Olympus WS-853 User manual

Getting started
Recording
Playback
Menu
Use with a PC
Other information
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WS-853
WS-852
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.

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Names of parts ........................................................ 4
Recorder ...........................................................................4
Display (Normal mode).....................................................5
Display (Simple mode)......................................................6
1 Getting started
Setup...................................................................... 7
Inserting the battery.........................................................8
Turning the power ON.......................................................9
Setting the inserted battery..............................................9
Setting the time/date.....................................................10
Selecting the mode.........................................................10
Charging the battery ..............................................11
Charging the battery by connecting to a PC’s USB
connector .......................................................................11
Batteries................................................................13
Inserting/removing a microSD card..........................15
Inserting a microSD card.................................................15
Removing a microSD card ...............................................16
Preventing accidental operation..............................17
Setting HOLD mode ........................................................17
Releasing HOLD mode.....................................................17
Turning the power OFF............................................18
Selecting folders and files .......................................19
Using the Calendar Search function to search for a file....19
2 Recording
Recording...............................................................21
Basic recording procedure...............................................21
Pausing/resuming recording...........................................23
Quickly checking a recording...........................................23
Monitoring while recording............................................24
Changing the recording scene [Rec Scene] ................25
Changing the recording scene.........................................25
Recording with an external microphone...................27
Recording with an external microphone.........................27
Recording from another connected device................28
Recording audio from another device with this recorder ...28
3 Playback
Playback ................................................................30
Basic playback procedure................................................30
Fast-forwarding..............................................................31
Rewinding ......................................................................31
Skipping to the beginning of a file .................................32
Playback through the earphones ....................................33
Changing the playback speed.........................................35
A-B repeat playback........................................................36
Index marks/temp marks ........................................37
Writing an index mark/temp mark .................................37
Erasing an index mark/temp mark..................................37
Erasing files............................................................38
Erasing files.....................................................................38
4 Menu
Setting menu items ................................................40
Basic operation...............................................................40
File menu [File Menu] .............................................43
Preventing accidental file erasure [File Lock] ..................43
Dividing a file [File Divide]..............................................43
Displaying file information [Property] ...........................43
Recording menu [Rec Menu]....................................44
Selecting the recording level [Rec Level].........................44
Setting the recording mode [Rec Mode] .........................44
Reducing noise during recording [Low Cut Filter] ...........45
Voice-activated recording function [VCVA] .....................45
Voice sync recording function [V-Sync. Rec]....................46
Playback menu [Play Menu].....................................48
Reducing noise during playback [Noise Cancel] ..............48
Emphasizing voice more clearly [Voice Filter] .................48
Adjusting low volume portions during playback
[Voice Balancer] .............................................................48
Selecting playback modes [Play Mode]...........................49
Setting a skip space [Skip Space] ....................................49
LCD/Sound menu [LCD/Sound Menu] ........................51
Adjusting the contrast [Contrast]....................................51
Setting the LED indicator light [LED]...............................51
Turning beeping sound ON/OFF [Beep]...........................51
Changing the display language [Language] ...................51
Table of contents

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Table of contents
Device menu [Device Menu] ....................................52
Selecting the recording media [Memory Select].............52
Setting the battery in use [Battery] ................................52
Setting the time/date [Time & Date] ..............................52
Selecting the mode [Mode Select]..................................53
Restoring the default settings [Reset Settings]...............53
Formatting a recording media [Format]..........................54
Checking recording media information [Memory Info.]...55
Checking voice recorder information [System Info.] .......55
5 Use with a PC
PC operating environment ......................................56
PC connection/disconnection...................................58
Connecting the voice recorder to a PC.............................58
Disconnecting the voice recorder from a PC ....................60
Transferring files to a PC..........................................61
6 Other information
Alarm message list..................................................63
Troubleshooting ....................................................65
Recorder care .........................................................68
Accessories (optional) .............................................69
Copyright and trademark information .....................70
Safety precautions..................................................71
Specifications.........................................................75
Indications used in this manual
NOTE
Describes precautions and operations that
should be absolutely avoided in using the
voice recorder.
TIP
Describes useful information and hints that
will help you getting the most out of your
voice recorder.
☞
Indicates reference pages describing details
or related information.

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Names of parts
Recorder
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9
0
&%
*
^
(
)-
=
q
w
e
!
@
#
$
2
3
4
5
6
7
1Built-in stereo microphone (L)
2Display
3LED indicator light (LED)
4
STOP (4) button
5
ERASE button
6
MENU button
7Built-in speaker
8USB connector/USB connector
cover (retractable)
9Built-in stereo microphone (R)
0
POWER switch
!Card cover
@
REC (record) (s) button
#
FOLDER / INDEX button
$
CALENDAR / SCENE button
%0button
^
+ button
&9button
*`
OK button
(
– button
)Stand
-USB connector slide lever
=Microphone jack ( )
qEarphone jack ( )
wBattery cover
eStrap hole
Names of parts

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Names of parts
Names of parts
Display (Normal Mode)
During recording mode
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5
8
0
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7
12
3
4
5
8
9
!
6
7
12
During stop mode
or playback mode
1File name
2 Battery indicator
[ ]: Ni-MH*1
[]: Alkaline*1
3 Folder indicator, Current file
number in folder/Total number
of recorded files in folder and file
lock indicator
4Voice recorder status indicator
[ ]: Recording indicator
[]: Recording pause indicator
[]: Stop indicator
[]: Playback indicator
[]: Fast playback indicator
[]: Slow playback indicator
[]: Fast-forward indicator
[]: Fast-rewind indicator
5Elapsed recording time or
playback time
6Recording media indicator
[l]: Internal memory
[m]: microSD card
Possible recording time remaining
7Meanings of indicators shown in
indicator display area
Rec Scene:
[]: Dictation
[]: Meeting
[]: Conference
[]: Duplication (Cassette)
[]: Duplication (CD)
[]: Duplication (Timer)
[]: Telephone Rec
[]: DNS
[] [ ] [ ]: Rec Level
[]: VCVA
[]: V-Sync. Rec
[]: Low Cut Filter
[]: Voice Balancer*1
Voice Filter*2
[ ]: Noise Cancel*1
Play Mode:
[]: Folder
[]: File
[]: Repeat
8Recording format indicator
9File length
0Level meter
!Playback position bar indicator
* 1WS-853 model only
* 2WS-852 model only

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Names of parts
Names of parts
Display (Simple Mode)
During recording mode
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4
58
2
6
1
3
4
58
2
7
1
During stop mode
or playback mode
1 Folder indicator, Current file
number in folder/Total number
of recorded files in folder and file
lock indicator
2 Battery indicator
[ ]: Ni-MH*1
[]: Alkaline*1
3Voice recorder status indicator
[ ]: Recording indicator
[]: Recording pause indicator
[]: Stop indicator
[]: Playback indicator
[]: Fast playback indicator
[]: Slow playback indicator
[]: Fast-forward indicator
[]: Fast-rewind indicator
4Elapsed recording time or
playback time
5Recording media indicator
[l]: Internal memory
[m]: microSD card
Possible recording time remaining
6Level meter
7File length (During stop mode),
Playback position bar indicator
(During playback mode)
8Rec Scene
* 1WS-853 model only
TIP
• Pressing and holding the STOP (4)
button while the voice recorder is in
stop mode displays the settings [Time
& Date] and [Remain] (amount of
possible recording time remaining). If
the current time/date is set incorrectly,
see “Setting the time/date [Time &
Date]” (☞P.52).

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Setup
Setup
After unpacking the voice recorder, follow the steps below to have it ready for use.
Getting
started 1
3
Inserting the battery
Getting
started 2
3
Turning the power ON
Getting
started 3
3
Selecting the battery setting (WS-853 model only)
Select the battery setting to match the inserted battery. Select the setting
for a nickel-metal hydride rechargeable battery or the setting for an alkaline
battery.
Getting
started 4
3
Setting the time/date
Set the voice recorder’s clock for use with file management.
Getting
started 5
3
Selecting the mode
Select either normal mode or simple mode.
Getting
started 6Charging the recorder (WS-853 model only)
Remove the screen protector
on the display.
Getting started

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Setup
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Setup
Inserting the battery
Before using the voice recorder, insert the battery in the battery compartment of the voice
recorder.
1Slide open the battery cover
while pressing down on it.
2Insert AAA batteries, making
sure to place the positive and
negative terminals correctly.
Insert the battery’s
negative terminal first
3Slide the battery cover
completely closed.

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Setup
Setup
Turning the power ON
1Slide the POWER switch to the
[ ON ] position.
POWER switch
TIP
• When [Language] appears in the
display after turning the power ON,
press the +or –button to change the
display language and press the `OK
button to finalize the setting.
Setting the inserted battery
WS-853 model only
1Press the
+ or – button to select
the type of battery you inserted.
Battery type
[Ni-MH] ( )
Select if you inserted an Olympus
nickel-metal hydride rechargeable
battery (model BR404).
[Alkaline] ( )
Select if you inserted an alkaline
battery.
2Press the ` OK button to finalize
the setting.
NOTE
• The mode can be switched even after
setting “Setting the battery in use
[Battery]” (☞P.52).

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Setup
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Setup
Setting the time/date
1Press the 9or 0button to
select the item to set.
2Press the + or – button to change
the number.
• To change the setting of another item,
press the 9or 0button to move
the blinking cursor, then press the +or
–button to change the number.
3Press the ` OK button to finalize
the setting.
TIP
• You can press the `OK button during
the setting procedure to set the items
entered so far and start the clock.
Selecting the mode
1Press the + or – button to
change the mode.
[Normal Mode]:
This is the standard mode in which
all functions are available.
[Simple Mode]:
This mode lists frequently used
functions. Displayed text becomes
larger for easier viewing.
2Press the ` OK button to finalize
the setting.
TIP
• The mode can be switched even
after setting. “Selecting the mode
[ModeSelect]” (☞P.53)
• Once the mode is set after purchase,
the [Mode Select] screen is not
displayed again, even if the batteries
are replaced.

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Charging the battery
Charging the battery
Charging the battery by connecting to a PC’s USB connector
WS-853 model only
NOTE
• Before charging the battery, insert the
rechargeable battery provided and set
[Battery] to [Ni-MH] (☞P.8, P.52).
1Start the PC.
2Slide the USB connector slide
lever in the direction of the
arrow.
3After making sure the voice
recorder is stopped, connect the
USB connector to a USB port on a
PC.
4Press the ` OK button to start
charging the battery.
• When [Battery] (☞P.52) is set to
[Ni-MH], [Press OK to start charging]
appears on the display. Press the `OK
button while this message is blinking.

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Charging the battery
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Charging the battery
5Charging 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.
Battery charging time will depend on
the amount of remaining power and
the state of the battery.
NOTE
• Never attempt to charge an alkaline
battery, lithium battery or other
primary cell battery. Fluid leakage or
overheating may cause the recorder to
malfunction.
• The power of the PC must be ON to
charge the battery using the USB
connector.
You cannot charge the battery when
the power of the 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.
• You cannot charge the battery if [ ]*1
or [ ]*2is blinking. 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 the optional USB extension cable
(KP19) if needed.
• Use only a compatible Olympus USB
extension cable (KP19). 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.

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Batteries
Batteries
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 or
replace it with a fresh one. When the
battery has run out [ ] and [Battery
low] appear, and operation stops.
Battery precautions
• The voice recorder does not support
manganese batteries.
• Always turn the 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.
• If the batteries are removed from the
voice recorder, the [Time & Date] screen is
displayed automatically when the power
is turned on. See “Setting the time/
date [Time & Date]”(☞P.52) for the
procedure.
• When not using the voice recorder for
an extended period, always remove the
battery before storage.
• The continuous battery usage time is
reduced when using a microSD card
(☞P.76).
• The continuous battery usage time will
vary depending on the performance of the
battery in use (☞P.76).
Rechargeable batteries
WS-853 model only
Read the information below carefully when
using a nickel-metal hydride rechargeable
battery (model BR404).
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
ranges
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
reduced 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.

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Batteries
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Batteries
NOTE
• Due to the nature of nickel-metal
hydride rechargeable batteries, 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.
• When buying rechargeable batteries,
always select model BR404 nickel-
metal hydride rechargeable batteries.
Operation is not guaranteed, if
batteries from another manufacturer
is used.
• 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.
• The continuous battery usage time of
a nickel-metal hydride rechargeable
battery that has been used repeatedly
will be reduced due to battery
degradation (☞P.76).
• The [Battery] screen appears
automatically after you have replaced
the battery. You can also use a menu
operation to display this screen and set
the battery (☞P.52).

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Inserting/removing a microSD card
The voice recorder has its own internal memory, and also supports standard microSD cards
(microSD, microSDHC) sold separately.
Inserting a microSD card
1While the voice recorder is in stop
mode, open the card cover.
2 Insert a microSD card, making sure
it is placed correctly as shown.
• Insert the microSD card straight,
avoiding crooked insertion.
• Inserting a microSD card the wrong way
or crookedly could damage its contact
surface or cause it to jam in the slot.
• A microSD card not inserted fully (until it
clicks into place) might not record data.
3 Close the card cover.
• The recording media selection screen
appears after a microSD card has been
inserted.
4To record onto the microSD card,
press the + or – button and
select [ Yes ].
5Press the ` OK button to finalize
the setting.
TIP
• You can also select the internal memory
as the recording media (☞P.52).
NOTE
• The voice recorder may not be able to
recognize a microSD card formatted
(initialized) for a PC or other device.
Before using a microSD card, always
initialize it on the voice recorder
(☞P.54).
Inserting/removing a microSD card

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Inserting/removing a microSD card
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Inserting/removing a microSD card
Removing a microSD card
1While the voice recorder is in stop
mode, open the card cover.
2Release the microSD card by
pressing it inward, then letting it
slowly return.
• The microSD card moves outward and
stops. Pull the microSD card out with
your fingertips.
• If [Memory Select] was set to
[microSD card], [Internal memory
selected] is displayed after removing a
microSD card.
3Close the card cover.
NOTE
• MicroSD cards may pop out forcefully
on removal if you flick or release your
finger too quickly after pressing the
card in.
• Depending on the card’s manufacturer
and type, some microSD cards and
microSDHC cards may not be fully
compatible with the voice recorder and
not be recognized properly.
• For microSD card compatibility under
Olympus verification, please contact
our customer support at:
http://www.olympusamerica.com
Note that our customer support will
provide information on microSD 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 a
microSD card.
• If a microSD card is not recognized by
the voice recorder, try removing and
reinserting the card to have the voice
recorder recognizing the card again.
• Processing speed may be low for
some microSD card types. Processing
performance may also be reduced by
writing or deleting data repeatedly
from a microSD card. In this case,
reinitialize the card (☞P.54).

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Preventing accidental operation
Setting the voice recorder to HOLD mode maintains the current operation and disables button
operations. HOLD mode is a handy feature for preventing unintentional operation from
accidentally pressing the button when the voice recorder is carried in a bag or pocket. It is also
useful for preventing the voice recorder being accidentally stopped during recording.
Setting HOLD mode
1While the recorder is in recording
mode or playback mode, slide
the POWER switch to the [ OFF/
HOLD ] position.
• [Hold] appears in the display, and the
recorder enters HOLD mode.
Releasing HOLD mode
1Slide the POWER switch to the
[ ON ] position.
NOTE
• When any button is pressed during HOLD mode, [Hold] appears in the display for 2
seconds. No other operation is performed.
• Setting HOLD mode during voice recorder playback (or recording) continues the playback
(or recording) operation and prevents any other operation from being performed (The
power turns off when playback ends or when recording ends because, for example, there
is no remaining memory space).
Preventing accidental operation

1
Turning the power OFF
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EN
Existing data, menu settings and the clock setting are saved when the power is turned OFF.
1While the recorder is in stop
mode, slide the POWER switch to
the [ OFF/HOLD ] position.
• The playback stop position at power
OFF is stored in the memory.
TIP
• Turning the power OFF whenever the
voice recorder is not in use minimizes
battery consumption.
Power Save mode
When the voice recorder has been
stopped for at least 5 minutes after
power ON, the display disappears and
the voice recorder automatically enters
the Power Save mode.
• Pressing any button releases the
Power Save mode.
Turning the power OFF

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Selecting folders and les
The recorder provides five folders, [ ], [ ],[ ], [ ] and [ ]. Each folder can store up to 200 files.
1Press the FOLDER / INDEX button
while the voice recorder is in stop
mode.
a
b
aFile number
bFolder indicator
• The folder changes each time you
press the FOLDER/INDEX button.
2 Press the 9or 0button to
select the desired file.
• Immediately after a file is selected, the
recorded date and time is displayed for
2 seconds only.
Using the Calendar Search function
to search for a file
You can search for voice files by specifying a
recording date. If you have forgotten in which
folder a file has been saved, this feature lets you
access it quickly by entering its recording date.
NOTE
• To perform a calendar search, you
need to set [Time & Date] in advance
(☞P.52).
1Press the CALENDAR / SCENE button
while the voice recorder is in stop
mode.
Selecting folders and files

1
Selecting folders and les
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EN
Selecting folders and files
2Press the + , – , 9or 0
button to select the desired date.
c
d
b
a
aNumber of files saved (recorded) on
selected date
bDate file was recorded
cSelected date
dToday’s date
• Dates on which files were saved are
underlined.
9or 0button:
Move to the previous/next date. Press
and hold to skip to the next date on
which a file was recorded.
+or –button:
Move to the previous/next week.
3Press the ` OK button.
4 Press the
+ or – button to select
the desired file.
5Press the ` OK button to start
playback.