The Olympus LS-7 Linear PCM voice recorder provides superior voice recording for almost any use. Whether you want to record a meeting, a lecture, or you want to record some audio for your website, this device can handle the job. It comes equipped with 3 microphones, 2 AAA batteries, and 4GB of internal memory. Let’s have a look at some of the great features it has to offer in order for you to make a better purchase decision.
Olympus LS-7 Voice Recorder Main Features
- Memory
- Microphones
- Linear Recording
- Uses
Memory
The Olympus LS-7 voice recorder is equipped with 4GB of memory (built-in) and a microSD Card Slot. This is plenty of space, whether you want to record a class lecture, record an audio for your blog or website, or you just want to make notes to yourself throughout the day. If you find that 4GB is not enough, you can upgrade the memory by adding a MicroSDHC card.
You can quickly and easily transfer your files to your PC or MAC using a USB cable. Divide the files and make cuts right from the device; or, copy and move the files between the microSD card and internal memory.
Olympus LS-7 Microphones
There are three built-in microphones with the Olympus LS-7; one is a center, omnidirectional microphone, with two condenser stereo microphones. This allows you to capture bass ranges at lower levels; as low as 20 Hz.
Linear Recording
The Olympus LS-7 gives superior CD-like sound quality, with high quality digital recording. The 96kHZ, 24 bit linear PCM recording simply means extra quality. PCM stands for Pulse Code Modulation, and is a digital representation of an analog signal. PCM technology is used in digital telephone systems, and is the standard form on audio compact disks.
The unit can record audio in WAV, PCM, MP3 or WMA (Windows Media Audio) format. Each recording format has different settings; you can make higher quality files that are better sounding, or you can sacrifice a bit of the high quality for longer recording times and smaller file sizes.
Using the high quality PCM setting, you will get approximately 2 hours of recording time; using the WAV or MP3 settings, you’ll get closer to 1,000 hours of recording time, with a bit less quality sound, but still high enough for professionals to use.
Uses
The Olympus LS-7 has many uses. College and university students will find that it’s ideal for recording lectures. Business owners, moms, and those who lead busy lives will appreciate the fact they can make quick audio notes to themselves. Teachers can record seminars or lectures. Those who have audio segments on their websites will find this to be a great tool. However, this is much more than just a resource to record your shopping list. This is professional-quality linear recording, and can easily and readily be used by professionals in the audio/digital recording field.
Dimensions
The dimensions for the Olympus LS-7 are 4.4” x 0.1” x 1.5”; the unit weighs a total of 1.6 ounces. The shipping weight is one pound. There are two AAA batteries required for the recorder, and they are included. It is available for shipping outside of the U.S. It is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around with you.
Features
- 4 GB of internal memory, with a microSD card slot
- 3 microphones
- 96 kHz, 24 bit linear PCM recording ability
- Recording level setting
- Charge the batter via USB or AC adapter
Accessories
There are many accessories that can be purchased, along with the Olympus LS-7. Telephone pick-ups, noise cancelling microphones, and a host of other styles of microphones can be purchased. Adapters, tripods, and remote controls are also popular.
Pros
There are many advantages to owning an Olympus LS-7. It produces superior quality sound, and the internal memory of 4GB will give you hours of recordings; the memory can be easily upgraded if you need more. There are additional warranties available, including a 2-year, 3-year and 4-year, that covers drops and spills. The three microphones ensure the best quality sound, no matter where you are or what you’re recording. You can record in many different formats, including PCM, WAV, MP3 and WMA. It is thin and lightweight, so you can take it virtually anywhere. The menu and settings are easy to navigate, and is user-friendly. You won’t have to pull the manual out every time you want to record something.
Cons
The Olympus LS-7 has many settings and buttons; they could reduce the number of buttons on the device, while still equipping it with all of the functions. It tends to pick up background noises very easily, but a bit of editing and setting selection should reduce this. Adding another microphone can also help with this.
Consumer Reviews
The Olympus LS-7 digital voice recorder has been receiving rave reviews from professionals and students alike, from sites like Amazon and independent review blogs. Consumers like the fact that the memory is enough to hold their lectures, recordings and other items. They find it easy to download to their PCs or MACs and they are happy with the PCM linear recording quality. Consumers also feel that it’s a good price for the value. Other reviews state that there are many useful settings, it’s easy to use and small and compact.
Price
At the time of this review, the Olympus LS-7 was available on several online retailers’ website for the price range of $143 – $199, plus shipping. It is also available in countries other than the U.S. Various electronics stores also carry this item, both online and offline. Prices will vary by store and location.
Conclusion
The Olympus LS-7 is, overall, great value for the price. It has many different uses and produces excellent quality sound. It is easy to use and has many different settings to match the device to the recording use. Whether you want to record a lecture, a segment for your website, or a professional sounding music recording, the Olympus LS-7 can get the job done. It is lightweight and easy to transport, and transferring to your computer or MAC can be done easily. The extra warranties that are available are a good value, and protect against spills and drops that can occur easily. It produces great quality sound, 4GB of memory ensures hours of recording time, and the different formats ensure you can use this for almost anything.