OM SYSTEM WS-883 User manual

USER MANUAL
DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER
WS-883
WS-882
Getting started
Recording
Playback
Menu
Use with a PC
Other information
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EN
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Thank you for your purchase of our company’s voice recorder. Consult the
“Basic Manual” and this manual (PDF version) while operating the recorder to
ensure that you are using the product safely and correctly.
Be sure you have read and understood the contents of “Safety precautions”
( P. 83 - P. 87), before using this product. Keep these instructions available for
future reference.
Read the “Basic Manual” and this manual (PDF version) thoroughly before using
the product and record test audio to confirm that it is functioning normally before
making important recordings.
The screen and product illustrations shown in the manuals were produced during
the development stages and may differ from the actual product.
If there are additions and/or modifications of functions due to firmware update for
the recorder, the contents will differ. For the latest information, please visit our
website.

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EN
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 language ..........................................9
Setting the inserted battery ..............................10
Setting the time/date ........................................10
Selecting the mode .......................................... 11
Charging the battery ........................................... 12
Charging the battery by connecting to
a PC’s USB connector .....................................12
Charging the batteries by connecting to
an AC adapter with a USB connection
(model F-5AC; optional)...................................14
Batteries ...............................................................16
Inserting/removing a microSD card...................18
Inserting a microSD card.................................. 18
Removing a microSD card ...............................19
Preventing accidental operation........................ 20
Setting HOLD mode.........................................20
Releasing HOLD mode ....................................20
Turning the power OFF ....................................... 21
Folders..................................................................22
Folders for Audio Recordings........................... 22
Music Folders...................................................23
Podcast Folders ...............................................24
Selecting folders and files.................................. 25
Using the Calendar Search function to
search for a file................................................. 26
2 Recording
Recording.............................................................27
Basic recording procedure ...............................27
Pausing/resuming recording ............................ 29
Quickly checking a recording ...........................29
Monitoring while recording ...............................30
Changing the recording scene [Rec Scene] .....31
Changing the recording scene .........................31
Recording with an external microphone...........33
Recording with an external microphone...........33
Recording from another connected device ......34
Recording audio from another device with
this recorder .....................................................34
Recording audio from this recorder with
another device.................................................. 36
3 Playback
Playback............................................................... 37
Basic playback procedure................................37
Fast-forwarding ................................................38
Rewinding ........................................................38
Skipping to the beginning of a file ...................39
Playback through the earphones .....................40
Changing the playback voice
(Voice changer) ................................................ 42
ABC repeat playback .......................................44
Index marks..........................................................47
Writing an index mark.......................................47
Erasing an index mark .....................................47
Erasing files/folders/indexes..............................48
Erasing files/indexes ........................................48
Erasing a folder................................................50
4 Menu
Setting menu items ............................................. 52
Basic operation ................................................ 52
File menu [File Menu]..........................................55
Preventing accidental file erasure [File Lock]... 55
Sorting files [Sort by]........................................55
Dividing a file [File Divide]................................55
Increasing the overall volume level of a file
[Normalize].......................................................56
Displaying file or folder information
[Property].......................................................... 57
Table of contents

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EN
Table of contents
Recording menu [Rec Menu]..............................58
Selecting the recording level [Rec Level].........58
Setting the recording mode [Rec Mode]........... 58
Reducing noise during recording
[Low Cut Filter].................................................59
Voice-activated recording function [VCVA].......59
Voice sync recording function [V-Sync. Rec]....60
Writing an index mark at the start position of
the active sound [Auto index]...........................62
Playback menu [Play Menu] ............................... 63
Reducing noise during playback
[Noise Cancel]..................................................63
Playing back alternately with and without
sound [Shadowing]........................................... 63
Adjusting low volume portions during playback
[Voice Balancer] ..............................................64
Selecting playback modes [Play Mode] ...........64
Setting a skip space [Skip Space]....................65
LCD/Sound menu [LCD/Sound Menu]...............67
Adjusting the contrast [Contrast]......................67
Setting the LED indicator light [LED]................67
Turning beeping sound ON/OFF[Beep]............67
Changing the display language [Language] ....67
Device menu [Device Menu] .............................. 68
Selecting the recording media
[Memory Select] ...............................................68
Setting the battery in use [Battery]...................68
Setting the time/date [Time & Date] ................68
Selecting the mode [Mode Select] ...................69
Restoring the default settings
[Reset Settings]................................................69
Formatting a recording media [Format]............70
Checking recording media information
[Memory Info.] ..................................................71
Checking voice recorder information
[System Info.] ..................................................71
5 Use with a PC
PC connection/disconnection............................ 73
Connecting the voice recorder to a PC ............73
Disconnecting the voice recorder from a PC.... 74
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.
g
Indicates reference pages describing
details or related information.
6 Other information
Alarm message list..............................................75
Troubleshooting ................................................. 77
Recorder care ......................................................80
Accessories (optional)........................................ 81
Copyright and trademark information...............82
Safety precautions ..............................................83
Specifications ......................................................88

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Recorder
g
n
o
pwu
x
v
y
zE
F
G
H
I
q
r
s
t
h
i
j
k
l
m
1Built-in stereo microphone (L)
2Display
3LED indicator light (LED)
4
STOP ( J) button
5
ERASE button
6
MENU button
7Built-in speaker
8USB connector/USB connector
cover (retractable)
9Built-in stereo microphone (R)
0
POWER switch
aCard cover
b
REC ( record ) ( K) button
c
FOLDER/INDEX button
d
CALENDAR/SCENE button
eLbutton
f
+ button
gMbutton
hN
OK button
i
– button
jStand
kUSB connector slide lever
lMicrophone jack ( )
mEarphone jack ( )
nBattery cover
oStrap hole
Names of parts

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EN
Names of parts
Display (Normal Mode)
During recording mode
3
4
5
8
0
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7
1 2
3
4
5
8
9
?
6
7
1 2
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
[ ]: Internal memory
[]: microSD card
Possible recording time remaining
7Meanings of indicators shown
in indicator display area
Rec Scene:
[]: Dictation
[]: Meeting
[]: Conference
[]: Duplication (Auto Divide)
[]: Duplication (Timer)
[]: Telephone Rec
[] [ ] [ ]: Rec Level
[]: VCVA
[]: V-Sync. Rec
[]: Auto index
[]: Low Cut Filter
[]: Voice Balancer
[]: Noise Cancel
Play Mode:
[]: Folder
[]: All
[]: File
[]: Repeat
[]: Random
8Recording format indicator
9File length
0Level meter
aPlayback position bar indicator
*1 WS-883 model only

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EN
Names of parts
Display (Simple Mode)
During recording mode
3
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
[ ]: Internal memory
[]: microSD card
Possible recording time
remaining
6Level meter
7File length (During stop mode),
Playback position bar indicator
(During playback mode)
8Rec Scene
* 1 WS-883 model only
TIP
• Pressing and holding the
STOP ( J)
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]” (gP. 68).

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Getting started
EN
Setup
After unpacking the voice recorder, follow the steps below to have it ready for use.
Getting
started
1
E
Inserting the battery
Getting
started
2
E
Turning the power ON
Getting
started
3
E
Setting the language
Getting
started
4
E
Selecting the battery setting (WS-883 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 5
E
Setting the time/date
Set the voice recorder’s clock for use with file management.
Getting
started
6
E
Selecting the mode
Select either normal mode or simple mode.
Getting
started
7
Charging the recorder (WS-883 model only)
Getting started

1
Getting started
8
EN
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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Getting started
EN
Setup
Turning the power ON
1Slide the POWER switch to the
[ ON ] position.
POWER switch
Setting the language
1Press the + or – button to
select a language.
2Press the N OK button to
finalize the language.

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Getting started
10
EN
Setup
Setting the inserted battery
WS-883 model only
1Press the
+ or – button to
select the type of battery you
inserted.
Battery type
[Ni-MH] ( )
Select if you inserted a nickel-
metal hydride rechargeable battery
manufactured by our company
(model BR404).
[Alkaline] ( )
Select if you inserted an alkaline
battery.
2Press the N OK button to
finalize the setting.
NOTE
• The mode can be switched even
after setting “Setting the battery in
use [Battery]” (gP. 68).
Setting the time/date
1Press the Mor Lbutton
to select the item to set.
2Press the + or – button to
change the number.
• To change the setting of another
item, press the Mor Lbutton
to move the blinking cursor, then
press the +or –button to change the
number.
3Press the N OK button to
finalize the setting.
TIP
• You can press the N
OK button during
the setting procedure to set the items
entered so far and start the clock.

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11
Getting started
EN
Setup
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 N OK button to
finalize the setting.
TIP
• The mode can be switched even
after setting. “Selecting the mode
[Mode Select]” (gP. 69)
• 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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Getting started
12
EN
Charging the battery
Charging the battery by connecting to a PC’s USB connector
WS-883 model only
NOTE
• Before charging the battery, insert
the rechargeable battery provided
and set [Battery] to [Ni-MH] (gP. 8,
P. 68).
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 N OK button to start
charging the battery.
• When [Battery] (gP. 68) is set
to [Ni-MH], [Press OK to start
charging] appears on the display.
Press the N
OK button while this
message is blinking.

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13
Getting started
EN
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
[]*1or [ ]*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 USB
extension cable (KP19). Operation
is not guaranteed if another
manufacturer’s cable is used.
Only use the USB extension cable
manufactured by our company with
the voice recorder and never use if a
product from another manufacturer
is used.

1
Getting started
14
EN
Charging the battery
Charging the batteries by connecting to an AC adapter with a USB
connection (model F-5AC; optional)
NOTE
• Before charging the batteries, insert
the rechargeable batteries provided
and set [Battery] to [Ni-MH] (gP. 8,
P. 68).
• [] indicates there is little remaining
battery charge. Charge the batteries
or replace them with fresh ones.
1Connect the recorder to a USB
port on the AC adapter.
2Plug the AC adapter into an AC
power outlet.
To an AC
power outlet

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15
Getting started
EN
Charging the battery
3Press the N OK button to start
charging the battery.
• When [Battery] (gP. 68) is set
to [Ni-MH], [Press OK to start
charging] appears on the display.
Press the N
OK button while this
message is blinking.
4Charging has finished when
the battery indicator changes
to [ ].
• [Please wait] appears on the
display regardless of whether the
battery is charging or charging is
complete.
NOTE
• Do not charge primary batteries
such as alkaline batteries or lithium
batteries. Doing so may cause the
recorder to malfunction due to liquid
leakage, heat generation, etc.
• Charge the batteries via a USB
connection when the power of the
computer is ON. You cannot charge
the batteries when the power of the
computer is OFF or the computer is
in the standby, sleep, or auto power
OFF mode.
• Do not use a USB hub when
charging the batteries by connecting
to the computer.
• You cannot charge the batteries if
[]*1or [ ]*2is displayed.
Charge the batteries 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
batteries with new ones.
• Insert the USB connector securely
all the way. Operation will not be
normal if the connection is not made
properly.
• If necessary, use the separately sold
USB extension cable (KP19).
• Be sure to use the dedicated cable
(KP19) as a USB extension cable.
We cannot guarantee proper
operation if you use a product
manufactured by another company.
Also, never connect this dedicated
cable to a product manufactured by
another company.

1
Getting started
16
EN
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]”(gP. 68) 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
(gP. 89).
• The continuous battery usage time will
vary depending on the performance of
the battery in use (gP. 89).
Rechargeable batteries
WS-883 model only
Read the information below carefully when
using a nickel-metal hydride rechargeable
battery (model BR404).
JDischarging
Rechargeable batteries discharge naturally
when not in use. Be sure to charge the
battery before use.
JOperating temperature
Rechargeable batteries are chemical-
based products. Their performance
can vary even when used within the
recommended operating temperature
range. This variation is normal.
JRecommended 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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Getting started
EN
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 (gP. 89).
• 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 (gP. 68).

1
Getting started
18
EN
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.
Connectors
• 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 N OK button to
finalize the setting.
TIP
• You can also select the internal
memory as the recording media
(gP. 68).
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 (gP. 70).
Inserting/removing a microSD card

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19
Getting started
EN
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,
please visit our website’s customer
support page.
Note that our customer support will
provide information on microSD card
manufacturers and card types for
which we have verified operation, but
will not guarantee their 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
(gP. 70).

1
Getting started
20
EN
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