Olympus DS-2 User manual

DIGITAL VOICE
RECORDER
DS-2
ONLINE
INSTRUCTIONS
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 recordings, we
recommend that you test the record function
and volume before use.
E N

2
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ...................................... 2
Safe and Proper Usage ............................. 4
General Precautions .................................. 4
1 Getting Started
Main Features............................................ 6
Identification of Parts ................................. 9
Inserting Batteries ................................... 11
Power Supply .......................................... 12
Hold.......................................................... 13
Setting Time/Date (TIME&DATE) ............ 14
2 Menu Setting
Menu Setting Method .............................. 16
Menu List ................................................. 18
3 About Recording
Recording ................................................ 20
Recording Modes (REC MODE) ............. 22
Using the Variable Control
Voice Actuator (VCVA) ...................... 23
Microphone Sensitivity (MIC SENSE) ..... 25
Recording from External Microphone
or Other Devices ............................... 26
Timer Recording (TIMER REC) .............. 28
Listening While Audio is Recorded
(Recording Monitor) .......................... 32
4 About Playback
Playing ..................................................... 33
Changing the Playback Speed
(PLAY SPEED) ................................... 39
Continuous Playback (ALL PLAY) ........... 41
Repeat Playback ..................................... 42
Auto Backspace Review
(BACK SPACE) ................................. 44
Skip Interval Setting (SKIP SPACE) ....... 45
Noise Cancel Function ............................ 47
Alarm Playback Function (ALARM) ........ 48
5 Other functions
Erasing ..................................................... 51
Locking Files (LOCK) .............................. 55
Index Marks ............................................. 56
LCD Contrast Adjustment
(CONTRAST) .................................... 58
Backlight (BACKLIGHT) .......................... 59
System Sounds (BEEP) .......................... 60
Assigning Folder Names
(FOLDER NAME) .............................. 61
Assigning File Comments
(COMMENT) ..................................... 64
Moving Files Across Folders ................... 65
LCD Display Information ......................... 66
Formatting the Recorder (FORMAT)....... 68

3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
6 Preparation Before Using
DSS Player
Using DSS Player Software .................... 70
Operating Environment ........................... 71
Installing Software ................................... 72
Uninstalling Software ............................... 75
Using Online Help ................................... 77
Connecting to Your PC ............................ 78
Running DSS Player ............................... 83
Window Names (DSS Player) ................. 85
7 Managing Files on Your PC
Download Voice Files
from the Recorder ............................. 86
Play a Voice File ...................................... 88
Upload Voice Files to the Recorder ........ 89
Send Voice Files with E-mail ................... 91
Changing User ID .................................... 91
Changing a Folder Name ........................ 92
Editing File Comments ............................ 92
Editing a Template ................................... 93
USB Microphone/USB Speaker .............. 94
8 DSS Player Expanded
Functions
Upgrade Function .................................... 96
Using Voice Recognition Software .......... 98
Joining Files ........................................... 106
Splitting Files .......................................... 108
Menu Setting of this Recorder .............. 110
9 Setting of the USB Class
Changing the USB Class
(USB CLASS) .................................. 111
10 Other Practical Use Methods
Using as External Memory
of the Computer .............................. 112
11 Other Information
Alarm Message List ............................... 113
Troubleshooting ..................................... 115
Accessories (optional) ........................... 117
Specifications ........................................ 118
Technical Assistance and Support ........ 119

4
Safe and Proper
Usage
Before using your new recorder, read this
manual carefully to ensure that you know
how to operate it safely and correctly.
Keep this manual in an easily accessible
location for future reference.
• The warning symbols indicate important safety
related information. To protect yourself and
others from personal injury or damage to
property, it is essential that you always read the
warnings and information provided.
General Precautions
●Do not leave the recorder in hot,
humid locations such as inside a
closed automobile under direct
sunlight or on the beach in the
summer.
●Do not store the recorder in places
exposed to excessive moisture or
dust.
●Do not use organic solvents such as
alcohol and lacquer thinner to clean
the unit.
●Do not place the recorder on top of
or near electric appliances such as
TVs or refrigerators.
●Avoid recording or playing back near
cellular phones or other wireless
equipment, as they may cause
interference and noise. If you
experience noise, move to another
place, or move the recorder further
away from such equipment.
●Avoid sand or dirt. These can cause
irreparable damage.
●Avoid strong vibrations or shocks.
●Do not disassemble, repair or modify
the unit yourself.

5
Batteries
Warning
• Batteries should never be exposed to
flame, heated, short-circuited or
disassembled.
• Do not attempt to recharge alkaline,
lithium or any other non-rechargeable
batteries.
• Never use any battery with a torn or
cracked outer cover.
• Keep batteries out of the reach of
children.
• If you notice anything unusual when
using this product such as abnormal
noise, heat, smoke, or a burning odor:
1remove the batteries immediately
while being careful not to burn
yourself, and;
2call your dealer or local Olympus
representative for service.
●Do not operate the unit while
operating a vehicle (such as a
bicycle, motorcycle, or go-cart).
●Keep the unit out of the reach of
children.
<Warning regarding data loss>
Recorded content in memory may be
destroyed or erased by operating
mistakes, unit malfunction, or during
repair work.
It is recommended to back up and save
important content to other media such as
a computer hard disk.

6
1
●By using the built-in stereo microphone, 2
types of stereo recording modes, which
are Stereo HQ (stereo high quality sound
recording) and Stereo SP (stereo standard
recording) and 3 types of monaural
recording modes, which are HQ (high
quality sound recording), SP (standard
recording), and LP (long-term recording)
can be selected.*1(☞P.22)
Recording time
STEREO HQ mode : 1 hours 5 minutes
STEREO SP mode : 2 hours 10 minutes
HQ mode : 4 hours 20 minutes
SP mode : 10 hours 25 minutes
LP mode : 22 hours 20 minutes
•Available recording time for one continuous
file. Available recording time may be shorter if
many short recordings are made. (The
displayed available recording time and
recorded time are approximate indications.)
●You may assign your own names to
folders. (☞P.61)
This product is equipped with the following
features.
●Connect the cradle and the USB
connection cable to this recorder, and high
speed data transfer to a computer can be
performed. (☞P.78)
●This recorder can also be utilized as
external memory of a computer. (☞P.112)
•By connecting the computer with the USB,
pictures, text data, etc. can be saved, and
utilized to carry data.
●It has a large backlight full-dot display
(LCD display screen). (☞P.60)
•The screen displays information about
recorded voice files and easily understood
operational messages.
●The recorder stores highly compressed
DSS and WMA format voice messages in
internal flash memory.*1
1Getting Started
Main Features
Main Features

7
1
Main Features
●The five folders can hold 199 files each,
for the maximum of 995 recordings.
(☞P.20)
●It has a built-in Variable Control Voice
Actuator (VCVA) function. (☞P.23)
●A timer recording function is built-in, which
can record at a set time. (☞P.28)
●You can input file comments.*2 (☞P.64)
•You can add comments of up to 100 characters
to each recorded file.
•This recorder has 10 pre-set comment
templates.
●The recorder has a Noise Cancel Function.*2
(☞P.47)
•Ruwisch & Kollegen GmbH Noise Suppression
Technology reduces noise in files and enables
clear sound playback.
●Recorded files may be moved from one
folder to another. (☞P.65)
●You can insert or delete index marks. *2
(☞P.56)
•If you insert index marks during recording or
playback, you will later be able to quickly find
the recording you want to hear.
●The playback speed can be controlled as
preferred. (☞P.39)
●Fast forward and rewind are possible at a
set interval. (☞P.45)
●Comes with DSS Player software. (☞P.70)
•If you transfer voice files recorded with the
recorder to a PC, you can easily play back,
organize, and edit the files.
•If you connect the recorder to a computer, you
can use it as a USB microphone or USB
speaker. (☞P.94)
●The “DSS Player”can be upgraded to a
“DSS Player Plus”, which is equipped with
a enhanced functionality (Option). (☞P.96)
•If a commercial voice recognition software is
utilized, the recorded voice file can be converted
to characters automatically.*3(☞P.106)
•In addition to the “DSS Player”functions,
joining and splitting of the files and configuring
the menu settings of this recorder, etc. can be
performed.
The “DSS Player”can be upgraded
to “DSS Player Plus”, which is
equipped with enhanced functionality
(paid option). (☞P.96)
Plus

8
1*1: DSS format in SP and LP mode recording, and
WMA format in stereo HQ and stereo SP and
HQ mode recording.
*2: For WMA files, these functions are only
available for files recorded with this recorder
or the IC recorders from Olympus.
*3: In a quiet environment, it is necessary to set
this recorder to stereo HQ, stereo SP, HQ mode
or SP mode, and that the person whose voice
is registered in the speech recognition software
speak with the constant tone of voice when
recording.
The voice file recorded under the following
conditions is not suitable for character
conversion, since the software may have
difficulty in recognizing the voice.
—Meetings, discussions where voices of more
than one person can be recorded
—Conferences, lectures where the
surrounding noise can be recorded
Main Features
IBM, PC/AT, and ViaVoice are the trademarks or
registered trademarks of International Business
Machines Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows and Windows Media are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Apple, Macintosh, iMac, Mac, and PowerMac are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple
Computer, Inc.
Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation.
CORTOLOGIC is a registered trademark of
Ruwisch & Kollegen GmbH.
Other product and brand names mentioned herein
may be the trademarks or registered trademarks
of their respective owners.
ScanSoft and Dragon NaturallySpeaking are the
trademarkes or registerd trademarks of ScanSoft, Inc
Main Features

9
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
!
@
#
$
%
-)
(
*
&
^
2
1MIC (Microphone) jack
2Built-in stereo microphone
3INDEX/2button
4DISPLAY/MENU/SET button
5FOLDER/REPEAT/3button
6ERASE button
7VOL (+) button
8VOL (–) button
9FF (Fast Forward) button
0PLAY button
!REW (Rewind) button
@STOP button
#REC (Record) button
$Display (LCD panel)
%Record/Play indicator lamp
^Built-in speaker
&HOLD switch
*EAR (Earphone) jack
(Strap Hole
)Battery cover
-Cradle attachment point/PC (USB)
terminal
Identification of Parts
Identification of Parts

10
1
0
1
2
3
4
56 7
!
9
8
@
1Battery indicator
2VCVA (Variable Control Voice Actuator)
indicator
3Timer recording display
4Alarm indicator
5Microphone sensitivity display
6Stereo display
7Record mode indicator
8Current file number
9Total number of recorded files in the folder
0Erase lock indicator
!Repeat play indicator
@Character Information display
Identification of Parts
Identification of Parts
Display (LCD Panel)

11
1
3
1
2
Inserting Batteries
Inserting Batteries
1
Lightly press down on the arrow and slide the
battery cover open.
2
Insert two AAA alkaline batteries, observing the
correct polarity.
3
Close the battery cover completely.
Replacing batteries
The battery indicator on the display changes as the batteries
lose power.
➜➜➜
When appears on the display, replace the batteries as
soon as possible.
When the batteries are too weak, the recorder shuts down
and “BATTERY LOW”appears on the display. AAA alkaline
batteries are recommended.
An optional Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery from Olympus
can be used for the recorder (☞P.117).
....................................................................................................................................................
Notes
•Be sure to stop the recorder before replacing the batteries. Unloading the batteries while the recorder is
in use may corrupt the file. If you are recording into a file and the batteries run out, you will lose your
currently recorded file because the file header will not be able to close. It is crucial to change the batteries
once you see only one Hash mark in the battery icon.
•Be sure to replace both batteries at the same time.
•Never mix old and new batteries, or batteries of different types and/or brands.
•If it takes longer than 1 minute to replace dead batteries, you may have to reset the time when you load
fresh batteries (☞P.14).
•Remove the batteries if you are not going to use the recorder for an extended period of time.

12
1
Power Supply
When the recorder is not used, setting it to HOLD turns off the recorder, suppressing the
consumption of the battery to a minimum. Even if the power is turned off, the existing data,
settings of each mode, and clock setting will be maintained. To turn the power on, cancel the
hold switch.
Turning Off the Power
Move the HOLD switch to the HOLD
position while the recorder is not in
operation.
After “HOLD”is displayed, flashing for 2
seconds, the display will turn off.
Turning On the Power
Release the HOLD switch of the recorder.
Power Supply

13
1
Hold
Hold
Setting the HOLD switch to the HOLD position.
If you set the recorder to HOLD status by sliding the
HOLD switch in the direction of the arrow, the current
conditions will be preserved, and all buttons and switches
except the HOLD switch will be disabled. This feature is
useful when the recorder has to be carried in a bag or
pocket.
Remember to reset the HOLD switch when
using the recorder.
....................................................................................................................................................
Notes
•The display will flash if the switch is moved to hold in the stop status. At this time, if any button is pressed
the clock display will flash for about 2 seconds, but will not operate.
•If the switch is moved to hold during playback (or recording), the playback (recording) status will stay and
cannot be operated.
(When playback has ended and the recording has ended due the remaining memory being used up, it will
be in the stop state.)
•The alarm will sound at the scheduled time even if the recorder is set to hold. The recorder begins to play
the file associated with the alarm when you press any button.
•Recording will start when the set time of the timer recording comes even while in hold.

14
1If you have set the time and date, information as to when an audio file is recorded is stored
automatically with that file. The time and date should be set to ease file management tasks.
Also, it is required when performing timer recording (☞P.28) and alarm playback (☞P.48).
The hour indicator will flash automatically when you load batteries before using the
recorder for the first time, or after the recorder hasn’t been used for a long time.
Proceed from step 1.
Setting Time/Date (TIME&DATE)
Setting Time/Date (TIME&DATE)
STOP button
(Exits the menu)
MENU/SET
button
(Accepts a choice
and moves on to
the next item)
2button
(Alters a choice)
3button
(Alters a choice)
PLAY button
(Switching the
data displayed.)
1
Set the hour.
1Press the 3button or 2button to set
the hour.
2Press the MENU/SET button to accept
the hour.
•You can choose between 12 and 24 hour
display by pressing the PLAY button while
setting the hour and minute.
Example: 5:45 P.M.
5:45 PM ←→ 17:45
(Initial setting)
2
Set the minute.
1Press the 3button or 2button to set
the minute.
2Press the MENU/SET button to accept
the minute.
3
Set the year.
1Press the 3button or 2button to set
the year.
2Press the MENU/SET button to accept
the year.
•You can choose the order of the year,
month, day by pressing the PLAY button
while setting them.

15
1
1
2
Setting Time/Date (TIME&DATE)
Changing the Time/Date
6
Press the STOP button to close the
menu.
When the date is confirmed, the recorder’s
clock will start to move. Set the time
according to the time signal and press the
MENU/SET button.
........................................................................
Note
If you press the STOP button during the setup
operation, the recorder will save the items that
were set to that point.
Example: January 14, 2005
1M 14D 2005Y
(Initial setting)
↓
14D 1M 2005Y
↓
2005Y 1M 14D
4
Set the month.
1Press the 3button or 2button to set
the month.
2Press the MENU/SET button to accept
the month.
5
Set the date.
1Press the 3button or 2button to set
the date.
2Press the MENU/SET button to accept
the date.
1
Press the 3or 2button in the sub
menu screen, and select the
“TIME&DATE”.
See ☞P.17 and 19 regarding the sub menu.
2
Press the MENU/SET button.
Time/Date screen appears. The hour
indicator flashes, indicating the start of the
Time/Date setup process.
Follow the same steps starting at step 1 in “Setting Time/Date”
(☞P.14).

2
16
Menu Setting Method
Each item of the menu list (☞P.18, 19) can be set by the following method.
2,4
1,3,5
6
Menu Setting Method
2Menu Setting
Main Menu Setting
1
Press and hold the MENU/SET
button for 1 second or longer.
The main menu opens.
2
Press the 3or 2button to
move to the item to be set.
3
Press the MENU/SET button.
Moves to the setting of the selected
item. When
◊
SUB MENU is selected,
move to the item of the sub menu.
4
Press the 3or 2button to
change the setting.
5
Press the MENU/SET button to
complete the setup screen.
6
Press the STOP button to close
the main menu.

2
17
2,4,
6
8
1,3,
5,7
Sub Menu Setting
1
Press and hold the MENU/SET
button for 1 second or longer.
The main menu opens.
2
Press the 3or 2button on the
setting screen of the main menu,
and select the “
◊
SUB MENU”.
3
Press the MENU/SET button.
The sub menu opens.
4
Press the 3or 2button to move
to the item to be set.
5
Press the MENU/SET button.
Moves to the setting of the selected
item. When ◆MAIN MENU is selected,
move to the item of the main menu.
6
Press the 3or 2button to
change the setting.
7
Press the MENU/SET button to
complete the setup screen.
8
Press the STOP button to close
the sub menu.
Menu Setting Method

2
18
Main Menu
Press and hold the MENU/SET button for 1secomd or longer.
Menu List
....................................................................................................................................................
Notes
•If you press the STOP button or the REC button, during a menu setup operation, the recorder will stop and
apply the items that were set to that point. The set contents of the timer recording will be set, and goes to OFF.
•The recorder will stop if you leave it idle for 3 minutes during a menu setup operation, when a selected
item is not applied.
P.22
P.25
P.55
P.45
P.44
P.39
P.41
P.48
P.28
P.17
P.23
Switches to the sub menu.
Playback Speed Setting Screen
Menu List
Press and hold the MENU/SET
button for 1 second or longer.
Press the 3or 2button.
Press the MENU/SET button.
Initial setting

2
19
P.16
P.14
P.59
P.58
P.60
P.61
P.64
P.68
P. 111
....................................................................................................................................................
Notes
•If you press the STOP button or the REC button, during a sub menu setup operation, the recorder will stop
and apply the items that were set to that point.
•The recorder will stop if you leave it idle for 3 minutes during a sub menu setup operation, when a
selected item is not applied.
Sub Menu
Time/Date setting.
In order of hour, minute, year, month and day.
Switches to the main menu.
LCD contrast adjustment
Folder naming.
Assigning file comments.
Menu List
Press the 3or 2button.
Press the MENU/SET button.
Initial setting

20
3
Recording
The recorder provides five folders, A, B, C, Dand E, and each message recorded in a
folder is saved as a Digital Speech Standard (DSS) file or a Windows Media Audio (WMA) file.
These five folders can be selectively used to distinguish the kind of recording; for example,
Folder Amight be used to store private information, while Folder Bmight be dedicated to
holding business information. Up to 199 messages can be recorded per folder (☞P.61).
Stereo recording is possible, only when set to stereo HQ and stereo SP mode.
Recording
3About Recording
1
Press the FOLDER button to
choose a folder.
The folder name is displayed.
aTotal number of recorded files in the
folder
bCurrent file number
cCurrent folder
2
Press the REC button to start
recording.
The record/play indicator lamp glows red.
Turn the built-in stereo microphone in the
direction to be recorded. The display
changes depending on the recording
mode (☞P.22).
dCurrent recording mode
eRecording time
fRemaining recording time
3
Press the STOP button to stop
recording.
Display in the
stereo recording
mode
Display in the
monaural
recording
1
2
3
Built-in stereo
microphone