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Stay organized and on the move with the Olympus WAS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player, a high-quality digital voice recorder and powerful music player. Record meetings or notes and even store large documents to bring from one computer to another. For added convenience, the device features a speedy USB connection for easy file transfers with a PC. The its speedy USB 2.0 connection, just plug the WAS-331M into an open USB port and start transferring files. Up to 500 songs can be stored and played in impressive stereo sound with track and artist name clearly displayed on the WAS-331M's easy to read LCD screen. The WAS-331M has the ability to play recordings in fast and slow playback modes, up to 50-percent faster or 50-percent slower than real time. The unit records files in the WMA (Windows Media Audio) format, and its 2 GB of flash memory is able to capture audio recordings in the following modes: stereo XQ mode (35 hours 30 minutes), stereo HQ mode (71 hours), stereo SP mode (142 hours 5 minutes), HQ mode (142 hours 5 minutes), SP mode (279 hours 35 minutes), and LP mode (555 hours 45 minutes). Other great features include voice activated recording, and a built-in 18 mm round dynamic speaker. The device runs on one AAA battery and offers up to 21 hours of continuous battery life. Compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000 and later operating systems (including Vista), the WAS-331M measures 3.73 x 1.52 x 0.43 inches and weighs just 1.66 ounces. What's in the Box
WS-331M digital voice recorder, USB cable, stereo earphones, one AAA alkaline battery, and instruction manual.
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 Great Digital Voice Recorder for the Price |
| Review Date: May 9, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Carl Franklin, Cedar City, UT USA |
Let me start by saying that I was originally overwhelmed by the number of digital voice recorders and the different features. As I began to study the market I soon realized that selecting the right recorder would not be easy. I eventually developed a list of the top features that I wanted in a recorder.
The most important feature was that the recorder must be compatible with Dragon Naturally Speaking. Fortunately, many of the Olympus recorders are not only compatible but excel in that area. The WS-331 has not yet been certified by Nuance (the maker of Dragon), but the lower models have been. Recognizing that the 331 is both a new model and a much improved version I knew that success of the lower models would be a good indicator. As an example, the WS-320 as well as the 300 offer excellent service for voice recognition.
Building on compatibility I also knew that I would need a recorder that was easy to use. While other recorders provide feature rich controls the attraction to the Olympus was part simplicity and convenience. The main function buttons are located on the right side of the recorder. This is the traditional location for the record, stop, and play buttons. For some something as simple as location of main buttons would seem trivial; however, for me it was a question of function over form.
The Olympus also provides a clear, though small, LED screen. Of course, given the overall size of this recorder a larger screen would be both out of proportion and make the recorder harder to use. I have found so far that I actually do not look at the screen that often, so screen size is less material than I originally thought. Even with a relatively small screen the information given to the user is clear and concise.
The size of this recorder is simply amazing. Even with a battery the recorder weighs just a few ounces. While the recorder can be easily carried in a shirt pocket I have found that it is especially convenient when carried in one of the smallest cell phone belt pouches. The Olympus is about half the size of a Blackberry or small PDA. It is thinner than most small cell phones, and will fit easily on a belt or in a purse.
One of the top attractions to this recorder is the size of the memory. At 2GB there is plenty of room to store just about anything I can dictate. As an author of several books and dozens of articles I find that using the recorder is a valuable tool which has increased my productivity. I am no longer anchored to a computer keyboard when I write; now I can write anywhere I can take my recorder.
In fact, this review was recorded using the Olympus and then transcribed by Dragon. I actually found the error rate to be lower using the recorded file than when I use Dragon live. This has less to do with the voice recognition software than it does with the quality of the recording. I find that by recording I actually write better, and that my speech is clearer which means that my error rate drops.
Another significant feature of this recorder is the direct USB connection. The recorder comes with a short USB cable which can be easily used when access to the USB port is restricted. Fortunately my computer has several USB ports on the front, so I can connect the Olympus directly to the computer.
About the only negative to this is that the recorder now sticks out on front of the computer, and if the computer were positioned in a high traffic area it might create a hazard from being run into (hazard for the recorder, that is).
The recorder appears to be made mostly of plastic. Some might find this to be a negative but for me it helps explain the lack of weight. The light weight of the recorder is certainly an advantage, and I don't believe the plastic is a true issue. The overall quality of workmanship is very high.
Files are easily transferred from the Olympus to the computer just as they would be from a flash drive. The first time I plugged the Olympus into the USB port the computer immediately recognized the recorder. This is a real advantage, especially when transferring files to a new computer. As an example, I can easily use the recorder on both my home computer and laptop without installing special software. Likewise, I can take the recorder to my office where it is compatible with any computer using as USB port. Other recorders have a proprietary system that requires the use of special software, and that is simply too inconvenient given today's market and needs.
Files on the Olympus are stored in the WMA format. The recorder also plays music files in both the WMA and MP3 format. Having such large storage capacity also means that I can download music files to the recorder and still have plenty of room to make new recordings.
There are many other features which make this a great recorder, that space simply won't allow me to detail each of them. If you are looking for a great recorder to use with voice recognition software then I highly recommend this recorder. This is also a great tool for recording lectures, or conversations, and many other matters.
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A winner from Olympus
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| Review Date: October 11, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Jerry Saperstein, Evanston, IL USA |
I've owned a number of Olympus voice recorders going back to the days of tape. All have been noteworthy performers. The WS-331M represents the state-of-the-art in non-dedicated digital voice recorders. That is, it is neither a dedicated dictation unit intended to be used with foot switches and other transcription accessories, nor a professional audio recorder.
Instead, this unit is intended for casual audio recording use. (It also has music player features which I have no need for and don't use.)
The unit has a staggering 71 hour recording capacity in HQ (High Quality) mode. I tried it in a large auditorium to record a lecture with three participants and the results were far more than merely satisfactory. Each voice was clear and distinguishable.
I used it for personal recording down to a slight whisper and the quality at every sound level is more than acceptable.
When I deliberately introduced loud background noise (a television talking heads show and a music-playing radio), dictation was still usable.
I haven't tried it with Dragon Naturally Speaking yet, but from prior experience with other Olympus and Sony recorders, I have no doubt that it will work well.
The unit is beautifully designed. About four inches long by perhaps two wide and not even a half-inch thick. Record, Stop and Play controls are conveniently located on the right side and easily manipulated with the thumb. A four-way controller on the front handles volume and forward and reverse direction. A center button takes care of the menu. There are separate buttons for Erase and Folder/Index. On the left side is the Hold button and a mode selector for Music or Voice.
All in all, one of the simplest control panels I've ever seen on a digital recorder and, frankly, a welcome change.
The LCD screen in legible and the backlight just capable enough.
Battery life is adequate. I make it a rule to regularly change batteries in units like this so I am not rendered unexpectedly powerless. Cheap insurance.
There's a lanyard attachment in the back.
Overall, the handling of this unit is absolutely sweet. Not slippery so as to cause concern for it flying out of your hand. Not too many controls that you forget how to use. Everything is simple and straightforward. A truly nice piece of design.
The coolest part is that transferring recordings to your computer requires nothing more than detaching the bottom of the WS-331M, using a quick-release button and plugging it into a USB port on your Windows PC. That's it. No software, no cables, no nothing. It's a WMA file that will play in Windows Media Player or any number of other PC players.
Overall, a sweet little unit.
Jerry |
Incredible speaker's tool
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| Review Date: June 11, 2007 |
| Reviewer: T. Johnson, Melrose Park, IL |
| I reluctantly replaced a Sony voice recorder that I have been using for two years because I felt a little guilty about getting an upgrade so soon. But I was disappointed with quality and lack of MP3 capabilities. My guilt is gone! I am a pastor and the recordings are the BEST I've ever heard. I can record my sermons and listen to sermons I download off the internet. THere are 28 sermons, my fav CDs, and plenty of room for more. If you speak professionally, this is the tool for you!! |
Got the new Olympus WS-331M today - Wow!
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| Review Date: February 27, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Ken Randall, North Carolina, USA |
From a long time Olympus customer - I thought my last WS-320M Digital Recorder was great - and now this - some really great enhancements to what was already a great tool for school, work and play.
Nice little device - improvements include:
- larger screen and larger, easier to read fonts
- improved battery case - bottom entry - my WS320 lost the cover in two weeks use
- twice the storage - 2Gig ! > 555 hours of recording
- cleaner nav. Buttons - always seemed to fat-finger the 320
- all buttons now have a solid tactile feedback with a subtle click action
- play/stop/record buttons are not as recessed - making them easier to press
- added playback filter - eliminates most compression artifacts - impressive clean signal on LP
- adds cut-off record filter to drop room noises - esp. A/C motor noises
- six slow and fast play speed options - 320 only had two choices
- USB 2.0 is faster - 320 had USB 2.0 too, but for some reason slower than other USB 2.0 devices
- stiffer slide switches - for hold and voice/music modes
- new Super high quality mode - XQ 50hz to 19Khz with 44Kbps sampling
- added base boost in addition to WOW and EQ modes - music is best ever - way better than wife's iPod
The removed features...
- no sampling on fast forward - but clean FF/RW and easy to stop anywhere in recording
- contacts on battery module - replaced with internal switch
The things that remain the same ...
- same amazing CONF conference room mic sensitivity - I can pick up every word in a restaurant conversation
- same clear DICT dictation recording - I can dictate in the car - return to my PC's Dragon Naturally Speaking and convert voice-to-text
- number of folders A,B,C, D,E - can not name them as on past models - but not really important
- size - though it looks larger due to larger display - it is not any larger in any dimension
- same battery life - quite reasonable
- same VOICE vs. MUSIC mode - not sure why we need two modes
- does not remember where you were in a song when you switch over to voice record and come back to MP3
- does not remember where you are in listening to a voice recording when your switch to music and come back
- no memory card slot - SD or otherwise - I guess a 340? will be in the cards some day...
- still no `split' and `merge' option for recorded files in the unit
- can now re-order songs in MUSIC mode within a folder
- same ear buds - not very good - plan to buy a better set
- same WOW dynamic processing - sounds great
- same backspace on playback of voice recording
- same speaker on front panel - do that with an iPod Nano
- same great direct USB - no cables, yeah! And no additional software, yeah!
BTW: This thing has enough memory and long enough battery life to simply record your entire waking day - if you really wanted to. The audio recording is the best I have experienced on all these DVRs - I tried the Sony - was not happy. I guess Olympus has been doing voice recording technology for so long, they must really know their stuff.
The Olympus marketing team seems to have missed the mark in the literature about this little marvel of technology. I use this for work every day to record business meetings and technology design sessions ... but I also use it every day to listen to a variety of technical, business and news podcasts. The Olympus marketing materials fails to mention that this is an excellent podcast listening device for the busy business person or student. In fact, I only have two dozen songs loaded for those times when I'm really needing a break at work - the rest of my 1.5 gig is used for podcasts.
A tip for podcast listeners - for social reasons and safety reasons, I took a cheap set of ear buds and cut, with scissors, one of the buds off at the split - I listen to the podcasts in one ear - allows me to hear what's going on around me. Most people just think I'm on a phone call and don't bother me - as opposed to the rude stares I get sometimes when wearing both ear buds. I have had people come up to me and ask, "what phones that - it's so small." LOL
I also call this my learning machine - since I also use it to create self-tests on subjects I'm studying ... record a question, wait one second, record the answer and repeat. When I play back the recording - I press the pause after I hear the question - try to answer it in my head and then play the answer to check myself. I passed the written exam for my private pilots license this way.
I added a non-powered Olympus lapel clip microphone (ME-15) that seems to work quite well in the 331M, same mic. The mic does not seem to work well on laptop microphone jack. I also purchased the microphone ear bud for recording phone calls (Olympus TP-7 Telephone Recording Device) - this works excellent - especially when driving and talking to someone - you can take notes hands free.
Dictation loaded to Dragon Soft works quite well - including in the car, which really surprised me. In fact, most of this review was dictated into the DVR and converted to text by my moderately trained Dragon Naturally Speaking v.9. |
Excellent tool
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| Review Date: July 17, 2007 |
| Reviewer: James Norris, |
I spent about 10 hours researching before I finally selected this product (purchased on 7/10/07 from newegg for $140 + $5 shipping). It was the best choice for what I wanted: good digital voice recorder, good mp3 player, and good flash drive.
After spending a few hours with it, I am very impressed. It's tiny, very well designed, and an overall great product. The major con is when you touch the recorder while it is recording, you will very likely get scuffing sounds from your hands. |
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