[awcopus]

Had an emergency recently. Needed to get a Mac-compatible digital voice recorder within 5 hours so that I could record a conversation with a doctor. Circuit City was my only option, and the only Mac-compatible recorder they had was <drum roll> the Olympus DS-330.

With this recorder and a decent mono microphone purchased at Radio Shack, I was able to capture 2 hours of conversation with my mother-in-law's health care providers during a rather critical family medical emergency.

Later, using the Mac OS X compatible (I'm running 10.2.6) software, I was able to painlessly convert the audio from its highly compressed DSS format to AIFF and then, in iTunes, to MP3 for distribution to family and other pertinent parties for their review.

This recorder just works. I was initially concerned that it only has 16 MB of memory, but the compression is so efficient that there's simply no problem unless I run into a situation where I need to record more than 2 hours and 55 minutes at its highest quality. The OSX software is surprisingly refined. And the recorder is relatively cheap at $145.00.

It comes with a cute little carrying case that includes a belt clip, and a USB cradle and cable, two AAA batteries, and pretty clear instructions (though interestingly, you don't ever turn it off, you just activate the "hold" button).

I had planned to return it originally, but now I think I'll keep it. I can't imagine spending more simply for increased recording time. The feature set is pretty advanced. You have two recording modes for up-close dictation and for large room recording. You have a mode that activates recording upon hearing sounds reach a certain volume. You have the ability to save your files into one of Five different folders. You have the ability to monitor the sound level you're recording at. While recording, you have the ability to place 16 index marks in a single recording, basically chapter markers. I used this effectively when recording the doctor to make it easier to get to the sections where he discussed important details.

There's no gain control, but that's okay for 99.9% of your use of this device. The memory isn't removeable, but again, I can't see that becoming an issue given the DSS efficiency.

That's all I've got for you. Hope this helps somebody.

[quietjim]

Thanks, this was enormously helpful to me. I'm a minister and I've been looking for a tool to record ideas etc. that could be given to an assistant to be typed up AND that could record public speaking for conversion to a format that could be put on a web page. Your comments were very helpful and I'll probably buy one of these.

[awcopus]

quietjim,

Obviously, it's perfect for personal dictation. However, for recording public speaking, I would recommend buying a separate microphone. If you're public speaking is from a podium, you should buy a mono mic and a simply stand and place this right in front of you. If you're going to be moving around while you speak, you should look into purchasing what is called a lavalier microphone, basically a mic that you would clip to your shirt. You would then tuck the wires under your shirt to connect it to the recorder on your belt.

Good luck with it!