Pocket-sized PCM recorder from Olympus

The Olympus LS-3 Linear PCM Recorder is the latest model to join Olympus’ family of LS audio recorders. Half the size and weight of the manufacturer’s LS-11, the new pocket-sized recorder promises to capture ‘studio-grade’ sound capture in uncompressed 96kHz/24bit Linear PCM format.



A pre-record buffer function is incorporated into the recorder, which captures several seconds of audio before the record button is pressed. As with the other models in the LS range, the LS-3 includes two condenser stereo mics positioned at 90 degree angles, but also includes a third omni-directional mic in the centre, which improves the capture of low frequencies and ensures the bass range frequency response extends to 20Hz.

An external microphone interface is also provided, and the inclusion of a switchable low-cut filter (with two levels) cuts out any unwanted background noises generated.

Besides the recorder’s VCVA function, which enables automatic commencement and continuation of recordings in a single file when audio levels exceed a certain threshold, the LS-3 also incorporates a voice sync recording function. This feature captures audio without silent pauses, yet saves the recorded sections in multiple files. Meanwhile, the inclusion of a voice guidance system provides audio prompts on features, which is particularly useful for visually challenged users.

The recorder comes with 4GB of internal memory and a microSD (HC) card slot. Recorded files can be divided, partially deleted, moved or copied between the recorder’s internal memory and the microSD card. The recorder includes Olympus Sonority software which ensures that the management and editing of audio files is easy on a PC or a Mac. 

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Web: www.olympus.co.uk