Olympus WS-853 Black Voice Recorder with True Stereo mic, 8GB, 110 Hours Battery Life, Voice Balance, Direct USB Connection, with MP3 File Format.

I bought the Olympus 853 because I have had an Olympus WS-321 for 10 years that I have used 3 or more times a week and have loved. As the old one was starting to get a little problem although still usable, I decided to get a new one. I use it to record a weekly choral rehearsal so I can practice it during the week. For good sound quality I use headphones when I play it back as I practice. It sounds as though I am there at the rehearsal-excellent recording! I like the rechargeable battery and it seems to last a long time. I have only recharged it once and that was to make sure that I wouldn't run out of power during a recording. I like that, like my old one, it can be easily paused and restarted with the touch of a button so that I only get the parts of the rehearsal that I need and is all part of the same file. Although I could make separate files if desired. I can hear all of the voice parts and piano in the room although I do hear my own voice a little louder than the rest since I have it attached to my music folder. It has a much larger memory for files (8 GB) and also a micro card can be inserted for more memory as well as upload the files to my computer or external hard drive. I haven't done that yet. I like that I can find the file I want by using the included calendar which shows the days I made recordings and I can just use the arrow buttons to go back to them. There may be other great features that I haven't even tried yet. The only thing I would like to see changed is a larger opening for inserting a strap. Only a very thin wire or strong thread can be inserted which is necessary so I don't drop it. But I am very satisfied with my new voice recorder. I hope it lasts as long as my old one!

This is the newest DVR in Olympus' WS series - it just came out in September. I never had a DVR before, and I don't know what the word "intuitive" means. Nevertheless, I was able to get it up and running quickly without asking for help. I attend hour-long lectures quite often, by different lecturers in rooms of different sizes: large, medium, and small. In each case, I keep the DVR on my table and record the lecturer from up to 60 feet away. I set the mode to 'conference' and the volume at about half-way, and the recording is as clear as a bell! I keep each lecturer in a different folder - there are five of them - so I can select a particular lecturer and date for playback in a moment. Pros: fits in my shirt pocket recordings are perfectly clear 140 hours of recording time on the device rechargeable batteries reasonable price Cons: compatibility with different OSs are not listed anywhere; not on Amazon, and not even on the Olympus web site. Only when I received the DVR did I become aware that it isn't compatible with my computer, as the DVR package had the compatible OSs on the outside. Caveat: if you have a Windows OS below Vista (I have XP), the DVR won't be compatible. That may be a problem when you want to recharge the batteries that come standard installed, as the recharging mechanism is ONLY through a USB v3 plug (or optional compatible cable). There should be an alternate method of recharging the batteries. File transfer (to the computer) is also only through the same USB plug, so that may prove to be a problem as well. One final comment: although the recording is just about perfect, the playback volume is very low on the built-in 250 mw speaker, even with the volume set all the way up. With headphones on, I can hear it clearly, but not as loud as I want it. In short: it's a great recorder, and if you can get around the problems, or if your computer is compatible, you'll have many hours of enjoyable recording and listening. UPDATE 12/2/2015 As mentioned above, I was told unequivocally that WS-853 is incompatible with Windows XP. I ordered the optional USB extension cable (KP-19). I got it today and I plugged the DVR into it. I pressed <OK> to start battery recharging, and I downloaded the recorded files onto my hard drive. No problem doing either one. I'm currently listening to one of the files though my computer's speakers, and there's no problem with the volume either. Incidentally, this lecture was recorded in a very large hall, where the lecturer was at least 60 feet away from the DVR. Perfect pickup, and perfect playback speed and volume! I'm changing my assessment to 5 stars.

I used it immediately for a series of in person interviews and also for phone interviews with the phone on speaker mode. Sound quality is fine for my needs, and works fine in a room with 3-4 people being recorded for an interview. The manual is pretty much useless, but the controls are easy to figure out. It uploads recordings to my iMac or MacBook Pro via the built in USB connection. What is really cool and useful is that when I plug it into either Mac I can name the files with the name of the person interviewed and that name stays with files that stay on the recorder and those I transfer to the Mac. There may be a way to do this on the device itself but it is very easy to do on the computer. The supplied rechargeable batteries do a fine job and charge when the device is plugged into the computer. I have no sense of how long they last but I carry a spare set of batts anyway, so battery life is no biggie.

I purchased the identical product over six years ago - this rating is based on that recorder. I use it primarily to record my Sunday sermons which I upload to a web page. About a month ago, the USB connector gave signs of internally failing - the device was not recognized by the computer. After some insertions, finally was able to get it to work. A call to Olympus tech said this is the usual mode of failure. Fortunately, was able to work long enough to download the previous years messages still on internal storage to computer. I then began to record to the Micro SD card until I received the new one and transfer from card to my PC, etc. I could just keep using in this mode except for the bother of moving card in and out each week. That leads to first suggestion - would be a nice feature if could transfer on the recorder from internal storage to SD card. Also, the recorder does not recognize a card with storage over the 32 GB - no big deal. Would also like it to have a back lit screen - it does not. The menus, if you don't change settings often, are a little onerous, but has good instruction. (Thus the 4 star for easy to use - it ain't rocket science though) Since I set the recording feature for close up recording, I usually keep in my shirt pocket, I don't know how well the other conference settings work in record mode. One other good feature is the option to record on one of five folders. All in all, a great device with good bang for the buck. I will give the old device which should have many years of service left to someone else to use with proviso to record on card . Another suggestion to extend life of USB connector as I am now doing is to use a short extension cable to PC to more gently make the connection.

I have a need to record certain podcasts for about 2 hours daily. My iPhone recorder application works fine but I need a backup. I tried a Sony, but I quickly got a "memory full" notification and couldn't get rid of it. I also tried a couple of different SD cards but couldn't get them to work on the Sony. I also bought a Tascam DR 05, but the recorded sound was poor. So far I find the Olympus WS-853 to be a superior product. It is small in size. The recorded sound is great. A 32 Gig SD card works great. When the SD card is inserted the recorder asks if you want to use the external SD card for memory. I has a retractable USB connector which works great. The USB connector also doubles as a means of recharging the AAA rechargeable batteries. I haven't used it long enough to determine battery life. The controls are easy to use. I find the screen easy to read. The speaker is small and delivers average sound, but this is a small unit. One cannot expect the speakers to be great. However earphones connected to the unit work great. In short, a most impressive unit. I may change my mind in a few weeks, but so far so good.

Great little recorder. Easy to use and setup. Voice activation is near perfect. Stays on indefinitely. Only complaint is that it goes to standby after 1 second. This creates some "chop" in recording conversations. Battery life was outstanding. Charged it before my wife's trip to Vegas. She had it on voice activation mode for 3 straight days and it came back nearly fully charged despite capturing 11 hours of audio. BTW, it picked up all the juicy bits I hoped, even when the sounds were across the hotel room. Great for surveillance if that's what you want, like me. But I wouldn't recommend it for covert surveillance. There are other products out there better suited for that purpose. Bottom line: easy to use, crisp audio, super long battery life, easy transfer to PC via USB, and small enough to be carried around in your wife's purse or her friend's back pocket.

I used the Olympus Digital Voice Recorder for the first time a couple nights ago and it worked flawlessly. The aspects of this recorder that I like are: 1. The easy-to-select settings - like conference, telephone record, dictation. These are like pre-sets (they call Simple Mode) and I've found that the conference and dictation work wonderful and were easy to select/program. 2. I like the size of the recorder itself - small enough not to be cumbersome or obtrusive like the old cassette recorder was! 3. I LOVE that it has the USB right in it - press down on the button and slide it to pop the USB out, then plug it straight into your computer. No wires to fuss with or keep track of. I had our meeting uploaded and saved as an MP3 to my computer within seconds of the meeting being over. 4. I like the size of the data capabilities. Difficult to find 8GB in any recorder anymore. The recorder comes with a case and rechargeable batteries. You put the batteries into the recorder and plug it into your computer to charge. There is a small charge on them to begin with, but it took around an afternoon to get them to fully charged. 5. Finally, I TRULY appreciated the fast and easy shipment from this seller. I actually had ordered this exact same recorder from another online company back in June. Just about weekly I would receive a message the delivery was delayed. When I got the message that it wouldn't be delivered until September (and in reality, it probably would have been delayed more) I got irritated and went to Amazon and Bluetek to order the same thing I should have been using since June. I had it in my hands in 2 days!!!! Can you tell I was irritated with the delay from that other company?! Now then, the CONS. 1. The instruction book leaves a little to be desired. It has pictures/diagrams and writing - in 24 languages! - but even being a "follow the directions" kind of girl, I still had to fiddle with the recorder on my own to get to where I wanted to go. It's not difficult, but the instructions don't really get you through all the final steps...especially if you have to back to change something. 2. The only other con I see...and this can be a big one...is that this recorder is an older model and therefore, will only work with Windows Vista,/ 7 / 8 / 8.1 and Mac OS X 10.5-10.10. I don't know much about Mac, but I do know that Windows is more advanced than 8.1, so keep that in mind when ordering.

I got the first WS-853 digital recorder from Olympus and it wouldn't recognize a high-quality Samsung EVO microSD card. Tried the Format function and Memory Select function. Kept asking me to insert a card. Sent the first one back as defective, but the second one is the same. The microSD card works fine in my i3 Windows 7 computer. Finally found a note in the fine print of the manual online at the Olympus website. It said, "Depending on the card’s manufacturer and type, some microSD cards and microSDHC cards may not be fully compatible with the voice recorder and not be recognized properly." I would expect this if it was a cheap card, but the Samsung EVO is as good as they get. I'm not going to put up with a digital recorder that has trouble recognizing cards. That's just stupid. Maybe it's because Samsung is a competing Japanese company. On top of that they buried the note on compatibility in an online manual (it's not in the printed manual they send which has basic instructions in 146 languages). They should've put it right in the item description. I couldn't even get to the recording or any other functions, so I can't speak to those. I don't want to know because if it's cranky with cards then forget it. Sending the second one back too. Update 12/5/18: Support just got back to me and said that this recorder only supports up to 32GB microSD. Mine is a 64GB. The email said that there is information on page 77 of the online manual. The note is under Specifications. Wonderful. I'll order another card and see if it works. Update 12/10/18: Support was correct. The 32GB card is recognized. I'll see how it performs and update. Update 12/11/18: The 32GB card is recognized. What is not recognized are the music files I put on it with my desktop computer. Searching through the fine print in the manual (again) I find these notes: "Even if the file formats is compatible for playback on this recorder, the recorder does not support every encoder." "MP3 files with variable bit rates (bit rates converted variably in a single file) may not play normally." So not only is the thing cranky about microSD card size, it is cranky about MP3 formats. Now I have to be a technical sound genius to try and determine bit rates and encoders. The stupid device is okay as a voice recorder if it does it all by itself, but playback of other files is hit and miss.

Disclaimer I purchased this microphone with my own hard-earned money. All of my thoughts here are strictly my own. I have not been paid or compensated to write this review. I wrote this review in my spare time because I am such a fan of the device. Pros 1. Longevity & Durability. I have dropped it so many times and it still works great. It is a solidly built product. 2. Excellent Sound quality. Way better then a phone microphone. 3. A sensitive microphone. If you put it next your ear while on the phone you can hear both sides of the call. 4. It is a AAA battery recharger. 5. It uses AAA batteries. That are easy to obtain. 6. It has a calendar. It keeps the time. 7. You can choose to record into different folders so that you stay organized. 8. Simple controls and operation. 9. The hold function is great while you’re recording. So, you do not accidentally hit buttons. 10. A removable battery. This increases the longevity of the product. 11. There is some much customizability of the record quality. 12. Great battery life with the included batteries. Like about 1 to 1.5 days running all the time at the highest file format. 13. Included rechargeable batteries. 14. Included quality black soft case. It is made of the same material as laptop sleeves. The soft case grips the device firmly, so it will not fall out. 15. You can connect a lanyard to it. 16. It has a kick stand to avoid vibrations. 17. A quality build. 18. Easy software upgrades from the Olympus windows upgrade app. There has only been one update so far. 19. A stylish design. 20. An expandable micro-SD card slot. *** Please note that 32gb is the maximum size*** I have tried a larger 128 GB micro-SD card and it would not work. It would not even recognize the larger 128 GB micro-SD card. 21. There is a cover over the micro-SD card slot. 22. The USB port is built into the device. You do not have deal with cables. There is a cover for the USB port. 23. It does not scratch easily. 24. Compact design. It is a great balance of features performance and size. 25. There is a loop in the soft case where you could attach a carabiner to keep on a key chain. 26. Two 3.5 mm jacks. One for recording and one for a speaker. 27. All quality plastic used. 28. The beeps and lights can be turned off for stealthy operation. Cons 1. It picks up finger prints easily. 2. The include soft case gets softer the more you use it. It will not let the device slip out though. Worthwhile Upgrades These are items that I wish that I bought when I first bought this microphone. You can get many of these items on online discount stores for not a lot of money. 1. A hard zipper case. It comes with a quality soft case but having a hard case to store extra batteries is nice. The soft case comes in a plastic case and I use that for more waterproofing. Using a Ziplock bag would also help with water proofing and so that you can carry extra batteries, etc. 2. A lanyard. It makes it easier to not drop it. Plus, you can tie the microphone a pole. You cannot use a metal clip lanyard, like for a badge. You need to get a thread lanyard. 3. A 32 GB memory card. This is not a must have because 8gb is a lot of space, but it is nice to have. A cheap one is fine because the transfer rate is low. 4. A lavalier microphone. Try to get one with an L 3.5mm connector. 5. The Olympus telephone recorder mic. 6. A silicon case. They exist but I have a hard time finding them. 7. Lithium-Ion AAA batteries. Turns this thing into a recording power house. Overall, I am very happy with this microphone. It has been an asset for me. I wish that every product that I own was built with the philosophy that they built microphone with.

This is the third digital Olympus VR I have used. I use these for recording field notes on biological surveys and similar outdoor activities. I bought it on Amazon UK, but from the US site as it was mysteriously cheaper than the same one from UK. I could wait for the longer delivery time. It means guarantee leaflet info is only for North America but that wouldn't affect my statutory rights. New features I like: - the built in pop-up USB connection allows charging of the supplied rechargeable batteries from any USB port and transfer of files to a PC etc without needing a wire, although that is also possible. - recording time is massive - rechargeable batteries supplied. I could use my own rechargeable ones in previous versions, but this one has a setting to say which is in use - I'm not sure what it does, perhaps prevents charging if you set to non-rechargeable? Features I don't like: - it is important to me, for my records and other reasons, to be able to easily see the exact time and date of each recording as I scroll through them. While this information is displayed as you advance yo next recording, this is for an extremely short moment of time, then being replaced by play symbol and other info. I've searched every function and can't find a way round this. there is a calendar index, but only by date. The file name doesn't indicate this information. I wouldn't have bought such a device knowingly, so can't give above 3 stars - it might not matter to another purchaser though. The previous recorder displayed this info by holding down one of the buttons - this one doesn't. - the on-off power switch feels flimsy, I am not confident this will last. - the power-on time is rather slow compared to previous two recorders. - you need to wait a second before speaking after pressing record or you can lose a few syllables. - the power switch is on the right so needs to be used with right hand. My previous recorder was 'left handed' which was better for me when using with another implement Other features are as expected. Sound quality is good but not amazing. Battery life didn't seem fantastic from new, but I always carry spares.

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El tamaño cabe en el bolsillo de la camisa discretamente. tiene varias opciones para gravar, tal vez la pantalla no venga a colores o se vea muy básica pero expone la información de la grabación. Voy a adquirir el micrófono para el teléfono ya que muchas veces es necesario gravar cuando se habla por teléfono. Recomiendo este modelo 853 por que tiene la facilidad de recargar las pilas de Litio recargables y el 852 NO, además de la memoria interna del 853 que es de 8 GB mientras el 852 sólo 4 GB. además de funciones de cancelación de ruido.

using for conference