Olympus DS320 - Digital Voice Recorder User manual

1
DIGITALVOICE
RECORDER
DS-320
INSTRUCTIONS
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.
ViaVoice kit

2
Thank you for purchasing the Olympus
Digital Voice Recorder DS-320. 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
safetyrelatedinformation.Toprotectyourself
and others from personal injury or damage
to property, it is essential that you always
followthewarningsandinformationprovided.
For Safe and
Correct Usage General Precautions
●Do not leave the recorder in hot, humid
locationssuchasinsideaclosedautomobile
under direct sunlight or on the beach in the
summer.
●Donotstore the recorderinplaces exposed
to excessive moisture or dust.
●Donotuseorganic solvents such asalcohol
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 sand or dirt. These can cause
irreparable damage.
●Avoid strong vibrations or shocks.
●Do not disassemble, repair or modify the
unit yourself.
●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.
●Do not use the unit aboard aircraft, in
hospitals, or in other areas where its use is
prohibited.
The copyrights for the “DSS Player” software and
instructionmanualareheldbyOlympusOpticalCo.,Ltd.
IBM, PC/AT and ViaVoice are the trademarks or
registered trademarks of International Business
Machines Corporation.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation.
Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation.
Macintosh and Apple are registered trademarks of
Apple Computer, Inc.
Other product and brand names mentioned herein
may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners.

3
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 servicing.
AC Adapter
Warning
• Do not attempt to disassemble, repair or
modify the AC adapter in any way.
• Keep 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).
• Do not insert a dirty power supply plug
into a power outlet.
• Do not damage the power cord.
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
2immediatelydisconnectthepower 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.

4
Hardware Section

5
Table of Contents
Getting Started
Main Features ........................................... 6 Identification of Parts ................................ 7
Preparing for Recording
Inserting Batteries ..................................... 9
Replacing Batteries ................................. 10
Using the AC Adapter.............................. 10
Hold......................................................... 11
Setting Time/Date ................................... 11
Setting an ID ........................................... 13
Basic Operations
Recording................................................ 14
Playing and Volume Control.................... 18 Erasing .................................................... 21
Other Functions
Recording Modes .................................... 25
Microphone Sensitivity ............................ 26
Using the Variable Control
Voice Actuator (VCVA)...................... 27
Dictation Mode ........................................ 28
Index Marks ............................................ 29
Transferring Messages ........................... 30
System Sounds (Alarms) ........................ 31
Formatting ............................................... 32
Reset....................................................... 33
Other Information
Menu List ................................................ 33
Troubleshooting ...................................... 34 Specifications .......................................... 35
Accessories (optional)............................. 35
Software reference follows page 36.

6
DS-320 Main Features
DS-320 Main Features
Summary of product features:
●The DS-320 digital voice recorder stores
highly compressed DSS format voice
messages in 16MB integrated flash
memory.
●TheDS-320supportstwo recording modes:
SP(StandardPlayback)modeandLP(Long
Playback)mode.Continuousrecordingtime
is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes*
in SP mode and approximately 5 hours and
20 minutes* in LP mode.
●Recordedvoice messagescan bestored in
two separate folders (up to 99 messages
per folder) for easy identification at a later
time.
●TheVariable ControlVoiceActuator(VCVA)
helps save memory by pausing recording
when it senses silence.
●Overwrite recording, insert recording and
partial erasure functions make it easy to
correct and edit recordings.
●TheLCDpanel includes a dot-matrix display
which clearly displays message numbers,
a real-time counter, remaining recording
time,current time and date, operatingmode,
warnings, and other information.
* Maximum continuous recording time for a
single message. Recording time may be
shorter if you record many short messages.
(Use the remaining recording time and
recordedtimeindicatorsonly as references.)

7
Identification of Parts
1SP DICT button
2MENU/VOLswitch
3PLAY button
4REW (Rewind) button
5FF (Fast Forward) button
6STOP button
7Strap hook
8Built-in speaker
9REC (Record) button
0INDEX/FOLDER button
!Display (LCD panel)
@ERASE button
#Record indicator lamp
$Built-in microphone
%Earphone jack
^Microphone jack
&HOLD switch
*Battery cover
(POWER jack
)PC I/F (interface) connector
3
4
5
7
1
@
!
0
9
8
2
$%^
#
6
&
*
(
)
Identification of Parts

8
Display (LCD Panel)
1
2
3
5
7
6
4
8
9
0
1Recording mode
2Microphone sensitivity
3Month-date-year (M.D.Y.) and hour-
minute-second (H.M.S.)
4Elapsed time, remaining recording
time, recording date and time
indicators, menu display, etc.
5Folders (A and B)
6Message number display
7Insert recording mark
8Remaining recording time mark
9Remaining battery indicator
0Recording date/time mark
Standby Mode and Display Shut Off
If the recorder is stopped or paused for 30
minutes or longer, it goes into standby mode
(power saving mode) and the display shuts
off. To exit standby mode and turn on the
display, press any one of the STOP, REC,
PLAY, FF, or REW buttons, or the MENU/VOL
switch. To put the recorder into standby mode
(power saving mode) and shut off the display,
put the HOLD switch in the HOLD position
when the recorder is stopped or paused.
Identification of Parts
Identification of Parts

9
1
Slide open the battery cover.
2
Insert two AAA alkaline batteries, observing the
correct polarity.
3
Close the battery cover
completely.
The display will show the current date
and time setting for 1 second before
appearing as shown at right.
................................................................................................
* Themessagenumberunder“NEW”isthenumberofthenextmessage
to be recorded in this folder. For example, if you have three messages
in this folder, you will see “4”.
Note
If the battery cover is not closed completely, “OPEN”
appearson the displayand the recorderwill not work.
Inserting Batteries
Remaining
recording
time Folder
Message number*
Inserting Batteries

10
Replacing Batteries
If begins to flash on the display, stop the
recorder and replace both batteries as soon
as possible.
If [BATT] and appear on the display, the
recorderwillstopandwillnotoperate.Replace
both batteries immediately.
If the recorder fails to work properly after the
batteries are replaced, see “Reset” on page
33.
Warning
• Be sure to stop the recorder before
replacing the batteries. Unloading the
batteries while the recorder is recording,
erasing or otherwise accessing an audio file
may corrupt the file.
• Use only specified batteries with this
recorder.
• Never mix old and new batteries, or
batteries of different types and/or brands.
• Remove the batteries if you are not going
touse the recorder for an extended period
of time.
Using the AC
Adapter
Replacing Batteries/Using the AC Adapter
Plug in the optional AC adapter (Olympus
Model A321 or A322) into a household power
outlet and connect the power plug to the
recorder’spowerconnector(DC3 V) as shown
in the illustration. Do not connect the AC
adapter to the recorder during recording.
Always stop recording before connection.
Otherwise it may not be possible to play back
the voice data being recorded.
Warning
•Stop the recorder before disconnecting
the AC adapter.
•When not using the recorder, always
disconnecttheACadapter from the power
outlet.
• Useonly the correct power supplyvoltage
as indicated on the adapter.
MENU
/VOL
ERASESPDICT
RECSTOP
INDEX/
FOLDER

11
SP DICT
INDEX/
FOLDER
RECSTOP
ERASE
MENU
/VOL
STOP button
MENU/VOL switch
Allofyourrecordedmessageswillbestamped
with the time and date that you finished
recording. This feature is useful to manage
your recordings.
Ifthetimeanddatearenotset,thisinformation
will be inaccurate.
Using the MENU/VOL switch
Note
Whenbatteries areinsertedfor the firsttime,the clock
starts running from its initial state (January 1, 2000,
12 a.m.).
SettingTime/Date
Hold/Setting Time/Date
MENU
/VOL
MENU
/VOL
Settingthe HOLD switchtothe HOLD position
locks the recorder.All buttons will be disabled
and the display becomes blank. This is useful
when the recorder is carried in a bag,
briefcase, or your pocket because no buttons
will work accidentally.
Remember to release the HOLD switch
when using the recorder.
Notes
•When setting the HOLD switch to the HOLD
position while playing a message, the recorder
continues playing until reaching at the end of
message.
•When setting the HOLD switch to the HOLD
position while recording a message, the recorder
continues recording until available recording time
runs out.
•The recorder automatically stops and the display
becomes blank after completion of playing or
recording. All buttons are disabled as long as the
switch is set to HOLD position. To stop playing or
recording, you have to release the HOLD switch.
Hold
HOLD
Press Move up or down

12
Setting Time/Date
1
Press the MENU/
VOL switch.
The menu appears on
the display.
2
Move the MENU/
VOL switch up to
choose the screen
with the flashing
date/time indicator.
3
Press the MENU/
VOL switch.
The year cursor will
flash.
4
Move the MENU/
VOL switch up or
down to set the
year.
Continue to set the
month, date, hour, and
minute.
5
Press the MENU/
VOL switch.
The month cursor will
flash.
6
Set the month and
press the MENU/
VOL switch.
The date cursor will
flash.
7
Set the date and
press the MENU/
VOL switch.
The hour cursor will
flash.
8
Set the hour and
press the MENU/
VOL switch.
The minute cursor will
flash.
9
Set the minute and
press the STOP
button.
This completes the date/
time setup procedure.
....................................................................
Note
Ifyouleave the recorder idle for morethan3 minutes
during setup, any settings entered to that point will
be canceled.
{
SettingTime/Date

13
Setting an ID
Setting an ID
If an ID is set, it is automatically included in each message to help identify who recorded the
message when it is transferred to a PC. Setting IDs is recommended for easier management of
recorded messages. To set an ID, stop the recorder and follow these steps:
1
Press the MENU/VOL switch.
The menu appears on the display.
2
Move the MENU/VOL switch up
to choose the “IDAAAA”
screen.
3
Press the MENU/VOL switch.
The cursor flashes at the first
character position.
4
Move the MENU/VOL switch up or
down to choose the first
character.
Characters are selectable from A to Z
and 0 through 9.
5
Press the MENU/VOL switch.
Accepts the character and moves to the next position.
Repeat the steps above to set a four-character ID.
6
Press the STOP button.
This completes the ID setup procedure.
................................................................................................
Note
If you leave the recorder idle for 3 minutes or longer during a setup
operation, any settings entered to that point will be canceled.
6
2,4
1,3,5
SP DICT
INDEX/
FOLDER
RECSTOP
ERASE
MENU
/VOL

14
Recording
Recording
1
Press the INDEX/FOLDER
button to choose a folder.
The INDEX/FOLDER button toggles
between folder A and folder B each
time you press it.
2
Press the REC button to start
recording.
The recorder starts recording, and “REC”
appears on the display for 2 seconds.
The recording indicator lamp glows.
Elapsed recording time appears on
the display in hour-minute-second
format (real-time counter).
3
Press the STOP button to stop recording.
The recorder will stop recording, “NEW” appears on the
display and the message number is incremented by one.
* The message number under “NEW” is the number of the next
21
3
SP DICT
INDEX/
FOLDER
RECSTOP
ERASE
MENU
/VOL
message to be recorded in this folder.
.......................................................................................................................................................
Pause Recording
Pause
Press the REC button while recording.
➥The elapsed recording time indicator on
the display and the record indicator lamp
will flash.
Resume Recording
Press the REC button again.
➥Recording will resume with the same
message number.
Note
If you press the STOP button when the recorder is paused,
the recorder will stop recording, “NEW”will appear on the
displayand the message number will beincrementedbyone.
Remaining
recording
time Folder
Elapsed recording
time (real-time
counter)
Folders A and B can each hold up to 99 voice messages.
New Recording
Message number*

15
Recording Settings
While the recorder is designed to record
messages without requiring special settings, it
offersaLPmodeforlongrecordings,aDICTmode
fordictation,andaVariable Control VoiceActuator
(VCVA)toeconomizeonmemoryusage. Formore
details see the relevant sections of the manual.
Recording modes:
SP (Standard Playback) mode/
LP (Long Playback) mode
→P.25
Microphone sensitivity:
CONF (conference recording)/
DICT (dictation recording)
→P.26
Variable Control VoiceActuator (VCVA):
OFF/ON →P.27
Notes
•When “FULL”appears on the display, you cannot
record any more. To free up memory, you have to
erase messages. (see page 21). To archive your
recordings prior to erasing, you can transfer
messages to a PC. (see software section).
•While recording is in progress, never disconnect
or connect the AC adapter even if the recorder
containsbatteries.This may resultin failure to play
the recorded message.
•If the recorder is paused for 30 minutes or longer
while recording, it enters standby mode and the
display shuts off. (To release the recorder from
standby mode and turn on the display, press any
one of the STOP, REC, PLAY, FF, or REW buttons
or the MENU/VOL switch.)
•See recording tips
–for Record Meetings and Lectures. (P. 26)
Overwrite recording
You can overwrite a recorded message from
any point by pressing the REC button while
the recorder is stopped or paused.
Notes
•The previous recording will be erased.
•If the overwritten recording exceeds the recorded
time of the previously recorded message, the next
message is not erased.
Recording

16
Recording
Recording
Insert recording
You can insert recordings into previously recorded messages.
1
Press the INDEX/FOLDER button to choose a
folder.
2
Move the MENU/VOL switch down to choose the
message into which you want to insert
recording.
3
Press the PLAY button to play the message.
4
Press the STOP button at the point where you
want the insertion to start.
5
Press the MENU/VOL switch.
6
Move the MENU/VOL switch up
or down to choose “R-MODE”.
7
Press the MENU/VOL switch to
choose “INSERT”.
8
Press the STOP button.
Insert recording is now set.
4,8
1
2,6
3
5,7
SP DICT
INDEX/
FOLDER
RECSTOP
ERASE
MENU
/VOL

17
Recording
9
Press the REC button.
The insert recording starts.
10
Press the STOP button.
The insert recording stops.
................................................................................................
Notes
•Insert mode is only valid for one action.As soon as another operation
(such as Playback) is executed, the recorder will go back to Overwrite
mode.
•Insert recording will not work if there is no recording time available.
Listening While Recording Audio (Recording
Monitor)
Insert an earphone into the earphone jack to monitor what is
being recorded. (The volume is fixed.)
10
9
SP DICT
INDEX/
FOLDER
REC STOP
ERASE
MENU
/VOL

18
Playing and Volume Control
Playing and Volume Control
1
Press the INDEX/FOLDER
button to choose a folder.
2
Move the MENU/VOL switch up
or down to choose the
message you want to play.
The time and date when the message
was recorded are displayed.
3
Press the PLAY button.
The recorder will start playing.
The elapsed playing time appears on
the display in hour-minute-second
format (real-time counter). The length
of the message being played is
displayed below in hour-minute-
second format.
4
Press the STOP button to stop playing.
................................................................................................
Notes
•The recording date and time appears on the display for 2 seconds at
the beginning of each message.
•The recorder stops automatically when it finishes playing each
message.
•Insert an earphone into the earphone jack to monitor playback. The
built-in speaker will be turned off.
13
2
4
SP DICT
INDEX/
FOLDER
REC STOP
ERASE
MENU
/VOL
Length of the
message being
played (1 hour, 23
minutes, 45 seconds)
Elapsed playing time
(12 minutes, 34 seconds)
Folder
Message number

19
ERASE SP DICT
INDEX/
FOLDER
MENU
/VOL
Playing and Volume Control
Volume Control
Move the MENU/VOL switch up or down
while playing a message.
Movingtheswitch will show the current volume
setting (0 to 30) on the display.
Movingthe MENU/VOLswitch up increases
the volume.
Moving the MENU/VOL switch down
decreases the volume.
Note
If you do not move the MENU/VOL switch for 4
seconds, the display will return to playing.
Warning
Donotturn the volumetoohigh when listening
with an earphone. You could damage your
hearing.
Pause Playing
Pause
Press the PLAY button.
➥The elapsed playing time indicator on the
display will flash.
Resume Playing
Press the PLAY button again.
➥Playing will resume at the point of
interruption.
Notes
•Therecorderwillstop if you press the STOPbutton
while it is paused.
•If the recorder is paused for 30 minutes or longer,
it enters standby mode and the display shuts off.
(To release the recorder from standby mode and
turn on the display, press any one of the STOP,
REC,PLAY, FF, or REW buttons or the MENU/VOL
switch.)

20
Playing and Volume Control
Operation
Press the PLAY button for 1 second or
longer while playing a message.
Press the FF button while stopped.
Press the REW button while stopped.
Press and hold the FF button while
playing a message.
Hold the REW button while playing a
message.
Fast Playback
(FPLY)
Fast Forward
(FF)
Rewind (REW)
Cue (CUE)
(FastForward
While Playing)
Review (REV)
(Rewind While
Playing)
How to Cancel
Press the PLAY button for 1 second or longer
again.
➥The recorder will resume normal playback.
Press the STOP button.
➥The recorder stops immediately. (If you do not
press the STOP button, the recorder will skip to
the end of the message and then stop
automatically.)
Press the STOP button.
➥The recorder stops immediately. (If you do not
press the STOP button, the recorder will skip
back to the beginning of the message and then
stop automatically.)
Release the FF button.
➥The recorder will resume normal playback. (If
you do not release the FF button, the recorder
will skip to the end of the message and then stop
automatically.)
Release the REW button.
➥The recorder will resume normal playback. (If
you do not release the REW button, the recorder
will skip back to the beginning of the message
and then stop automatically.)
Other Operations
•In FPLY, the recorder plays messages about 1.5 times faster than normal.
•If you press the FF button again during a fast-forward operation the recorder will skip to the beginning of the
next message.
•If you press the REW button again during a rewind operation the recorder will skip to the beginning of that
message.
•Parenthesesdenotemode indications that appear onthedisplay. “FPLY”appears for 1 second whenthismode
is entered. “FF”, “REW”, “CUE”, or “REV”appears during its mode.
Playingand VolumeControl