145 of 148 people found the following review helpful:
Big Quality in a Small Package
I got my DS-30 last week and I love it! This is the first digital stereo voice recorder I have owned. I am very impressed with the quality of manufacturing and the quality of the recordings. I uploaded some photos above to show the size of the unit and the contents of the package.
The DS-30 can record with or without the attachable stereo microphone. This...
78 of 81 people found the following review helpful:
Quality of the actual equipment is stellar but using it makes you want to pull your hair out.
I'm am oral historian using the recorder to record oral histories from elderly interviewees. I actually bought this recorder to upgrade from my old "Sony ICDP320 - 64MB Digital Voice Recorder w/ PC connectivity" I purchased from AMAZON a few years ago for around $60.00. I needed to upgrade my sound quality, I figured at an original price of 200.00- and all the great...
This review is from: Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder (Electronics)
I got my DS-30 last week and I love it! This is the first digital stereo voice recorder I have owned. I am very impressed with the quality of manufacturing and the quality of the recordings. I uploaded some photos above to show the size of the unit and the contents of the package.
The DS-30 can record with or without the attachable stereo microphone. This mic is so small though that even attached it still fits in my pocket.
The "Hold" feature is nice. Press the Hold button will lock the DS-30 buttons until taken off hold. This is handy if you are moving around a lot or want to save the current recording or playback settings without fear of accidentally touching any of the buttons.
It has a lot great features for recording both dictation (voice in quiet, close quarters) and conferences (voice in large, noisy rooms). These features include a Variable Control Voice Actuator which will automatically turn on/off the recorder based upon the volume level it senses, a microphone sensitivity setting and a Low Cut Filter. (Playback mode also has features like noise cancellation and voice filter.)
The DS-30 can playback AVI and MP3 files. It can also play Audible format files as well as Podcasts. The device has a full-featured menu including adjustments for backlight, contrast and LED, powersave, 3 alarms and a voice guide. The alarms are very kewl. You can set them to play various alarms sounds or even use one or your own recordings!
The D3-30 comes with ear buds and it can play MP3 and AVI files. I transferred some music to it and the quality of the MP3 player is really nice! I am not an audiophile but the DS-30 plays MP3s every bit as well as they sound on my laptop.
Transferring files from my D3-30 to my computer was plug-n-play easy. I just attached the USB cable to my PC. Windows XP immediately recognized my DS-30 as a new device and displayed it as a new drive letter in my Windows Explorer list of drives. I could drag-n-drop files to and from, including MP3s. It could not be any easier. I did not install the DS-30 software. At this point I won't even need it and I prefer not to install a bunch of unnecessary software on my computer.
The DS-30 package comes with:
DS-30 Digital Stereo recorder
User Manual (well written)
2 AAA batteries
Ear buds
USB cable
Olympus DSS software
* Optional accessories include a remote control, telephone pickup and AC adapter.
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This review is from: Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder (Electronics)
After doing quite a bit of research I purchased this to "podcast" some events (seminars). Our first event was today and this device allowed me to get the podcast up right after the event, though with some effort, which is why it gets 4 and not 5. See below.
The device is very small, very lightweight, well thought out ergonomically, has an excellent built in (and removable) stereo MIC, and connects via regular USB. The software interface on it is very good (for recording), the screen is easy to read. The batteries will last quite a while, or you can use AC (optional), or Lithium Ion batteries (optional).
You do not need any add on MICs to record most events - the MIC can be set to pick up nearly everything; to cut low end noise, etc. In short, this is a very high quality, easy to use (but powerful if you need it) dedicated audio recorder.
The issues are that it only records in WMA format (Windows proprietary) and the software is not very good for editing. For example, if you record in stereo, it will not download the WAV file when you download the file, nor can you convert it to mono. To do the podcast, I had to import the WMA file into iTunes, then open the Mp3 iTunes created in Audacity (audacity.sourceforge.net). From there, I was able to edit the file, and compress the bit stream.
This device can also be used to listen to podcasts, and the software has some kind of organization for that; but for the life of me, I cannot imagine anyone doing this, if they had an ipod. It is just clumsy and not intuitive for podcast listening. If you want to listen to podcasts, do what the rest of the planet does - get an ipod, use iTunes.
I would recommend this device as a high quality dedicated recorder, that is not too expensive, but not for mp3 or podcast listening.
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This review is from: Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder (Electronics)
I'm am oral historian using the recorder to record oral histories from elderly interviewees. I actually bought this recorder to upgrade from my old "Sony ICDP320 - 64MB Digital Voice Recorder w/ PC connectivity" I purchased from AMAZON a few years ago for around $60.00. I needed to upgrade my sound quality, I figured at an original price of 200.00- and all the great reviews, the Olympus was the way to go.
First of all, the sound quality is amazing. I use it with an external microphone, "Sony ECMMS907 Digital Recording Microphone" also purchased on AMAZON for around 75.00. It's great as it cuts down on the external noise that the recorder tends to produce. Less paper shuffling background noise, or when you have to pick up the recorder-- it doesn't distort the sound. This recorder plus the sony microphone produce wonderful quality audio. I'm not a professional, but I am very happy with the results.
When I got home tonight to upload my audio on my computer and do a little editing, I was shocked to find the recorder WILL NOT CONVERT THE FILES FROM WMA. I did not realize I could not edit/move or generally touch the WMA files with any program. There is a button on the task bar that offers to convert the files to .WAV, but it never lights up. After much hair pulling I purchased the $[...] editing program upgrade offered. No luck and still no conversion. [...] bucks wasted.
Interestingly, my old 70.00 recorder will download the audio into ANY format you want, MP3, Wav, WMA- whatever. I am shocked to learn this 200.00 recorder limits me to one format. Now I have to search the internet to find a free conversion program that will not sacrifice the quality I just paid so dearly to get. I certainly don't want to shell out another 50.00 for a conversion program just to be able to access MY files!
Also, the downloading program is not intuitive and it is difficult to use. Editing is a joke.
I don't understand why the software side of this recorder is SO horrible when the recorder is SO good! I don't know whether to keep it and deal with the frustration or return it and deal with bad quality.
Update November 23, 2008: I have been using this recorder for quite awhile now. Yes, I decided to keep it. I'm using it with Vista, which helps b/c I don't use the software that came with it to download it onto my machine. I connect it and just put it where I want on my computer. Also, Vista has no problem burning these WMA files onto a CD for me, also better.
I do now use a converting program and a separate editing program to play with my audio. I understand having to purchase a separate editing program, but am still disappointed I have to bloat my desktop with another program to convert the files.
Positively, the recorder has been very easy to use. It's very point-and-click. Although, it comes with a recorded advert for audible.com (I JUST found this, prompting my update) Make sure and delete it for more memory. If I had this to do over again, I would do more searching to find something that would convert my files more easily. While not as bad as it was w/o Vista, it continues to be an annoyance.
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This review is from: Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder (Electronics)
FYI, I don't know why people are saying this recorder is not Mac compatible, I've had no problems. I'm not using it for podcasting or anything, but I can attach the cable to my machine, it pops up in finder, and I can copy the .wma files to wherever. Quicktime has no trouble playing them, but more than that, you can still install the DSS software that comes with the recorder. Yes, there is a DSS-Installer.app file in the ENGLISH subdirectory of the installation CD that will install the application to your Mac. Then you get all the editing and cue-ing etc. functionality that the windows users are enjoying. FYI, I'm using OS X (10.5.1) Leopard.
As a recorder, it's great so far. Haven't had any problems, could do with a longer battery life, but I'll live.
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This review is from: Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder (Electronics)
This is by far the best voice recorder I have purchased and I have purchased many! The quality of recording is incredible. I used it recently at a conference and despite much background noise, the recording was very good. But don't touch the recorder while is taping otherwise you will record substantial amount of noise. To get the best use, you should also order the following:
1. A 3-6 foot audio extension cord for the stereo microphone (get a thin flexible version). This will eliminate the noise if you end up having to touch the unit while recording.
2. The protective case if you want to keep the unit free of scratches and protect it against accidental drops.
3. An ac adaptor if you spend long hours transcribing or listening.
I wished they had bundled them with the unit but that's only a minor inconvenience.
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This review is from: Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder (Electronics)
Let me say at the outset that I have been very pleased with the Olympus DS30. This is the third recorder of this style that I have owned. The first was a micro-cassette unit and latter an Olympus Digital VN-1000. Although both are still in working condition the DS30 is far superior in quality of sound and of course the speed of transfer of recorded sound to my PC for storage and additional applications.
While my previous recorders had to be audio cabled to my PC and then transferred or recorded in real time, the DS30 transfers by a USB cable and the software which is provided. The process is simple and I had no issues the first time I went through the process. I accomplish editing of the files by using the software that came with the DS30 to simply export the file to a folder on the PC. I then use my Cakewalk recording / editing software to edit (clip off rough beginnings or pull out portions I need for saving or editing.)
The whole process is pretty simple if you are used to using audio editing software. I use the DS30 for 3 basic applications. I receive a lot of voice mail, typically about 200 messages a week, and these messages are long and detailed, about 3-5 minutes in length. When I review the messages I need the detail and need to be able to stop and start and often transcribe. The voice-mail package is not designed for easy stop and go or editing. So while retrieving the voice-mail messages I leave the recorder by the speaker phone and transcribe as fast as I can. Then I can play back, stop and start with ease using the DS30 later. Messages that need to be retained can be moved to the PC and archived.
Second big application is for interviewing. I am a writer and it is so much better to have the audio recording of the interview to work with. Although I take a lot of paper notes, knowing that the recorder is going allows me to get more detail. The recorder gets all the words and the background sounds that I may actually miss while interviewing. I get down on paper all the facial expressions, ambience of the location and details to refer back to, and of course great quotes - after all writer's write.
Finally, I keep it with me at all times. Even my trusty Franklin Planner hasn't yet learned to open itself and take notes while I drive. In dictate mode (did I mention the DS30 can adjust the recording sensitivity from lecture to conference to dictation?) I can make audio notes of ideas while I'm driving or recording locations and address information when it is not safe or convenient to stop the car and make notes.
If you haven't had a similar style recorder the experience will seem forced at first. If you adapt to it you will soon find that you can't imagine not having it with you. I can't address the battery life yet as I have been using the DS30 actively for about three weeks and still the batteries are fine. My first concern with the unit was that it seemed fragile for the way I use it. I looked for a cover of some type for it with no success. Yet to my surprise after three weeks of active use there is not so much as a scratch on the unit. I am very pleased with the DS30's performance, price, quality and dependability.
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This review is from: Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder (Electronics)
I bought this a few weeks ago and used it at a conference. The sensitivity was so good that I actually had to use a built-in filter to decrease the background noises (glasses tinkling, etc).
Most importantly, it works with Mac OS X (10.4 and 10.5). I have a MacBook Pro--Simply use the included USB cord, connect, and it appears like an external drive. Open the folder, drag over the .wma files to the desktop, and double click. It opened in Quicktime for me, I save as a "self-contained movie" and viola--it is importable into iTunes and into my iPod.
No complaints. Holds over 8 hrs at HQ stereo setting, so I just transferred files each night of the meeting. My bet is that I could've used a lower quality setting and done just fine. I did cover the LCD screen with a plastic film protector, as I do w/ my cell phone and iPod. Seems sturdy.
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This review is from: Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder (Electronics)
I stumbled on the Olympus DS 30 when looking for a replacement for the DS 2 which was kind of a disappointment and ultimately I chucked it.
No one had reviewed this model yet (it must be very new) so I was leery to purchase it. But I did and I'm very happy. I can't speak to the raw technical details of digital recorders, but for the laymen's purposes, this is a superior recorder for dictation and much more.
For example, I recorded a flamenco concert last night with the DS 30 and even though the acoustics in the theater were poor, I have a very good recording which I easily downloaded into my itunes. It wasn't nothin' but a button to do, either. Very simple to use and to download. I may experiment with the podcasting features next.
The design is much better than the DS 2. The controls are intuitive and I easily navigate from menu to menu whereas I said a little prayer before doing any maneuvers on the DS 2. The screen is bigger and much brighter than the DS 2.
I was also leery about the stereo mike attachment. I thought it would compromise the compactness of the recorder. I was very happy to be wrong. Even with the attachment, the DS 30 was shorter and thinner than the DS 2. It's easily removable too. There's also a built-in mike so you don't have to use the stereo mike attachment if you'd rather not. But since it's so compact, there's no reason to remove it.
Purchase this recorder with confidence. It's run a few laps around my expectations already.
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This review is from: Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder (Electronics)
I had been seraching for a compact quality recording device for recording rehearsals and live performances, that I could easily download onto a computer and burn onto cd for listening. Everything else I looked at cost between $200.00 to $400.00. So I thought I would take a chance on a good voice data recorder. I already have an Olympus I use for taking notes in my car. This would've been satisfactory but has no means by which to transfer files and burn. The first time I used this DS-30 I was blown away by the quality. Far better than I ever expected or needed. And for the money it can't be beat. The ease of use, options and storage capacity make it a top notch portable recording device. Highly recommend.
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This review is from: Olympus DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder (Electronics)
Lots of fancy features that work fine.
But I dictate long professional letters. Of course I occasionally misspeak and need to back up (a few seconds or a couple minutes) to record over my mistake -- otherwise I waste my typist's time, and I have to pay her to type stuff then erase it.
This backup and re-record feature has been standard on $50 tape dictaphones for decades.
The DS-30 can not back up and record over mistakes. You said it, you're stuck with it. I confirmed this with Olympus tech support. They suggested I buy a $450 "professional" model instead.
This is not a machine for dictating professional letters.
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