Olympus DM-901 User manual

DIGITAL VOICE
RECORDER
USER MANUAL
Thank you for purchasing an Olympus digital voice recorder.
Please read these instructions for information about using the product
correctly and safely.
Keep the instructions handy for future reference.
To ensure successful recording, we recommend that you test the record
function and volume before use.
Getting started
Recording
Playback
Schedule
Menu
Wi-Fi Function
Use with a PC
Other information
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DM-901
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Names of parts............................................................................ 4
Recorder................................................................................................4
Display .................................................................................................. 5
1 Getting started
Setup.........................................................................................10
Inserting the battery...........................................................................11
Charging the battery by connecting to an AC adapter with a USB
connection (model A514)...................................................................12
Charging the battery by connecting to a PC’s USB connector ............13
Turn the power ON..............................................................................15
Setting the date/time.........................................................................15
Setting the voice guidance ................................................................. 16
Batteries....................................................................................16
Inserting/removing an SD card ...................................................18
Inserting an SD card............................................................................18
Removing an SD card..........................................................................19
Preventing accidental operation ................................................21
Setting HOLD mode............................................................................21
Releasing HOLD mode ........................................................................21
Turning the power OFF...............................................................22
Turning the power OFF .......................................................................22
[Home] screen operations...........................................................23
Selecting the mode............................................................................. 23
Folders ......................................................................................25
Folders for voice recordings ................................................................25
Folders for music playback.................................................................. 25
Folders for Podcast playback............................................................... 26
Selecting folders and files ..........................................................27
2 Recording
Recording ..................................................................................28
Basic recording procedure...................................................................28
Pausing/resuming recording ..............................................................30
Monitoring while recording................................................................ 31
Recording with an external microphone .....................................32
Recording with an external microphone............................................32
Recording from another connected device..................................33
Recording audio from another device with this recorder....................33
Recording audio from this recorder with another device....................33
Changing the recording scene [Rec Scene]...................................34
Changing the recording scene ............................................................ 34
3 Playback
Playback....................................................................................36
Basic playback procedure....................................................................36
Playback through the earphones........................................................37
Fast-forwarding..................................................................................38
Rewinding ..........................................................................................38
Skipping to the beginning of a file .....................................................39
Changing the playback speed............................................................. 40
ABC repeat playback........................................................................... 41
Index marks/temp marks ...........................................................44
Writing an index mark/temp mark.....................................................44
Erasing an index mark/temp mark.....................................................44
Calendar Search function ...........................................................45
Using the Calendar Search function to search for a file.......................45
Erasing files/folders ...................................................................46
Erasing files.........................................................................................46
Erasing a folder................................................................................... 47
Partially erasing files...........................................................................47
4 Schedule
Displaying the schedule screen...................................................49
Operating the schedule screen ...........................................................49
Registering a voice memo ..........................................................50
Recording a voice memo on a specified date...................................... 50
Listening to a voice memo..........................................................51
Playing back a registered voice memo................................................51
Playing voice as an alarm ...........................................................52
Setting the date and time to play back the voice memo....................52
Erasing a voice memo.................................................................54
Erasing a voice memo.........................................................................54
5 Menu
Setting menu items ...................................................................55
Basic operation ................................................................................... 55
Recording menu [Rec Menu].......................................................58
Selecting the recording sensitivity [Rec Level] ...................................58
Setting the recording mode [RecMode].............................................59
Selecting microphone directivity [Zoom Mic].....................................59
Reducing noise during recording [Low Cut Filter]...............................60
Setting timer recording [TimerRec] ................................................... 60
Changing the folder name [FolderName]..........................................61
Setting the recording monitor [Rec Monitor].....................................61
Table of contents

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Table of contents
Playback menu [Play Menu]........................................................62
Skipping non-voice portions during playback [Voice Playback]......... 62
Reducing noise during playback [Noise Cancel] .................................62
Adjusting low volume portions during playback [Voice Balancer].....62
Selecting playback modes [Play Mode].............................................. 63
Setting a skip space [Skip Space]........................................................ 64
Increasing efficiency for voice transcription [Transcription Mode].....65
File menu [File Menu].................................................................66
Extracting the speaking portions of files of spoken-word content
[Voice Detect] ..................................................................................... 66
Preventing accidental file erasure [File Lock]......................................66
Sorting files [Sort by].......................................................................... 66
Moving/copying files [Move/Copy].....................................................66
Dividing files [File Divide]................................................................... 67
Displaying file or folder information [Property] .................................67
Erasing the content folder [Erase app data]........................................68
LCD/Sound menu [LCD/Sound Menu]...........................................69
Setting the backlight [Backlight]........................................................69
Setting the LED indicator light [LED] .................................................. 69
Turning beeping sound ON/OFF [Beep].............................................. 69
Changing the display language [Language].......................................70
Setting the voice guidance [Voice Guide]...........................................70
Selecting the speaker output [Speaker] ............................................. 70
Device menu [Device Menu]........................................................71
Selecting the recording media [Memory Select]................................71
Setting power save mode [Power Save].............................................71
Setting the date/time [Time & Date] .................................................71
Setting the USB connection [USB Settings]........................................72
Restoring the default settings [Reset Settings]..................................72
Formatting a recording media [Format].............................................73
Checking recording media information [Memory Info.]..................... 73
Confirming the voice recorder information [System Info.] .................74
DisplayingWi-Fi setting information [Wi-Fi]......................................74
Setting timer recording [Timer Rec]............................................76
Setting timer recording [Timer Rec] ................................................... 76
Extracting the speaking portions of files of spoken-word content
[Voice Detect] ............................................................................79
Extracting the speaking portions of files of spoken-word content
[Voice Detect] ..................................................................................... 79
Moving/copying files [Move/Copy] ..............................................81
Moving/copying files [Move/Copy].....................................................81
Dividing files [File Divide]...........................................................84
Dividing files [File Divide]................................................................... 84
Setting the voice guidance [Voice Guide].....................................86
Setting the voice guidance [Voice Guide]...........................................86
Formatting a recording media [Format]......................................88
Formatting a recording media [Format].............................................88
6 Wi-Fi Function
Before using the Wi-Fi function ..................................................90
About OLYMPUS Audio Controller.......................................................93
7 Use with a PC
PC operating environment .........................................................95
PC connection/disconnection......................................................97
Connecting the voice recorder to a PC.................................................97
Disconnecting the voice recorder from a PC........................................98
Functions available in Olympus Sonority...................................100
Installing software...................................................................102
Uninstalling software ..............................................................104
Using online help.....................................................................105
Upgrade function.....................................................................106
Loading a file to a PC ................................................................108
Usage as external memory of the PC.........................................109
8 Other information
Alarm message list...................................................................110
Troubleshooting ......................................................................112
Recorder care...........................................................................115
Accessories (optional)...............................................................116
Copyright and trademark information......................................118
Safety precautions...................................................................121
Specifications ..........................................................................126

Names of parts
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Recorder
1
2
3
9
0
!
@
#
%
^
$
q
w
=
u
r
y
t
e
4
6
5
7
8
&
*
)
-
(
1Built-in stereo microphone (L)
2
MIC (microphone) jack
3Built-in stereo microphone (R)
4
SCENE button
5Volume (
+ ) button
6Volume (
– ) button
7USB connector
8
POWER / HOLD switch
9LED indicator light (LED)
0Display
!
F1 / F2 / F3 buttons
@2button
#
REC (record) (s) button
$9button
%
MENU button
^
ERASE button
&3button
*`
OK button
(
HOME button
)0button
-
STOP (4) button
=Battery cover
qBattery cover lock release lever
wBuilt-in speaker
e
EAR (earphone) jack
r
Remote jack
Jack for connecting the receiving section
of the optional remote control set
RS30W . You can start/stop recording
remotely.
tCard cover
y
Wi-Fi ON/OFF switch
uStrap hole
Names of parts

Names of parts
5
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Names of parts
Display
4 [ Home ] screen
4
6
7
5
2
1
3
1 [ Music ] mode (☞ P.36)
2 [
Podcast ] mode (☞ P.36)
3 [
Scheduler ] mode (☞ P.49)
4 Cursor
5 [
Menu ] mode (☞ P.55)
6 [
Recorder ] mode (☞ P.28)
7 Mode currently selected
TIP
• While the voice recorder is in stop
mode, you can check the current date
and time by pressing the F1 (TIME)
button on the [Home] screen. If the
current date/time is set incorrectly, see
“Setting the date/time [Time & Date]”
(☞P.71)

Names of parts
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Names of parts
Display
4 [ Recorder ] mode
1234 65
0
8
7
9
7
0
1234 65
&
*
(
)
0
!
@
#
%
$
^
9
1234 65
File displayFile list displayFolder list display
1Recording media (☞ P.71)
[]: Internal memory
[]: SD card
2Speaker (☞ P.70)
3Timer Rec (☞ P.76)
4Alarm (☞ P.52)
5Wi-Fi (☞ P.74)
6Battery (☞ P.16)
7Current folder name
8Folder name
9File name
0Function button guide
!Recording format (☞ P.59), File
lock (☞ P.66)
@Voice recorder status indicator
[]: Recording (☞ P.28)
[]: Recording pause (☞ P.30)
[]: Stop
[]: Playback (☞ P.36)
[]: Fast forward (☞ P.38)
[]: Fast rewind (☞ P.38)
[]: Fast playback (☞ P.40)
[]: Slow playback (☞ P.40)
#Playback speed (☞ P.40),
Voice Detect (☞ P.79),
Voice Playback (☞ P.62),
Transcription Playback (☞ P.65)
$
Index (Temp) mark (☞ P.44)
%Folder name, recording date/time
^Indicator display area (☞ P.8)
&Current file number in folder/Total
number of recorded files in folder
*Elapsed recording time or
playback time
(Possible recording time remaining
or file length
)Remaining memory bar, playback
position bar

Names of parts
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Names of parts
Display
4 [ Music ] mode
0
8
7
1234 65
9
7
0
1234 65
&
*
(
)
0
!
@
#
%
$
^
9
1234 65
Folder list display File list display File display
1Recording media (☞ P.71)
[]: Internal memory
[]: SD card
2Speaker (☞ P.70)
3Timer Rec (☞ P.76)
4Alarm (☞ P.52)
5Wi-Fi (☞ P.74)
6Battery (☞ P.16)
7Current folder name
8Folder name
9File name
0Function button guide
!File format (☞ P.39),
File lock (☞ P.66)
@Voice recorder status indicator
[]: Stop
[]: Playback (☞ P.36)
[]: Fast forward (☞ P.38)
[]: Fast rewind (☞ P.38)
[]: Fast playback (☞ P.40)
[]: Slow playback (☞ P.40)
#Playback speed (☞ P.40)
$
Index (Temp) mark (☞ P.44)
%Title, Artist, Album
^Indicator display area (☞ P.8)
&Current file number in folder/Total
number of recorded files in folder
*Elapsed playback time
(File length
)Playback position bar

Names of parts
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Names of parts
Display
4 [ Podcast ] mode
$
%
^
&
*
8
9
0
@
!
#
7
1234 65
1Recording media (☞ P.71)
[]: Internal memory
[]: SD card
2Speaker (☞ P.70)
3Timer Rec (☞ P.76)
4Alarm (☞ P.52)
5Wi-Fi (☞ P.74)
6Battery (☞ P.16)
7Current file name
8File format (☞ P.39),
File lock (☞ P.66)
9Voice recorder status indicator
[]: Stop
[]: Playback (☞ P.36)
[]: Fast forward (☞ P.38)
[]: Fast rewind (☞ P.38)
[]: Fast playback (☞ P.40)
[]: Slow playback (☞ P.40)
Meanings of indicators shown in indicator
display area (same for all modes)
[]: Rec Level
[]: Low Cut Filter
[]: Zoom Mic
[]: Noise Cancel
[]: Voice Balancer
[][ ][ ]: Playback range
[]: Repeat
0Playback speed (☞ P.40)
!
Index (Temp) mark (☞ P.44)
@Title, radio station, name of
program
#Indicator display area
$Current file number in folder/Total
number of recorded files in folder
%Elapsed playback time
^File length
& Playback position bar
*Function button guide

Names of parts
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Names of parts
Display
4 [ Scheduler ] mode
@
#
$
8
9
!
0
7
1234 65
Calendar Screen
1Recording media (☞ P.71)
[]: Internal memory
[]: SD card
2Speaker (☞ P.70)
3Timer Rec (☞ P.76)
4Alarm (☞ P.52)
5Wi-Fi (☞ P.74)
6Battery (☞ P.16)
7Title
8Year and month of the calendar
being displayed
9Calendar (☞ P.45, P.49)
0Selected date
!Number of registered items and
setting details for the selected
day
(Memos: 3 Alarms: 1)
@Current date
#Voice memo/alarm already
registered
$Function button guide

1
Setup
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Setup
After unpacking the voice recorder, follow the steps below to have it ready for use.
Step 1
3
Insert the battery
Step 2
3
Charge the recorder
Step 3
3
Turn the power ON
Step 4
3
Setting the date/time
Set the voice recorder’s clock for use with file management.
Step 5Setting the voice guidance
Remove the screen protector on the display.
Getting started

1
Setup
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Setup
Inserting the battery
Before using the voice recorder, remove the battery from the bag and insert it in the battery
compartment.
1To open the battery cover, slide
the battery cover lock release
lever in the direction of the
arrow.
2With the label on the back facing
up, align the terminals on the
recorder and the battery, and
then press down in at Aand set
the battery into place by pressing
it inward at B.
As shown, set the battery pack so that it tucks
under the protruding section of the recorder.
3Slide the battery cover until it is
completely closed.
NOTE
• Be sure to firmly close the battery cover
(slide until the battery cover lock clicks).
• Do not close the battery cover if the
battery is not completely inserted.
• Check for any metallic foreign matter or
dust on the terminal of the battery.
• Do not use a battery other than that
specified.

1
Setup
12
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Setup
Charging the battery by connecting to an AC adapter with a USB connection
(model A514)
The battery can be recharged by connecting the recorder to the provided AC adapter (A514). It
is recommended to use the AC adapter when using the recorder for a long period of time, such
as for long recordings.
NOTE
• Lithium-ion batteries are
self-discharging. Be sure to charge the
battery before you start recording.
• Before connecting the USB connector,
release HOLD mode (☞P.21).
1Connect the USB connection
cable to the USB connector on
the AC adapter.
Connect the USB
cable to the AC
adapter.
2Connect the AC adapter to an AC
power outlet.
To an AC power
outlet
3While the recorder is in stop
mode or the recorder’s power is
OFF, connect the USB connection
cable to the recorder’s USB
terminal.
4Press the 2or 3button to select
[ AC Adapter ].

1
Setup
13
EN
Setup
Charging the battery by connecting
to an AC adapter with a USB
connection (model A514)
5Press the ` OK button to start
charging.
6Charging has finished when the
battery indicator changes to [ ].
Charging time: About 3 hours*
* Approximate time needed to fully
charge a completely flat battery at
room temperature.
The charging time depends on the
amount of remaining power and the
state of the battery.
NOTE
• Use only the Olympus USB connecting
AC adapter model provided (A514).
Charging the battery by connecting
to a PC’s USB connector
NOTE
• Before connecting the USB connector,
release HOLD mode (☞P.21).
1Start the PC.
2Connect the USB connection
cable to the USB port on the PC.
3While the recorder is in stop
mode or the recorder’s power is
OFF, connect the USB connection
cable to the recorder’s USB
terminal.

1
Setup
14
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Setup
Charging the battery by connecting to a PC’s USB connector
4 Press the 2or 3button to select
[ PC ].
5Press the ` OK button to start
charging.
6Charging is finished when
[ Battery full ] appears.
NOTE
• The power of PC must be ON to charge
the battery using the USB connector.
You cannot charge the battery when
the power of PC is OFF, or the PC is
in standby, sleep or auto power OFF
mode.
• Do not use a USB hub when charging
the battery by connecting to the PC.
• When [ ]*1 or [ ]*2 is displayed the
battery cannot be charged. Charge the
battery in an ambient temperature of
between 5 and 35°C (41 and 95°F).
*1 []: Ambient temperature is too
low.
*2 [ ]: Ambient temperature is too
high
• If battery life has become noticeably
short on a full charge, replace the
battery with a new one.
• Insert the USB connector securely all
the way. Operation will not be normal if
the connection is not made properly.
• Use only a compatible Olympus USB
extension cable. Operation is not
guaranteed if another manufacturer’s
cable is used. Only use the Olympus
USB extension cable with the voice
recorder and never use if a product
from another manufacturer is used.
• Selecting [AC Adapter] when the AC
adapter is connected will enable you to
charge the battery with [USB Settings]
set to [Composite] (☞P.72).

1
Setup
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Setup
Turn the power ON
1While the voice recorder is turned
off, slide the POWER / HOLD switch
in the direction of the arrow.
POWER/HOLD
switch
NOTE
• Always charge a rechargeable battery
before using it for the first time
(☞P.12).
Setting the date/time
1Press the 9or 0button to
select the item to set.
2Press the 2or 3button to
change the number.
• To change the setting of another item,
press the 9or 0button to move
the blinking cursor, then press the 2
or 3button to change the number.
3Press the ` OK button to finalize
the setting.
TIP
• If you press the `OK button during the
setup operation, the recorder will save
the items that were set to that point.
• You can change the clock display
format. See “Setting the date/time
[Time & Date]” (☞P.71) for the
procedure.

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16
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Setup/Batteries
Setup
Rechargeable batteries
Read the information below carefully when
using a lithium-ion rechargeable battery
(Li-50B).
4 Discharging
Rechargeable batteries discharge naturally
when not in use. Be sure to charge the
battery before use.
4 Operating temperature
Rechargeable batteries are chemical-based
products. Their performance can vary
even when used within the recommended
operating temperature range. This variation
is normal.
4 Recommended temperature
range
When powering voice recorder: 0 to 42°C
(32 to 107.6°F)
When being charged: 5 to 35°C (41 to 95°F)
During long-term storage: –20 to 30°C
(–4 to 86°F)
Use of a rechargeable battery outside the
temperature ranges above may result in
drops in battery performance or life. When
not using the voice recorder for an extended
period, remove the rechargeable battery
before storage to prevent fluid leakage or
rust.
NOTE
• Due to the nature of a lithium-ion
rechargeable battery, new batteries
and batteries not used for an extended
period (one month or more) may not
charge completely. The battery should
become fully charged after charging
and discharging the battery up to three
times.
Setting the voice guidance
This feature gives voice announcements of
recorder operating conditions.
1Press the 2or 3button to select
[ On ] or [ Off ].
[On]: Voice guidance will be enabled.
[Off]: Guidance will be canceled.
2 Press the ` OK button to finalize
the setting.
TIP
• [On/Off], [Speed], and [Volume] can
be set for the voice guidance. See
“Setting the voice guidance [Voice
Guide]” (☞P.86) for the procedure.
Batteries

1
Batteries
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EN
Batteries
• Always dispose rechargeable batteries
in the legally prescribed manner. Before
disposing rechargeable batteries that
are not fully discharged, take steps to
prevent shorting such as insulating
their terminals with tape.
• Always turn power off before replacing
the battery. Files may be damaged if
the battery is removed while the voice
recorder is recording or performing an
operation such as erasing a file.
• At the time of purchase, the battery
cover is not attached to the device.
• You may need to reset the date/time if
the battery is removed from the voice
recorder for over fifteen minutes, or
if the battery is quickly removed and
replaced. See “Setting the date/time
[Time & Date]” (☞P.71) for the
procedure.
• When not using the voice recorder for
an extended period, always remove the
battery before storage.
• When buying rechargeable batteries,
always select lithium-ion rechargeable
batteries (Li-50B). Operation is not
guaranteed. If a battery from another
manufacturer is used.
• Even if the battery indicator is [ ],
playback with the built-in speaker at
some volumes may result in a drop in
battery output voltage, causing the voice
recorder to reset. Lower the volume in
this case.
• Battery life will be shorter when using
an SD card.
• The continuous battery usage time will
vary depending on the performance of
the battery in use (☞P.128).
• Battery life will be shorter when using
lithium-ion rechargeable battery that
has been used repeatedly (☞P.128).
For customers in Germany:
Olympus has an agreement with the GRS
(Joint Battery Disposal Association) in
Germany to ensure environmentally-friendly
battery disposal.
Battery indicator
As the battery loses its remaining charge, the
battery indicator on the display changes as
follows:
• [ ] indicates there is little remaining
battery charge. Charge the battery.
When the battery has run out, [ ] and
[Battery low] appears, operation stops.

1
Inserting/removing an SD card
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EN
The voice recorder has its own internal memory, and also supports standard SD cards (SD,
SDHC, and SDXC) sold separately.
Inserting an SD card
1While the voice recorder is in stop
mode, open the card cover.
2 Insert an SD card, making sure it is
placed correctly as shown.
• Insert the SD card straight, avoiding
crooked insertion.
• Inserting an SD card the wrong way or
crookedly could damage its contact
surface or cause it to jam in the slot.
• An SD card not inserted fully (until
it clicks into place) might not record
data.
3Close the card cover.
• When you insert an SD card, the
recording media selection screen will
appear.
4To record onto the SD card, press
the 2or 3button and select
[ Yes ].
5Press the ` OK button to finalize
the setting.
TIP
• You can also select the internal
memory as the recording media
(☞P.71).
Inserting/removing an SD card

1
Inserting/removing an SD card
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EN
Inserting/removing an SD card
Inserting an SD card
NOTE
• The voice recorder may not be able
to recognize an SD card formatted
(initialized) for a PC or other device.
Before using an SD card, always
initialize it on the voice recorder
(☞P.88).
SD cards
You cannot perform recording or erasing if
the write protect switch is set to the [LOCK]
side.
Write protect
switch
Removing an SD card
1While the voice recorder is in stop
mode, open the card cover.
2Release the SD card by pressing
it inward, then letting it slowly
return.
• The SD card moves outward and
stops. Pull the SD card out with your
fingertips.
• [Internal memory selected] is
displayed after removing an SD card, if
[Memory Select] was set to [SD card].
3Close the card cover.

1
Inserting/removing an SD card
20
EN
Inserting/removing an SD card
Removing an SD card
NOTE
• SD cards may pop out forcefully on
removal if you flick or release your
finger too quickly after pressing the
SD card in.
• Depending on the card’s manufacturer
and type, some SD cards, SDHC cards,
and SDXC cards may not be fully
compatible with the voice recorder and
not be recognized properly.
• For SD card compatibility under
Olympus verification, please contact
our customer support at:
http://www.olympus-europa.com
Note that our customer support
will provide information on SD card
manufacturers and card types for which
Olympus has verified operation, but
will not guarantee it’s performance.
Also note that some cards may
no longer be recognized correctly
by the voice recorder in case
card manufacturer changes card
specifications.
• Read the operating instructions
provided with the card when using an
SD card.
• If an SD card is not recognized by
the voice recorder, try removing and
reinserting the card to have the voice
recorder attempt recognition again.
• Processing speed may be low for some
SD card types. Processing performance
may also be reduced by writing or
deleting data repeatedly from an SD
card. In such a case, initialize the SD
card (☞P.88).