Olympus DS 30 User manual

DIGITAL VOICE
RECORDER
DS-50
DS-40
DS-30
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.
EN

2
Introduction
●The contents of this document may be changed in the future without advanced notice.
Contact our Customer Support Center for the latest information relating to product names
and model numbers.
●The utmost care has been taken to ensure the integrity of the contents of this document. In
the unlikely event that a questionable item, error, or omission is found, please contact our
Customer Support Center.
●
Any liability for passive damages or damage of any kind occurred due to data loss incurred by
a defect of the product, repair performed by the third party other than Olympus or an Olympus
authorized service station, or any other reasons is excluded from the Olympus’s liability.
Trademarks
IBM and PC/AT are the trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business
Machines Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows and Windows Media are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
MPEG Layer-3 audio coding technology licensed from Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson.
The product was developed based on noise-canceling technology under license from NEC
Corporation.
IBM ViaVoice and Dragon NaturallySpeaking are the trademarks or registered trademarks of
Nuance Communications Inc.
Other product and brand names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
Introduction

3
INDEX
1
2
6
8
10
3
5
7
9
12
11
Table of Contents
Safe and Proper Usage
4
Getting Started
About Recording
About Playback
Erase and other functions
Display and Sound Functions
Menu Setting
Using the Recorder on Your PC
Managing Files on Your PC
DSS Player Expanded Functions
Importing content for listening
on the recorder
Enjoy Audible Content
Other Practical Use Methods
Other Information
P.9
P.23
P.41
P.63
P.82
P.91
P.96
P.109
P.120
P.135
P.146
P.155
P.156
P.4
P.6
INDEX
DS-50
INDEX
DS-50
13

4
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................... 2
INDEX ...................................................... 3
Table of Contents ...................................... 4
Safe and Proper Usage ............................ 6
General Precautions ................................. 6
1 Getting Started
Main Features .......................................... 9
Identification of Parts .............................. 10
Inserting Batteries ................................... 13
Using the AC Adapter ............................. 14
Power Supply ......................................... 15
HOLD ..................................................... 16
Setting Time/Date (Time&Date) .............. 17
Notes on the Folders .............................. 19
2 About Recording
Before recording ..................................... 23
Recording ............................................... 25
Using the Variable Control Voice Actuator
(VCVA) ............................................. 28
Recording Modes (Rec Mode) ................ 30
Microphone Sensitivity ............................ 31
Set the Low Cut Filter (LowCut Filter) ..... 32
Recording from External Microphone or
Other Devices .................................. 34
Timer Recording (Timer Rec) .................. 36
3 About Playback
Playing ................................................... 41
Set Skip Space (Skip Space) .................. 46
Changing the Playback Speed (Play Speed) . 48
Select Play Mode (Play Mode) ................ 51
How to begin segment repeat playback .. 53
Noise Cancel Function (Noise Cancel) ... 55
Set the Voice Filter (Voice Filter) ............. 57
Alarm Playback Function (Alarm) ............ 59
4 Erase and other functions
Erasing ................................................... 63
Index Marks and Temp Marks ................. 66
Locking Files (Lock) ................................ 68
Changing Folder Names (Folder Name) ........... 70
Rearranging files (File Move) .................... 72
Formatting the Recorder (Format) .......... 74
Changing the USB Class (USB Class) ....... 77
Changing Power Save (Power Save) ...... 78
Changing External Input Setting (Ext. Input) ... 79
Viewing system information (System Info.) .... 81
5 Display and Sound Functions
LCD Display Information ......................... 82
Backlight (Backlight) .............................. 84
LED(LED) ............................................... 85
LCD Contrast Adjustment (Contrast) ............ 86
Guidance (Voice Guide) .......................... 87
System Sounds (Beep) ........................... 90
6 Menu Setting
Menu Setting Method ............................. 91
Menu List ................................................ 93

5
7 Using the Recorder on Your
PC
Saving Files in Your PC .......................... 96
Using DSS Player Software .................... 98
Installing Software ................................ 100
Uninstalling Software ............................ 103
Using Online Help ................................. 104
Connecting to Your PC ......................... 105
Running DSS Player ............................. 107
Window Names (DSS Player) .................. 108
8 Managing Files onYour PC
Download Voice Files from the Recorder .. 109
Play a Voice File .................................... 111
Upload Voice Files to the Recorder ....... 112
Send Voice Files with E-mail ................. 114
Changing User ID ................................. 114
Changing a Folder Name ...................... 115
Editing File Comments .......................... 115
Editing a Template ................................ 116
Copying Voice Guide Data .................... 117
USB Microphone/USB Speaker ............ 118
9 DSS Player Expanded Functions
Upgrade Function ................................. 120
Using Voice Recognition Software ........ 122
Joining Files ......................................... 130
Splitting Files ........................................ 132
Menu Setting of this Recorder .............. 134
10 Importing Content for Listening
on the Recorder
Importing Content for Listening on the
Recorder ........................................ 135
Using Windows Media Player ............... 136
Window Names
(Windows Media Player) ................ 137
Copying Music from CD ........................ 138
Transferring Music File to the Recorder .... 139
Importing Podcast Content ................... 142
11 Enjoy Audible Content
Loading Audible Content ....................... 146
Transferring Audible Content ................ 149
Enjoy Audible Content with the Recorder . 151
12 Other Practical Use Methods
Using as External Memory of the Computer .... 155
13 Other Information
Alarm Message List .............................. 156
Troubleshooting .................................... 157
Accessories (optional) .......................... 159
Specifications ....................................... 160
Technical Assistance and Support ........ 161
Table of Contents

6
General PrecautionsSafe 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.
●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.

7
General Precautions
●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.
Any liability for passive damages or
damage of any kind occurred due to data
loss incurred by a defect of the product,
repair performed by the third party other
than Olympus or an Olympus authorized
service station, or any other reasons is
excluded from the Olympus’s liability.
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.

8
General Precautions
AC Adapter
Warning
•Do not attempt to disassemble, repair
or modify the AC adapter in any way.
•Keep foreign objects including water,
metal, or flammable substances from
getting inside the product.
•Do not moisten the AC adapter or touch
it with a wet hand.
•Do not use the AC adapter in the vicinity
of flammable gas (including gasoline,
benzine and lacquer thinner).
In case
•... the internal parts of the AC adapter
are exposed because it has been
dropped or otherwise damaged:
•... the AC adapter is dropped in water,
or if water, metal flammable substances
or other foreign objects get inside it:
•... you notice anything unusual when
using the AC adapter such as abnormal
noise, heat, smoke, or a burning odor:
1do not touch any of the exposed parts;
2immediately disconnect the power
supply plug from the power outlet, and;
3call your dealer or local Olympus
representative for servicing. Continued
use of the AC adapter under these
circumstances could result in electric
shock, fire or injury.
Plus
The “DSS Player”can be upgraded
to “DSS Player Plus”, which is
equipped with enhanced functionality
(paid option). (☞P.120)

9
1
This product is equipped with the following
features.
Main Features
Main Features
●This “IC recorder”is optimally suited for
playing back audio recordings, such as
conferences or business scenes, language
studies, Podcasts, and other audible content.
The recorder stores highly compressed
WMA (Windows Media Audio) format
voice messages in integrated flash
memory. (☞P135)
It can also play back WMA and MP3
(MPEG-1/MPEG-2 Audio Layer-3) format
files . (☞P41,96)
●A exclusive remote control (supplied with
the DS-50 only) can be attached to the
recorder to control recording and stop
operations. (☞P24)
●It uses a removable stereo microphone.
(☞P23)
•The stereo microphone can be removed when it
is not necessary during playback, offering
excellent portability.
•If the stereo microphone is removed and attached
to the exclusive remote control, it can be used as
a remotely controlled stereo microphone.
•Even if the stereo microphone is removed, the unit
uses a built-in monaural microphone for recording.
●Several recording modes can be selected
including stereo recording modes ST XQ
(Stereo Extra High Quality Sound
Recording) or ST HQ (Stereo High Quality
Recording), and three types of monaural
recording modes including HQ (High
Quality), SP (Standard Recording), and LP
(Long-tern Recording). (☞P30)
Recording time
DS-50 (1GB)
ST XQ mode: 17hours30minutes
ST HQ mode: 35hours10minutes
HQ mode: 70hours20minutes
SP mode: 138hours30minutes
LP mode: 275hours20minutes
DS-40 (512MB)
ST XQ mode: 8hours40minutes
ST HQ mode: 17hours20minutes
HQ mode: 34hours45minutes
SP mode: 68hours30minutes
LP mode: 136hours15minutes
DS-30 (256MB)
ST XQ mode: 4hours10minutes
ST HQ mode: 8hours30minutes
HQ mode: 17hours00minutes
SP mode: 33hours30minutes
LP mode: 66hours40minutes
Available recording time may be shorter if many short
recordings are made. (The displayed available
recording time and recorded time are approximate
indications.)
Maximum recording time per file
ST XQ mode: 26hours40minutes
ST HQ mode: 26hours40minutes
HQ mode: 26hours40minutes
SP mode: 53hours40minutes
LP mode: 148hours40minutes
A maximum recording time per file is set for each mode.
Even if the recorder’s memory is not used up, recording
cannot be continued beyond the limit.
●This recorder is compatible with USB 2.0,
enabling fast data transfer to a computer.
(☞P109)
1
Getting Started

10
1
Main Features
Main Features
●This USB storage class support recorder can
be utilized as external memory to read and
save the data.(☞P155)
•By connecting the computer with the USB,
pictures, text data, etc. can be saved, and
utilized to carry data.
●It uses a high-contrast monochrome LCD
(liquid crystal display) panel with a backlight
with a background color whiter than
conventional Olympus models. (☞P84)
●The guidance feature (in English and other
languages) gives audio notification of
operating conditions. It ensures seamless
operation of various complex functions.
(☞P87)
●You may assign your own names to folders.
(☞P115)
●It has a built-in Variable Control Voice
Actuator (VCVA) function.(☞P28)
●Timer Rec and Alarm features enable
automatic recording and playing at a set
time.(☞P36,59)
●The LowCut Filter minimizes air conditioner
noise and other similar noises while
recording.(☞P32)
●Index mark and temp mark features allow
you to quickly find desired locations.
(☞P66)
●The playback speed can be controlled as
preferred.(☞ P48)
●It features various repeat functions.(☞
P51,53)
●A Noise Cancel Function (☞P55) and a
Voice Filter Function (☞P57) cut noise
and enable clear audio playback.
●Fast forward and rewind are possible at
set intervals. (☞P46)
●Comes with DSS Player software. (☞P96)
•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.(☞P118)
●The “DSS Player”can be upgraded to a
“DSS Player Plus”, which is equipped with
a enhanced functionality (Option).
(☞P120)
•If a commercial voice recognition software
is utilized, the recorded voice file can be
converted to characters automatically.
(☞P122)
•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.
●It is compatible with Podcasting.(☞P141)
•If favorite Internet radio-station URLs are
registered in the DSS Player, the latest
broadcasting content will be received
automatically. Press the Podcast button
on the recorder to quickly listen to the
program (file) transferred from the DSS
Player to the recorder.
●Compatible with Audible broadcasting.
(☞P146)

11
1
Identification of Parts
Identification of Parts
e
=-
)
q
w
^
%
$
&
*
(
1
3
4
5
#
!
0
@
6
7
8
2
9
#FOLDER/button
$VOLUME (+) button
%9(Fast Forward) button
^VOLUME (
- ) button
&0(Rewind) button
*OK/MENU button
(ERASE button
)EAR (Earphone) jack
-MIC SENSE(Microphone
Sensitivity) switch
=PC (USB) terminal
qBattery cover
wPower jack
eBuilt-in speaker
1Exclusive stereo microphone
(ME53S)
2MIC (Microphone) / REMOTE jack
3Built-in monaural microphone
4REC (Record) button
5STOP button
6PLAY button
7DISPLAY/Podcast button
8POWER/HOLD switch
9Strap hole
0Record/Play indicator light (LED)
!Display (LCD panel)
@LIST/INDEX button

12
1
t
r
y
rMIC (Microphone) jack
tREC/STOP switch
yClip
Identification of Parts
1Folder name indicator
2Erase lock indicator
3Current file number
4Play position bar indicator
5Total number of recorded files in the folder
6Record mode indicator
7Character information display
8Icon display
Noise Cancel indicator
Voice Filter indicator
F. Play indicator
S. Play indicator
VCVA (Variable Control Voice
Actuator) indicator
Microphone sensitivity indicator
Battery indicator
Timer indicator
Alarm indicator
Low Cut Filter indicator
Play Mode indicator
Remote Controller
(RS29 supplied with the DS-50 only)
Recording and stop operations can be
performed by connecting the remote
controller to the recorder. The remote
controller can also be used as a remote
controlled stereo microphone by connecting
it to the exclusive stereo microphone
(ME53S).
Display (LCD Panel)
Identification of Parts
Display in the stereo
recording mode
Display in the
playback mode

13
1
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 by pressing to
the direction A, then sliding to the direction B.
4
Slide the POWER/HOLD switch in the direction
indicated by the arrow, and turn the power on.
If the “hour”indicator flashes in the display, see “Setting Time/
Date (Time & Date)”(☞P17).
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 battery is too weak, “Battery Low”appears
on the display and the recorder shuts down. When changing
batteries, AAA alkaline batteries or Olympus Ni-MH batteries
(☞P14) are recommended.
AA
BB
1
2
3
4

14
1
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.
•If it takes longer than 1 minute to replace dead
batteries, you may have to reset the time when
you load fresh batteries(☞P17).
•Remove the batteries if you are not going to
use the recorder for an extended period of time.
Optional Ni-MH rechargeable batteries
from Olympus can be used in the
recorder. Use them with the BU-400
Olympus Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery
Charger (Europe only) (☞P159).
Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery
Inserting Batteries/Using the AC Adapter
Inserting Batteries
Warning
•Always stop recording before connection
or disconnection.
•When the AC adapter is not in use,
disconnect the power supply plug from
the power outlet.
•Use only the correct power supply
voltage as indicated on the adapter.
•Do not use the AC adapter when
connecting the recorder to the USB port.
Using the AC Adapter
Plug the optional AC adapter (Olympus
Model A321 or A322) into a household
power outlet and connect the power plug to
the recorder’s power connector (DC 3V).
Always turn the recorder's power off or stop
recording before connecting. If the AC
adapter is plugged in while recording using
batteries, it may not be possible to play back
the voice data being recorded.

15
1
Power Supply
When the recorder is not being used, turn the power off to reduce battery consumption to a
minimum. Even if the power is turned off, existing data, mode settings, and clock settings will
be maintained.
Turning On the Power
While the recorder's power is off,
slide the POWER/HOLD switch in
the direction indicated by the arrow.
The display will turn on, and, after “System
Check”appears, the power will be turned on.
The resume function will bring the recorder
back to the stop position in memory before
power was turned off.
Turning Off the Power
Slide the POWER/HOLD switch in the direction
indicated by the arrow for 0.5 seconds or longer.
The display shuts off and the power will be turned off.
The resume function remembers the stop position before
the power is turned off.
If the recorder is on and stops for 10 minutes or longer (default), the display shuts off and it goes into
power save mode. You can set the time to enter power save mode from among “5 min,”“10 min,”
“30 min,”“1 hour,”and “Off.”(☞P78) To exit power save, press any button.
Power save mode
Power Supply

16
1Set the recorder to HOLD mode
Slide the POWER/HOLD switch
to the HOLD position.
After “Hold”appears on the display, the
recorder is set to HOLD mode.
Exit HOLD mode
Slide the POWER/HOLD switch
to the Aposition.
HOLD
If you bring the POWER/HOLD switch to the HOLD position,
the current conditions will be preserved, and all buttons and
switches will be disabled.This feature is useful when the
recorder has to be carried in a bag or pocket.
..................................................................................................................................................
Notes
•If you press any button in HOLD mode, the clock display flashes for 2 seconds, but it will not operate the
recorder.
•If HOLD is applied during playback (recording), operation is disabled with the playback (recording) state
unchanged. (When playback has ended and the recording has ended due to the remaining memory
being used up, it will stop.)
•Even if the recorder is in HOLD mode, operations using the remote control are still available.
HOLD

17
1
SettingTime/Date (Time&Date)
If you set the date and time beforehand, the information when the file is recorded is automatically
stored for each file. Setting the date and time beforehand enables easier file management.
1
Press the 9or 0button to select
the item to set.
Select the item from “hour”, “minute”, “year”
“month”and “day”with a flashing point.
2
Press the +or –button to set.
Follow the same steps by pressing the 9
or 0button to select the next item, and
press the + or –button to set.
•You can choose between 12 and 24 hour display by pressing
the DISPLAY button while setting the hour and minute.
Example: 5:45 P.M.
5:45 PM ←→ 17:45
•You can choose the order of the year, month, day by pressing
the DISPLAY button while setting them.
Example: January 14, 2006
Setting Time/Date
When you use the recorder for the first time after purchasing it, or turn the
power on after having removed the batteries for one minute or longer to
change them or for other purposes, the “Set Time & Date”message may
appear. If the “Hour”indicator flashes, follow the steps below to set it.
(Initial setting)
2
1
1M14D2006Y
(Initial setting)
14D1M2006Y2006Y1M14D

18
1
1
Press the +or –button in the menu
screen, and select the “Time&Date”.
See P91, 93 regarding the menu.
2
Press the OK or 9button.
The Time/Date screen appears. The hour
indicator flashes, indicating the start of the
Time/Date setup process.The following steps
are the same as Step 1 through Step 3 of
“Setting Time/Date”(☞P17).
3
Press the STOP button to close the
menu.
3
Press the OK button to complete the setup screen.
The clock will start from the set date and time. Press the OK
button according to the time signal.
........................................................................................................
Notes
•If you press the OK button during the setup operation, the recorder will
save the items that were set to that point.
•After setup, a message will sound saying that If the guidance is not required,
select “Off”, and the screen goes into “Voice Guide”setup (☞P87). If you
don't want the guidance feature, select “Off”.
SettingTime/Date (Time&Date)
3
3
2
1
Changing the Time/Date
Press the STOP button while the recorder has stopped recording to check “Time & Date”and
“Remain”. If the “Time & Date”is not correct, set it using the procedure below.
Setting Time/Date

19
1
Notes on the Folders
There are a total of eight folders in the recorder that are in a tree format. Under the “Root”folder
are “Folder A”through “Folder E”, “Audible”and “Music”folders, and recorded or transferred
language and music data from a computer can be saved as “files”. “Folder A”through “Folder E”
are voice-recording folders, so choose one of these five folders when recording on this recorder.
Up to 200 files can be saved in each folder, and up to two layers can be created within the “Music”folders.
“Audible”folder can be purchased from an Audible web site (☞P146) by using the “Audible Manager”,
and files transferred to the recorder (☞P144) are saved in this folder (in ACELP/MP3 format).
A “Podcast”folder, for saving files distributed (☞P142) by Podcasting, is prepared in advance
inside the “Music”folder.
- .................................................................................................................................................
Notes
• Up to 128 folders can be created under the “Music”folder including “Music”and “Podcast”.
•When using Windows Media Player 10, click [Start Sync] instead of setting the synchronization options. All
the files will be transferred to the part Aabove (☞P139).
•
It is not possible to create a folder in the “Audible”folder.
First layer Second layer
Folder
File
Save up to
200 files.
Each folder in “Folder A”
through “Folder E”can
save up to 200 voice files.
Notes on the Folders

20
1
Notes on the Folders
Notes on the Folders
Selecting the Folders and Files
List display
The folders and files recorded
in this recorder are displayed.
File display
Information of the selected file is displayed.
Enters in playback standby mode.
Upper (selected) folder
Scroll bar
(appears when
the whole
contents
cannot be
displayed)
aUpper (selected)
folder
bName of the file
Files with tag
data
Press the FOLDER button to switch folders
Press the FOLDER button while the recorder
is stopped.
➥Every time the Folder button is pressed, it
cycles through “Folder A”through “Folder
E”and the “Audible”“Music”folder, and it
shows a list of files and folders recorded
within each folder.
When the “Audible”folder is opened, the
recorder enters the Audible mode (☞P151).
Open the “Podcast”folder
While the recorder is stopped, press the
Podcast button for one second or longer.
➥If the “Podcast”folder under the “Music”
folder is opened, a list of files and folders
within the folder will appear. For “Podcast”
please see P142.