Olympus LS-P1 Hi-Res Digital Audio Recorder with Directional Stereo Microphones, USB Connector, Low-Cut Filter, Noise Cancel, Zoom Microphone, Intelligent Auto Mode, Voice Balancer and 4 GB Memory

I've been using an Olympus DM-20 for around 15 years, to record therapy sessions, and it recently decided to stop recording after 4 hours - irrespective of the quality setting - so I hunted for a replacement.My requirements were many - high quality sound, separated stereo, rechargeable battery that would recharge through the USB or take a normal battery, ability to select both sensitivity and quality, record in MP3 format, and take a micro SD card to expand the memory.This little beauty does it all - and more...You can also record in linear PCM (which is uncompressed) for extra quality.The two microphones point out at 90 degrees which is perfect for that true separated stereo, and the tripod adaptor that screws into the back allows it to be positioned off a surface, although with the adaptor screwed in, it has the effect of lifting the head off the table so I don't think I'll bother with a tripod.The menu system took a while to understand (I'm a bloke - I don't read manuals first!) but once the menu and sub-menu navigation was understood, it gives you all the options you'll ever need.And with standard 3mm headphone and microphone jack sockets I can still use my old Olympus microphones and headphones.And if you are going the use the voice-activated mode, you can even set the number of seconds that constitute a gap - useful.And finally, having the USB plug pop out of the bottom is great - I don't have to fish around for a cable to transfer audio files or charge the battery. When it is plugged into the PC it will both charge and allow access to files simultaneously (unlike my camera).The only whinge I have is that it doesn't come with a carry strap - very handy for such a small and smooth device. There is a 'bar hole' to connect one so I simply transferred my old Olympus one to this, but for the sake of a few pence they could have included one. The calendar also starts on a Sunday instead of the UK Monday - but I can live with that.Here are some useful recording capacities...with just the internal 4Gb memory / plus a 16Gb micro SD card (HH:MM)- Highest recording quality, MP3 (320 kbs) ...25:23 / 114:59- Highest recording quality, PCM (96.0kHz/24bit)...1:45 / 7:59The menu allows you to select either internal memory or SD card, I'm not sure what would happen if internal memory is selected and the capacity runs out - does it stop or switch to the SD card? If I find out I'll add to this review, but in the meantime I'll simply select the SD card as it gives me more capacity than I'll need.And believe me - the sound is just superb.

I have only had the device a short time so I cannot comment on the full functionality but having used it the last few weeks, to make basic recordings to help with my college study, it has been fantastic. Recordings are simple to produce with the onboard stereo microphone set up and playback is very crisp and clear through headphones. The preset settings (dictation, meeting, lecture etc) have worked fine for me and have had no reason to put into a full manual set up mode. The built in speaker is not so great in terms of sound quality, but it is adequate, attaching headphones produces a much sharper clearer output. The onboard interface and screen is totally usable, albeit both a bit dated by modern standards. The unit uses a standard AAA battery or alternatively there is a supplied rechargeable AAA which can be charged inside the unit itself. I would recommend viewing/downloading the complete manual to get a better understanding of the full functionality, as the quick start guide is very basic. I did a lot of research before making this purchase, I am very happy and glad I spent a little more and chose this quality Olympus branded item even if I don't use all the functionality available.

Bought for use as a discrete field recorder.This device is tiny, it reminds me of some of the tiny phones from the 90's and early 2000's.The pop-out usb port is convenient. It uses one rechargeable AAA battery, also convenient. Battery life doesn't come close to the stated life though in fairly average recording conditions.I used it in manual rec mode, with limiter off and lo-cut filter on for some urban recordings. I found the recordings detailed but a little "brittle" and lacking low end, I will retry with lo-cut filter off.Very easy menus, very easy to record, one touch of button arms record, then set your levels and listening volume using the central multifunction toggle switch, second touch starts the recording.Because of the size it is difficult to find a generic (i.e. cheap) wind muff solution. I ended up jamming a standard mike foam cover inside a wind muff which was designed for one of the Zoom recorders, and the two together provided decent grip and wind protection.Time will tell if it was a good choice. There isn't a lot of choice at this price range. I did consider the Tascam DR-05 and Dr-07 but the mikes are omnidirectional on the Tascam, which apparently doesn't give as good a stereo image. The mikes on the LS-P1 are cardioid, and there seems to be reasonable stereo separation based on waveform editing in Adobe Audition and on listening.Recommended if your hands aren't huge and if you want a tiny portable recorder which is easy to use and discrete.

This was bought as a backup and does everything I need. Can use with its own internal mics for location / wild track audio, plug in a wired mic or plug in a Rode Wireless Go II receiver,24bit high quality audio and plenty of recording time if you use a micro SD card. Olympus menu a little fiddly at first but you learn fast. Pocket sized and weight almost nothing so can always carry it .

I can never understand why people say why wasn’t this supplied with a …….For the price it is a great little recorder. I use it to record our band rehearsals and the quality is amazing ( I read a review saying it is not studio quality but as the Mike I use onstage is only a sure 57 and that costs more that this recording machine!) . If you need a instant recorder you could do no better, at this price the quality in mp3 is more than good enough and if you need to you can always record through a mixing desk and the recording ( set to the wav setting) truly is studio quality