Home > Consumer Reviews > Olympus DS-50 Digital Voice Recorder (275 Hours)

The manual does not specify the most important quality difference between recording in STXQ mode versus STHQ.

STXQ results in 128kbps WMA recording.
STHQ results in 64kbps WMA recording.
Both modes are 44.1KHz 16 bit.

The conclusion is that if you are recording music or otherwise want the highest quality, you must record in STXQ mode.
To achieve the best possible recording using an Olympus mic intended for this DS-50 recorder, consider ordering the ME51S mic, which is superior to the included ME53SA.

This is a fantastic recorder. But it is not the ultimate recorder for musicians. For example, see the Zoom H4 or the Olympus LS-10 Linear PCM Recorder.

If you have a Mac or otherwise want to convert the WMA files to the more universally playable MP3 format, consider downloading the EasyWMA program (or one of many other similar free or inexpensive programs). This recorder is compatible with Mac computers if you are willing to convert WMA files after transferring them to your Mac (setting USB class in the DS-50 menu to "Storage Class" allows drag-and-drop from the DS-50 to your PC). The manual does not make this compatibility clear, and might mislead you to think it is only compatible with Windows.

See also the Olympus DS-61 (2GB) and DS-40 (512MB) for basically identical recorders at different price points. The DS-40 is a great bargain for those with more limited budgets or who do not need as much recording capacity. The DS-61 is not yet available on amazon, but is available elsewhere.

I bought the Olympus DS-50 Digital Voice Recorder so I could record my music rehearsals. It works great. You can listen to your recorder through the built-in speaker. You can connect the unit directly to your computer and record songs off the computer in real time. You can upload files from the recorder onto your computer. You can transfer the files from your computer to your ipod. I don't know whether ANTonline (through Amazon) still offers it, but I got the "package" deal where my unit included a remote control recording switch, which is nice because the recordings don't include the annoying sound of hands shuffling on the unit every time you press the record and stop buttons. It also came with a protective carrying case, which, when using, you can access all buttons, except for the on/off power switch. I recommend simultaneously ordering the A-328 AC Adapter (I also got this from ANTonline) along with the unit for those times when you don't have two AAA batteries handy.

This digital recorder is accessible for visually impaired users, however, there's still a lot to memorize. 275 hours of recording time is misleading because it reflects recording time for the lowest sound quality; recording time drops SIGNIFICANTLY if you want higher quality sound. We haven't tried to transfer files to the computer yet, to transcribe them into word files, though. One caveat - we emailed Olympus with a question and even though their web site said someone would reply within 48 hours, Olympus never did get back to us. Eventually, we found someone else (another visually impaired person) to answer the question. Having said that, this digital recorder is still a helpful tool for visually impaired users. But bear in mind, our experience is that *Olympus Online Customer Service is Unresponsive.*

I never give 5 stars unless I'm blown away.
After using a cheap digital recorder to record Choir practice and Sermon review. I decided to splurge and get a good recorder. This is one of the best recorder I have heard. Battery life is good, 16 hours on headset, (I fell asleep while listening). Takes awhile to get use to the buttons, but you quickly realize the thought process behind placement. The remote mic is a wonderful addition. The included case is also great with belt clip loop.
I wish it had an SD card slot so it could be used as a music player. It's hard to justify the cost unless you are a professional but that is a personal preference. I have dropped if few times, no issue.
This is a definite BUY product if you got the cash, just don't tell the wife you spent so much for a recorder.
4 stars because of the cost and cost and lack of a mini SD card slot.

I love this recorder. It is complicated to work, but I don't disapprove. Anybody who is not technologically savvy would have difficulty using this recorder to its full potential. I really like the numerous options it has for recording. My only issue is that I cannot seem to find the right setting out of all the options for each of my classes since they are all varied in size and location. There is a chart though in the manual that attempts to make things easier for the consumer. The recorder has a lot of functions, so I recommend this product for anyone who has to use it for varying situations. If you just need a basic recorder for one type of recording, there are other types out there that are far less complicated and still worthwhile.