Technical DataAudio Input / TypeMicrophoneTechnical DataDimensions & Weight / Widthcm3.9Technical DataDimensions & Weight / Depthcm2Technical DataDimensions & Weight / Heightcm10.2Technical DataDimensions & Weight / Weightg68Technical DataFlash Memory / Installed SizeMB128Technical DataHeader / Product LineOlympus VNTechnical DataHeader / Model3100PCTechnical DataHeader / CompatibilityPCTechnical DataHeader / ManufacturerOlympusTechnical DataHeader / Packaged Quantity1Technical DataRemote Control / TypeNoneTechnical DataAudio System / TypeDigital voice recorderTechnical DataAudio System / Sound Output ModeMonoTechnical DataDigital Player (Recorder) / Supported Digital Audio StandardsADPCMTechnical DataDigital Player (Recorder) / Digital Recording Time700 min - HQ (High Quality)Technical DataDigital Player (Recorder) / Data Storage CapabilityUp to 400 files / 4 foldersTechnical DataDigital Storage Media / TypeNoneTechnical DataAudio System / Digital Player TypeFlash basedTechnical DataDigital Storage / CapacityMB128Technical DataAudio System / Functions (KB)Digital voice recorderTechnical DataAudio System / Subcategory (KB)Dictaphones, transcribers

a great piece of kit, 17 Nov 2008
a great piece of kit works very well and its small size means it can be carried easily in one pocket. The small black cover for the microphone does in fact fall off, but a small rubber band holds it on well. In any event it is only useful out side in windy conditons.

Excellent Product!, 14 Nov 2008
Ordered the Olympus VN3100-PC recorder a week ago, and just got it today.
It works tremendously well, and the software supplied was installed on my Vista laptop in less than 2 minutes.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for something lightweight, handy, USB connectivity, with long lasting battery life and incredible memory space(5hrs plus of XHQ recording).

One thing to note though, the instruction manual made no mention of how to switch off the recorder. I assume its similar to other recorders, which is to put the hold button on, and after 2 secs, the screen goes blank (should be off right?). But personally, I remove the batteries when am not using them just to be sure.



olympus digital voice recorder, 31 Oct 2008
This is a really easy gadget to use and I would recommmend it to anyone

Does the job, 25 Oct 2008
Yes, i'm very happy with this product. It's the first time i've purchased a dvr and i'm glad to convey it does exactly what it's intended for. As a result it will be used extensively now and in the future. It's small, compact and require's just the two AAA batteries. That compounded by the memory size, makes this item a great piece of kit. If I had any gripe's, they would be the following;
- the little hat, that attempts to sit on top of the microphone piece (it normally falls off so i don't use it!)
- I have tried to use it whilst in the car (to record conversations) but the recording is a little muffled (that might be quite normal though in such circumstances?)


Great recorder!, 30 Aug 2008
This is one of the best digital recorders that you can buy for less than £50. Does exactly what it promises! The software is simple and runs smooth on a XP platform.

The WS-311M digital voice recorder by Olympus is ideal for those who want to travel light! It records memos, messages, music and other files.With a 512 MB memory, the WS-311M allows you to store up to 138 hours of recordings, read MP3 files and store digital data, music, dictations, images and documents. The WS-311M is versatile and easy to use, thanks to a large back-lit screen and the USB port, which allows you to transfer data to your PC directly. You can even relax between meetings, because the WS-311M has a built-in music-player!Size: 94.8 x 38.6 x 11 mm Weight: 47 g (included battery) Power: 1 AAA battery

a great piece of kit, 17 Nov 2008
a great piece of kit works very well and its small size means it can be carried easily in one pocket. The small black cover for the microphone does in fact fall off, but a small rubber band holds it on well. In any event it is only useful out side in windy conditons.

Excellent Product!, 14 Nov 2008
Ordered the Olympus VN3100-PC recorder a week ago, and just got it today.
It works tremendously well, and the software supplied was installed on my Vista laptop in less than 2 minutes.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for something lightweight, handy, USB connectivity, with long lasting battery life and incredible memory space(5hrs plus of XHQ recording).

One thing to note though, the instruction manual made no mention of how to switch off the recorder. I assume its similar to other recorders, which is to put the hold button on, and after 2 secs, the screen goes blank (should be off right?). But personally, I remove the batteries when am not using them just to be sure.



olympus digital voice recorder, 31 Oct 2008
This is a really easy gadget to use and I would recommmend it to anyone

Does the job, 25 Oct 2008
Yes, i'm very happy with this product. It's the first time i've purchased a dvr and i'm glad to convey it does exactly what it's intended for. As a result it will be used extensively now and in the future. It's small, compact and require's just the two AAA batteries. That compounded by the memory size, makes this item a great piece of kit. If I had any gripe's, they would be the following;
- the little hat, that attempts to sit on top of the microphone piece (it normally falls off so i don't use it!)
- I have tried to use it whilst in the car (to record conversations) but the recording is a little muffled (that might be quite normal though in such circumstances?)


Great recorder!, 30 Aug 2008
This is one of the best digital recorders that you can buy for less than £50. Does exactly what it promises! The software is simple and runs smooth on a XP platform.

Olympus WS 311M, 04 Nov 2008
I bought this item as an aid to learning to play the button accordion. The tutor plays the tune and I can go home and practice, slowing down the music as necessary. Beats recording on my mobile any day. I have been to traditional music sessions and used it to record tunes which I downloaded to my PC then onto CD and gave to a lady who wanted to learn the tunes. It was so light I could carry in in my shirt pocket and with a bit of practice I could turn record on and off with no difficulty without removing it. I took it to a concert recently and sat at the front (having first obtained the permission of the virtuosos about to play. I recorded about two hours of music, returned home and using the USB connection (no leads, just like a memory stick) downloaded it then burned it to CD and passed to another button accordion fan. OK it sounded as if it was in a hall, I didn't have a full battery of recording instruments and it wasn't a studio sound but everything came over so clear. It was a fabulous record of a great concert. The CD played over speakers or in the car is great. It is a very sensitive device so you will pick up noise if you move about too much. For my purposes an excellent bit of kit. I have checked this item out on other sites including France where it is about 90 quid. If you want quality at a reasonable price this is the one. Oh and you can use it for dictation as well!

all around impressive, 11 Apr 2008
i just got this recorder and find it superb. the device is tiny, light and "dupont lighter"-stylish. i particularly like the metal buttons, much more tactile that plastic one - i know it is a small thing. I like the five-line display which provides a lot of information compared to another device i used.
now for the great part, the integrated micros are great, and the stereo effect is really a bonus. This is especially the case if you later listen with earphones.
the time elapsed versus the length of the file are displayed clearly and legibly.
i did invest in a little carry case and i am glad i did because that way i can throw the recorder into a bag and still keep it pristine.
i find the 'hold' button more positive and better protected. this is important because it saves you battery life.
i really like the indexing facility. if you use the device to learn language where you need to reiterate the same sentence again it is really effective. you mark the begining and jump back with the arrow button - right to the correct location every time in one click. nice!


the things i am not a big fan of are the recording format which seems to be wma only. having said that it plays straight on windows media on my pc so no problem. the other aspect is the five folders on the device are a bit naff - unless it was possible to rename them and to move the file across as required. small stuff really.


A good piece of kit with minor drawbacks., 03 Apr 2008
I bought this item for the purposes of interviewing people and using it in the classroom. Overall, I am impressed. There's ample storage space and the design is fantastic. It weighs virtually nothing. Other reviews of very similar products have complained about the battery clip. I think it's all about the care taken over changing the battery - if you value your product you will be careful with it.
I have two small criticisms. Firstly, I wished it recorded straight into .wav format or .mp3 format. If it is possible to do this I've not found it in the manual. The built-in microphone is OK, but for quality interviews I would suggest investing in a decent mic as you'll get more punch in the lower frequencies and conference mode will work better. These points are why I've awarded 4 and not 5 stars.
My final point has not influenced my star rating as that's for the product. But... I wasn't impressed by the supplier. OK the product arrived in reasonable time 6 days rather than 1-2, but I wasn't in a rush. My problem was with the packaging. No branded Olympus casing was there. The recorder was simply clunking around in a white box with a manual, cable and battery enclosed. As a result the device has 2 or 3 scratches and dents on it. The manual was also torn. If I was even more sceptical I would possibly dispute whether or not I was the first owner? On the box was a sticker saying "1 year exchange warranty -no question asked" - all sounds a bit back of a lorry to me!

With a 64 MB internal memory, the VN-2100PC digital voice recorder has a 35-hour recording capacity, and can be connected to your PC via its USB port to transfer all your files to your computer.The VN-2100PC is voice activated. You can index up to 400 files into 4 folders and move them from one folder to another.You won't know what you did without the VN-2100PC! Dimensions: 102 x 39 x 19.5 mmWeight: 63 g (with battery)Power: 2 AAA batteries or 2 rechargeable NiMH batteries 

a great piece of kit, 17 Nov 2008
a great piece of kit works very well and its small size means it can be carried easily in one pocket. The small black cover for the microphone does in fact fall off, but a small rubber band holds it on well. In any event it is only useful out side in windy conditons.

Excellent Product!, 14 Nov 2008
Ordered the Olympus VN3100-PC recorder a week ago, and just got it today.
It works tremendously well, and the software supplied was installed on my Vista laptop in less than 2 minutes.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for something lightweight, handy, USB connectivity, with long lasting battery life and incredible memory space(5hrs plus of XHQ recording).

One thing to note though, the instruction manual made no mention of how to switch off the recorder. I assume its similar to other recorders, which is to put the hold button on, and after 2 secs, the screen goes blank (should be off right?). But personally, I remove the batteries when am not using them just to be sure.



olympus digital voice recorder, 31 Oct 2008
This is a really easy gadget to use and I would recommmend it to anyone

Does the job, 25 Oct 2008
Yes, i'm very happy with this product. It's the first time i've purchased a dvr and i'm glad to convey it does exactly what it's intended for. As a result it will be used extensively now and in the future. It's small, compact and require's just the two AAA batteries. That compounded by the memory size, makes this item a great piece of kit. If I had any gripe's, they would be the following;
- the little hat, that attempts to sit on top of the microphone piece (it normally falls off so i don't use it!)
- I have tried to use it whilst in the car (to record conversations) but the recording is a little muffled (that might be quite normal though in such circumstances?)


Great recorder!, 30 Aug 2008
This is one of the best digital recorders that you can buy for less than £50. Does exactly what it promises! The software is simple and runs smooth on a XP platform.

Olympus WS 311M, 04 Nov 2008
I bought this item as an aid to learning to play the button accordion. The tutor plays the tune and I can go home and practice, slowing down the music as necessary. Beats recording on my mobile any day. I have been to traditional music sessions and used it to record tunes which I downloaded to my PC then onto CD and gave to a lady who wanted to learn the tunes. It was so light I could carry in in my shirt pocket and with a bit of practice I could turn record on and off with no difficulty without removing it. I took it to a concert recently and sat at the front (having first obtained the permission of the virtuosos about to play. I recorded about two hours of music, returned home and using the USB connection (no leads, just like a memory stick) downloaded it then burned it to CD and passed to another button accordion fan. OK it sounded as if it was in a hall, I didn't have a full battery of recording instruments and it wasn't a studio sound but everything came over so clear. It was a fabulous record of a great concert. The CD played over speakers or in the car is great. It is a very sensitive device so you will pick up noise if you move about too much. For my purposes an excellent bit of kit. I have checked this item out on other sites including France where it is about 90 quid. If you want quality at a reasonable price this is the one. Oh and you can use it for dictation as well!

all around impressive, 11 Apr 2008
i just got this recorder and find it superb. the device is tiny, light and "dupont lighter"-stylish. i particularly like the metal buttons, much more tactile that plastic one - i know it is a small thing. I like the five-line display which provides a lot of information compared to another device i used.
now for the great part, the integrated micros are great, and the stereo effect is really a bonus. This is especially the case if you later listen with earphones.
the time elapsed versus the length of the file are displayed clearly and legibly.
i did invest in a little carry case and i am glad i did because that way i can throw the recorder into a bag and still keep it pristine.
i find the 'hold' button more positive and better protected. this is important because it saves you battery life.
i really like the indexing facility. if you use the device to learn language where you need to reiterate the same sentence again it is really effective. you mark the begining and jump back with the arrow button - right to the correct location every time in one click. nice!


the things i am not a big fan of are the recording format which seems to be wma only. having said that it plays straight on windows media on my pc so no problem. the other aspect is the five folders on the device are a bit naff - unless it was possible to rename them and to move the file across as required. small stuff really.


A good piece of kit with minor drawbacks., 03 Apr 2008
I bought this item for the purposes of interviewing people and using it in the classroom. Overall, I am impressed. There's ample storage space and the design is fantastic. It weighs virtually nothing. Other reviews of very similar products have complained about the battery clip. I think it's all about the care taken over changing the battery - if you value your product you will be careful with it.
I have two small criticisms. Firstly, I wished it recorded straight into .wav format or .mp3 format. If it is possible to do this I've not found it in the manual. The built-in microphone is OK, but for quality interviews I would suggest investing in a decent mic as you'll get more punch in the lower frequencies and conference mode will work better. These points are why I've awarded 4 and not 5 stars.
My final point has not influenced my star rating as that's for the product. But... I wasn't impressed by the supplier. OK the product arrived in reasonable time 6 days rather than 1-2, but I wasn't in a rush. My problem was with the packaging. No branded Olympus casing was there. The recorder was simply clunking around in a white box with a manual, cable and battery enclosed. As a result the device has 2 or 3 scratches and dents on it. The manual was also torn. If I was even more sceptical I would possibly dispute whether or not I was the first owner? On the box was a sticker saying "1 year exchange warranty -no question asked" - all sounds a bit back of a lorry to me!

poor controls and total breakdown, 08 Aug 2008
Appears fine at first, but the controls have a very annoying fault - fast forwarding or rewinding is done with the same buttons that jump to another file either forward or backward, and it's very easy to accidentally jump to the end of a recording - very irritating when you're 20 minutes in to a 90 minute interview. I agree with the other comments re: Digital Wave Player - it's a pain, and life would be far simpler if the recorder could be plugged into any PC and seen as an external hard drive from which to drag and drop audio files.
Worse still, my VN-2100PC has now packed up altogether. It won't transfer files via DWP without an error message popping up halfway through the process, and it dies without warning even on fresh batteries. Useless.

Perfect and cheap, 20 Jul 2008
As soon as I got this I started playing with it. To my amazement this was one of the easiest to work with devices I ever had. Who needs a manual :)
I like the voice activation feature, it's really nice.
Get one now if you haven't got one already, for this price you can't get any better. It's an absolute bargain.

Good recorder, but a bit flakey, 14 Jul 2008

Apart from the exceptional storage capacity, I was driven to buy this item by its small size. The software will only work with Windows and is awkward. If you are going to use this for covert recordings, you need to insulate it from body heat otherwise it will constantly crash. Sadly, this appears to be the case even if you wear it all day in your shirt pocket too. The power button seems more suggestive, so the only way to actually power-off the device is to remove the batteries, forcing you to reset the clock.
The battery life seems impressive at first, but you will find that you cannot trust the battery level indicator. However, if you're looking for a cheap device to tape under a table, then this could prove useful. I've had one of these devices in-place for two days before removing it, and achieved clear recordings of all voices in the room of 7m X 7m without any gaps (while the VCVA kicks in). A useful feature would have been to timestamp the start/stop of the VCVA recordings as cue-points in the resultant audio file.
In summary, the recording ability is excellent, but this is let down by the instability of the supporting features.


Cumbersome , 23 Jun 2008
This is not compatible with Explorer or Windows Media. It has to be used on machines that have downloaded the Digital Wave Software (disc included) therefore it would be extremely cumbersome to use this on any but your own personal PC as that would require downloading software wherever you go. I doubt whether the saved files could be e-mailed.

Apart from that, the quality of playback is extremely poor. It is very hard to hear what is being said on the recorder.

It is very light and plasticky in feel. Not recommended.

Easy-peazy, 12 Jun 2008
I have just received this item and within 10 minutes I had it up and running including the programme. Hardly had to look at the manual it was so easy and I am no computer whiz.
I thoroughly recommend this product. It pics up voice extremely well and plays back as clear as a bell on the device as well as the PC. Does exactly what I want it to without being too high tech with unnecessary features. The set up feature from disc is neat and simple. If you just want to record voice, then this is the one!

Compact Tape Recorder. One-way playback. LED battery indicator. Front speaker Built-in microphone. Earphone jack Overview Features Technical Specifications Find your local dealer - Dimensions WxDxH : 86.9 x 36.5 x 116.3 mm,Weight : 169 g,Battery type : AM

a great piece of kit, 17 Nov 2008
a great piece of kit works very well and its small size means it can be carried easily in one pocket. The small black cover for the microphone does in fact fall off, but a small rubber band holds it on well. In any event it is only useful out side in windy conditons.

Excellent Product!, 14 Nov 2008
Ordered the Olympus VN3100-PC recorder a week ago, and just got it today.
It works tremendously well, and the software supplied was installed on my Vista laptop in less than 2 minutes.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for something lightweight, handy, USB connectivity, with long lasting battery life and incredible memory space(5hrs plus of XHQ recording).

One thing to note though, the instruction manual made no mention of how to switch off the recorder. I assume its similar to other recorders, which is to put the hold button on, and after 2 secs, the screen goes blank (should be off right?). But personally, I remove the batteries when am not using them just to be sure.



olympus digital voice recorder, 31 Oct 2008
This is a really easy gadget to use and I would recommmend it to anyone

Does the job, 25 Oct 2008
Yes, i'm very happy with this product. It's the first time i've purchased a dvr and i'm glad to convey it does exactly what it's intended for. As a result it will be used extensively now and in the future. It's small, compact and require's just the two AAA batteries. That compounded by the memory size, makes this item a great piece of kit. If I had any gripe's, they would be the following;
- the little hat, that attempts to sit on top of the microphone piece (it normally falls off so i don't use it!)
- I have tried to use it whilst in the car (to record conversations) but the recording is a little muffled (that might be quite normal though in such circumstances?)


Great recorder!, 30 Aug 2008
This is one of the best digital recorders that you can buy for less than £50. Does exactly what it promises! The software is simple and runs smooth on a XP platform.

Olympus WS 311M, 04 Nov 2008
I bought this item as an aid to learning to play the button accordion. The tutor plays the tune and I can go home and practice, slowing down the music as necessary. Beats recording on my mobile any day. I have been to traditional music sessions and used it to record tunes which I downloaded to my PC then onto CD and gave to a lady who wanted to learn the tunes. It was so light I could carry in in my shirt pocket and with a bit of practice I could turn record on and off with no difficulty without removing it. I took it to a concert recently and sat at the front (having first obtained the permission of the virtuosos about to play. I recorded about two hours of music, returned home and using the USB connection (no leads, just like a memory stick) downloaded it then burned it to CD and passed to another button accordion fan. OK it sounded as if it was in a hall, I didn't have a full battery of recording instruments and it wasn't a studio sound but everything came over so clear. It was a fabulous record of a great concert. The CD played over speakers or in the car is great. It is a very sensitive device so you will pick up noise if you move about too much. For my purposes an excellent bit of kit. I have checked this item out on other sites including France where it is about 90 quid. If you want quality at a reasonable price this is the one. Oh and you can use it for dictation as well!

all around impressive, 11 Apr 2008
i just got this recorder and find it superb. the device is tiny, light and "dupont lighter"-stylish. i particularly like the metal buttons, much more tactile that plastic one - i know it is a small thing. I like the five-line display which provides a lot of information compared to another device i used.
now for the great part, the integrated micros are great, and the stereo effect is really a bonus. This is especially the case if you later listen with earphones.
the time elapsed versus the length of the file are displayed clearly and legibly.
i did invest in a little carry case and i am glad i did because that way i can throw the recorder into a bag and still keep it pristine.
i find the 'hold' button more positive and better protected. this is important because it saves you battery life.
i really like the indexing facility. if you use the device to learn language where you need to reiterate the same sentence again it is really effective. you mark the begining and jump back with the arrow button - right to the correct location every time in one click. nice!


the things i am not a big fan of are the recording format which seems to be wma only. having said that it plays straight on windows media on my pc so no problem. the other aspect is the five folders on the device are a bit naff - unless it was possible to rename them and to move the file across as required. small stuff really.


A good piece of kit with minor drawbacks., 03 Apr 2008
I bought this item for the purposes of interviewing people and using it in the classroom. Overall, I am impressed. There's ample storage space and the design is fantastic. It weighs virtually nothing. Other reviews of very similar products have complained about the battery clip. I think it's all about the care taken over changing the battery - if you value your product you will be careful with it.
I have two small criticisms. Firstly, I wished it recorded straight into .wav format or .mp3 format. If it is possible to do this I've not found it in the manual. The built-in microphone is OK, but for quality interviews I would suggest investing in a decent mic as you'll get more punch in the lower frequencies and conference mode will work better. These points are why I've awarded 4 and not 5 stars.
My final point has not influenced my star rating as that's for the product. But... I wasn't impressed by the supplier. OK the product arrived in reasonable time 6 days rather than 1-2, but I wasn't in a rush. My problem was with the packaging. No branded Olympus casing was there. The recorder was simply clunking around in a white box with a manual, cable and battery enclosed. As a result the device has 2 or 3 scratches and dents on it. The manual was also torn. If I was even more sceptical I would possibly dispute whether or not I was the first owner? On the box was a sticker saying "1 year exchange warranty -no question asked" - all sounds a bit back of a lorry to me!

poor controls and total breakdown, 08 Aug 2008
Appears fine at first, but the controls have a very annoying fault - fast forwarding or rewinding is done with the same buttons that jump to another file either forward or backward, and it's very easy to accidentally jump to the end of a recording - very irritating when you're 20 minutes in to a 90 minute interview. I agree with the other comments re: Digital Wave Player - it's a pain, and life would be far simpler if the recorder could be plugged into any PC and seen as an external hard drive from which to drag and drop audio files.
Worse still, my VN-2100PC has now packed up altogether. It won't transfer files via DWP without an error message popping up halfway through the process, and it dies without warning even on fresh batteries. Useless.

Perfect and cheap, 20 Jul 2008
As soon as I got this I started playing with it. To my amazement this was one of the easiest to work with devices I ever had. Who needs a manual :)
I like the voice activation feature, it's really nice.
Get one now if you haven't got one already, for this price you can't get any better. It's an absolute bargain.

Good recorder, but a bit flakey, 14 Jul 2008

Apart from the exceptional storage capacity, I was driven to buy this item by its small size. The software will only work with Windows and is awkward. If you are going to use this for covert recordings, you need to insulate it from body heat otherwise it will constantly crash. Sadly, this appears to be the case even if you wear it all day in your shirt pocket too. The power button seems more suggestive, so the only way to actually power-off the device is to remove the batteries, forcing you to reset the clock.
The battery life seems impressive at first, but you will find that you cannot trust the battery level indicator. However, if you're looking for a cheap device to tape under a table, then this could prove useful. I've had one of these devices in-place for two days before removing it, and achieved clear recordings of all voices in the room of 7m X 7m without any gaps (while the VCVA kicks in). A useful feature would have been to timestamp the start/stop of the VCVA recordings as cue-points in the resultant audio file.
In summary, the recording ability is excellent, but this is let down by the instability of the supporting features.


Cumbersome , 23 Jun 2008
This is not compatible with Explorer or Windows Media. It has to be used on machines that have downloaded the Digital Wave Software (disc included) therefore it would be extremely cumbersome to use this on any but your own personal PC as that would require downloading software wherever you go. I doubt whether the saved files could be e-mailed.

Apart from that, the quality of playback is extremely poor. It is very hard to hear what is being said on the recorder.

It is very light and plasticky in feel. Not recommended.

Easy-peazy, 12 Jun 2008
I have just received this item and within 10 minutes I had it up and running including the programme. Hardly had to look at the manual it was so easy and I am no computer whiz.
I thoroughly recommend this product. It pics up voice extremely well and plays back as clear as a bell on the device as well as the PC. Does exactly what I want it to without being too high tech with unnecessary features. The set up feature from disc is neat and simple. If you just want to record voice, then this is the one!

Nice basic number, ideal for interviewing, 28 Feb 2006
I used this machine for recording interviews as part of my social science studies and, although considerably cheaper when I bought mine, it is a good basic tape recorder with good sound quality and an excellent range. I don't see any point spending more money if this is the kind of thing you are going to use it for.

Excellent value, 15 Feb 2006
I purchased this item recently and am delighted wih the ease of use and quality of sound. It's lightweight and good to look at too. I sing in a choir, and it's perfect for recording rehearsals and reviewing performance between our practice nights.

Technical DataAudio Input / TypeMicrophoneTechnical DataDimensions & Weight / Widthcm3.9Technical DataDimensions & Weight / Depthcm2Technical DataDimensions & Weight / Heightcm10.2Technical DataDimensions & Weight / Weightg67Technical DataFlash Memory / Installed SizeMB64Technical DataHeader / Product LineOlympus VNTechnical DataHeader / Model2100Technical DataHeader / ManufacturerOlympusTechnical DataHeader / Packaged Quantity1Technical DataRemote Control / TypeNoneTechnical DataAudio System / TypeDigital voice recorderTechnical DataAudio System / Sound Output ModeMonoTechnical DataDigital Player (Recorder) / Supported Digital Audio StandardsCELPTechnical DataDigital Player (Recorder) / Digital Recording Time170 min - XHQTechnical DataDigital Player (Recorder) / Data Storage CapabilityUp to 400 files / 4 foldersTechnical DataDigital Storage Media / TypeNoneTechnical DataAudio System / Digital Player TypeFlash basedTechnical DataDigital Storage / CapacityMB64Technical DataAudio System / Functions (KB)Digital voice recorderTechnical DataAudio System / Subcategory (KB)Dictaphones, transcribers

a great piece of kit, 17 Nov 2008
a great piece of kit works very well and its small size means it can be carried easily in one pocket. The small black cover for the microphone does in fact fall off, but a small rubber band holds it on well. In any event it is only useful out side in windy conditons.

Excellent Product!, 14 Nov 2008
Ordered the Olympus VN3100-PC recorder a week ago, and just got it today.
It works tremendously well, and the software supplied was installed on my Vista laptop in less than 2 minutes.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for something lightweight, handy, USB connectivity, with long lasting battery life and incredible memory space(5hrs plus of XHQ recording).

One thing to note though, the instruction manual made no mention of how to switch off the recorder. I assume its similar to other recorders, which is to put the hold button on, and after 2 secs, the screen goes blank (should be off right?). But personally, I remove the batteries when am not using them just to be sure.



olympus digital voice recorder, 31 Oct 2008
This is a really easy gadget to use and I would recommmend it to anyone

Does the job, 25 Oct 2008
Yes, i'm very happy with this product. It's the first time i've purchased a dvr and i'm glad to convey it does exactly what it's intended for. As a result it will be used extensively now and in the future. It's small, compact and require's just the two AAA batteries. That compounded by the memory size, makes this item a great piece of kit. If I had any gripe's, they would be the following;
- the little hat, that attempts to sit on top of the microphone piece (it normally falls off so i don't use it!)
- I have tried to use it whilst in the car (to record conversations) but the recording is a little muffled (that might be quite normal though in such circumstances?)


Great recorder!, 30 Aug 2008
This is one of the best digital recorders that you can buy for less than £50. Does exactly what it promises! The software is simple and runs smooth on a XP platform.

Olympus WS 311M, 04 Nov 2008
I bought this item as an aid to learning to play the button accordion. The tutor plays the tune and I can go home and practice, slowing down the music as necessary. Beats recording on my mobile any day. I have been to traditional music sessions and used it to record tunes which I downloaded to my PC then onto CD and gave to a lady who wanted to learn the tunes. It was so light I could carry in in my shirt pocket and with a bit of practice I could turn record on and off with no difficulty without removing it. I took it to a concert recently and sat at the front (having first obtained the permission of the virtuosos about to play. I recorded about two hours of music, returned home and using the USB connection (no leads, just like a memory stick) downloaded it then burned it to CD and passed to another button accordion fan. OK it sounded as if it was in a hall, I didn't have a full battery of recording instruments and it wasn't a studio sound but everything came over so clear. It was a fabulous record of a great concert. The CD played over speakers or in the car is great. It is a very sensitive device so you will pick up noise if you move about too much. For my purposes an excellent bit of kit. I have checked this item out on other sites including France where it is about 90 quid. If you want quality at a reasonable price this is the one. Oh and you can use it for dictation as well!

all around impressive, 11 Apr 2008
i just got this recorder and find it superb. the device is tiny, light and "dupont lighter"-stylish. i particularly like the metal buttons, much more tactile that plastic one - i know it is a small thing. I like the five-line display which provides a lot of information compared to another device i used.
now for the great part, the integrated micros are great, and the stereo effect is really a bonus. This is especially the case if you later listen with earphones.
the time elapsed versus the length of the file are displayed clearly and legibly.
i did invest in a little carry case and i am glad i did because that way i can throw the recorder into a bag and still keep it pristine.
i find the 'hold' button more positive and better protected. this is important because it saves you battery life.
i really like the indexing facility. if you use the device to learn language where you need to reiterate the same sentence again it is really effective. you mark the begining and jump back with the arrow button - right to the correct location every time in one click. nice!


the things i am not a big fan of are the recording format which seems to be wma only. having said that it plays straight on windows media on my pc so no problem. the other aspect is the five folders on the device are a bit naff - unless it was possible to rename them and to move the file across as required. small stuff really.


A good piece of kit with minor drawbacks., 03 Apr 2008
I bought this item for the purposes of interviewing people and using it in the classroom. Overall, I am impressed. There's ample storage space and the design is fantastic. It weighs virtually nothing. Other reviews of very similar products have complained about the battery clip. I think it's all about the care taken over changing the battery - if you value your product you will be careful with it.
I have two small criticisms. Firstly, I wished it recorded straight into .wav format or .mp3 format. If it is possible to do this I've not found it in the manual. The built-in microphone is OK, but for quality interviews I would suggest investing in a decent mic as you'll get more punch in the lower frequencies and conference mode will work better. These points are why I've awarded 4 and not 5 stars.
My final point has not influenced my star rating as that's for the product. But... I wasn't impressed by the supplier. OK the product arrived in reasonable time 6 days rather than 1-2, but I wasn't in a rush. My problem was with the packaging. No branded Olympus casing was there. The recorder was simply clunking around in a white box with a manual, cable and battery enclosed. As a result the device has 2 or 3 scratches and dents on it. The manual was also torn. If I was even more sceptical I would possibly dispute whether or not I was the first owner? On the box was a sticker saying "1 year exchange warranty -no question asked" - all sounds a bit back of a lorry to me!

poor controls and total breakdown, 08 Aug 2008
Appears fine at first, but the controls have a very annoying fault - fast forwarding or rewinding is done with the same buttons that jump to another file either forward or backward, and it's very easy to accidentally jump to the end of a recording - very irritating when you're 20 minutes in to a 90 minute interview. I agree with the other comments re: Digital Wave Player - it's a pain, and life would be far simpler if the recorder could be plugged into any PC and seen as an external hard drive from which to drag and drop audio files.
Worse still, my VN-2100PC has now packed up altogether. It won't transfer files via DWP without an error message popping up halfway through the process, and it dies without warning even on fresh batteries. Useless.

Perfect and cheap, 20 Jul 2008
As soon as I got this I started playing with it. To my amazement this was one of the easiest to work with devices I ever had. Who needs a manual :)
I like the voice activation feature, it's really nice.
Get one now if you haven't got one already, for this price you can't get any better. It's an absolute bargain.

Good recorder, but a bit flakey, 14 Jul 2008

Apart from the exceptional storage capacity, I was driven to buy this item by its small size. The software will only work with Windows and is awkward. If you are going to use this for covert recordings, you need to insulate it from body heat otherwise it will constantly crash. Sadly, this appears to be the case even if you wear it all day in your shirt pocket too. The power button seems more suggestive, so the only way to actually power-off the device is to remove the batteries, forcing you to reset the clock.
The battery life seems impressive at first, but you will find that you cannot trust the battery level indicator. However, if you're looking for a cheap device to tape under a table, then this could prove useful. I've had one of these devices in-place for two days before removing it, and achieved clear recordings of all voices in the room of 7m X 7m without any gaps (while the VCVA kicks in). A useful feature would have been to timestamp the start/stop of the VCVA recordings as cue-points in the resultant audio file.
In summary, the recording ability is excellent, but this is let down by the instability of the supporting features.


Cumbersome , 23 Jun 2008
This is not compatible with Explorer or Windows Media. It has to be used on machines that have downloaded the Digital Wave Software (disc included) therefore it would be extremely cumbersome to use this on any but your own personal PC as that would require downloading software wherever you go. I doubt whether the saved files could be e-mailed.

Apart from that, the quality of playback is extremely poor. It is very hard to hear what is being said on the recorder.

It is very light and plasticky in feel. Not recommended.

Easy-peazy, 12 Jun 2008
I have just received this item and within 10 minutes I had it up and running including the programme. Hardly had to look at the manual it was so easy and I am no computer whiz.
I thoroughly recommend this product. It pics up voice extremely well and plays back as clear as a bell on the device as well as the PC. Does exactly what I want it to without being too high tech with unnecessary features. The set up feature from disc is neat and simple. If you just want to record voice, then this is the one!

Nice basic number, ideal for interviewing, 28 Feb 2006
I used this machine for recording interviews as part of my social science studies and, although considerably cheaper when I bought mine, it is a good basic tape recorder with good sound quality and an excellent range. I don't see any point spending more money if this is the kind of thing you are going to use it for.

Excellent value, 15 Feb 2006
I purchased this item recently and am delighted wih the ease of use and quality of sound. It's lightweight and good to look at too. I sing in a choir, and it's perfect for recording rehearsals and reviewing performance between our practice nights.

Perfect little study aid!, 01 Sep 2008
I bought this as a study help - I'm doing a Medical Administration course and use the VN2100 for medical terminology.
Love:
Its handy size, clear and easy to use, storage space, 5 folder divisions, add-on mic.

Great price too.

Perfect for my needs, couldn't ask for more!

ME-15 Tie Clip Microhpne

a great piece of kit, 17 Nov 2008
a great piece of kit works very well and its small size means it can be carried easily in one pocket. The small black cover for the microphone does in fact fall off, but a small rubber band holds it on well. In any event it is only useful out side in windy conditons.

Excellent Product!, 14 Nov 2008
Ordered the Olympus VN3100-PC recorder a week ago, and just got it today.
It works tremendously well, and the software supplied was installed on my Vista laptop in less than 2 minutes.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for something lightweight, handy, USB connectivity, with long lasting battery life and incredible memory space(5hrs plus of XHQ recording).

One thing to note though, the instruction manual made no mention of how to switch off the recorder. I assume its similar to other recorders, which is to put the hold button on, and after 2 secs, the screen goes blank (should be off right?). But personally, I remove the batteries when am not using them just to be sure.



olympus digital voice recorder, 31 Oct 2008
This is a really easy gadget to use and I would recommmend it to anyone

Does the job, 25 Oct 2008
Yes, i'm very happy with this product. It's the first time i've purchased a dvr and i'm glad to convey it does exactly what it's intended for. As a result it will be used extensively now and in the future. It's small, compact and require's just the two AAA batteries. That compounded by the memory size, makes this item a great piece of kit. If I had any gripe's, they would be the following;
- the little hat, that attempts to sit on top of the microphone piece (it normally falls off so i don't use it!)
- I have tried to use it whilst in the car (to record conversations) but the recording is a little muffled (that might be quite normal though in such circumstances?)


Great recorder!, 30 Aug 2008
This is one of the best digital recorders that you can buy for less than £50. Does exactly what it promises! The software is simple and runs smooth on a XP platform.

Olympus WS 311M, 04 Nov 2008
I bought this item as an aid to learning to play the button accordion. The tutor plays the tune and I can go home and practice, slowing down the music as necessary. Beats recording on my mobile any day. I have been to traditional music sessions and used it to record tunes which I downloaded to my PC then onto CD and gave to a lady who wanted to learn the tunes. It was so light I could carry in in my shirt pocket and with a bit of practice I could turn record on and off with no difficulty without removing it. I took it to a concert recently and sat at the front (having first obtained the permission of the virtuosos about to play. I recorded about two hours of music, returned home and using the USB connection (no leads, just like a memory stick) downloaded it then burned it to CD and passed to another button accordion fan. OK it sounded as if it was in a hall, I didn't have a full battery of recording instruments and it wasn't a studio sound but everything came over so clear. It was a fabulous record of a great concert. The CD played over speakers or in the car is great. It is a very sensitive device so you will pick up noise if you move about too much. For my purposes an excellent bit of kit. I have checked this item out on other sites including France where it is about 90 quid. If you want quality at a reasonable price this is the one. Oh and you can use it for dictation as well!

all around impressive, 11 Apr 2008
i just got this recorder and find it superb. the device is tiny, light and "dupont lighter"-stylish. i particularly like the metal buttons, much more tactile that plastic one - i know it is a small thing. I like the five-line display which provides a lot of information compared to another device i used.
now for the great part, the integrated micros are great, and the stereo effect is really a bonus. This is especially the case if you later listen with earphones.
the time elapsed versus the length of the file are displayed clearly and legibly.
i did invest in a little carry case and i am glad i did because that way i can throw the recorder into a bag and still keep it pristine.
i find the 'hold' button more positive and better protected. this is important because it saves you battery life.
i really like the indexing facility. if you use the device to learn language where you need to reiterate the same sentence again it is really effective. you mark the begining and jump back with the arrow button - right to the correct location every time in one click. nice!


the things i am not a big fan of are the recording format which seems to be wma only. having said that it plays straight on windows media on my pc so no problem. the other aspect is the five folders on the device are a bit naff - unless it was possible to rename them and to move the file across as required. small stuff really.


A good piece of kit with minor drawbacks., 03 Apr 2008
I bought this item for the purposes of interviewing people and using it in the classroom. Overall, I am impressed. There's ample storage space and the design is fantastic. It weighs virtually nothing. Other reviews of very similar products have complained about the battery clip. I think it's all about the care taken over changing the battery - if you value your product you will be careful with it.
I have two small criticisms. Firstly, I wished it recorded straight into .wav format or .mp3 format. If it is possible to do this I've not found it in the manual. The built-in microphone is OK, but for quality interviews I would suggest investing in a decent mic as you'll get more punch in the lower frequencies and conference mode will work better. These points are why I've awarded 4 and not 5 stars.
My final point has not influenced my star rating as that's for the product. But... I wasn't impressed by the supplier. OK the product arrived in reasonable time 6 days rather than 1-2, but I wasn't in a rush. My problem was with the packaging. No branded Olympus casing was there. The recorder was simply clunking around in a white box with a manual, cable and battery enclosed. As a result the device has 2 or 3 scratches and dents on it. The manual was also torn. If I was even more sceptical I would possibly dispute whether or not I was the first owner? On the box was a sticker saying "1 year exchange warranty -no question asked" - all sounds a bit back of a lorry to me!

poor controls and total breakdown, 08 Aug 2008
Appears fine at first, but the controls have a very annoying fault - fast forwarding or rewinding is done with the same buttons that jump to another file either forward or backward, and it's very easy to accidentally jump to the end of a recording - very irritating when you're 20 minutes in to a 90 minute interview. I agree with the other comments re: Digital Wave Player - it's a pain, and life would be far simpler if the recorder could be plugged into any PC and seen as an external hard drive from which to drag and drop audio files.
Worse still, my VN-2100PC has now packed up altogether. It won't transfer files via DWP without an error message popping up halfway through the process, and it dies without warning even on fresh batteries. Useless.

Perfect and cheap, 20 Jul 2008
As soon as I got this I started playing with it. To my amazement this was one of the easiest to work with devices I ever had. Who needs a manual :)
I like the voice activation feature, it's really nice.
Get one now if you haven't got one already, for this price you can't get any better. It's an absolute bargain.

Good recorder, but a bit flakey, 14 Jul 2008

Apart from the exceptional storage capacity, I was driven to buy this item by its small size. The software will only work with Windows and is awkward. If you are going to use this for covert recordings, you need to insulate it from body heat otherwise it will constantly crash. Sadly, this appears to be the case even if you wear it all day in your shirt pocket too. The power button seems more suggestive, so the only way to actually power-off the device is to remove the batteries, forcing you to reset the clock.
The battery life seems impressive at first, but you will find that you cannot trust the battery level indicator. However, if you're looking for a cheap device to tape under a table, then this could prove useful. I've had one of these devices in-place for two days before removing it, and achieved clear recordings of all voices in the room of 7m X 7m without any gaps (while the VCVA kicks in). A useful feature would have been to timestamp the start/stop of the VCVA recordings as cue-points in the resultant audio file.
In summary, the recording ability is excellent, but this is let down by the instability of the supporting features.


Cumbersome , 23 Jun 2008
This is not compatible with Explorer or Windows Media. It has to be used on machines that have downloaded the Digital Wave Software (disc included) therefore it would be extremely cumbersome to use this on any but your own personal PC as that would require downloading software wherever you go. I doubt whether the saved files could be e-mailed.

Apart from that, the quality of playback is extremely poor. It is very hard to hear what is being said on the recorder.

It is very light and plasticky in feel. Not recommended.

Easy-peazy, 12 Jun 2008
I have just received this item and within 10 minutes I had it up and running including the programme. Hardly had to look at the manual it was so easy and I am no computer whiz.
I thoroughly recommend this product. It pics up voice extremely well and plays back as clear as a bell on the device as well as the PC. Does exactly what I want it to without being too high tech with unnecessary features. The set up feature from disc is neat and simple. If you just want to record voice, then this is the one!

Nice basic number, ideal for interviewing, 28 Feb 2006
I used this machine for recording interviews as part of my social science studies and, although considerably cheaper when I bought mine, it is a good basic tape recorder with good sound quality and an excellent range. I don't see any point spending more money if this is the kind of thing you are going to use it for.

Excellent value, 15 Feb 2006
I purchased this item recently and am delighted wih the ease of use and quality of sound. It's lightweight and good to look at too. I sing in a choir, and it's perfect for recording rehearsals and reviewing performance between our practice nights.

Perfect little study aid!, 01 Sep 2008
I bought this as a study help - I'm doing a Medical Administration course and use the VN2100 for medical terminology.
Love:
Its handy size, clear and easy to use, storage space, 5 folder divisions, add-on mic.

Great price too.

Perfect for my needs, couldn't ask for more!

Doesn't work in 'normal' mic sockets, 30 Sep 2008
I've had to return this item because it only works in sockets that provide power to the microphone (my laptop doesn't). Although this was clear from the documentation that arrived with the mic, it wasn't stated in the online product/technical info.

Therefore, purchase this item only if you are intending to use it in a powered microphone socket.

Clear, boosted diplomatically sized microphone, 26 Feb 2008
General description

Although this is a mono-microphone, it's very well suited for general higher- quality voice recordings with a WS -class 'Olympus' digital voice recorder. The microphone takes some power from the device as it operates, so its fidelity is better than you would think from just looking at the size of the device. Its colour is black and with a metallic tie clip, so it's easy to place. I would however avoid getting the microphone wet or subjecting it to strong impacts.

Why use this microphone?

If you use an Olympus digital recorder, other people as well have noticed that it's hard to boost the input levels for recordings that use 'Voice-activation'. If you apply this microphone, the input level is boosted so these features are easier to use reliably. However I would suggest that users select a 'high' microphone, non-stereo, setting before the recording is made, and make test recordings beforehand for maximum results.

Is it any better than my built-in microphones?

The native stereo of Olympus class type devices can be fantastic when the device is stationary. But when you carry these devices, the recording quality can be reduced, as you are moving about. The idea is that the microphone can be made stationary with a tiepin clip, so is less likely to record the rustling of your clothes. This alone is an aid to better clarity recordings.


To give you an idea of the clarity & sensitivity of this microphone when I play the recordings back using native Olympus headphones, I have heard my own breathing being recorded, the rustling of news papers and a clock ticking from over 2 meters away, even parts of the other person telephone conversation as someone is talk to them on the 'phone.

Summary

The price is fantastic for the quality of this microphone and is perfectly suited to an 'Olympus', WS -class device, for example. If you require better quality, you could consider the stereo-class microphones but they are #40 and up.

If you wish reduce any residual hiss present when the recording is very quiet, I could suggest buying 'Magix Audio Cleaning lab deluxe 12' to remove it as it works wonders!





Olympus Mike, 06 Dec 2007
Not sure if it has on and off button. If it has it would be great to save fumling with the tiny switch on machine. Glen Opie

The WS-210S digital voice recorder from Olympus offers extreme versatility in a pocket-sized format !The WS-210S has 512 MB of storage space for 138 hours of voice recording. It also has 6 recording options, so you can choose the perfect balance between quality and length. There is even a stereo recording option for added versatility. Meanwhile, a voice filter improves sound quality while significantly reducing unwanted background noise. The WS-210S can even store your files, presentations, photos or music tracks, and transferring them to and from your computer is simple thanks to the USB connection.The large screen and intuitive interface on the WS-210S make it a very handy and easy-to-use device!Dimensions: 94.7 x 37 x 10 mmWeight: 47 g (including battery)Power: 1 AAA battery

a great piece of kit, 17 Nov 2008
a great piece of kit works very well and its small size means it can be carried easily in one pocket. The small black cover for the microphone does in fact fall off, but a small rubber band holds it on well. In any event it is only useful out side in windy conditons.

Excellent Product!, 14 Nov 2008
Ordered the Olympus VN3100-PC recorder a week ago, and just got it today.
It works tremendously well, and the software supplied was installed on my Vista laptop in less than 2 minutes.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for something lightweight, handy, USB connectivity, with long lasting battery life and incredible memory space(5hrs plus of XHQ recording).

One thing to note though, the instruction manual made no mention of how to switch off the recorder. I assume its similar to other recorders, which is to put the hold button on, and after 2 secs, the screen goes blank (should be off right?). But personally, I remove the batteries when am not using them just to be sure.



olympus digital voice recorder, 31 Oct 2008
This is a really easy gadget to use and I would recommmend it to anyone

Does the job, 25 Oct 2008
Yes, i'm very happy with this product. It's the first time i've purchased a dvr and i'm glad to convey it does exactly what it's intended for. As a result it will be used extensively now and in the future. It's small, compact and require's just the two AAA batteries. That compounded by the memory size, makes this item a great piece of kit. If I had any gripe's, they would be the following;
- the little hat, that attempts to sit on top of the microphone piece (it normally falls off so i don't use it!)
- I have tried to use it whilst in the car (to record conversations) but the recording is a little muffled (that might be quite normal though in such circumstances?)


Great recorder!, 30 Aug 2008
This is one of the best digital recorders that you can buy for less than £50. Does exactly what it promises! The software is simple and runs smooth on a XP platform.

Olympus WS 311M, 04 Nov 2008
I bought this item as an aid to learning to play the button accordion. The tutor plays the tune and I can go home and practice, slowing down the music as necessary. Beats recording on my mobile any day. I have been to traditional music sessions and used it to record tunes which I downloaded to my PC then onto CD and gave to a lady who wanted to learn the tunes. It was so light I could carry in in my shirt pocket and with a bit of practice I could turn record on and off with no difficulty without removing it. I took it to a concert recently and sat at the front (having first obtained the permission of the virtuosos about to play. I recorded about two hours of music, returned home and using the USB connection (no leads, just like a memory stick) downloaded it then burned it to CD and passed to another button accordion fan. OK it sounded as if it was in a hall, I didn't have a full battery of recording instruments and it wasn't a studio sound but everything came over so clear. It was a fabulous record of a great concert. The CD played over speakers or in the car is great. It is a very sensitive device so you will pick up noise if you move about too much. For my purposes an excellent bit of kit. I have checked this item out on other sites including France where it is about 90 quid. If you want quality at a reasonable price this is the one. Oh and you can use it for dictation as well!

all around impressive, 11 Apr 2008
i just got this recorder and find it superb. the device is tiny, light and "dupont lighter"-stylish. i particularly like the metal buttons, much more tactile that plastic one - i know it is a small thing. I like the five-line display which provides a lot of information compared to another device i used.
now for the great part, the integrated micros are great, and the stereo effect is really a bonus. This is especially the case if you later listen with earphones.
the time elapsed versus the length of the file are displayed clearly and legibly.
i did invest in a little carry case and i am glad i did because that way i can throw the recorder into a bag and still keep it pristine.
i find the 'hold' button more positive and better protected. this is important because it saves you battery life.
i really like the indexing facility. if you use the device to learn language where you need to reiterate the same sentence again it is really effective. you mark the begining and jump back with the arrow button - right to the correct location every time in one click. nice!


the things i am not a big fan of are the recording format which seems to be wma only. having said that it plays straight on windows media on my pc so no problem. the other aspect is the five folders on the device are a bit naff - unless it was possible to rename them and to move the file across as required. small stuff really.


A good piece of kit with minor drawbacks., 03 Apr 2008
I bought this item for the purposes of interviewing people and using it in the classroom. Overall, I am impressed. There's ample storage space and the design is fantastic. It weighs virtually nothing. Other reviews of very similar products have complained about the battery clip. I think it's all about the care taken over changing the battery - if you value your product you will be careful with it.
I have two small criticisms. Firstly, I wished it recorded straight into .wav format or .mp3 format. If it is possible to do this I've not found it in the manual. The built-in microphone is OK, but for quality interviews I would suggest investing in a decent mic as you'll get more punch in the lower frequencies and conference mode will work better. These points are why I've awarded 4 and not 5 stars.
My final point has not influenced my star rating as that's for the product. But... I wasn't impressed by the supplier. OK the product arrived in reasonable time 6 days rather than 1-2, but I wasn't in a rush. My problem was with the packaging. No branded Olympus casing was there. The recorder was simply clunking around in a white box with a manual, cable and battery enclosed. As a result the device has 2 or 3 scratches and dents on it. The manual was also torn. If I was even more sceptical I would possibly dispute whether or not I was the first owner? On the box was a sticker saying "1 year exchange warranty -no question asked" - all sounds a bit back of a lorry to me!

poor controls and total breakdown, 08 Aug 2008
Appears fine at first, but the controls have a very annoying fault - fast forwarding or rewinding is done with the same buttons that jump to another file either forward or backward, and it's very easy to accidentally jump to the end of a recording - very irritating when you're 20 minutes in to a 90 minute interview. I agree with the other comments re: Digital Wave Player - it's a pain, and life would be far simpler if the recorder could be plugged into any PC and seen as an external hard drive from which to drag and drop audio files.
Worse still, my VN-2100PC has now packed up altogether. It won't transfer files via DWP without an error message popping up halfway through the process, and it dies without warning even on fresh batteries. Useless.

Perfect and cheap, 20 Jul 2008
As soon as I got this I started playing with it. To my amazement this was one of the easiest to work with devices I ever had. Who needs a manual :)
I like the voice activation feature, it's really nice.
Get one now if you haven't got one already, for this price you can't get any better. It's an absolute bargain.

Good recorder, but a bit flakey, 14 Jul 2008

Apart from the exceptional storage capacity, I was driven to buy this item by its small size. The software will only work with Windows and is awkward. If you are going to use this for covert recordings, you need to insulate it from body heat otherwise it will constantly crash. Sadly, this appears to be the case even if you wear it all day in your shirt pocket too. The power button seems more suggestive, so the only way to actually power-off the device is to remove the batteries, forcing you to reset the clock.
The battery life seems impressive at first, but you will find that you cannot trust the battery level indicator. However, if you're looking for a cheap device to tape under a table, then this could prove useful. I've had one of these devices in-place for two days before removing it, and achieved clear recordings of all voices in the room of 7m X 7m without any gaps (while the VCVA kicks in). A useful feature would have been to timestamp the start/stop of the VCVA recordings as cue-points in the resultant audio file.
In summary, the recording ability is excellent, but this is let down by the instability of the supporting features.


Cumbersome , 23 Jun 2008
This is not compatible with Explorer or Windows Media. It has to be used on machines that have downloaded the Digital Wave Software (disc included) therefore it would be extremely cumbersome to use this on any but your own personal PC as that would require downloading software wherever you go. I doubt whether the saved files could be e-mailed.

Apart from that, the quality of playback is extremely poor. It is very hard to hear what is being said on the recorder.

It is very light and plasticky in feel. Not recommended.

Easy-peazy, 12 Jun 2008
I have just received this item and within 10 minutes I had it up and running including the programme. Hardly had to look at the manual it was so easy and I am no computer whiz.
I thoroughly recommend this product. It pics up voice extremely well and plays back as clear as a bell on the device as well as the PC. Does exactly what I want it to without being too high tech with unnecessary features. The set up feature from disc is neat and simple. If you just want to record voice, then this is the one!

Nice basic number, ideal for interviewing, 28 Feb 2006
I used this machine for recording interviews as part of my social science studies and, although considerably cheaper when I bought mine, it is a good basic tape recorder with good sound quality and an excellent range. I don't see any point spending more money if this is the kind of thing you are going to use it for.

Excellent value, 15 Feb 2006
I purchased this item recently and am delighted wih the ease of use and quality of sound. It's lightweight and good to look at too. I sing in a choir, and it's perfect for recording rehearsals and reviewing performance between our practice nights.

Perfect little study aid!, 01 Sep 2008
I bought this as a study help - I'm doing a Medical Administration course and use the VN2100 for medical terminology.
Love:
Its handy size, clear and easy to use, storage space, 5 folder divisions, add-on mic.

Great price too.

Perfect for my needs, couldn't ask for more!

Doesn't work in 'normal' mic sockets, 30 Sep 2008
I've had to return this item because it only works in sockets that provide power to the microphone (my laptop doesn't). Although this was clear from the documentation that arrived with the mic, it wasn't stated in the online product/technical info.

Therefore, purchase this item only if you are intending to use it in a powered microphone socket.

Clear, boosted diplomatically sized microphone, 26 Feb 2008
General description

Although this is a mono-microphone, it's very well suited for general higher- quality voice recordings with a WS -class 'Olympus' digital voice recorder. The microphone takes some power from the device as it operates, so its fidelity is better than you would think from just looking at the size of the device. Its colour is black and with a metallic tie clip, so it's easy to place. I would however avoid getting the microphone wet or subjecting it to strong impacts.

Why use this microphone?

If you use an Olympus digital recorder, other people as well have noticed that it's hard to boost the input levels for recordings that use 'Voice-activation'. If you apply this microphone, the input level is boosted so these features are easier to use reliably. However I would suggest that users select a 'high' microphone, non-stereo, setting before the recording is made, and make test recordings beforehand for maximum results.

Is it any better than my built-in microphones?

The native stereo of Olympus class type devices can be fantastic when the device is stationary. But when you carry these devices, the recording quality can be reduced, as you are moving about. The idea is that the microphone can be made stationary with a tiepin clip, so is less likely to record the rustling of your clothes. This alone is an aid to better clarity recordings.


To give you an idea of the clarity & sensitivity of this microphone when I play the recordings back using native Olympus headphones, I have heard my own breathing being recorded, the rustling of news papers and a clock ticking from over 2 meters away, even parts of the other person telephone conversation as someone is talk to them on the 'phone.

Summary

The price is fantastic for the quality of this microphone and is perfectly suited to an 'Olympus', WS -class device, for example. If you require better quality, you could consider the stereo-class microphones but they are #40 and up.

If you wish reduce any residual hiss present when the recording is very quiet, I could suggest buying 'Magix Audio Cleaning lab deluxe 12' to remove it as it works wonders!





Olympus Mike, 06 Dec 2007
Not sure if it has on and off button. If it has it would be great to save fumling with the tiny switch on machine. Glen Opie

Great Stereo Digital Voice Recorder, 12 Jun 2008
The Olympus USA site has a better product description than anywhere I have seen, so take a look. The 'S' in WS-210S = Stereo (I think), so any product without an 'S' at the end is a mono recorder.

Amazingly small and light. Files are stored in Windows Media Audio format so will play in Windows Media Player, without any need for conversion.

It has a 'USB Direct' USB plug contained withit the recorder so it can be plugged directly into a pc. It does come with a short USB extension lead just in case your PC's USB port is tucked away.

A few features described:

1) Microphone sensitivity - Low = Dictation or High = Conference; Low cuts out some background noise.

2)Takes one AAA battery.

3) Does not come with a case or strap / lanyard.

4) Four quality recording modes.

5) Has two internal microphones but is a great match for the Olympus ME-51S stereo microphone.

6) Display shows recording time left

Record whatever you like wherever you go with the ICD-B500 digital Dictaphone from Sony. Compact and lightweight, the ICD-B500 comes with an internal memory of 256 MB and has many exciting features so that you can record your vocal reminders in an original way.With up to 150 hours and 15 minutes in recording mode and a large LCD screen, the ICD-B500 certainly is very easy to use.Works on 2 AAA batteries (not provided).

a great piece of kit, 17 Nov 2008
a great piece of kit works very well and its small size means it can be carried easily in one pocket. The small black cover for the microphone does in fact fall off, but a small rubber band holds it on well. In any event it is only useful out side in windy conditons.

Excellent Product!, 14 Nov 2008
Ordered the Olympus VN3100-PC recorder a week ago, and just got it today.
It works tremendously well, and the software supplied was installed on my Vista laptop in less than 2 minutes.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for something lightweight, handy, USB connectivity, with long lasting battery life and incredible memory space(5hrs plus of XHQ recording).

One thing to note though, the instruction manual made no mention of how to switch off the recorder. I assume its similar to other recorders, which is to put the hold button on, and after 2 secs, the screen goes blank (should be off right?). But personally, I remove the batteries when am not using them just to be sure.



olympus digital voice recorder, 31 Oct 2008
This is a really easy gadget to use and I would recommmend it to anyone

Does the job, 25 Oct 2008
Yes, i'm very happy with this product. It's the first time i've purchased a dvr and i'm glad to convey it does exactly what it's intended for. As a result it will be used extensively now and in the future. It's small, compact and require's just the two AAA batteries. That compounded by the memory size, makes this item a great piece of kit. If I had any gripe's, they would be the following;
- the little hat, that attempts to sit on top of the microphone piece (it normally falls off so i don't use it!)
- I have tried to use it whilst in the car (to record conversations) but the recording is a little muffled (that might be quite normal though in such circumstances?)


Great recorder!, 30 Aug 2008
This is one of the best digital recorders that you can buy for less than £50. Does exactly what it promises! The software is simple and runs smooth on a XP platform.

Olympus WS 311M, 04 Nov 2008
I bought this item as an aid to learning to play the button accordion. The tutor plays the tune and I can go home and practice, slowing down the music as necessary. Beats recording on my mobile any day. I have been to traditional music sessions and used it to record tunes which I downloaded to my PC then onto CD and gave to a lady who wanted to learn the tunes. It was so light I could carry in in my shirt pocket and with a bit of practice I could turn record on and off with no difficulty without removing it. I took it to a concert recently and sat at the front (having first obtained the permission of the virtuosos about to play. I recorded about two hours of music, returned home and using the USB connection (no leads, just like a memory stick) downloaded it then burned it to CD and passed to another button accordion fan. OK it sounded as if it was in a hall, I didn't have a full battery of recording instruments and it wasn't a studio sound but everything came over so clear. It was a fabulous record of a great concert. The CD played over speakers or in the car is great. It is a very sensitive device so you will pick up noise if you move about too much. For my purposes an excellent bit of kit. I have checked this item out on other sites including France where it is about 90 quid. If you want quality at a reasonable price this is the one. Oh and you can use it for dictation as well!

all around impressive, 11 Apr 2008
i just got this recorder and find it superb. the device is tiny, light and "dupont lighter"-stylish. i particularly like the metal buttons, much more tactile that plastic one - i know it is a small thing. I like the five-line display which provides a lot of information compared to another device i used.
now for the great part, the integrated micros are great, and the stereo effect is really a bonus. This is especially the case if you later listen with earphones.
the time elapsed versus the length of the file are displayed clearly and legibly.
i did invest in a little carry case and i am glad i did because that way i can throw the recorder into a bag and still keep it pristine.
i find the 'hold' button more positive and better protected. this is important because it saves you battery life.
i really like the indexing facility. if you use the device to learn language where you need to reiterate the same sentence again it is really effective. you mark the begining and jump back with the arrow button - right to the correct location every time in one click. nice!


the things i am not a big fan of are the recording format which seems to be wma only. having said that it plays straight on windows media on my pc so no problem. the other aspect is the five folders on the device are a bit naff - unless it was possible to rename them and to move the file across as required. small stuff really.


A good piece of kit with minor drawbacks., 03 Apr 2008
I bought this item for the purposes of interviewing people and using it in the classroom. Overall, I am impressed. There's ample storage space and the design is fantastic. It weighs virtually nothing. Other reviews of very similar products have complained about the battery clip. I think it's all about the care taken over changing the battery - if you value your product you will be careful with it.
I have two small criticisms. Firstly, I wished it recorded straight into .wav format or .mp3 format. If it is possible to do this I've not found it in the manual. The built-in microphone is OK, but for quality interviews I would suggest investing in a decent mic as you'll get more punch in the lower frequencies and conference mode will work better. These points are why I've awarded 4 and not 5 stars.
My final point has not influenced my star rating as that's for the product. But... I wasn't impressed by the supplier. OK the product arrived in reasonable time 6 days rather than 1-2, but I wasn't in a rush. My problem was with the packaging. No branded Olympus casing was there. The recorder was simply clunking around in a white box with a manual, cable and battery enclosed. As a result the device has 2 or 3 scratches and dents on it. The manual was also torn. If I was even more sceptical I would possibly dispute whether or not I was the first owner? On the box was a sticker saying "1 year exchange warranty -no question asked" - all sounds a bit back of a lorry to me!

poor controls and total breakdown, 08 Aug 2008
Appears fine at first, but the controls have a very annoying fault - fast forwarding or rewinding is done with the same buttons that jump to another file either forward or backward, and it's very easy to accidentally jump to the end of a recording - very irritating when you're 20 minutes in to a 90 minute interview. I agree with the other comments re: Digital Wave Player - it's a pain, and life would be far simpler if the recorder could be plugged into any PC and seen as an external hard drive from which to drag and drop audio files.
Worse still, my VN-2100PC has now packed up altogether. It won't transfer files via DWP without an error message popping up halfway through the process, and it dies without warning even on fresh batteries. Useless.

Perfect and cheap, 20 Jul 2008
As soon as I got this I started playing with it. To my amazement this was one of the easiest to work with devices I ever had. Who needs a manual :)
I like the voice activation feature, it's really nice.
Get one now if you haven't got one already, for this price you can't get any better. It's an absolute bargain.

Good recorder, but a bit flakey, 14 Jul 2008

Apart from the exceptional storage capacity, I was driven to buy this item by its small size. The software will only work with Windows and is awkward. If you are going to use this for covert recordings, you need to insulate it from body heat otherwise it will constantly crash. Sadly, this appears to be the case even if you wear it all day in your shirt pocket too. The power button seems more suggestive, so the only way to actually power-off the device is to remove the batteries, forcing you to reset the clock.
The battery life seems impressive at first, but you will find that you cannot trust the battery level indicator. However, if you're looking for a cheap device to tape under a table, then this could prove useful. I've had one of these devices in-place for two days before removing it, and achieved clear recordings of all voices in the room of 7m X 7m without any gaps (while the VCVA kicks in). A useful feature would have been to timestamp the start/stop of the VCVA recordings as cue-points in the resultant audio file.
In summary, the recording ability is excellent, but this is let down by the instability of the supporting features.


Cumbersome , 23 Jun 2008
This is not compatible with Explorer or Windows Media. It has to be used on machines that have downloaded the Digital Wave Software (disc included) therefore it would be extremely cumbersome to use this on any but your own personal PC as that would require downloading software wherever you go. I doubt whether the saved files could be e-mailed.

Apart from that, the quality of playback is extremely poor. It is very hard to hear what is being said on the recorder.

It is very light and plasticky in feel. Not recommended.

Easy-peazy, 12 Jun 2008
I have just received this item and within 10 minutes I had it up and running including the programme. Hardly had to look at the manual it was so easy and I am no computer whiz.
I thoroughly recommend this product. It pics up voice extremely well and plays back as clear as a bell on the device as well as the PC. Does exactly what I want it to without being too high tech with unnecessary features. The set up feature from disc is neat and simple. If you just want to record voice, then this is the one!

Nice basic number, ideal for interviewing, 28 Feb 2006
I used this machine for recording interviews as part of my social science studies and, although considerably cheaper when I bought mine, it is a good basic tape recorder with good sound quality and an excellent range. I don't see any point spending more money if this is the kind of thing you are going to use it for.

Excellent value, 15 Feb 2006
I purchased this item recently and am delighted wih the ease of use and quality of sound. It's lightweight and good to look at too. I sing in a choir, and it's perfect for recording rehearsals and reviewing performance between our practice nights.

Perfect little study aid!, 01 Sep 2008
I bought this as a study help - I'm doing a Medical Administration course and use the VN2100 for medical terminology.
Love:
Its handy size, clear and easy to use, storage space, 5 folder divisions, add-on mic.

Great price too.

Perfect for my needs, couldn't ask for more!

Doesn't work in 'normal' mic sockets, 30 Sep 2008
I've had to return this item because it only works in sockets that provide power to the microphone (my laptop doesn't). Although this was clear from the documentation that arrived with the mic, it wasn't stated in the online product/technical info.

Therefore, purchase this item only if you are intending to use it in a powered microphone socket.

Clear, boosted diplomatically sized microphone, 26 Feb 2008
General description

Although this is a mono-microphone, it's very well suited for general higher- quality voice recordings with a WS -class 'Olympus' digital voice recorder. The microphone takes some power from the device as it operates, so its fidelity is better than you would think from just looking at the size of the device. Its colour is black and with a metallic tie clip, so it's easy to place. I would however avoid getting the microphone wet or subjecting it to strong impacts.

Why use this microphone?

If you use an Olympus digital recorder, other people as well have noticed that it's hard to boost the input levels for recordings that use 'Voice-activation'. If you apply this microphone, the input level is boosted so these features are easier to use reliably. However I would suggest that users select a 'high' microphone, non-stereo, setting before the recording is made, and make test recordings beforehand for maximum results.

Is it any better than my built-in microphones?

The native stereo of Olympus class type devices can be fantastic when the device is stationary. But when you carry these devices, the recording quality can be reduced, as you are moving about. The idea is that the microphone can be made stationary with a tiepin clip, so is less likely to record the rustling of your clothes. This alone is an aid to better clarity recordings.


To give you an idea of the clarity & sensitivity of this microphone when I play the recordings back using native Olympus headphones, I have heard my own breathing being recorded, the rustling of news papers and a clock ticking from over 2 meters away, even parts of the other person telephone conversation as someone is talk to them on the 'phone.

Summary

The price is fantastic for the quality of this microphone and is perfectly suited to an 'Olympus', WS -class device, for example. If you require better quality, you could consider the stereo-class microphones but they are #40 and up.

If you wish reduce any residual hiss present when the recording is very quiet, I could suggest buying 'Magix Audio Cleaning lab deluxe 12' to remove it as it works wonders!





Olympus Mike, 06 Dec 2007
Not sure if it has on and off button. If it has it would be great to save fumling with the tiny switch on machine. Glen Opie

Great Stereo Digital Voice Recorder, 12 Jun 2008
The Olympus USA site has a better product description than anywhere I have seen, so take a look. The 'S' in WS-210S = Stereo (I think), so any product without an 'S' at the end is a mono recorder.

Amazingly small and light. Files are stored in Windows Media Audio format so will play in Windows Media Player, without any need for conversion.

It has a 'USB Direct' USB plug contained withit the recorder so it can be plugged directly into a pc. It does come with a short USB extension lead just in case your PC's USB port is tucked away.

A few features described:

1) Microphone sensitivity - Low = Dictation or High = Conference; Low cuts out some background noise.

2)Takes one AAA battery.

3) Does not come with a case or strap / lanyard.

4) Four quality recording modes.

5) Has two internal microphones but is a great match for the Olympus ME-51S stereo microphone.

6) Display shows recording time left

Excellent product, good quality recording, 18 Nov 2008
I am a singer/songwriter and when I record tunes on the piano, it helps me memorise some melodies I created and I can always erase something if I don't like it. Worth the buy. Sony is a good brand!

Indespensable - A practical, well valued product, 04 Nov 2008
They're a creative person's dream... Either that or you may need to take recordings for Media.