249 of 251 people found the following review helpful:
Great Digital Voice Recorder for the Price
Let me start by saying that I was originally overwhelmed by the number of digital voice recorders and the different features. As I began to study the market I soon realized that selecting the right recorder would not be easy. I eventually developed a list of the top features that I wanted in a recorder.
The most important feature was that the recorder must...
106 of 109 people found the following review helpful:
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
This is the most amazing device! It has so many great features and the stereo sound is very helpful. I agree with the praise from most all the reviewers. There are two major flaws I want future buyers to know about before buying:
1. Low microphone sensitivity and low playback volume.
2. Loss of recording if the battery runs out.
This review is from: Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player (Electronics)
Let me start by saying that I was originally overwhelmed by the number of digital voice recorders and the different features. As I began to study the market I soon realized that selecting the right recorder would not be easy. I eventually developed a list of the top features that I wanted in a recorder.
The most important feature was that the recorder must be compatible with Dragon Naturally Speaking. Fortunately, many of the Olympus recorders are not only compatible but excel in that area. The WS-331 has not yet been certified by Nuance (the maker of Dragon), but the lower models have been. Recognizing that the 331 is both a new model and a much improved version I knew that success of the lower models would be a good indicator. As an example, the WS-320 as well as the 300 offer excellent service for voice recognition.
Building on compatibility I also knew that I would need a recorder that was easy to use. While other recorders provide feature rich controls the attraction to the Olympus was part simplicity and convenience. The main function buttons are located on the right side of the recorder. This is the traditional location for the record, stop, and play buttons. For some something as simple as location of main buttons would seem trivial; however, for me it was a question of function over form.
The Olympus also provides a clear, though small, LED screen. Of course, given the overall size of this recorder a larger screen would be both out of proportion and make the recorder harder to use. I have found so far that I actually do not look at the screen that often, so screen size is less material than I originally thought. Even with a relatively small screen the information given to the user is clear and concise.
The size of this recorder is simply amazing. Even with a battery the recorder weighs just a few ounces. While the recorder can be easily carried in a shirt pocket I have found that it is especially convenient when carried in one of the smallest cell phone belt pouches. The Olympus is about half the size of a Blackberry or small PDA. It is thinner than most small cell phones, and will fit easily on a belt or in a purse.
One of the top attractions to this recorder is the size of the memory. At 2GB there is plenty of room to store just about anything I can dictate. As an author of several books and dozens of articles I find that using the recorder is a valuable tool which has increased my productivity. I am no longer anchored to a computer keyboard when I write; now I can write anywhere I can take my recorder.
In fact, this review was recorded using the Olympus and then transcribed by Dragon. I actually found the error rate to be lower using the recorded file than when I use Dragon live. This has less to do with the voice recognition software than it does with the quality of the recording. I find that by recording I actually write better, and that my speech is clearer which means that my error rate drops.
Another significant feature of this recorder is the direct USB connection. The recorder comes with a short USB cable which can be easily used when access to the USB port is restricted. Fortunately my computer has several USB ports on the front, so I can connect the Olympus directly to the computer.
About the only negative to this is that the recorder now sticks out on front of the computer, and if the computer were positioned in a high traffic area it might create a hazard from being run into (hazard for the recorder, that is).
The recorder appears to be made mostly of plastic. Some might find this to be a negative but for me it helps explain the lack of weight. The light weight of the recorder is certainly an advantage, and I don't believe the plastic is a true issue. The overall quality of workmanship is very high.
Files are easily transferred from the Olympus to the computer just as they would be from a flash drive. The first time I plugged the Olympus into the USB port the computer immediately recognized the recorder. This is a real advantage, especially when transferring files to a new computer. As an example, I can easily use the recorder on both my home computer and laptop without installing special software. Likewise, I can take the recorder to my office where it is compatible with any computer using as USB port. Other recorders have a proprietary system that requires the use of special software, and that is simply too inconvenient given today's market and needs.
Files on the Olympus are stored in the WMA format. The recorder also plays music files in both the WMA and MP3 format. Having such large storage capacity also means that I can download music files to the recorder and still have plenty of room to make new recordings.
There are many other features which make this a great recorder, that space simply won't allow me to detail each of them. If you are looking for a great recorder to use with voice recognition software then I highly recommend this recorder. This is also a great tool for recording lectures, or conversations, and many other matters.
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This review is from: Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player (Electronics)
This is the most amazing device! It has so many great features and the stereo sound is very helpful. I agree with the praise from most all the reviewers. There are two major flaws I want future buyers to know about before buying:
1. Low microphone sensitivity and low playback volume.
2. Loss of recording if the battery runs out.
I had previously used an RCA voice recorder with low sound quality but it did not have these two major flaws. I would have returned the Olympus unit but it's plusses are so great that I decided to keep it.
I called Olympus Tech Support and they were not helpful at all. They told me to send an email and I got no response.
If you listen to the device where the background is perfectly quiet, it's fantastic. The problem comes when you need to listen in a low to moderate noise envionment such as in a car or while walking, for example. I CONSTANTLY find myself trying to turn up the volume. It just is inadequate. I never had that problem with the RCA unit. The microphone setting also is not very sensitive. It needs another setting higher than "conf".
The other annoying thing is that when it is ready to run out of battery power, you get no warning. You just lose your recording permanently. This forces you to change the battery earlier than you might otherwise even though it has a significant amount of juice left.
I am hoping Olympus comes out with a fix for the volume problem, at least. If any of you experience this, please complain to them about it. I'm sure a software fix would correct this.
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This review is from: Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player (Electronics)
This is the 3rd Olympus portable digital recorder I own, the others being the DS 2000 (mono) and the DS 2200 (stereo).
The good things about this WAS-331M:
- capability of stereo recording without the need of external mic (capable), unlike the DS 2200 which can record in stereo only with optional stereo mic.
- direct recording in wma format, instead of propriety format like the DS 2000.
- recording in high fidelity (44 - 48 kHz).
- large built-in memory (2 GB) instead of using external flash card.
- capability of using as a flash drive with built in USB.
- capability of using as a mp3 player (in stereo) with USB direct transfer.
- USB device is recognized instantaneously; no software needed.
- capability of secret conversation recording, putting in pocket/bag, although it will pick up any noise.
Now, the bad thing about it:
- the battery life is not predictable. This is the most inconvenient default of this, otherwise near perfect, jewel. Who knew how many recordings I missed due to the sudden stop of recording due to low battery. The indicator showed 2 stripes, but the recording suddenly stopped at 44 minutes, although Olympus boasted a 11-hour battery life.
Should we change battery when half discharge?
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This review is from: Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player (Electronics)
I've owned a number of Olympus voice recorders going back to the days of tape. All have been noteworthy performers. The WS-331M represents the state-of-the-art in non-dedicated digital voice recorders. That is, it is neither a dedicated dictation unit intended to be used with foot switches and other transcription accessories, nor a professional audio recorder.
Instead, this unit is intended for casual audio recording use. (It also has music player features which I have no need for and don't use.)
The unit has a staggering 71 hour recording capacity in HQ (High Quality) mode. I tried it in a large auditorium to record a lecture with three participants and the results were far more than merely satisfactory. Each voice was clear and distinguishable.
I used it for personal recording down to a slight whisper and the quality at every sound level is more than acceptable.
When I deliberately introduced loud background noise (a television talking heads show and a music-playing radio), dictation was still usable.
I haven't tried it with Dragon Naturally Speaking yet, but from prior experience with other Olympus and Sony recorders, I have no doubt that it will work well.
The unit is beautifully designed. About four inches long by perhaps two wide and not even a half-inch thick. Record, Stop and Play controls are conveniently located on the right side and easily manipulated with the thumb. A four-way controller on the front handles volume and forward and reverse direction. A center button takes care of the menu. There are separate buttons for Erase and Folder/Index. On the left side is the Hold button and a mode selector for Music or Voice.
All in all, one of the simplest control panels I've ever seen on a digital recorder and, frankly, a welcome change.
The LCD screen in legible and the backlight just capable enough.
Battery life is adequate. I make it a rule to regularly change batteries in units like this so I am not rendered unexpectedly powerless. Cheap insurance.
There's a lanyard attachment in the back.
Overall, the handling of this unit is absolutely sweet. Not slippery so as to cause concern for it flying out of your hand. Not too many controls that you forget how to use. Everything is simple and straightforward. A truly nice piece of design.
The coolest part is that transferring recordings to your computer requires nothing more than detaching the bottom of the WS-331M, using a quick-release button and plugging it into a USB port on your Windows PC. That's it. No software, no cables, no nothing. It's a WMA file that will play in Windows Media Player or any number of other PC players.
Overall, a sweet little unit.
Jerry
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This review is from: Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player (Electronics)
I reluctantly replaced a Sony voice recorder that I have been using for two years because I felt a little guilty about getting an upgrade so soon. But I was disappointed with quality and lack of MP3 capabilities. My guilt is gone! I am a pastor and the recordings are the BEST I've ever heard. I can record my sermons and listen to sermons I download off the internet. THere are 28 sermons, my fav CDs, and plenty of room for more. If you speak professionally, this is the tool for you!!
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This review is from: Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player (Electronics)
From a long time Olympus customer - I thought my last WS-320M Digital Recorder was great - and now this - some really great enhancements to what was already a great tool for school, work and play.
Nice little device - improvements include:
- larger screen and larger, easier to read fonts
- improved battery case - bottom entry - my WS320 lost the cover in two weeks use
- twice the storage - 2Gig ! > 555 hours of recording
- cleaner nav. Buttons - always seemed to fat-finger the 320
- all buttons now have a solid tactile feedback with a subtle click action
- play/stop/record buttons are not as recessed - making them easier to press
- added playback filter - eliminates most compression artifacts - impressive clean signal on LP
- adds cut-off record filter to drop room noises - esp. A/C motor noises
- six slow and fast play speed options - 320 only had two choices
- USB 2.0 is faster - 320 had USB 2.0 too, but for some reason slower than other USB 2.0 devices
- stiffer slide switches - for hold and voice/music modes
- new Super high quality mode - XQ 50hz to 19Khz with 44Kbps sampling
- added base boost in addition to WOW and EQ modes - music is best ever - way better than wife's iPod
The removed features...
- no sampling on fast forward - but clean FF/RW and easy to stop anywhere in recording
- contacts on battery module - replaced with internal switch
The things that remain the same ...
- same amazing CONF conference room mic sensitivity - I can pick up every word in a restaurant conversation
- same clear DICT dictation recording - I can dictate in the car - return to my PC's Dragon Naturally Speaking and convert voice-to-text
- number of folders A,B,C, D,E - can not name them as on past models - but not really important
- size - though it looks larger due to larger display - it is not any larger in any dimension
- same battery life - quite reasonable
- same VOICE vs. MUSIC mode - not sure why we need two modes
- does not remember where you were in a song when you switch over to voice record and come back to MP3
- does not remember where you are in listening to a voice recording when your switch to music and come back
- no memory card slot - SD or otherwise - I guess a 340? will be in the cards some day...
- still no `split' and `merge' option for recorded files in the unit
- can now re-order songs in MUSIC mode within a folder
- same ear buds - not very good - plan to buy a better set
- same WOW dynamic processing - sounds great
- same backspace on playback of voice recording
- same speaker on front panel - do that with an iPod Nano
- same great direct USB - no cables, yeah! And no additional software, yeah!
BTW: This thing has enough memory and long enough battery life to simply record your entire waking day - if you really wanted to. The audio recording is the best I have experienced on all these DVRs - I tried the Sony - was not happy. I guess Olympus has been doing voice recording technology for so long, they must really know their stuff.
The Olympus marketing team seems to have missed the mark in the literature about this little marvel of technology. I use this for work every day to record business meetings and technology design sessions ... but I also use it every day to listen to a variety of technical, business and news podcasts. The Olympus marketing materials fails to mention that this is an excellent podcast listening device for the busy business person or student. In fact, I only have two dozen songs loaded for those times when I'm really needing a break at work - the rest of my 1.5 gig is used for podcasts.
A tip for podcast listeners - for social reasons and safety reasons, I took a cheap set of ear buds and cut, with scissors, one of the buds off at the split - I listen to the podcasts in one ear - allows me to hear what's going on around me. Most people just think I'm on a phone call and don't bother me - as opposed to the rude stares I get sometimes when wearing both ear buds. I have had people come up to me and ask, "what phones that - it's so small." LOL
I also call this my learning machine - since I also use it to create self-tests on subjects I'm studying ... record a question, wait one second, record the answer and repeat. When I play back the recording - I press the pause after I hear the question - try to answer it in my head and then play the answer to check myself. I passed the written exam for my private pilots license this way.
I added a non-powered Olympus lapel clip microphone (ME-15) that seems to work quite well in the 331M, same mic. The mic does not seem to work well on laptop microphone jack. I also purchased the microphone ear bud for recording phone calls (Olympus TP-7 Telephone Recording Device) - this works excellent - especially when driving and talking to someone - you can take notes hands free.
Dictation loaded to Dragon Soft works quite well - including in the car, which really surprised me. In fact, most of this review was dictated into the DVR and converted to text by my moderately trained Dragon Naturally Speaking v.9.
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This review is from: Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player (Electronics)
I was looking for a recorder that could play mp3s and had a feature that allowed me to loop a segment of a track (some say this feature is good for learning a new language as it loops the segment over and over, I use it for music).This player has a ton of nice features and the recording comes out very clear. The only drawback is the volume of the recorder, it's not loud at all. You can max the volume and the speaker still seems lower than other less expensive recorders. Even with the supplied headphones (which is of good quality), not very loud. That's the only thing, it's beautiful in every other aspect. With 2GB plenty of room for your stereo recordings, mp3s and other misc. data. It gets 4 stars only because of the volume output.
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This review is from: Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player (Electronics)
I spent about 10 hours researching before I finally selected this product (purchased on 7/10/07 from newegg for $140 + $5 shipping). It was the best choice for what I wanted: good digital voice recorder, good mp3 player, and good flash drive.
After spending a few hours with it, I am very impressed. It's tiny, very well designed, and an overall great product. The major con is when you touch the recorder while it is recording, you will very likely get scuffing sounds from your hands.
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This review is from: Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player (Electronics)
This little thing is very powerful, especially if you get the external mic. Forget about using it as a music player though. The sound quality for that is poor. But that isn't the flaw I would hold against this device. It is called a WMA music player but that is also the format that it records in. If there is a way to change formats I have not found it. The files that it creates this way are huge and converting them into MP3 files via iTunes takes forever. Plus, I got this to podcast some speeches and iTunes won't allow you to transfer the file later. So I had to download some third party conversion software for that purpose. With that one extra step in there, this thing works great. The USB aspect to it is very nice. In a pinch you can use it as a USB stick.
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This review is from: Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player (Electronics)
I Love my Olympus 331. It does everything I need for recording my Nursing Lectures. The clarity and sound are great. My main usage for this machine is solely for lectures. Just being able to record in stereo high quality and playback from my laptop is a great feature. There are NO added background sounds (such as hissing sounds). The only thing I wish this recorder had was a pause button for resuming recordings. (esp. after a 15min break) but the way the machine is set up is it has continual playback so you won't miss a beat w/out having a pause button. I encourage you to purchase the case that comes w/it so that you won't break this precious tiny machine. The battery life if good on recording but will be easily drained if you playback from the machine. I highly encourage playback from a computer to save battery life. I have recorded for 2 weeks (4 lectures at almost 22 hours per week) and I am finally changing my battery. Other than that, Buy this one if you need it for lecture purposes w/a USB storage capability.
ps..I found the pause button. It is shared with the record button. GREAT MACHINE!! I have also transferred some music files and the stereo sound is awesome. Who would have thunk such a machine has such power. Thanks Olympus.
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