Olympus DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder

Olympus DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder

Olympus DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder

Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
The advantages of digital voice recorders are numerous: superior sound, long recording times, and the convenience of built-in memory (much handier than hauling around several microcassettes). Enter the high-performance Olympus DS-2, which makes professional interviewing and dictation easy and efficient. With 64 MB of internal memory delivering up to 22 hours of total recording time in Long Play mode, the device is great for archiving long meetings or lectures, or for researching huge projects that require dozens of interviews. Users also have the choice of recording at several other speeds, including extreme high-quality modes that offer far less recording time (as little as one hour and five minutes) but much better audio resolution. The latter modes are more suitable for recording soft voices or when taking down complex song ideas--a process that's further assisted by the built-in stereo microphone designed to pick up all sides of a conversation with equal clarity.

The DS-2 is a breeze to use thanks to its straightforward front panel, from which users can quickly access or move files (the recorder comes with five folders, each capable of holding 199 files), set the alarm, or change the recording mode. Multitasking users will also delight in the voice activation function, which enables hands-free recording--a must when you're busy taking notes. Voice activation also saves battery life by powering off when no sound is detected. And when you just don't have time to attend to the details on the spot, you can set the DS-2 to record automatically over a fixed span. Simply enter the start and end times and the timer function is ready to go.

And though the DS-2 is primarily a recorder, the package comes with DSS Player software for editing and archiving files. The software offers a nice way to delete long silences, eliminate small talk, or combine two small but related passages into one large statement. Users can then transfer the files (they record in high-compression DSS and WMA formats) to a PC or Mac via the included USB docking station and cable. Once transferred, you can save them in perpetuity while freeing up the internal memory to record other interviews or meetings.

Additional features include a backlit LCD screen that shows the date, time, battery life, and more; 3.5 mm headphone and microphone jacks for added flexibility; and several basic and advanced playback options, including slow, fast, skip, and repeat. And best of all, the variety of functions come packed in a chassis that fits conveniently in your hand or pocket--quite unlike the bulky tape recorders of yesteryear. The DS-2, which also comes with a pair of earphones and a carrying case, runs for 18 hours on a single pair of AAA batteries (included) and carries a one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
DS-2 voice recorder, USB docking station, USB cable, stereo earphones, carrying case, DSS Player software CD, two AAA batteries, user's manual.

Product Description:
Stereo sound never sounded this good for this long.

The DS-2 is the high-performance instrument professionals need to get the job done. A built-in stereo microphone ensures crisp stereo sound and 64MB of internal memory supplies 22 hours of recording time (LP). Record via voice activation or from the easy-to-use buttons on the face of the recorder. With slow, fast, skip, and repeat playback options. Featuring DSS Player software for editing, archiving and more and a USB docking station for fast and easy file transfers.

Built-in Stereo Microphone

The built-in stereo microphone records in stereo to pick up both sides of a conversation with equal clarity.

22 Hour Recording

Enjoy up to 22 hours of recording time for capturing lectures, meetings, interviews, notes and more in LP mode.

64MB Memory

With 64MB of internal memory, you can record up to 22 hours in LP mode, up to 4 hours in higher quality settings, and store, organize, and edit your recordings at will.

Large Backlit LCD Display

A large, full-dot, backlit LCD is easy to read so you can be aware of file information, recording time, events and more at all times.

Olympus DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Great recorder but don't lose your software CD!
  • Okay . . but (BIG but) . . . USB is NOT standard . . .
  • Olympus DS20 great price and purchase.
  • Recorder great; software primitive
  • Great product and quick shipping
 Olympus DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder

Manufacturer: Olympus
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Digital Voice RecordersDigital Voice Recorders | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Voice RecordersVoice Recorders | Olympus | Camera & Photo Brands | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
Office ElectronicsOffice Electronics | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Digital Voice RecordersDigital Voice Recorders | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Audio & VideoAudio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
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  2. Olympus AS-2300 PC Transcription Kit
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  4. ScanSoft Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8 Preferred [Old Version]
  5. Olympus TP-7 Telephone Pickup

Product Features:
  • Compact digital voice recorder with 64 MB of internal memory and USB docking station
  • Up to 22 hours of recording time in LP mode; 12 total speed levels (8 fast playback and 4 slow playback)
  • Each of 5 file folders holds 199 files; includes DSS Player editing software
  • USB dock connects to Mac or PC for file transfers; voice activation for hands-free recording
  • 18 hours of operation on 2 AAA batteries (included); 1.48 by 4.8 by 0.69 inches (W x H x D)

ASIN: B0008ESGAY

Product Description

The DS-2 is the high-performance instrument professionals need to get the job done. A built-in stereo microphone ensures crisp stereo sound and 64MB of internal memory supplies 22 hours of recording time (LP). Record via voice activation or from the easy-to-use buttons on the face of the recorder. With slow, fast, skip, and repeat playback options. Featuring DSS Player software for editing, archiving and more and a USB docking station for fast and easy file transfers. 12 different speed levels (8 in fast playback, 4 in slow playback) Skip playback and Repeat playback options Variable Control Voice Actuator (VVCA) setting saves time and battery life by recording only when sound is sensed AAA batteries supply up to 18 hours of continuous operation PC Interface USB cable Folders Messages - 5 folders capable of storing up to 199 files each DSS (LP/SP), WMA (HQ/SSP/SHQ) Recording Format with Built-in 64MB Recording Time - 22 hours 20 min (LP), 10 hours 25 min (SP), 4 hours 20 min (HQ), 2 hours 10 min (SSP), 1 hour 5 min (SHQ) Sampling Frequency - SHQ 44.1kHz 128kbps, SSP 44.1kHz 64kbps, HQ 44.1kHz 32kbps, SP 12kHz 13.7kbps, LP 8kHz 6.3kbps Overall Frequency Response - SHQ 100-17000Hz, SSP 100-8000Hz, HQ 100-7000Hz, SP 200-5000Hz, LP 200-3000Hz System Requirements - Intel Pentium II class 333 MHz processor or more, Power Mac G3 233 MHz or faster, Microsoft Windows ME, 2000 Professional, XP professional, Home Edition, Macintosh OS 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, RAM 128 MB or more (256MB or more is recommended), Sound Board Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 or 100% compatible sound card, USB Port, Earphone output or speakers Dimensions - 4.8 x 1.5 x 0.7 inch Weight - 80 grams

Amazon.com Product Description

The advantages of digital voice recorders are numerous: superior sound, long recording times, and the convenience of built-in memory (much handier than hauling around several microcassettes). Enter the high-performance Olympus DS-2, which makes professional interviewing and dictation easy and efficient. With 64 MB of internal memory delivering up to 22 hours of total recording time in Long Play mode, the device is great for archiving long meetings or lectures, or for researching huge projects that require dozens of interviews. Users also have the choice of recording at several other speeds, including extreme high-quality modes that offer far less recording time (as little as one hour and five minutes) but much better audio resolution. The latter modes are more suitable for recording soft voices or when taking down complex song ideas--a process that's further assisted by the built-in stereo microphone designed to pick up all sides of a conversation with equal clarity.

The DS-2 is a breeze to use thanks to its straightforward front panel, from which users can quickly access or move files (the recorder comes with five folders, each capable of holding 199 files), set the alarm, or change the recording mode. Multitasking users will also delight in the voice activation function, which enables hands-free recording--a must when you're busy taking notes. Voice activation also saves battery life by powering off when no sound is detected. And when you just don't have time to attend to the details on the spot, you can set the DS-2 to record automatically over a fixed span. Simply enter the start and end times and the timer function is ready to go.

And though the DS-2 is primarily a recorder, the package comes with DSS Player software for editing and archiving files. The software offers a nice way to delete long silences, eliminate small talk, or combine two small but related passages into one large statement. Users can then transfer the files (they record in high-compression DSS and WMA formats) to a PC or Mac via the included USB docking station and cable. Once transferred, you can save them in perpetuity while freeing up the internal memory to record other interviews or meetings.

Additional features include a backlit LCD screen that shows the date, time, battery life, and more; 3.5 mm headphone and microphone jacks for added flexibility; and several basic and advanced playback options, including slow, fast, skip, and repeat. And best of all, the variety of functions come packed in a chassis that fits conveniently in your hand or pocket--quite unlike the bulky tape recorders of yesteryear. The DS-2, which also comes with a pair of earphones and a carrying case, runs for 18 hours on a single pair of AAA batteries (included) and carries a one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
DS-2 voice recorder, USB docking station, USB cable, stereo earphones, carrying case, DSS Player software CD, two AAA batteries, user's manual.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Great recorder but don't lose your software CD!.......2007-06-21

We've had this recorder for over a year now. It works great. I only have one complaint. We have recently moved houses and the software CD got lost in the move. I'm sure it's somewhere but you know how that is... I called tech support for Olympus to see about a replacement. I was told I could not download one but that I could purchase a replacement. They charge $50 for a replacement CD - FOR A PRODUCT I'VE ALREADY PURCHASED! This is ridiculous!

So, word to the wise. Don't lose your CD or you'll be sorry!

3 out of 5 stars Okay . . but (BIG but) . . . USB is NOT standard . . . .......2007-06-21

Sound quality is fine for similar recorders . . only ONE BIG COMPLAINT which is that the USB cable is non-standard and proprietary to Olympus. Most other Olympus digital recorders now use the standard interface, but the DS-2 only "looks like" mini-4s and other similar size cables. Still searching for a replacement . . .

5 out of 5 stars Olympus DS20 great price and purchase........2007-06-08

Excellent cost-effective digital recorder which creates its own drive for integration with other software.

4 out of 5 stars Recorder great; software primitive.......2007-05-30

The DS-2 is very handy for my project (oral histories); the recorder itself works smoothly (five stars). The instruction book does need upgrading; for example it does not tell you how to turn the machine off (do it with the hold switch). It gives only marginal information about the various modes of recording and no suggestions about when one might want to use each of the modes.

Although I now have the DS-2 operating OK with my Mac system, I regard software (DSS) and its manual as below par. For example, I found that I could not read my archived .wma files directly with DSS reader (with its nice backspace and speed-up playback features). After fooling around for more than an hour, I found that I had to import those files from the archive back into the DSS reader folder in order to use that reader for transcription. Nothing of this in the manual; indeed I found more useful comments here in Amazon feedback and other discussion boards.

As noted by others, the recorder is NOT suitable for traditional dictation where one expects to backspace, listen, and re-record over the old with new words.

Bottom line, I'm happy with the DS-2 and may buy another for a colleague, but a person with computer anxiety might well find the software quite unfriendly. I think Olympus could do better, both in the software itself and in the instructions provided.

---------------

On a more general note, I am at loss to understand why Olympus has so many different digital voice recorders in its lineup .... Just as in the Olympus digital camera line, their recorder line has many, many models with differences not easy for a catalog reader to appreciate. And their designation of models doesn't give much help either ---if, for example, I wanted to have another recorder with the basic DS-2 quality, look, and feel but with removable media, I'm not sure what to choose.

5 out of 5 stars Great product and quick shipping.......2007-05-25

The recorder was shipped to me quickly, and in perfect condition. It works great, has simple instructions, and is just what I was looking for.
Cable, KP-18 USB for DS-2 & DS-20
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Cable, KP-18 USB for DS-2 & DS-20

    Manufacturer: Olympus
    ProductGroup: CE
    Binding: Electronics

    Audio & Video AccessoriesAudio & Video Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics | Antennas | Audio & Video Furniture | Batteries | Blank Media | Cables & Interconnects | Cleaning & Repair | Connectors & Inputs | Crossover Parts | Distribution | Home Audio Crossovers | Media Storage | Microphone Accessories | Plugs & Adapters | Portable Audio & Video Accessories | Remote Controls | Screws & Nuts | Selector Boxes | Sound Dampening Products | Speaker Accessories | Speaker Parts & Components | Speaker Repair | TV Accessories | VCR Rewinders | Video Converters
    Audio & VideoAudio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
    Similar Items:
    1. Olympus DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder
    2. Olympus AS-2300 PC Transcription Kit
    3. Microphone, ME-15

    Product Features:
    • Buy with confidence!
    • Olympus Replacement USB cable for the DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder

    ASIN: B000B5OE0G

    Product Description

    The KP-18 is a replacement USB cable for digital voice recorder.
    DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder, 64MB, Up to 22 Hours Recording Time (OLY141757)
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder, 64MB, Up to 22 Hours Recording Time (OLY141757)

      Manufacturer: Olympus Corporation
      ProductGroup: Kitchen
      Binding: Kitchen

      Digital Voice RecordersDigital Voice Recorders | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
      Product Features:
      • Sold As: Each

      ASIN: B000KIBR8Q

      Product Description

      Item #: OLY141757. DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder
      Recording Time—Up to 22 hours
      Available Memory—64MB
      Slide Switch Operation
      MP3/WMA Player Integrated
      USB Mass Storage Device
      Voice Activated Record
      File Search (forward /reverse)
      Editing
      Email Function
      No. of Folders/Files—5/99
      Erase Guard
      Backlit Display
      Playback Speed Control—Fast/Slow* (30% faster; 20% slower than real time)
      Clock/Calendar
      File Transfer Software
      Transcription Software
      Jacks Included—Earphone, Microphone
      Batteries Required—2 AAA, Included
      Battery Life (Play/Record)—15/10 Hours
      Weight—2.8 oz. (with batteries)
      Mic Sensitivity Control
      Size—1-7/8w x 4-7/8d x 3/4h
      Accessories Included—Docking station, stereo earphones, carrying case, DDS Player software
      Includes memory capacity indicator, real-time counter, battery status indicator, USB cables and manufacturer's one-year warranty.
      Customers also search for: Dictation;Dictation Equipment & Supplies;Digital;DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder;OLYMPUS;Recorder;Transcriber;Voice Recorder
      Olympus DS-2 - Digital voice recorder - flash 64 MB - WMA
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Olympus DS-2 - Digital voice recorder - flash 64 MB - WMA

        ProductGroup: CE
        Binding: Electronics

        CD Players & RecordersCD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics | CD Players | CD Recorders | DJ CD Players | Portable CD Players
        ASIN: B0007LFUHU

        Product Description

        The DS-2 is the high-performance instrument professionals need to get the job done. A built-in stereo microphone ensures crisp stereo sound and 64MB of internal memory supplies 22 hours of recording time (LP). Record via voice activation or from the easy-to-use buttons on the face of the recorder. With slow, fast, skip, and repeat playback options.
        OLYMPUS DS-2 64MB Internal Memory Digital Voice Recorder
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		OLYMPUS DS-2 64MB Internal Memory Digital Voice Recorder

          Manufacturer: Olympus
          ProductGroup: CE

          Digital Voice RecordersDigital Voice Recorders | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
          Office ElectronicsOffice Electronics | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
          Digital Voice RecordersDigital Voice Recorders | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
          Audio & VideoAudio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
          Product Features:
          • Box Content - DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder, USB Docking Station, USB Cable, Carrying Case, Stereo earphones, DSS Player Software CD, Instruction Manual & 2x AAA batteries
          • Enjoy up to 22 hours of recording time for capturing lectures, meetings, interviews, notes and more in LP mode
          • With 64MB of internal memory, you can record up to 22 hours in LP mode, up to 4 hours in higher quality settings, and store, organize and edit your recordings at will
          • Compact and ergonomically designed with rounded corners and easy to use buttons
          • Files are saved in high compression DSS and WMA file formats

          ASIN: B000BP90DM

          Product Description

          The DS-2 is the high-performance instrument professionals need to get the job done. A built-in stereo microphone ensures crisp stereo sound and 64MB of internal memory supplies 22 hours of recording time (LP). Record via voice activation or from the easy-to-use buttons on the face of the recorder. With slow, fast, skip, and repeat playback options. Featuring DSS Player software for editing, archiving and more and a USB docking station for fast and easy file transfers. 12 different speed levels (8 in fast playback, 4 in slow playback) Skip playback and Repeat playback options Variable Control Voice Actuator (VVCA) setting saves time and battery life by recording only when sound is sensed AAA batteries supply up to 18 hours of continuous operation PC Interface USB cable Folders Messages - 5 folders capable of storing up to 199 files each DSS (LP/SP), WMA (HQ/SSP/SHQ) Recording Format with Built-in 64MB Recording Time - 22 hours 20 min (LP), 10 hours 25 min (SP), 4 hours 20 min (HQ), 2 hours 10 min (SSP), 1 hour 5 min (SHQ) Sampling Frequency - SHQ 44.1kHz 128kbps, SSP 44.1kHz 64kbps, HQ 44.1kHz 32kbps, SP 12kHz 13.7kbps, LP 8kHz 6.3kbps Overall Frequency Response - SHQ 100-17000Hz, SSP 100-8000Hz, HQ 100-7000Hz, SP 200-5000Hz, LP 200-3000Hz System Requirements - Intel Pentium II class 333 MHz processor or more, Power Mac G3 233 MHz or faster, Microsoft Windows ME, 2000 Professional, XP professional, Home Edition, Macintosh OS 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, RAM 128 MB or more (256MB or more is recommended), Sound Board Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 or 100% compatible sound card, USB Port, Earphone output or speakers Dimensions - 4.8 x 1.5 x 0.7 inch Weight - 80 grams

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