Olympus DS-30

The Olympus DS-30 is a digital voice recorder that can also be used to listen to audio books, music and podcasts. The device can also function as a portable storage device as well as an external USB microphone or speaker. The DS-30 has 256 megabytes of internal flash memory and measures 1.5 x 4.4 x 0.6 inches (W x H x D) with the bundled ME53s stereo microphone attached. With two AAA batteries and the ME53s, the DS-30 weighs 2.8 ounces. The DS-30 has a 26 x 25 mm monochrome backlit LCD.

The DS-30 is powered by two AAA batteries which has an approximate battery life of 32 hours with alkalines. It can also be used with an external AC adapter.

The device connects to a PC via USB and is compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000, XP and Vista. It can also be controlled remotely via the optional Olympus RS29 remote control.

The Olympus DS-30 has five recording mode to choose from and uses the WMA format. Using ST XQ and ST HQ stereo modes, the DS-30 gives 4 hours and 10 minutes and 8 hours and 30 minutes of recording time, respectively. HQ mode gives 17 hours, SP mode 33 hours and 30 minutes while LP mode gives 66 hours and 40 minutes.

The recorder features Olympus’ Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA) function, a Low Cut Filter as well as the ability to have the DS-30 automatically start recording at a pre-defined time. For better clarity during audio playback, the DS-30 has a Noise Cancel and Voice Filter function.

He bundled DSS Player software allows users to archive and edit recordings as well as easily download their favorite Podcasts.