Olympus DS-40 Digital Voice Recorder Get Olympus DS-40 Price / Buy Online

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The Olympus DS-40 Digital Voice Recorder bridges the gap between work and play. In addition to capturing audio of meetings, interviews and other critical information expected of digital recorders, the DS-40 is optimized for downloading, listening to and creating podcasts. The recorder's high sound quality is also great for listening to audio books and music, making it the all-in-one audio device. 512 megabytes of built-in memory enables amazingly long recording times up to 136 hours.

The Olympus DS-40 is also distinguished by a number of premium features, including the highest sound quality in the Olympus line-up with the remarkable new STXQ Stereo Sound Quality mode. The DS-40 voice recorder can record and play audio content up to 44.1kHz, which is equal to the sound quality of most CDs. A convenient removable stereo microphone is included for recording high-quality digital audio. The Olympus DS-40's Voice Guidance function talks to users, confirming which settings have been selected and helping visually challenged users to navigate the device. PC Link enables the recorder to connect to a PC via the included USB cable for quick downloading of audio files.

Olympus DS-40 Key Features

Included Accessories

• Stereo microphone
• USB cable
• Stereo earphones
• Two AAA batteries
• DSS Player Ver.7 Software
• Instruction Manual

Removable High-Sensitivity Stereo Microphone

The DS-40 recorder comes with a microphone that can detach from its body and attach to a remote controller (an optional accessory). Position the mike for maximum sound potential; record remotely with the remote control. Podcasters can clip the DS-40's microphone onto a shirt or tie and record in high fidelity at the flip of a switch. Recording in this unobtrusive manner with the recorder tucked away in a pocket helps to keep an interviewee at ease, which in turn can lead to more entertaining and informative podcasts.

Podcast and Audible.com Support

In addition to capturing audio of meetings, interviews and other critical information expected of digital recorders, the DS-40 is optimized for downloading, listening to and creating podcasts. Software included with the DS-40 makes downloading podcasts easy, and the podcasts' contents are updated automatically each time the audio recorder is connected to or 'synchronized' with a computer. Podcasts and other audio content can be downloaded from many Websites. The DS-40 voice recorder is also specifically designed to work with Audible.com, a leading online provider of audio books and other spoken entertainment and information.

New STXQ Recording Mode

The Olympus DS-40 features the highest sound quality in the Olympus line-up with the remarkable new STXQ Stereo Sound Quality mode. The DS-40 voice recorder can record and play audio content up to 44.1kHz, which is equal to the sound quality of most CDs.

Record Up to 136 Hours on 512MB of Built-in Flash Memory

512MB of flash memory allows uninterrupted recording for up to 136 hours 15 minutes in LP mode.

Voice Guidance and Instruction Manual

The Olympus DS-40 Digital Voice Recorder offers a voice confirmation function that can be turned on or off as desired. When turned on, the function enables the device to speak, helping users to navigate the folders and various set-up options. The pleasant automated voice guides users through the onscreen menus for setting date, time and other menu selecting modes. It also confirms by stating the folder name as the user moves from one folder to another. This enables visually challenged users to easily move through the DS-40's menus, folders and set-up options. An instruction manual will also be available to users as an audio file. Much like any audio book, this option enables users to listen to the instruction manual for quick and easy use.

USB Audio Class Compatible

The DS-40 is USB Audio Class Compatible, so it can be used as a USB microphone or USB speaker when connected to a PC without the need for installing a specialty driver. The powerful built-in speaker provides hi-fidelity acoustic playback.

Intelligent and Stylish Design

The DS-40 recorder is a sleek road warrior that can go anywhere to capture audio. Designed for optimal ergonomics with a high attention to detail, the DS-40 features a speaker for audio playback on the back, buttons for recording and playback on the side, and easy-to-use arrow pads and buttons to navigate menus on the front. Olympus even created a power on/off sliding switch so users wouldn't accidentally turn it on. The large, easy-to-read high-contrast LCD screen displays file information, recording time and settings. Coated in a sleek metallic exterior for durability, the DS-40 features a silver casing with a white backlight LCD screen.

Stereo and Two Channel Recorder

Perfect for one-on-one interviews, conferences or courtroom environments.

5 Recording Modes

Use ST XQ or ST HQ for superb stereo sound quality reproduction. There are three types of monaural recording modes including HQ, SP, and LP.

Timer Recording

A Timer Recording mode is available for instances when a recording needs to begin at a specific time. It works by setting a beginning time to start recording and an end time to stop recording. This feature is valuable for those who do not want to call attention to the fact that they're making a recording by pushing the record button, or when timing is essential to capture the recording.

WMA Stereo Recording

WMA stereo recording stores highly compressed WMA (Windows Media Audio) format voice messages in integrated flash memory.

MP3 and WMA Digital Music Playback and Storage

Both MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) files can be downloaded and played back on the DS-40. This provides users with extreme flexibility, enabling them to use one device for recording meetings / lectures for work or school, while also enjoying music and audio books for fun.

Variable Speed Playback

Users of the DS-40 digital recorder will appreciate the control provided by the variable speed playback settings. After capture, the slow playback option allows recordings to be listened to efficiently with playback that is up to 50 percent slower than real time, and fast playback that is up to 50 percent faster than real time. Slow playback helps to eliminate the need for users to listen to the same recording multiple times to hear what was said, and with fast playback they can skip ahead to the essential sections -- a real benefit for transcribing dictation.

USB Mass Storage Class Support

USB mass storage class support means the DS-40 can store documents, images and more in addition to audio. The DS-40 is an innovative solution for those regularly on the move and who value the ease and versatility of having a single device capable of recording their voice files as well as transporting all other types of digital data. Imagine the convenience: to be able to transport that image-laden PowerPoint presentation for showing in a client's boardroom, record negotiations as they are discussed during the meeting and finally, when the deal is about to be clinched, upload the contract draft that was prepared in Word earlier. All this is now possible with just a single device that is both ultra-compact and stylish.

PC Link Application Software

Included DSS Player Software enables easy archiving, editing and further processing of recordings.

USB Interface

Built-in USB interface to quickly transfer recorded voice data to a PC.

Alarm Function

Alarm playback can also be programmed for meetings, dates, show reminders or wake-up calls. The user simply dictates a reminder into the DS-40, such as "Time to depose the witness!" or "Time to hit the links!" and assigns a time for this message to go off like an alarm clock alarm.

Long Lasting Power

The DS-40 digital voice recorder has up to 32 hours of continuous operation made possible by the long battery life of two AAA batteries. An AC power supply is also available.

Built-in Monaural Microphone

Built-in monaural microphone for monaural recording.

Three Microphone Sensitivity Modes

Three modes of microphone sensitivity to meet varying recording needs.

Voice Activation

The built-in Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA) automatically starts and stops recording as it senses volume, conserving memory and making playback more efficient.

Five File Folders

The DS-40 has five separate file folders with 200-file capcity in each folder to allow users to organize 1,000 files according to personalized subjects, such as "work", "personal", and "to do". Music, Podcast, and Audible folder are also available.

Index Marking and Temp Marking

Particularly relevant moments in an interview, briefing or lecture may be flagged -- either during or after recording -- using the index marks for quick retrieval.

LCD Screen

The DS-40 recorder features a large, backlit, easy-to-read LCD screen that reveals file information, recording time and events. Displays message number, a real-time counter, remaining recording time, current date and time, and operating mode.

Noise Canceling

Noise canceling feature for clear sound quality.

Low Cut Filter

The Low Cut Filter minimizes air conditioner noise and other similar noises while recording.

AC Power Option

An optional AC adapter is available for longer recording.

External Earphone Jack

External Microphone Jack

Olympus DS-40 Specifications

Recording Format

WMA (Windows Media Audio)

Recording Media

Built-in 512MB flash memory

Recording Times

ST XQ mode: 8 hours 40 minutes
ST HQ mode: 17 hours 20 minutes
HQ mode: 34 hours 45 minutes
SP mode: 68 hours 30 minutes
LP mode: 136 hours 15 minutes

Input Level

-70dBv

PC Interface

USB

LCD

26 mm x 25 mm

LED

Two colors (red = record; green = playback)

Folders / Messages

5 Folders / 200 Messages per Folder

Sampling Frequency

STXQ/STHQ modes: 44.1 kHz
HQ mode: 44.1 kHz
SP mode: 22 kHz
LP mode: 8 kHz

Overall Frequency Response

STXQ: 50-19000Hz
STHQ mode: 50 to 16,000 Hz
HQ mode: 50 to 13,000 Hz
SP mode: 100 to 8,000 Hz
LP mode: 100 to 3,000 Hz

LP Mode

Yes

Voice Activation

Available, Switchable On/Off

Demographic Data Input

N/A

Practical Maximum Output

250 mW

Write Protection

Yes

Speaker

Built-in 23mm round dynamic speaker

Microphone Jack

3.5 mm mini-jack, impedance 680 Ohm

Earphone Jack

3.5 mm mini-jack, impedance 8 Ohm or more

Power Supply

Rated Voltage: 3V DC
Batteries: Two AAA
External Power Supply: AC Adapter (available option)

Battery Life

Approx. 32 hours (using alkaline dry cell battery)

Dimensions (H x W x D) with bundled ME53S microphone, excluding protrusions

4.37" x 1.48" x 0.63" (111 x 37.5 x 16 mm)

Weight

2.81 oz. (80g), including bundled ME53S microphone and alkaline batteries

System Requirements

OS Supported

Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional/XP Professional,Home Edition

CPU

Intel Pentium II class 333MHz processor or faster

RAM

128MB or more (256MB or more is recommended)

Sound Board

Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 or 100% compatible sound card

Video Card and Display

800 x 600 pixel or more, 256 colors or more

Removable Drive

2x or faster CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM drive

USB Port

one free port

Audio Output

Earphone or speaker output

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