Olympus DS-150 Digital Voice Recorder

To set up the DS-150, you first insert two AAA batteries, then program the date and time to ensure that each message receives the correct date/time stamp when you record a message. Recording messages can be done in one of two modes: standard play (SP) or long play (LP). While LP offers more recording time, SP offers better quality, though both modes produce excellent results at a range of volumes. We also found that the quality was best when the recorder was held about 12 inches from the source.

The DS-150 has two folders that can each hold up to 99 messages. When you no longer need messages, you can erase them one at a time or erase an entire folder. It can also connect to your PC via a serial cable and convert spoken words into digital text using the included IBM ViaVoice software. With this feature, you can turn any dictation into an instant memo.

You can also make hands-free recordings with the DS-150's VCVA (variable-control voice actuator). With the VCVA turned on, the DS-150 begins recording when the microphone detects your voice and stops recording when you stop talking. This means you won't waste memory by recording silence when you pause during dictation, although you may lose brief moments of sound as the recorder starts and stops.

All in all, with its many features, PC connectivity, slim design, and easy-to-read LCD, we found the lightweight Olympus DS-150 digital voice recorder to be quite a nice device. --Megan Dugan

Product Description
No more typing! The lightweight and slim Olympus DS-150 delivers all the benefits of digital speech processing. One of the slimmest, most compact recorders ever produced, DS-150 digital voice recorder has 8MB of built-in memory that offers up to 160 minutes of recording time. It features direct file access and comprehensive editing functions. Variable control voice actuator (VCVA) technology optimizes built-in memory by ceasing record functions when the microphone senses silence. Two folders store up to 99 messages each. Messages can be moved from one folder to another for easy organization. Partial erase function erases one message at a time or an entire folder at once. LCD display shows message number, real-time counter, time remaining, current time and date, and operating modes. DS-150 features fast playback mode - you can listen recordings 30% faster than real time.This digital recorder allows for easy data transfer and secure data storage. Extend you communication capabilities and liven up your messages by e-mailing spoken words! Downloading speech files to the PC is a breeze. Simply connect the recorder to your computer, with the provided serial cable or optional USB data transfer kit, and select files to download. You can download the entire contents of the recorder, one specific folder or even one specific recording. External earphone jack lets you use an earphone or headphone for private review of recordings. Microphone jack allows for use with external noise-cancellation microphones. DS-150 comes with everything needed for automatic speech-to-text document creation - including IBM ViaVoice speech-to-text software and a headset that lets you dictate directly into your PC. Speech recognition technology "learns" your speech patterns as you work, and can convert your recordings to text at a faster speed than recordings dictated directly into the PC.

However, it's user interface is simply one of the worst I have ever seen. Even after following the steps in the manual, I found myself unable to perform simple operations like setting the time without referring to the manual again. It makes the average VCR look good!

If you've seen an Olympus manual before, you know what to expect. Written in five languages, it's hard on the eyes, cryptic, badly organized, and full of tragic grammatical errors.

The sound quality isn't all that great either. Forget the ViaVoice software - it's a complete joke, unless you need inspiration for your strange dadaist poetry. How can anyone claim to provide useful "voice recognition" when it doesn't even get half the words correct? IBM and Olympus should hang their heads in shame for perpetrating this kind of hoax on the public.

I really needed a small voice recorder that interfaces with my computer, so I grit my teeth and suffer the pain of this inadequately designed product. But I'm not going to suffer in silence. When you're banging your head against the wall, it doesn't hurt so much when you can ... and moan about it.


Totally worth it for my project.   March 6, 2001
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This recorder has been great. I got it for two reasons: one for work -- the dictation software is great (and fun) and has helped me rapidly do a project that used to take weeks! The other reason: to create story CDs for my toddler. I have had friends read her favorites into the recorder, download and convert them, and then burn them onto CDs. Great for bedtime, downtime or driving. She loves it (and it drives the cat nuts!). The UI is difficult on the recorder, but I ignore all that and use the UI on the computer.


Good, but software lacks Win2K support   December 26, 2000
 24 out of 24 found this review helpful

On the whole, I am quite pleased with this recorder. The sound quality is good and it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.

The controls require some attention to operate as they are small and closely spaced.

You need to read the manual carefully to understand how the system operates, but once this is done using the recorder seems straightforward enough.

The unit I received includes IBM Viavoice Millennium version 7 voice recognition software. One small problem: Windows 2000 is not supported, and the software does not work on my Windows 2000 system. (Windows 2000 is only officially supported by IBM Viavoice Millennium version 8, Professional edition.)

One thing I would like included is a small carry case to protect the unit. It does come with a carry strap.


Very Poor Sonics, Overly Complex User Interface   September 8, 2000
 52 out of 52 found this review helpful

I highly recommend the Sony or Radio Shack digital recorder product lines (even those priced under $50). They are extremely easy to use with quite acceptable sonics; and when compared from a price/performance perspective they are far superior to that of my DS 150 digital.

The complex "wheel-driven" menu user interface of the DS 150 is klunky at best (and confusing when accidently depressed which is quite easy to do), not designed for internet time, and the miniture play and shuffle keys are not well suited for human finger manipulation (the tactile feel, in particular, is missing which causes use problems). The sonics (both play and record) are poor from a price/performance perspective, and this was simply not expected from an Olympus high-end product.

I do not recommend purchase of the Olympus DS 150 (I already replaced it with a Sony digital, and use a small Optimus digital while jogging for its simple user interface). If you are still considering the DS 150 for purchase, however, I highly recommend that you first give it a shakedown cruise in a real store (trial it as you would expect to use it) -- buyer beware.