We have lots of information already available on-line which may be exactly what you need. We invite you to start by reading the About us web page where many of your questions may already have been addressed. The Site map is also a valuable tool for finding specific information.

If you cannot find the answer to your question on any of the pages referred to above, please or contact us at: support (at) olympusdigitalrecorders.org.

DS-Series – The DS-40, DS-50, and DS-61 are generally used to record memos, meetings, interviews, and light dictation/transcription, these units record in WMA format and can playback WMA/MP3. The DS-2400 recorder is geared toward professional dictation and transcription, we would not recommend the DS-2400 unless you will be using the recorder for professional transcription and dictation. The DS-2400 records in DSS and DS2 (digital speech standard) audio format which is exclusive to Olympus & Philips. The audio files recorded the DS-2400 units can only be played back and edited with DSS software that comes with the recorder.

WS-Series – These are designed with the everyday consumer in mind. They are incredibly compact (close to the size of a 1st generation Ipod nano) and can double as a music player with equalizer. They record audio files in WMA (Windows Media Audio) format and can playback MP3/WMA formats. They have several microphone sensitivity settings and quality recording modes. If you are looking for a recorder for everyday recording (meetings, lectures, interviews, memos) and doubles as a music player we would highly recommend the WS-Series. We place these in the same class as the Philips Voice Tracer Series below.

VN-Series – These recorders will record your voice and other sounds without all the other bells and whistles. Some of these models have PC connectivity and some don’t. They record in WMA format so these files can be easily played back using windows media player.

Philips has a professional line and consumer line of voice recorders. The Voice Tracer line is designed with the consumer in mind and can handle most recording tasks. The Pocket-Memo series is designed with the professional in mind and is geared toward professional dictation and transcription.

Voice Tracer – Incredibly well designed and reasonably priced. These units record in MP3 format which is one of the most popular forms of audio. There are five models in this series with prices ranging from $58.95 to $148.95. All of these units have PC connectivity and are designed with the everyday consumer in mind and are perfect for recording meetings, memos, lectures or interviews. We would place them in a similar class as the Olympus WS-Series. To view a comparison chart of the Voice Tracer models CLICK HERE!

Pocket-Memo – They record in the DSS format and are designed for Professional Dictation and Transcription. We would not recommend the Pocket-Memo unless you need them for professional medical or legal transcription. The DSS file format is the industry standard for philips and olympus professional dictation. The DSS files can only be played back and edited with the DSS software that comes with the units.

Denpa is a lesser known brand of digital voice recorder but should not be overlooked. You get a lot of bang for the buck with these recorders without having to pay extra for the brand name. These also can double as a portable music player just like the Olympus WS-Series. These record in MP3 format just like the Philips Voice Tracers do. In addition to recording in MP3 format these recorders pack a few more features than the voice tracers and other models we have listed. These extra features include:

* Five equalizer (NORMAL,ROCK,JAZZ,CLASS, PIANO)
* Direct USB connection (no cord required)
* Phone call recording
* FM Radio Playback and Recording
* AC Adaptor
* Clip on Microphone

Sony models include the ICD-BM, MX, and SX voice recorders. The BM and MX models feature expandable memory card slots so that you can expand the recording times! Also, these recorders are all compatible with Dragon naturally speaking, in fact many of the models include a copy of the dragon software. When a recording is clearly dictated into the recorder all you have to do is hook it up to your computer and press play, and it will type out your recordings (when you have dragon naturally speaking installed). These recorders can be used for general use and professional use. One of the main drawbacks of these recorders is the audio format they record in, they record in .MSV which is a recording format exclusive to Sony voice recorders. In order to get your recording out of the .MSV format and play them on another device you will need to convert them to .WAV format and then to MP3 or WMA.

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Concerns or questions about this privacy policy can be directed to support@olympusdigitalrecorders.org for further clarification.

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Currently there are several brands of digital voice recorders to choose from with two standing out as the most popular at this time: Sony and Olympus. While personally looking for one to fit my own needs, I found Olympus digital recorders to pack the most under the hood for the best price. Sony came in a far second and the others were considerably lagging (mostly due to models that do basically the same thing as the Olympus digital recorders although at a much higher price than the Olympus ones).

Designed for busy professionals, the DM-20 Olympus digital recorders are an extremely popular model and received very high marks in the past for it’s memory capacity (128MB Built-in flash) that provides roughly 45 hours of voice recording time. In addition, DM-20 Olympus digital recorders are capable of holding 120 minutes of high quality mp3 music. 

DM-20 Olympus digital recorders can hook up to both mac or pc, so there isn’t much of a compatibility issue in downloading music or voice recordings. Physically, DM-20 Olympus digital recorders are really quite sharp looking and at 3 oz. they are relatively light. This is good news for people who travel a lot as they can easily be placed in a pocket or purse. 

DM-20 Olympus digital recorders also have some nice features that make them even more attractive, such as an alarm clock type feature, different play-back modes, the ability to save files in either WMA or DSS format, and an external microphone jack. 

I found the main draw back of DM-20 Olympus digital recorders is the lack of an on/ off switch – something that really should have been included. You need to hold down the hold button for several seconds before it will shut down. Other than that, DM-20 Olympus digital recorders are certainly worth your attention. They currently sell for anywhere between $180 – $270 dollars, so shop around for the best prices.

DS-5000 Olympus digital recorders were recently launched in the market, giving consumers a product that is both practical and easy to use.

If you are a writer or a researcher for your company, DS-5000 Olympus digital recorders are worth checking out for fast and excellent work. This model is also getting trendy among college students as well, helping them in reviewing their difficult lectures when examination time is near.

DS-5000 Olympus digital recorders use a 512 MB MicroSD-Picture Card is. The large amount of storage lets you save a considerable amount of recordings and files in the recorder.

The line of DS-5000 Olympus digital recorders also give you the option of using a footswitch. While not included in the package  it is a seperate option that can be most handy, so it is advisable that you buy a footswitch in case you need it in the future.

DS-5000 Olympus digital recorders come with a USB cable, an A513 AC adaptor, user’s manual, warranty card, and so on. Basically everything you need to get started.

We highly recommend shopping around online and off for the best deals on Olympus digital recorders as there are sales happening quite regularly. Take some time and visit as many sites as you can and you are sure to find one of the Olympus digital recorders that fit both your needs and your budget.