Let me start by saying that I was originally overwhelmed by the number of digital voice recorders and the different features. As I began to study the market I soon realized that selecting the right recorder would not be easy. I eventually developed a list of the top features that I wanted in a recorder.The most important feature was that the recorder must be compatible with Dragon Naturally Speaking. Fortunately, many of the Olympus recorders are not only compatible but excel in that area. The WS-331 has not yet been certified by Nuance (the maker of Dragon), but the lower models have been. Recognizing that the 331 is both a new model and a much improved version I knew that success of the lower models would be a good indicator. As an example, the WS-320 as well as the 300 offer excellent service for voice recognition.
Building on compatibility I also knew that I would need a recorder that was easy to use. While other recorders provide feature rich controls the attraction to the Olympus was part simplicity and convenience. The main function buttons are located on the right side of the recorder. This is the traditional location for the record, stop, and play buttons. For some something as simple as location of main buttons would seem trivial; however, for me it was a question of function over form.
The Olympus also provides a clear, though small, LED screen. Of course, given the overall size of this recorder a larger screen would be both out of proportion and make the recorder harder to use. I have found so far that I actually do not look at the screen that often, so screen size is less material than I originally thought. Even with a relatively small screen the information given to the user is clear and concise.
The size of this recorder is simply amazing. Even with a battery the recorder weighs just a few ounces. While the recorder can be easily carried in a shirt pocket I have found that it is especially convenient when carried in one of the smallest cell phone belt pouches. The Olympus is about half the size of a Blackberry or small PDA. It is thinner than most small cell phones, and will fit easily on a belt or in a purse.
One of the top attractions to this recorder is the size of the memory. At 2GB there is plenty of room to store just about anything I can dictate. As an author of several books and dozens of articles I find that using the recorder is a valuable tool which has increased my productivity. I am no longer anchored to a computer keyboard when I write; now I can write anywhere I can take my recorder.
In fact, this review was recorded using the Olympus and then transcribed by Dragon. I actually found the error rate to be lower using the recorded file than when I use Dragon live. This has less to do with the voice recognition software than it does with the quality of the recording. I find that by recording I actually write better, and that my speech is clearer which means that my error rate drops.
Another significant feature of this recorder is the direct USB connection. The recorder comes with a short USB cable which can be easily used when access to the USB port is restricted. Fortunately my computer has several USB ports on the front, so I can connect the Olympus directly to the computer.
About the only negative to this is that the recorder now sticks out on front of the computer, and if the computer were positioned in a high traffic area it might create a hazard from being run into (hazard for the recorder, that is).
The recorder appears to be made mostly of plastic. Some might find this to be a negative but for me it helps explain the lack of weight. The light weight of the recorder is certainly an advantage, and I don't believe the plastic is a true issue. The overall quality of workmanship is very high.
Files are easily transferred from the Olympus to the computer just as they would be from a flash drive. The first time I plugged the Olympus into the USB port the computer immediately recognized the recorder. This is a real advantage, especially when transferring files to a new computer. As an example, I can easily use the recorder on both my home computer and laptop without installing special software. Likewise, I can take the recorder to my office where it is compatible with any computer using as USB port. Other recorders have a proprietary system that requires the use of special software, and that is simply too inconvenient given today's market and needs.
Files on the Olympus are stored in the WMA format. The recorder also plays music files in both the WMA and MP3 format. Having such large storage capacity also means that I can download music files to the recorder and still have plenty of room to make new recordings.
There are many other features which make this a great recorder, that space simply won't allow me to detail each of them. If you are looking for a great recorder to use with voice recognition software then I highly recommend this recorder. This is also a great tool for recording lectures, or conversations, and many other matters.
1. Low microphone sensitivity and low playback volume.
2. Loss of recording if the battery runs out.
I had previously used an RCA voice recorder with low sound quality but it did not have these two major flaws. I would have returned the Olympus unit but it's plusses are so great that I decided to keep it.
I called Olympus Tech Support and they were not helpful at all. They told me to send an email and I got no response.
If you listen to the device where the background is perfectly quiet, it's fantastic. The problem comes when you need to listen in a low to moderate noise envionment such as in a car or while walking, for example. I CONSTANTLY find myself trying to turn up the volume. It just is inadequate. I never had that problem with the RCA unit. The microphone setting also is not very sensitive. It needs another setting higher than "conf".
The other annoying thing is that when it is ready to run out of battery power, you get no warning. You just lose your recording permanently. This forces you to change the battery earlier than you might otherwise even though it has a significant amount of juice left.
I am hoping Olympus comes out with a fix for the volume problem, at least. If any of you experience this, please complain to them about it. I'm sure a software fix would correct this.
Buy Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player Now
This is the 3rd Olympus portable digital recorder I own, the others being the DS 2000 (mono) and the DS 2200 (stereo).The good things about this WAS-331M:
capability of stereo recording without the need of external mic (capable), unlike the DS 2200 which can record in stereo only with optional stereo mic.
direct recording in wma format, instead of propriety format like the DS 2000.
recording in high fidelity (44 48 kHz).
large built-in memory (2 GB) instead of using external flash card.
capability of using as a flash drive with built in USB.
capability of using as a mp3 player (in stereo) with USB direct transfer.
USB device is recognized instantaneously; no software needed.
capability of secret conversation recording, putting in pocket/bag, although it will pick up any noise.
Now, the bad thing about it:
the battery life is not predictable. This is the most inconvenient default of this, otherwise near perfect, jewel. Who knew how many recordings I missed due to the sudden stop of recording due to low battery. The indicator showed 2 stripes, but the recording suddenly stopped at 44 minutes, although Olympus boasted a 11-hour battery life.
Should we change battery when half discharge?
Read Best Reviews of Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player Here
I've owned a number of Olympus voice recorders going back to the days of tape. All have been noteworthy performers. The WS-331M represents the state-of-the-art in non-dedicated digital voice recorders. That is, it is neither a dedicated dictation unit intended to be used with foot switches and other transcription accessories, nor a professional audio recorder.Instead, this unit is intended for casual audio recording use. (It also has music player features which I have no need for and don't use.)
The unit has a staggering 71 hour recording capacity in HQ (High Quality) mode. I tried it in a large auditorium to record a lecture with three participants and the results were far more than merely satisfactory. Each voice was clear and distinguishable.
I used it for personal recording down to a slight whisper and the quality at every sound level is more than acceptable.
When I deliberately introduced loud background noise (a television talking heads show and a music-playing radio), dictation was still usable.
I haven't tried it with Dragon Naturally Speaking yet, but from prior experience with other Olympus and Sony recorders, I have no doubt that it will work well.
The unit is beautifully designed. About four inches long by perhaps two wide and not even a half-inch thick. Record, Stop and Play controls are conveniently located on the right side and easily manipulated with the thumb. A four-way controller on the front handles volume and forward and reverse direction. A center button takes care of the menu. There are separate buttons for Erase and Folder/Index. On the left side is the Hold button and a mode selector for Music or Voice.
All in all, one of the simplest control panels I've ever seen on a digital recorder and, frankly, a welcome change.
The LCD screen in legible and the backlight just capable enough.
Battery life is adequate. I make it a rule to regularly change batteries in units like this so I am not rendered unexpectedly powerless. Cheap insurance.
There's a lanyard attachment in the back.
Overall, the handling of this unit is absolutely sweet. Not slippery so as to cause concern for it flying out of your hand. Not too many controls that you forget how to use. Everything is simple and straightforward. A truly nice piece of design.
The coolest part is that transferring recordings to your computer requires nothing more than detaching the bottom of the WS-331M, using a quick-release button and plugging it into a USB port on your Windows PC. That's it. No software, no cables, no nothing. It's a WMA file that will play in Windows Media Player or any number of other PC players.
Overall, a sweet little unit.
Jerry
Want Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player Discount?
I reluctantly replaced a Sony voice recorder that I have been using for two years because I felt a little guilty about getting an upgrade so soon. But I was disappointed with quality and lack of MP3 capabilities. My guilt is gone! I am a pastor and the recordings are the BEST I've ever heard. I can record my sermons and listen to sermons I download off the internet. THere are 28 sermons, my fav CDs, and plenty of room for more. If you speak professionally, this is the tool for you!!
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