The Glory: Amazing audio quality with slick design and well-thought-out features for your buck. The Shame: No wrist strap or lanyard. Let me be the first to say that I've never heard sound as clear or crisp from a recorder as I have from the Olympus DS-30. And as a journalist who has recorded and played back hundreds, if not thousands, of interviews and meetings, and as someone who has always relied on mini cassettes, I'm qualified to say it. The DS-30 is impressive in so many respects, it will be worth your $70-$90, if you're someone who needs to rely on quality recording. It's slimmer and about as long as a tape recorder, and very light. Controls are easy to operate one-handed. On the DS-30, you'll find all your basic controls, such as record, stop, play, volume and sensitivity, fast forward and reverse, in addition to some exciting new ones, like erase, menu, folder cycle, and detailed recording information. When you've been using an analog tape recorder for over four years, it's exciting just to have a recorder with an LCD screen, which happens to be crisp and bright. Of course, as a mid range digital voice recorder the DS-30 goes beyond simple recording and playback. It offers organization through several folders and a file index. One handy feature is the ability to give folders a name, like "Meeting," "Ideas," or "Dictation." The DS-30 offers three filtering settings to minimize noise and increase voice or music quality during recording or playback. The voice-activated recording feature is adjustable for sensitivity. The recorder can be set to begin recording at a certain time and then stop later. It also has an alarm clock function. Maximum recording capacity is about 67 hrs. Playback modes let you adjust the speed of playback. Search through tracks at lightning speeds compared to analog. And, like a DVD, you have the option to repeat a file, folder, or all folders, or simply play one to the end and stop. In addition to voice recordings, the DS-30 can store and play Audible files and podcasts. Some more handy features that come with this digital recorder are helpful displays such as memory remaining, battery life indicator, and track and volume position. A handy, easy-to-navigate menu gives you simple access to all settings. The unit runs on two AAA batteries, included retail. Also in the retail package are a handy stereo microphone adapter for recording in high quality stereo, stereo earphones, and a USB cable and software for downloading, playing, and managing audio on your PC. Olympus provides a one-year warranty. Be careful of auctions that offer only the recorder and none of the software or accessories. If you don't get the DSS Player software with the auction, it will cost you $50 to get it from Olympus. It's not a free download, although it should be. Also, the stereo mic included with the retail package is otherwise a $25 accessory. So be sure you're getting the package you want when you shop on eBay, as many sellers offer something different. It's almost standard that pocket recorders come with some sort of wrist strap or lanyard, since they get dropped occasionally, but none are included with the DS-30. It would have been nice especially since this is a smaller digital device, which is more sensitive to shock. Nonetheless, it's a minor complaint on an overall outstanding recorder. A lanyard, along with a host of other accessories, is available from Olympus. I got one on eBay for $1.75Read full review
My name is Josh J. Stewart. I'm an attorney in Florida. The practice areas I've devoted the most time to involve worker's compensation claims, all serious injuries, labor and employment, business disputes, unemployment claims, civil litigation, real estate, wills and trusts. I work with the Law Office of Stewart and Stewart, P.A., at 5435 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652 info@stewartandstewartlaw.com This is a high quality, durable digital recorder. I've used it during depositions, or client interviews. It is unlawful to record a conversation with an individual without giving them notice and obtaining their consent. I was impressed with the quality of the recordings made by this device. The fact that the recordings are digital, allows you to store the recording with associated electronic documents pertinent to a particular client. You can e-mail the recording. If you wish to give notice and obtain consent for recording a phone conversation, there is a great little accessory microphone you can buy from Olympus. You plug the microphone jack into the device, and insert a small microphone in to the ear through which you'll be listening to the other person on the phone. The device picks up the entire conversation, all parties, with no errors. Please feel free to contact me with any question.Read full review
As a publisher of periodicals and newsletters, this little handheld device has become my contant companion. Its ablity to record in a auditorium environment or close up in an interview is just stunning! It keeps my MP3 Files for music when I write or edit stories. The multi-folder allows me to jump to a new file and record I a thought or an idea I want to remember, particularly in the car when driving. And best of all its it ablity to be used to with Dragon to allow my stories to be typed directly from the recorded media. It is simply the most wonderful tool in my tool box. Thank Olympus and thanks to you too Ebay!
Olympus quality, which is almost enough said. I have five DS-50s, two DS-40s, and now two DS-30s. They are all incredibly good digital recorders, and I highly recommend any of them. There is no difference in the sound quality of the DS-30; the only difference is the length of time available for a recording.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Purchased this product for evp recording during paranormal investigations. Perfect tool.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Dictaphones & Voice Recorders
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Dictaphones & Voice Recorders