My DVR (digital voice recorder) experience has included the Sony ICD-MS515, the Olympus DS-2200 and DS-2.My main use for DVRs is PC archival of lectures and sermons.
The new WS-320M appealed to me because of its 1GB of flash memory, small size, WMA codec, and built-in USB connector.My older DS-2 is disadvantaged with only 64mb of memory and a proprietary USB connector.
This DVR is much smaller than other DVRs.It is almost half the volume and weight of the DS-2200 (similar to the DM-20).The WS-320M is constructed mostly of plastic, but it is well made and assembled with screws.There is a mechanical hold switch.The USB port cover / battery holder slides off smoothly after pressing the release button.No significant force is required to slide off the port cover or to reassemble it.There is a groove you need to line up first to reassemble the port cover.The small AAA battery cover is not attached to the DVR and can get lost.There is a hand strap hole, but no hand strap is included.The buttons, switches, and d-pad are well-made and provide a small amount of tactile feedback.The smaller size of the DVR makes it very portable but it can cause problems operating the switches for those with larger hands.Anyone used to small music players should have no problem operating the WS-320M.However, someone who regularly uses a voice recorder for dictation should probably stick to the larger professional DVRs like the Olympus DS-2200 and Sony ICD-BM1.
I started testing the WS-320M without reading the manual.It was easy to use.Button and menu operation is very logical.The LCD screen is smaller and less bright than the DS-2200 / DS-2, presumably to save battery life.The screens displays a large amount of information including folder name, time elapsed, time remaining, battery, record mode, and more, though not necessarily at the same time.A press of the OK or STOP button will change the information displayed.While recording, the screen displays a horizontal bar sound level meter.
The WS-320M uses only the Windows Media audio format codec.Other Olympus DVRs use the proprietary DSS format.I prefer the WMA format over the DSS format because the audio sounds more life-like.DSS format in SP or LP mode sounds harsh and full of compression artifacts.Recording in STHQ mode on the WS-320M with the built-in microphone produces satisfactory recordings but even better sounding recordings can be made using a high quality external microphone like the Sony ECM-DS70P or the Olympus ME51S. Overall, I liked the recordings on the WS-320M more than the recordings from my DS-2200.The DS-2200 tends to clip high volume sounds.Using a stereo dubbing / attenuator cable, I "ripped" some songs from a CD player to the WS-320M in STHQ mode.The "ripped" music sounded like FM radio quality or better.All of the voice recordings are file date-time stamped appropriately and date-time stamped internally.You can see the internal date with the program DSS Player (not included).
When I plugged the WS-320M into PC, Windows XP recognized it and installed it.There appears to be no driver available for Windows 98.A new drive appeared in the My Computer window.I was able download the recordings to the PC at about 50 MB per minute.I then uploaded some WMA format audiobook tracks to the WS-320M voice folders.The transfer rate uploading is about 26 MB per minute.This is faster than USB 1 and is comparable to many small mp3 music players.I was able to play the audiobook tracks in voice mode.
In general, the voice mode operation of the WS-320M is very similar to the operation of the DS-2200 or DS-2.
As a music player, the WS-320M is comparable to a Creative Muvo Nano / N200.The sound quality is good with a strong low end and a very low level of background hiss (only noticeable with sensitive earbuds).The volume levels range from bedtime quiet to painful.Music is transferred to the WS-320M by copying music files to the music folder or to the root.The WS-320M can handle two levels of folders (artist and albums for example).Navigation on the player is by folder and not by tags.The player uses mp3 tag information only for the screen display.This player can only play bitrates from 5 kbps to 256 kbps.It will not play 320k mp3 files.
This player has most of the functions of dedicated mp3 flash memory players.There are settings for RANDOM, REPEAT, REPEAT ONE, Play One Folder, Play All Folders, ROCK, FLAT, JAZZ, POP, User 5 band EQ, SRS WOW (surround sound / trubass). You can change the order of music tracks and delete music tracks.There is no bookmarking function and no sleep timer.
More information can be gleaned from the WS-320M user manual available for download from the Olympus website.
The WS-320M is a good player / recorder for a student.You can fit a week's worth of lectures on the recorder and still have about 500 mb left over to fill with music.I would not recommend it for a business person needing a true dictation recorder because of its small size and small controls.But for someone who wants to record meetings and seminars and listen to music, it is a good choice.
Pros:
Small size, good price benefit ratio, long battery life for a voice recorder, good construction, built-in USB connector, informative display, good quality voice recordings, WMA codec, dictation capabilities, external microphone input, date-time stamped recordings, plug and play for file/music transfers, and MP3/WMA music player with DRM support.
Cons:
Tiny controls, separate battery door (risk of loss), lesser quality built-in stereo microphone (typical of consumer level recorders), no remote control capability, no included dictation software (DSS Player Lite is available for free download), no included carry case or strap.ADDENDUM (July 13, 2006)
Upon reading the comment that the reviewer's WS-320M had firmware 1.18 and kept date and time correctly at all times, I contacted Olympus customer service and was able to obtain a warranty repair to correct the problem where my WS-320M would not keep time with the battery compartment disconnected.About ten days after shipping the recorder to Olympus, the unit was returned repaired with a note that the circuit board was replaced.My recorder now keeps the correct time.
After seven months of use, the WS-320M has held up well.It has been protected by a sheet of clear vinyl wrapped around it and still looks new.I have been very satisfied with this recorder.The recorder will even play protected audiobooks downloaded from the public library.My Ipod will not play those audiobooks.
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Olympus WS-320M 1 GB Digital Voice Recorder and Music PlayerProduct Description: Slim, attractive, and highly functional, the Olympus WS-320M digital voice recorder packs 1 GB of internal flash memory into its lightweight housing, letting you record up to 277 hours of high-quality audio in WMA format. It's ideal for recording notes or long lectures, interviewing sources for an upcoming story, or capturing spur-of-the-moment song ideas before they disappear into the air. As an added bonus, the WS-320M can store up to 266 WMA or MP3 songs for high-quality stereo playback, letting you listen to your favorite tunes between (or during) classes or while waiting in line at the DMV. All this in a tiny body that measures 1.5 inches wide by 3.73 inches tall--roughly the size of a pack of gum.
The WS-320M features five separate file folders capable of holding 199 files each, so you can organize nearly 1,000 files by subject, theme, or other categories. Users also have the choice of four recording modes: HQ, which minimizes background noise and is great for recording people with low speaking voices; LP and SP modes that offer extended recording times; and the unique Stereo HQ mode, which makes two-channel recordings. And thanks to the voice activation option, users don't need to press a single button to start recording. The WS-320M will instead record as soon as the built-in microphone picks up sound.
Perhaps the most convenient feature, however, is the built-in USB connector. To attach the WS-320M to a PC or Mac, all you need to do is remove one end of the recorder's body, which reveals a male USB plug. This USB Direct design eliminates the need for a USB cable (the male plug connects directly to your computer), making the device even more portable. Once connected, you can download music files, images, or documents, in effect turning the recorder into a small hard drive, or you can transfer voice recordings to your computer for storage or multimedia use.
The unit also offers built-in WOW sound enhancement to produce rich, three-dimensional audio with a nice bass component. Additional audio improvements include a user-selectable equalizer that lets you tailor the sound to your taste or environment, along with Olympus's innovative noise-canceling technology, which makes the audio even clearer by removing unwanted hiss and background noise. You can even adjust the built-in stereo microphone's recording level to meet your needs.
Every bit as important are the playback functions, which include fast (50 percent) and slow (25 percent) playback, random play, and repeat play. And should you need to identify and quickly retrieve important sound bites, all you need to do is insert an index mark and refer to it later. Additional features include a locking function, which keeps important data from being erased; an easy-to-read, backlit, full-dot LCD; and a pair of stereo headphones.
What's in the Box WS-320M digital voice recorder, stereo earphone, one AAA battery, USB cable, user's manual.
Buy cheap Olympus WS-320M 1 GB Digital Voice Recorder and Music Player now
This software is for dictation only.This software does not allow for foot pedal control.For dictation, this software is fairly user friendly and easy to use.Thanks.
I've had an Olympus Pearlcorder S713 for several years now. It has many features hard to find on new recorders. It has red LED to signal recording, a 3-digit tape counter, jacks for external headphone and microphone, auto stops at end of tape. Also has dual recording speeds and voice activated recording. I don't notice any tape noise while using internal microphone. The only caveat is that it's a microcassette. But still, the sound quality is even good for recording a little singing (in my opinion).
I thought I wanted a voice recorder a long time ago, while a student but I never actually bought one. If I remember correctly, I was deterred, back then, by the apparent mechanical complexity of the device, its using non-standard recording media - mini cassettes - the need to feed it batteries and its overall lack of versatility. I believe they used to be expensive too.
Not really much to say. This works perfect on my Ws-331M, Olmympus Digital recorder.
I am very impressed with this little device.It's incredibly small and light, and very easy to use.To anyone accustomed to tape machines of any vintage it (a) makes storing and accessing different recordings a breeze, and (b) seems to drain batteries only minimally ... I have used it a lot in the couple of weeks since I got it, and the gauge still shows a full battery.The built in mic is incredible, and deals equally well with one-on-one conversations, and lectures recorded from the audience.My one regret is that you can't download files to a Mac from it (or from any other Olympus machine, so far as I could discover).Still, excellent for the price.
1. Olympus doesn't provide drivers online. Why not? It's not like they have any value if you haven't purchased the player already.
I have to admit that this is the first Digital Voice Recorder I've ever owned so I am not an experienced reviewer.I did some research prior to purchasing it and pretty much decided this was the one I would start with based on price and features.While I would have preferred one a bit smaller, I'm really happy with this recorder. I have a pretty small hand and it almost fits into my palm.It does everything I need it to do.It has three "folders".I use one for making quick reminders, etc (that will be deleted later) for myself, the second for gift ideas for others, and the third for secret shopping.
Even though there are some GREAT features on this device, one of the main drawbacks is the microphone. It is located on the right and left sides of the recorder but there are holes for the microphone on the FRONT AND BACK. The recorder is far too thin to stand on end unless it's a perfectly level surface that doesn't move at all. Unless you want to sit there holding the recorder in your hand straight up (which is what I've been doing and don't mind), do NOT get this recorder. Laying it down on your desk or notebook puts the microphone holes in direct contact with your notebook or desk surface. Any sound you make on the desk will be picked up. Also, since it is laying down, half of the microphone is essentially covered, you will have a harder time recording the lecture. Another thing very much worth mentioning is the record time. The product description states that it can record up to 68 hours on LP. On this speed, you will not pick up anything unless you are speaking into the recorder with it mere inches from your face. I leave the recorder on its highest quality setting (HQ Stereo) at all times but I only get just under 9 hours of recording time. 
The DS-3400 is one of Olympus' professional dictation digital recorders.At three to four times the cost of their consumer digital recorders, it is a pricey addition to the office.Is it worth it?If you are out of the office more than half of the working day, then it probably is worth it.The recorder allows you to record dictation and send it via e-mail or desktop usb link to your of your secretary's computer.Nothing out of the ordinary.However, the recorder allows you to rewind and review dictation and record over it. You can also insert a recording in a previously saved recording.This makes the cost worth it because none of the consumer recorders permit review and re-record.
My unit functioned very well, but did not do what I expected -- to be able to start my recorder from an adjacent room (outside the sound booth). Since it's infra-red, it's line of sight, so if you want to control your recorder from more than about six or seven feet away from the device, save your money.
I have used Olympus digital recorders for lo these many years now. They are reliable, ergonomic, capacious, and economic, with good sound quality. I have had several, and I record about 20 memos a day. They are hard to kill.
This recorder is fine if you need to record notes but don't care much about the sound quality. It's strictly for utilitarian note-taking. It has 4 quality levels and only the highest (XHQ) even approaches the quality of my old Sony tape recorder. However, you can understand yourself in all modes, though I wouldn't try recording a lecture or conference in anything but the highest quality mode- voices sound like aliens speaking through long plastic tubes in the other modes.
I recently purchased a WS-200S to replace my aging Olympus DS-2000 recorder. I had hoped to use the WS-200S to record dictation for Dragon Naturally Speaking (DNS) transcriptions. DNS (a very, very good voice recognition product) works very well with recordings made on my DS-2000, and I'd expected the same performance.
I use this item to record sermons on Sunday. It is hooked directly to my amp line out to mic in. I use a wireless mic and the clearity is amazing. It comes with cubase so I am able to edit before creating cds. This particular item has 5 channels to change from so it helps when you have a guest speaker or other recordings. You don't have to choose which is the most important to keep. Lastly the battery life is excellent! My particular kit came with the skin and headphones so it was a great deal to me. No complaints!!!
I am going to be conducting interviews for research. I was new to the digital voice recorder buying scene and started out by buying an Olympus VN-3600. That device is OK, but has severe limitations. The most obvious one being that the lower end digital voice recorders do not transfer files to a computer. So if you want to use the space again you have to take your notes and lose the original. The other limitation that the lower-end voice recorders have is poor to unsuable recording in the long-play mode. For the 3600, 6 hours was a joke. Believe me it was completely unsuable. I knew that going in but I didn't realize how crippling not being able to transfer files to the computer would be.
I have 2 of these recorders they work exactly for my needs. I only wish it had a pocket clip so it wouldn't move around.
EXTRA UNADVERTISED INFO regarding the Olympus VN-1000: You can play/feed your digital voice files to your computer by separately purchasing an inexpensive generic 1/4" male to 1/4" male audio cable: Plug one end of the cable into the voice recorder's ear phone port and plug the other end to your PC's microphone port. Similarly, you can play your digital voice files through your stereo system if your equipment has an auxillary port.
Small and dynamic digital recorder for universal usage.Compact and light to be carried in the pocket .
When I went out shopping for a voice recorder I didn't want one that had fancy lights, did backflips, had a taser built in (though that would be cool ;) I just wanted a voice recorder so I wouldn't forget my thoughts during the day. I have a very bad memory and I knew that if I could speak my thoughts rather than writing them I could remember much more of what I wanted to remember.