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The Olympus LS-10 Portable Recorder, capable of 96kHz/24-bit PCM recordings.

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Whether you are involved in Podcasting, New Media or even capture professional sound recordings, a high-quality portable audio recorder is a must. The demand for these miniature marvels of audio capture appears to be hitting the roof, because every major manufacturer has stepped up to the plate.

Today, we take a look at the Olympus LS-10 portable digital audio recorder. Olympus is no stranger to recording audio on a number of mediums. The model LS-10 concentrates on quality and ease of use in the smallest possible package. …not much bigger than my morning granola bar

Nicely packaged, the LS-10 first strikes me as being small. After unwrapping, I’m impressed with its appearance, wrapped in a muted-black color metal case with brushed aluminum [extrusion protected] metal level controls. Also included in the LS-10 box is Cubase LE multi-track recording software, a leather/nylon hybrid carry strap, USB cable, 1/8″ stereo audio cable and nylon carry case with leather accompaniments. …and 2 AA batteries. The LS-10 is light, tight and solid with a professional look.

A quick visual around the small chassis shows a mini headphone jack, volume POT and SD/SDHC port door for storage. A mini USB connector is protected by a rubber cover. Next, is a momentary contact power switch with a “hold” function. Powered by 2 AA batteries, the bottom reveals a coaxial type connector for (optional) 5VDC power. On the right side, a small lanyard notch is available for the included strap. A low-cut and mic sensitivity switch are right above. Then, the record level POT along with separate line and mic input jacks are available. On top, 2 very sensitive electrets in an X-Y axis configuration provide very nice stereo imaging. These mics are 90 degrees opposing each other instead of the [more typical] imposing configuration. This provides a nice spacial experience to an otherwise monolithic sound, without phase and high-frequency cancellation.

The important part – how does it sound? When using exposed, sensitive condenser mics, there is always a fine line between pulling in every whisper; so sensitive the recorder cannot be handled without picking up “rumble” and a loss of fidelity. Fortunately, there is a hardware low cut switch on the LS-10 to help with this very issue. I would highly recommend using the included windsocks on both mics; even indoors. These mics are hot and have a wide passband. As well as adjustable mic levels, there is a low/high sensitivity switch that basically attenuates input as well as a built-in limiter and bright peak LED that lets you know levels need attention.

Regarding the setup menu, we don’t have enough room to go through every setting. I will touch on a few of the recording features that are a bit unique to the LS-10…

* Zoom Mic
This effects the directional pickup pattern of the mic using (I suspect) DSP. As with most DSP functions, I’d rather have a transparent field recording than adding something that can’t be removed during editing. However, you may find this useful.

* Reverb
Unlike the Zoom Mic feature, this effect is only for playback.

* Euphony
This is a a DSP psycho-acoustic alteration only on playback.

Common to these DSP effects is a required downconversion to 16-bit and 44 or 48kHz, which is another reason I routinely turn DSP alterations “off”. 96khz/24-bit is usually overkill for a portable anyway, but something to keep in mind. Speaking of frequency and bit-depth, the LS-10 records uncompressed PCM (WAV), MP3 (128, 256 or 320) and WMA. WMA does come with DRM 9.

Two small speakers on the back are very handy for playback of audio, mostly for testing and sampling recordings if you don’t have phones. The level is not intended to be high or for long-term listening, but rather as a tool. I’d like to see all manufacturers have this option.

Via menu, select the internal 2GB of memory or an optional SD/SDHC memory card. The display (during both menu and recording/playback operation) and front panel buttons offer very intuitive operation.

Overall, the Olympus delivers as a serious contender in a fast growing market. Be sure to tune in as Laura and I discuss the LS-10.

Street Price (when recorded) $399
MSRP $499

Best,
MarkJensen and Laura

Filed under: PodCasts