Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and Music Recorder/Player Get Olympus WS-331M Price / Buy Online

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The Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder is the ultimate hybrid of digital voice recorder, music player and portable storage device. The sleek, piano-black WS-331M packs 2 gigabytes of flash memory, enabling users to record up to 555 hours of high-quality audio with the flexibility of six recording modes. It is also equipped to play both MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) music files with rich tonality. Because it does not require a USB cable, its portable body is able to transport essential files directly to and from a desktop computer just like a USB flash memory drive. A new, larger LCD display rounds out the total package with enhanced viewing and navigational ease.

Olympus WS-331M Key Features

2GB of Built-in Flash Memory for Over 555 Hours of LP Mode Recording*

Thanks to 2GB internal memory, the WS-331M can record over 555 hours of audio in the long play mode, and in high-quality stereo mode it can record for up to 71 hours.

* Item marked with asterisk above indicates key step-up feature from the Olympus WS-321M Digital Voice Recorder

WS-331M Included Accessories:

• Stereo Earphones
• USB Cable
• One AAA Battery
• Instruction Manual

MP3 and WMA Playback

Store and listen to up to 500 songs* for entertainment on the spot whenever you want and wherever you may be.

* based on 4 minutes per song encoded at 128kbps

SRS WOW™ XT Audio Technology

The music function of the WS-331M plays back high quality Windows Media Audio (WMA) and MP3 music files with SRS WOW XT effects for great quality music. Specifically designed for small devices with speakers that are physically located close together, SRS WOW XT technology enables the speakers to capture full-panoramic stereo sound.

WOW is a remarkable audio playback enhancement technology that dramatically enriches the audio providing rich bass and 3D stereo sound for a dynamic listening experience. Based on the elements of SRS 3D technology, WOW retrieves the spatial information that is lost during the recording and playback process and restores the original three-dimensional sound field. As a result, the reproduced sound is much closer to what the artist originally intended and delivers the same immersive and powerful 3D audio experience over headphones. This means that users can upload their favorite songs or albums to one device for their listening pleasure.

Direct PC Link

Separate the recorder from the battery unit and plug it directly into your PC for quick and effective file downloads without a USB cable. Its innovative design incorporates a USB connector directly on the body so the WS-331M can be plugged into the USB jack of virtually any PC. No extra software, cables or drivers are required. The computer instantly recognizes the unit, which then acts as an external drive to the PC, allowing files to be effortlessly dragged and dropped to and from the voice recorder. A USB extension cable is included for added convenience.

WMA Recording

Record in versatile WMA (Windows Media Audio) format. Using the high-quality WMA format, audio files are virtually assured compatibility. They can be played back via the Windows Media Player -- the standard media program found on just about every PC.

Stereo Recording With Built-in Stereo Microphone

With a built-in stereo microphone, the WS-331M records in stereo to pick up both sides of a conversation with equal clarity, which is ideal for interview situations. Record lectures, conferences and more and listen back in high-quality stereo sound to make it seem as though you never left the room.

Low Cut Filter

The Low-Cut Filter feature can be turned on to filter-out low frequency noise that users do not want to record, such as background noise in meetings that are created through items such as air conditioners, computers or projectors to name a few.

Noise Cancel and Voice Filter Functions

The Noise Cancel and Voice Filter features can also be turned-on during playback to enhance the recordings' sound quality. When activated, Noise Cancel enables users to select the high or low mode depending on the amount of background noise. The Noise Cancel feature cuts the surrounding background noise digitally during playback. Also, by removing the low and high frequency noises, Voice Filter enhances the human voice, which is a moderate frequency.

USB Mass Storage Class Support

USB mass storage class support means the WS-331M can store documents, images and more in addition to audio. The WS-331M is an innovative solution for those regularly on the move and who value the ease and versatility of having a single device capable of recording their voice files as well as transporting all other types of digital data. Imagine the convenience: to be able to transport that image-laden PowerPoint presentation for showing in a client's boardroom, record negotiations as they are discussed during the meeting and finally, when the deal is about to be clinched, upload the contract draft that was prepared in Word earlier. All this is now possible with just a single device that is both ultra-compact and stylish.

Six Recording Modes

The WS-331M provides six recording modes (three stereo and three monaural) for customized use. The High-Quality sound recording (HQ) mode captures superior sound quality. The Standard Recording (SP) and Long-term Recording (LP) modes enable extended recording time, and the Stereo Standard Recording (STSP), Stereo High-Quality (STHQ) and Stereo Extra-High-Quality (STXQ) modes provide dynamic stereo recording capabilities. The WS-331M records up to 555 hours of audio in LP mode.

Fast, Slow and Repeat Playback Modes

Users of the WS-331M will benefit from the different playback settings. After capture, the slow playback option allows recordings to be listened to efficiently with playback that is 25% slower than real time. The fast playback option allows recordings to be played 50% faster than real time. Traditionally, users will keep rewinding to hear what was said, but with slow playback they will be less likely to do so, and they can skip ahead to the sections that are important with fast playback. Also, a repeat playback option enables repeated playback of just the selected part of the file being played.

Five File Folders

The WS-331M has five separate file folders that can store up to 200 files in each folder to allow users to organize 1,000 files according to personalized subjects, such as "work", "personal", and "to do". Folders and files can all be named by using the DSS Player software in a personal computer, or on the WS-331M itself. You can put a comment up to 100 characters long in a file or choose the one of 10 preset templates such as Priority or Private. This feature helps you identify each file in the recorder itself or on the PC after you download it.

Stylish, Compact and Ergonomic Design

Whether in the hand or tucked away in a shirt or a jacket pocket, the WS-331M's slim, ergonomic body is sure to appeal to anyone who appreciates beautiful design in a package they can take anywhere. The WS-331M is coated in a sleek piano-black exterior with a silver band across the top, concealing its stereo microphone. Measuring a mere 3.7" x 1.5" x 0.4" and weighing just 1.65 ounces including battery, the compact, lightweight WS-331M fits comfortably in the hand or shirt pocket of the on-the-go professional.

The easy-to-read backlit full-dot LCD screen reveals file information, recording time and events. The speaker for audio playback is located on the front of the recorder, adding to its professional look. The device is outfitted with an ergonomic dial thumb pad allowing the user to easily play or stop a recording, adjust the volume level, fast-forward and rewind with the touch of one button. The Erase and Folder/Index buttons are positioned individually below the thumb dial for easy access during use.

Timer Recording Mode

A Timer Recording mode is available for instances when a recording needs to begin at a specific time. It works by setting a beginning time to start recording and an end time to stop recording. This feature is valuable for those who do not want to call attention to the fact that they are making a recording by pushing the record button, or when timing is essential to capture the recording.

Large, Backlit Full-Dot LCD

The WS-331M recorder features a large, backlit, easy-to-read LCD screen that reveals file information, recording time and events.

Voice Activation

Voice Activation records sound as soon as it's picked up by the built-in microphone for hands-free recording.

Index Marking

Index mark and temp mark features allow you to quickly find desired locations. Particularly relevant moments in an interview, briefing or lecture may be flagged -- either during or after recording -- using the index marks for quick retrieval.

Quick, Easy File Management

Erase single files or entire folders, or move files from one folder to another. A lock function gives added security to the data.

Adjustable Microphone Sensitivity

Adjustable microphone sensitivity lets you specify the recorder to your needs.

Long Battery Life

The WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder has up to 21 hours of continuous operation made possible by the long battery life of just a single AAA battery.

Equalizer Setting

Use the Equalizer Setting to enjoy your favorite types of music with the best possible sound.

External Microphone Jack

External Earphone Jack

Olympus WS-331M Specifications

Recording Format

WMA (Windows Media Audio)

Recording Media

2GB integrated flash memory

Recording Times, Approximate

Stereo XQ Mode: approx. 35 hours, 30 minutes
Stereo HQ Mode: approx. 71 hours, 00 minutes
Stereo SP Mode: approx. 142 hours, 05 minutes
HQ Mode: approx. 142 hours, 05 minutes
SP Mode: approx. 279 hours, 35 minutes
LP Mode: approx. 555 hours, 45 minutes

Input Level

-70 dBv

PC Interface

USB direct, 2.0 full speed

LCD

Yes

LED

Yes

Folders / Messages

5 Folders / 200 Messages per Folder

Sampling Frequency

Stereo XQ, HQ, SP Modes: 44.1kHz
HQ Mode: 44.1kHz
SP Mode: 22.0kHz
LP Mode: 8.0kHz

Overall Frequency Response

Stereo XQ mode: 50-19,000Hz
Stereo HQ mode: 50 to 15,000 Hz
Stereo SP mode: 50-9,000Hz
HQ mode: 50 to 13,000 Hz
SP mode: 100 to 7,000 Hz
LP mode: 100 to 3,000 Hz

LP Mode

Yes

Voice Activation

Available, Switchable On/Off

Demographic Data Input

N/A

Practical Maximum Output

70 mW

Speaker

Built-in 18mm diameter round dynamic speaker

Microphone Jack

Yes

Earphone Jack

Yes

Power Supply

One 1.5V AAA battery

External Power Supply

No

Battery Life

Approx. 21 hours (using alkaline dry cell battery)

PC Requirements

OS Supported: Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista
One free USB Port

Dimensions (H x W x D)

3.73" x 1.52" x 0.43" (excluding protrusions)

Weight

1.66 oz. (46g) (including battery)

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