because I am recovering from a brain injury -- I returned another similar device, to a different dealer, because its operating instructions were gibberish). (1) The device works perfectly for its intended purpose. It does not pick up interference from computers or other nearby devices. It is a snap to transfer the mp3 files to the computer (Win XP Pro) via USB cable. Playback via computer speakers was crystal clear. (2) I also used the DM-420 yesterday to record a concert performance ... playback over the built-in speaker was clear in the high and mid-ranges but lacking bass; however, playback via the computer speakers is excellent, including the the bass voices. (3) I also recorded voice conversations yesterday using the built-in microphone; playback through the built-in speaker is clear and even very faint background conversations are intelligible. Very happy with this product!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Mobile Communication
Comments about Olympus DM-420 Digital Voice Recorder (2GB):
I was looking for something to record VHF transmissions from an airband receiver and this baby does the job perfectly. Only slight complaint was the supplied batteries were flat. Recording time is impressive and quality is first rate.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Conversations
- Lectures
Comments about Olympus DM-420 Digital Voice Recorder (2GB):
My daughter has started her career as journalist and this device has been very useful to record day-to-day interviews and it is very easy to use. The sound has a very good quality
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy to use
- High Quality Sound
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Lectures
Comments about Olympus DM-420 Digital Voice Recorder (2GB):
easy to learn how to use it the first time with built in voice prompts. which can be turned off after you learn how to use.
I also like the 5 different folders, as if you took 5 different classes you could just keep adding next day recording to that folder.
I also ordered the remote, so I can turn on and operate from distance, very cool.
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus DM-420 Digital Voice Recorder (2GB):
I use this recorder for school notes (so I can listen while driving or commuting), to record school lectures and to listen to library audio books which I download from Overdrive. I was able to record and playback without looking at the manual, and go to the online manual for anything else. Not as difficult to use as I had thought from reading other people's review. I don't consider myself a computer geek, but I can find my way around a basic electronic menu without too much hardship.
Pros
- High Quality Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Conversations
Comments about Olympus DM-420 Digital Voice Recorder (2GB):
Until now it seems good. I hope it is more reliable than the previous one I had, by Phillips.
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
- Lightweight
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable
Cons
- Complicated
Best Uses
- Lectures
Comments about Olympus DM-420 Digital Voice Recorder (2GB):
i use only the basic recording, all the rest is a little bit complicated to manage and i actually do not need it.
as far as now, the recording quality is fine and that is what really matters to me
it is small and light (good reasons to buy it)
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
Cons
- Recharge batteries by USB
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus DM-420 Digital Voice Recorder (2GB):
I bought DM-420 Digital Voice Recorder (2GB) by Olympus to recordings of lessons! The quality of the sound recording is amazing! Very good, really! Sellers of B&H are quite able to display product adequate to my needs. This was my first purchase in B&H and I'm very satisfied! Cons: recharge batteries only by USB port.
Pros
- Compact Design
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable
Cons
- Picks Up Background Noise
Best Uses
- Conversations
- interviews
Comments about Olympus DM-420 Digital Voice Recorder (2GB):
This digital voice recorder is simple and incredibly user friendly. The sound quality is good despite the fact it does not have a dual exerior microphone. With ample space for mutiple recordings, this Olympus can be used to record interviews or for dictation. The main drawback is not being able to rewind a file, requiring you to return to the starting point.
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Concerts
- Conversations
- Lectures
Comments about Olympus DM-420 Digital Voice Recorder (2GB):
I bought it primarily to record music rehearsals, so I can check on my own performance accuracy. It does what it should do. Easy to use, easy to file the voice data and retrieve it. Sound quality is accurate. Battery life excellent. Well designed, both sturdy and featherweight. I've had no problems with it.
Displaying reviews 1-11
Batteries & Power
- Price: $2.49
Memory Cards
- Price: $6.99
Microphones
- Price: $13.30
Phone Recording
- Price: $14.99
Cables & Adapters
- Price: $3.99
What's in the Box
- Earphones
- USB Cable
- Carrying Case
- Strap
- 2 x AAA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries
- Olympus Sonority (Sound Editing Software)
- Warranty Card
- Instruction Manual
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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