Olympus DS Series Digital Voice Recorders

The DS Series to date have been very high performance professional models. But Olympus recently released the Olympus DS-30, DS-40, and Olympus DS-50. These models have much more general purpose use.

The new DS models have several applications bundled with them. The programs included are designed to make podcast downloads easy to perform, as well as synchronization with your computer. Podcasts are updated automatically each time the audio recorder is connected to or “synchronized” with a computer.

You can play audio to 44.1 kHz - which they have cleverly dubbed "Remarkable Stereo Sound Quality" mode - which is equal to the sound quality of most CDs The software included can automatically download audio books from Audible.com, and it actually works quite smoothly.

Depending on the model number, you can get storage capacity from 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB respectively. With the variable recording rate this means that you can get up to 275 hours of recording time - on one device.

The DS-Series have microphones that can detach from their bodies and attach to a remote controller (an optional accessory) to allow podcasters to clip the DS-Series microphone onto a shirt or tie and record in high fidelity at the flip of a switch.

The recorders have a speaker for audio playback on the back, buttons for recording and playback on the side, and "arrow pads" and buttons to scroll between menus on the screen. It also has a power on/off sliding switch so users do not accidentally turn it on.

Each model is powered by 2 AAA batteries which gives you up to two hours of continuous operation. In case the batteries go out on you, an AC Adapter is bundled with the device. All models have MP3 and WMA support. Other features include: MP3 and WMA support, Timer Recording mode,Variable Speed Playback, “Voice Guidance” function that talks, confirming which settings have been selected and helping visually challenged users to navigate the device. etc.

The Olympus DS-30, Olympus DS-40 and Olympus DS-50 became available in January 2007, bundled with stereo microphone, USB Cable, stereo earphones, a DSS Player Version 7 Software CD-ROM and two AAA-alkaline batteries. DS-50 additionally includes a remote control and carrying case.

U.S. Pricing at launch:

DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder Estimated Street Price: $149.99 (U.S.)
DS-40 Digital Voice Recorder Estimated Street Price: $199.99 (U.S.)
DS-50 Digital Voice Recorder Estimated Street Price: $249.99 (U.S.)

Compare that with the eBay auctions and deals listed below. Both used and new digital voice recorders are available:


Olympus Voice Recorder Model #DS-50


Olympus Voice Recorder Model #DS-50

Price: $122.50 (11 Bids)
Time Left: 28m
Olympus DS-40 Digital Voice Recorder 141911 NEW! DS40


Olympus DS-40 Digital Voice Recorder 141911 NEW! DS40

Buy It Now: $96.98
Time Left: 1h 7m
Olympus DS-4000 Handheld Digital Voice Recorder


Olympus DS-4000 Handheld Digital Voice Recorder

Price: $230.27 (12 Bids)
Time Left: 11h 50m
Olympus DS 2400 digital voice recorder ds2400 ds2300


Olympus DS 2400 digital voice recorder ds2400 ds2300

Price: $234.95
Buy It Now: $239.95
Time Left: 13h 51m
Olympus DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder DS2


Olympus DS-2 Digital Voice Recorder DS2

Buy It Now: $69.79
Time Left: 15h 23m
OLYMPUS DS-40 DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER NEW IN BOX


OLYMPUS DS-40 DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER NEW IN BOX

Price: $51.00 (10 Bids)
Time Left: 15h 49m
Olympus DS 2000 Expandable Digital Voice Recorder


Olympus DS 2000 Expandable Digital Voice Recorder

Price: $79.99
Buy It Now: $89.99
Time Left: 18h 19m
Olympus DS-330 Handheld Digital Voice Recorder


Olympus DS-330 Handheld Digital Voice Recorder

Price: $102.50 (6 Bids)
Time Left: 20h 1m
Olympus DS-330 Handheld Digital Voice Recorder


Olympus DS-330 Handheld Digital Voice Recorder

Price: $86.00 (5 Bids)
Time Left: 21h 57m
Olympus DS-40 512 MB mp3 Digital Voice Recorder New !!!


Olympus DS-40 512 MB mp3 Digital Voice Recorder New !!!

Price: $42.00 (14 Bids)
Time Left: 22h 57m
Olympus DS-40 512 MB mp3 Digital Voice Recorder **New**


Olympus DS-40 512 MB mp3 Digital Voice Recorder **New**

Price: $38.00 (5 Bids)
Time Left: 23h 29m
Olympus DS-50 Handheld Digital Voice Recorder Brand New


Olympus DS-50 Handheld Digital Voice Recorder Brand New

Buy It Now: $159.95
Time Left: 1d 12h 55m
OLYMPUS DS-30 DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER DS30 IN BOX


OLYMPUS DS-30 DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER DS30 IN BOX

Buy It Now: $69.99
Time Left: 1d 13h 41m
Olympus DS-50 Handheld Digital Voice Recorder Brand New


Olympus DS-50 Handheld Digital Voice Recorder Brand New

Buy It Now: $162.95
Time Left: 1d 13h 52m
Olympus DS-2 Factory Refurbished DS2


Olympus DS-2 Factory Refurbished DS2

Price: $64.95
Buy It Now: $65.00
Time Left: 1d 14h 56m
Olympus DS-30 (256 MB) Handheld Digital Voice Recorder


Olympus DS-30 (256 MB) Handheld Digital Voice Recorder

Buy It Now: $89.00
Time Left: 1d 16h 52m
Olympus DS-40 (512 MB) Handheld Digital Voice Recorder


Olympus DS-40 (512 MB) Handheld Digital Voice Recorder

Price: $59.99 (1 Bids)
Time Left: 1d 17h 16m
OLYMPUS DS-40 DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER NEW IN BOX


OLYMPUS DS-40 DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER NEW IN BOX

Price: $46.00 (10 Bids)
Time Left: 1d 19h 28m
Olympus DS-330 Digital Voice Recorder


Olympus DS-330 Digital Voice Recorder

Price: $9.95 (0 Bids)
Time Left: 1d 22h 32m
Olympus DS-30 256MB Digital Voice Recorder DS30


Olympus DS-30 256MB Digital Voice Recorder DS30

Buy It Now: $76.84
Time Left: 2d 6h 49m
Olympus DS-40 Digital Voice Recorder DS40 with Warranty


Olympus DS-40 Digital Voice Recorder DS40 with Warranty

Buy It Now: $89.00
Time Left: 2d 10h 25m

With new Olympus DS digital voice recorders, accessories should include stereo microphone, USB Cable, stereo earphones, a DSS Player Version 7 Software CD-ROM and two AAA-alkaline batteries. DS-50 additionally includes a remote control and carrying case.