I already have an Olympus voice recorder that does a very good job, but the added feature of 1 button recording (even when off) was something I could just not pass up. Note that this recorder does not have options for "Quality" and "Microphone Sensitivity". Instead, they offer something called "Recording Scenes" that essentially select quality and sensitivity for you. As a test, I recorded a simple "Testing 1 2 3" in each of the 4 "Recording Scenes", then imported the recordings into Audacity. In the first screenshot, we see that the "Music" recording scene uses low sensitivity and the other modes use high sensitivity. The second screenshot shows a very short time interval; so short that individual sample points are easily seen. This provides a visual indication of the sample rates. My recommendation: Use "Music" mode for low microphone sensitivity, and "Talk" mode for high sensitivity. The 4 GB capacity enables over 200 hours of recording time at the highest quality. Other reviewers have commented that setup can be difficult and the screen is difficult to read. Well, setup was not too complicated at all, and once it is setup, you really don't need the screen for much. One dedicated button to record, one for playback, two for next / previous, two for volume up / down. It is a simple User Interface.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
The WS500M recorder was the bomb. I still have it after probably 10 years, it's amazing. It will record to MP3 or WAV, but this VN541 only does WMA recording. Big bummer. Duh...1/2 the world is Mac. I had to convert the WMA to MP3 thru VLC to get it in a form where I could share it. But, whaddaya want for twenty bucks. It has some typical ridiculous functionality. The result of someone in china creating the user interface and manual. Like, when see your file's length in time, the word under that time says REMAIN. That would suggest the available time remaining on the unit, and *not* the spec for the file length. Also, there is no pause/record mode. You have to stop the recording and create a new file. The switch to engage recording is not going to last. It's a little slide switch. Unlike my other model, which as a small metallic button, this thing feels very flimsy. As the main switch, that will be used thousands of times, it should have been much more durable. And finally, unlike my other model, this does not have 2 mics (that I can see, or hear). I use my other unit to record ideas on piano and guitar, and the binaural sound is fantastic. This model is strictly for voice. But, as I said, it was only twenty bucks. And instead of letting my wife borrow my good one for her readings, it's worth it, albeit the odd characteristics and shortcomings. If you want something with great quality, you'll have to get a zoom or upper end sony or tascam.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Easy to use. Very good recording sound for my needs (interviews). Very easy to upload recordings to computer/cloud. I had used an older version of this Olympic recorder for years with no problems at all. I got this one because I wanted to be able to upload the recordings.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
The sound quality is very good. It is small and battery-efficient. The recordings sound very clear when played through an external speaker. It is easy to use. I'm very happy with this purchase.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This product records extended talk radio programs (5 hours) where I cannot stay by radio. I highly recommend micro headphones as speaker is kinda small. You can fast forward by one button push and the longer you push the faster the rate(jump one hour play in 20 seconds). The recorded programs are stored in files that appear on the screen and the total time of file is displayed in hours,minutes and seconds. While recording is occurring the actual record time is displayed. When you stop record all you have to do to listen to last recording is press play. There are three modes of record and I started by using LP which allowed 1000 plus hours(wow!). I am now using the "Music" mode and there are 267 hours of total record time with more natural voice quality. If you press stop during record mode and then press record then another "file" will be created. Quick access to these files permitted by use of the menu button. The one complaint is the quick start manual is written in VERY SMALL font and thankfully I had Magnifying glass at hand. I would not hesitate to recommend this product for someone needing a portable audio recording device with long record time.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
great product at the price. Not the most intuitive configurations and manual is tortuous. Obvious non mainland engineers and little /US product management involvement. Basics are there u just have to work to figure it out.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The sound quality is good. It is fairly easy to operate. Bigger would be nicer, but I am happy with it. Not just thrilled, but happy enough.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This little recorder does the job but you have to put it very near what your recording as it does pick up a bunch of white noise that isn't there. I use it for lectures, and I noticed a big difference in sound quality sitting it on my desk and putting it on the podium where the instructor is talking which is better. Def worth $20ish!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Very nice, small, very easy to use. I am able to record a meeting, download it to my computer and then save it to a zip drive. Very useful.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This little recorder has great sound. Very easy to use. I'm even thinking of using it for a hearing aid! I do have a few issues with the music folder that a prospective purchaser should be aware of: It will not play MP3s. It will not accept sub folders. No audio enhancements .... Only the bare necessities. It plays one tune at a time. There's no continuous play. But, after all. Its prime function is voice recording and the price of the unit cancels out these inconveniences for me.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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