Olympus WS-320M 1 GB Digital Voice Recorder and Music Player

My DVR (digital voice recorder) experience has included the Sony ICD-MS515, the Olympus DS-2200 and DS-2. My main use for DVRs is PC archival of lectures and sermons.

The new WS-320M appealed to me because of its 1GB of flash memory, small size, WMA codec, and built-in USB connector. My older DS-2 is disadvantaged with only 64mb of memory and a proprietary USB connector.

This DVR is much smaller than other DVRs. It is almost half the volume and weight of the DS-2200 (similar to the DM-20). The WS-320M is constructed mostly of plastic, but it is well made and assembled with screws. There is a mechanical hold switch. The USB port cover / battery holder slides off smoothly after pressing the release button. No significant force is required to slide off the port cover or to reassemble it. There is a groove you need to line up first to reassemble the port cover. The small AAA battery cover is not attached to the DVR and can get lost. There is a hand strap hole, but no hand strap is included. The buttons, switches, and d-pad are well-made and provide a small amount of tactile feedback. The smaller size of the DVR makes it very portable but it can cause problems operating the switches for those with larger hands. Anyone used to small music players should have no problem operating the WS-320M. However, someone who regularly uses a voice recorder for dictation should probably stick to the larger professional DVRs like the Olympus DS-2200 and Sony ICD-BM1.

I started testing the WS-320M without reading the manual. It was easy to use. Button and menu operation is very logical. The LCD screen is smaller and less bright than the DS-2200 / DS-2, presumably to save battery life. The screens displays a large amount of information including folder name, time elapsed, time remaining, battery, record mode, and more, though not necessarily at the same time. A press of the OK or STOP button will change the information displayed. While recording, the screen displays a horizontal bar sound level meter.

The WS-320M uses only the Windows Media audio format codec. Other Olympus DVRs use the proprietary DSS format. I prefer the WMA format over the DSS format because the audio sounds more life-like. DSS format in SP or LP mode sounds harsh and full of compression artifacts. Recording in STHQ mode on the WS-320M with the built-in microphone produces satisfactory recordings but even better sounding recordings can be made using a high quality external microphone like the Sony ECM-DS70P or the Olympus ME51S. Overall, I liked the recordings on the WS-320M more than the recordings from my DS-2200. The DS-2200 tends to clip high volume sounds. Using a stereo dubbing / attenuator cable, I "ripped" some songs from a CD player to the WS-320M in STHQ mode. The "ripped" music sounded like FM radio quality or better. All of the voice recordings are file date-time stamped appropriately and date-time stamped internally. You can see the internal date with the program DSS Player (not included).

When I plugged the WS-320M into PC, Windows XP recognized it and installed it. There appears to be no driver available for Windows 98. A new drive appeared in the My Computer window. I was able download the recordings to the PC at about 50 MB per minute. I then uploaded some WMA format audiobook tracks to the WS-320M voice folders. The transfer rate uploading is about 26 MB per minute. This is faster than USB 1 and is comparable to many small mp3 music players. I was able to play the audiobook tracks in voice mode.

In general, the voice mode operation of the WS-320M is very similar to the operation of the DS-2200 or DS-2.

As a music player, the WS-320M is comparable to a Creative Muvo Nano / N200. The sound quality is good with a strong low end and a very low level of background hiss (only noticeable with sensitive earbuds). The volume levels range from bedtime quiet to painful. Music is transferred to the WS-320M by copying music files to the music folder or to the root. The WS-320M can handle two levels of folders (artist and albums for example). Navigation on the player is by folder and not by tags. The player uses mp3 tag information only for the screen display. This player can only play bitrates from 5 kbps to 256 kbps. It will not play 320k mp3 files.

This player has most of the functions of dedicated mp3 flash memory players. There are settings for RANDOM, REPEAT, REPEAT ONE, Play One Folder, Play All Folders, ROCK, FLAT, JAZZ, POP, User 5 band EQ, SRS WOW (surround sound / trubass). You can change the order of music tracks and delete music tracks. There is no bookmarking function and no sleep timer.

More information can be gleaned from the WS-320M user manual available for download from the Olympus website.

The WS-320M is a good player / recorder for a student. You can fit a week's worth of lectures on the recorder and still have about 500 mb left over to fill with music. I would not recommend it for a business person needing a true dictation recorder because of its small size and small controls. But for someone who wants to record meetings and seminars and listen to music, it is a good choice.

Pros:

Small size, good price benefit ratio, long battery life for a voice recorder, good construction, built-in USB connector, informative display, good quality voice recordings, WMA codec, dictation capabilities, external microphone input, date-time stamped recordings, plug and play for file/music transfers, and MP3/WMA music player with DRM support.

Cons:

Tiny controls, separate battery door (risk of loss), lesser quality built-in stereo microphone (typical of consumer level recorders), no remote control capability, no included dictation software (DSS Player Lite is available for free download), no included carry case or strap.

ADDENDUM (July 13, 2006)

Upon reading the comment that the reviewer's WS-320M had firmware 1.18 and kept date and time correctly at all times, I contacted Olympus customer service and was able to obtain a warranty repair to correct the problem where my WS-320M would not keep time with the battery compartment disconnected. About ten days after shipping the recorder to Olympus, the unit was returned repaired with a note that the circuit board was replaced. My recorder now keeps the correct time.

After seven months of use, the WS-320M has held up well. It has been protected by a sheet of clear vinyl wrapped around it and still looks new. I have been very satisfied with this recorder. The recorder will even play protected audiobooks downloaded from the public library. My Ipod will not play those audiobooks.

[I came back and edited this review after reading the next guy's more favorable take on the player. I gave it another chance and... I still don't like it much, but it's worth a third star after getting over the shock of its not being the same quality of the DM20]

For context, understand that I also own an Olympus DM-20 that I am using for comparison: whereas the DM-20 is the perfect voice recorder, aside from memory and transfer speed limitations, the WS-320 looks like a toy by comparison.

#1, claims USB 2.0 speeds, whereas my unit is transferring music at about 20Mb per minute (yes, per MINUTE). Same speed as the USB 1.1 DM20, roughly (I've been racing them).

#2, The manual claims that you can now put MP3s and your own WMAs in the Voice folders in order to use fast/slow play, etc. on language-learning programs and for music-learning. It won't recognize MP3s in the voice folders, but you can put WMAs encoded with the standard 9.1 or lower codec in there that were recorded with bitrates of 256kbps or less, mono or stereo, at 22khz or others (I've only tried 22khz and 44.1). I haven't tried vbr, but it will not recognize the "wma voice" codec or acelp.net. Also, You cannot place index marks infiles other than those recorded on an Olympus recorder--you can transfer from one recorder to another and place index marks, but not add them to files recorded onyour PC.

#3, there is a lot of hiss in the background when you record, even in STHQ mode. I don't think this is a defect issue, I think it's a CODEC issue or maybe hiss from the device electronics getting in as EMI--I don't know, but the noise knocks it right out for any sort of serious recording. It's close to the same when using an external microphone, more than for the DM20, although some hiss goes along with analog microphones of course. This reminds me of a microcassette, for example. I've tried using a pro-quality studio mic and good headphones to make sure, which gave less hiss but still more on the 320 than the 20 (The DM20 mic and codec are pristene by comparison)

#4, compared to the DM-20, HQ quality is much lower than what I was expecting. HQ on the WS320 already sounds a bit like an answering machine with digital background flutter (artifacts) when you hear it on headphones, whereas on the DM20 I can hear the words to music being played on the stereos of passing cars fifty feet away in HQ mode! After looking at the files from both recorders, I can't really explain the fact that the DM20 files sound clear (barely-detectable digital sheen in the background in HQ mode, and most users won't hear it at all in normal use) while WS320 files have a pronounced digital sheen. HQ mode on both recorders is 44.1khz mono 32kbps. Note that STHQ mode on the WS320 is 64kbps/44.1 stereo, but 64kbps isn't an option in the WMA codec for mono recording, for whatever Microsofty reason (a better choicefor HQ might have been 22kHz stereo, which yields precisely the same file size). I'll note that several reviewers on the net complained that the DM20's mic only recorded up to like 8+ kHz, which some consumers (probably playing anumbers game on paper) thought was too low; certainly, the WS320's mic captures higher frequencies. I tested this by holding one recorder in each hand (like a complete dork) and recording the same voice file simultaneously onto both, then listening to both files on my HTPC on headphones and looking at them in software. Bear in mind that virtually all the action for human voice occurs below 2kHz, so all you're adding for frequencies above that are basically harmonics and what I experience as a sense of airiness. ...And hiss, which is a high-freq phenomenon. All those extra kHz (that's thousands of Hz, btw) have now to be compressed into the wma, with the results being (1) that the very same file is about 8% larger when recorded on the WS320 relative to the DM20, and (2) the meaningful frequencies down below 8kHz all have less bandwidth to play with, and so sound degraded because of all the extra stuff (hiss...) being compressed into the same bitrate from higher frequencies. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. [Tip: I use a lowpass filter of 19 to 19.5 in the LAME.exe MP3 encoder settings to deliver demonstrably richer bass] Finally, the mic level on the DM20 is much, much stronger than the WS320. "Dictation" mode on the WS320 is inadequate unless you're playing back the files in a silent room with the recorder's volume max'ed, and even then it's very low playing back. In both dic and conf modes, the DM20 mic makes much LOUDER RECORDINGS!!! The "dict" setting on the WS320 is unusable in my opinion unless you tend to speak very loudly into the mic; me, I'm usually muttering into it at 4a.m. On the bright side, SP mode on the WS320 uses the WMA codec now, and aside from heavy digital artifacts, the speech itself is intact. The DM20 used a propriatary DSS file format that was wretched for SP and LP modes.

#5, The plastic housing conducts and amplifies every slight pressure of your hand on the recorder. It's a constant distraction, and very pronounced. This is not a problem when using an external mic.

#6, The hold and voice/music switches are now so small and have so incredibly little travel distance that I literally can't tell with certainty by touch when I've pressed a button. Somehow I always manage not to successfully put it on hold when I attach it to the computer, probably because the switch slides back while I'm separating the pieces or plugging it in. These controls are slightly too easy to move by accident.

#7, The buttons are now too small to operate easily. I have to concentrate on them to a degree that's distracting, especially record/stop/play. I've also noticed that the recorder seems to shut off after X seconds, whether or not it's in hold mode. As a result, sometimes I have to hit Rec twice five seconds apart before anything will happen.

#8, Once you pull apart the battery compartment to expose the usb port, reattaching the two pieces is a trick. Since the housing is rather flimsy plastic (ah-hem, the DM20 is all metal), I feel like this is going to either break one fine day or the ridges that help hold it in place will break or the unit will begin trying to separate on its own. Maybe it'll last until I'm ready to call such an event an excuse to upgrade. I use these things hard,no doubt; the thing is so light that I forgot it was in my breast pocket and it fell onto the pavement, detaching instantly into four pieces (battery compartment, compartment cover, battery, and recorder). The finish scratches easily, btw, and so I've ended my mental dialogue as to whether or not to keep the unit. Sliding the two pieces in place isn't always easy, since it has to be lined up just so; at least for me, it's requiring a new habit of how to do it right. I also keep misplacing the battery compartment, but that's just me. Point being that this is not a "use it hard and don't worry about it" kind of device, further reducing its suitability for a research project, etc.

#9, Whereas the DM20 has a hinged door for the battery compartment, the WS320 has a piece of plastic that pops all the way off, and can do so if you squeeze the recorder the wrong way. It fell off without my noticing while I was manhandling the two pieces back together and I found the recorder later in my pocket with no battery cover. I spent an hour looking for it.

I had no idea there would be such a vast gulf between Olympus' "business" products like the DS-2 and DM-20 versus these new products that attempt to cram in features at a "low" cost. Certainly, buying separate devices for voice and MP3s might be better, at least until they release a pro lineup to match these specs and boost the transfer speeds somehow. I'm looking at it from a professional perspective (where $200 is a sensible price), and from the perspective of voice memos (where $200 is NOT required). This new lineup disappoints me even for the task of making voice memos while I'm writing, since it's so unergonomic; and certainly I could never take it into the field for interviews.

I suppose I should also mention the good stuff, right? The MP3 player has very nice sound quality. I have WOW and 3d on "low," since I usually dislike these things and I'm otherwise a Grado-headphone-wearing audio snob who wouldn't touch an Ipod. Listening on the ws320 is pleasant. MP3 folders can have two levels beneath "Music" (e.g., Music\artist\album\title.mp3). The built-in speaker is very adequate (for voice playback, obviously). One major reason for my "upgrading" from the DM20 is the USB-direct feature: plugging it directly into the computer without a cable is very, very useful, especially since it uses standard removable disk drivers like other recorders and so requires no proprietary drivers or software.

In general, Olympus seems to be the only place to look for quality voice recorders; however, if voice recording quality is your primary concern, I don't think this recorder will ever satisfy you. As for space, the 1GB capacity only becomes of use for (a) field recording, which isn't a good idea on this unit, or (b) mp3s. I've rarely filled up my DM20, since I frequently download the files to my computer for backup and transcription.

Buy Olympus WS-320M 1 GB Digital Voice Recorder and Music Player Now

Adlevision's negative review of this product almost convinced me to skip purchasing the WS-320M and spend over twice as much on an Edirol R-09. Though, I took a chance by purchasing the Olympus unit any way. Since receiving it, I have put my WS-320M through its paces and have concluded that this is actually a fantastic little unit. Though, I should preface that my unit is running Firmware version 1.18. My suspicion is that some of the reviewers might have earlier units with an older firmware. Here is a breakdown:

Sound Quality:

I bought the WS-320 to use as a recorder of music lessons. With its high quality capability of 64 kbps, 44 kHz, stereo, the sound quality far surpasses nearly every other digital recorder out there today. In comparison, it has way better sound quality than a micro-cassette recorder. Best of all, this unit can record up to 35 hours even at top sound quality. As a practical test, I placing this unit 6 feet away from me during a vocal lesson. The resulting recording clearly picked up the full range of sounds from soft talking to loud singing and piano. The dynamic stereo mics have both a 360 degree and narrowly focused modes.

Ergonomics:

The unit itself is very small, about the size of a small cell phone. Still, I feel the controls are actually quite reasonable considering the compact nature of this device. The primary buttons, record, stop, and play, are all raised and placed on the side of the unit so that you can tacitly feel your way around. Considering the tactile controls combined with the confirmation sound beeps, you can easily operate this unit without looking at it. My feeling is that users who bashed the size and ergonomics need to get with the 21st century. 8 Track-sized tape decks are dead.

Quality:

Some users complained about the time being lost when you separate the battery section. Mine does not have this problem. The time and date stay put just fine. For that matter, mine has no problems at all. All features work, I have never lost a file, and all transfers to the PC are very quick. Though again, these issues could be things that Olympus fixed with my newer firmware.

The only complaint I have about this unit is that the case is made of a very fragile seeming plastic. For the price, this unit really should be metal. Personally, I would not feel comfortable carrying it around loose in my pants pocket banging against my car keys. Instead, I keep mine secure during transport by protecting it in a cell phone case. Olympus even makes a fancy leather carry case for this unit that sells for about $15 if you prefer.

Summary:

Ditch those micro-cassettes and go digital! It is much nicer to record your content, move your files to a PC, and then write off CDs of your material. Early releases of this unit may have had issues, but those problems are now clearly worked out. The modern unit is stable, has great sound quality, and comes in a small convenient ergonomic package. I highly recommend it!

Read Best Reviews of Olympus WS-320M 1 GB Digital Voice Recorder and Music Player Here

I am reviewing this recorder from the point of view of the non-technical end user. I am taking a very challenging physiology course with high-speed lectures that pack three hours worth of information into one hour. I needed a high capacity recorder so that I could always have my lectures with me for quick review. I also wanted to be able to unload them onto my computer and replay using Windows Media Player. This is the only recorder I could find that can potentially hold all of the relevant lectures from several semesters.

I love the fact that this tiny unit is very frugal with batteries. I also love that it's so sensitive that I can record from my seat and not risk forgetting to retrieve it or losing it in the mad grab for recorders at the end of the class.

My classmates marvel at the capacity: You will never be forced to dump things to free up space! Sound reproduction is excellent for my puposes. When replayed though my computer speakers, it's like being in the lecture hall.

I only gave it four out of five stars, though, because the high-polish case is easily scratched. Brushed metal would have been preferable.

As I previously stated, I make no claims to technical expertise. I selected this unit because it had the features and capacity I needed for challenging science courses. I have returned to college after thirty years to study nursing, and this time around, I want to make full use of all the technology that wasn't available to me in the seventies!

Want Olympus WS-320M 1 GB Digital Voice Recorder and Music Player Discount?

I am a grad student, and I use my WS320 while travelling and conducting interviews for my dissertation. I have had it for a couple months now. For a long time, I refused to replace my little minicasette recorder for a digital one because I heard horror stories of people losing their work when transferring data etc. Well, this has turned out to be one of the best investments EVER. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE my WS320. I am no expert in audio equipment, so I cannot speak to that... but I conduct interviews in various settings, and the recorder picks the voice up even in crowded cafes with the music on (not perfect, but you can easily understand and transcribe the interview). I am one of those people who hate to learn how to work with new pieces of electronics, but everything (or almost everything) about this recorder is pretty intuitive, and I figured it all out on my own, and it didnt take more than half an hour. I love the USB plug, it makes it super easy to transfer data to my computer and then play the interviews through Windows Media Player. I also love the MP3 player feature. I have put on a few of my favorite CDs, and I listen to them while travelling to my interview sites. Even with them in, the recorder still holds some 15 hours of interviews (I have only used the highest quality setting). Now, that said, there are a couple of improvements that could be made; (1)I keep losing the battery cover while the recorder sits in my bag, (2) the recorder scratches very easily (because of points 1 and 2, I suggest that you get the case offered through the Olympus website... little overpriced, but may be worth it) and importantly (3) the SOUND IS NOT VERY GOOD IF YOU ARE HOLDING THE RECORDER IN YOUR HAND WHILE RECORDING. It is actually really annoying to listen to anything that has been recorded while the recorder was being held the static is super loud. So.. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is going to sit it down on a table while recording, but not to people who are using it in the car while holding it and talking into it at the same time. Hope this helps.:-)