=== For whom the Olympus LS-100 is useful for? ===
Priced the recorder is in the upper segment and is comparable with other XLR-recorders as Zoom H4n, Roland R-26 or Tascam DR-40th He copes with shooting situations with higher requirements and allows single-track, as well as multi-track recordings. Thanks to the different inputs can be for example also use external microphones.
Thus, the Olympus LS-100 is not only of interest (hobby) musicians who want to connect instruments directly; journalists thus have an ideal tool in their daily work in hand. Ambient noise or the atmosphere at festivals, concerts and other sporting or cultural events can be captured in realistic and very good sound quality.
Another possibility is for nature and animal lovers and scientists: noises in the forest and garden, such as bird songs, but also animal sounds in zoos, parks or leave on expeditions to record.
Instructors can use the device to record eg staged radio plays, speeches or recitations and possibly evaluate later.
I myself have the device hitherto used exclusively to record interviews and capture the moment on events. The possibility of multi-track recordings I do not use, for that I can say nothing.
=== === Feel and look
The Olympus LS-100 measures just 159 x 70 x 33.5 mm and weighs around 300 grams with battery installed. He has a very nice weight. The material used is a mixture of metal and plastic (outer frame, buttons, sliders). Nevertheless, the small, elegant lightweight fits comfortably in your hand and feels solid and total quality. Only the buttons are a bit wobbly.
The optics I am very satisfied. The design convinced wholeheartedly: elegant and attractive. The size is just right, because by dimensions and weight, it is flexible and can be easily taken anywhere.
=== === Delivery
The delivery is amazingly extensive: Apart from a case for safe storage and a loop a long USB cable and a power cord with a USB connector are included. So you can charge the recorder either on computer or as normal in the socket. Plus, there's a practical adapter of USB to mini-USB. Furthermore, a handbook is on paper. The main functions are explained therein. Those who want more detail, found on the Olympus recorder even a manual as a PDF file.
=== === Operation
This is my first Olympus recorder. Operation via the steering wheel, the OK button in the middle, which you already know from MP3 players. Thus, the surface looks pretty familiar. The button assignment appears somewhat opaque. Top of the display you can see - regardless of the "whereabouts" a bar with important functions, such as high-pass filter, battery indicator and the activated channels (left / right) for internal or external microphones. As it turns out, you have to get used to the operation only once. The unit offers a vast range of functions, which you have to open up once. From the idea that you can simply press a button and can start immediately, a piece must be separated far. A variety of options are associated with various operating steps.
After about five seconds after turning on the recorder is ready for use. First, the display offers five choices: tuner, metronome, recorder, multitrack recorders and Lissajous. If you want to exit the menu, you have to press the menu button.
=== === Recording
Everything you need to know you while recording at a glance: folder, recording format, time and level. Something troublesome is the control of input volume for the left and right channels. In principle, they can be adjusted separately, but the wheels sit very firmly, so that small, nimble fingers are definitely an advantage when operating. Separate regulator would have made more sense here.
When recording process and also during playback you can create bookmarks, which you - like chapters on DVDs or tracks on CDs - can be controlled directly. Separate settings are available for the limiter or compressor. Recording can be two tracks, and play back to a project or a file together stately eight tracks.
Thanks to the pre-recording function can be the beginning of a recording not lose valuable seconds: Recording begins two seconds before you pressed the record button. With "Voice Sync" of the LS-100 starts recording. But one specifies a level. If this is exceeded, it starts. If it falls below, listen to the recording.
During recording, the display of the LS-100 switches off after 30 seconds to save power. If one wants to access the device again, you need to operate only one of the buttons and has control of the recorder.
Very pleasant and helpful - at least initially - the voice guidance, which reports all important steps. If you want to do without it, can also disable this feature.
However, criticism is the built-in speakers: He could be a little more efficient, because there's not much to extract volume.
=== === Recording quality
Those interested in such a device, wants to know one thing probably: How is the quality of the recordings? To anticipate: I am absolutely happy and excited! Clear, clear, realistic, and fully satisfied - there is really nothing to complain about! The Olympus LS-100 is by far the best device I have ever used for recordings.
The recording is made in stereo with up to 96kHz 24bit and MP3 to 320kbps. The frequency range is specified by the manufacturer with 20Hz-20,000Hz. Both very high and very low notes are recorded very natural and reproduced in accordance with realistic.
=== === Storage
There is an internal memory, which can hold up to 4 GB. Often this is not enough. Expand it can be by appropriate memory cards: SD up to 2GB, SDHC up to 32GB and SDXC up to 64GB.
=== === Conclusion
The Olympus LS-100 is a high quality, solid recorder, which features XLR connectivity and fantastic recording quality. Unfortunately, the operation for newcomers more complicated and less intuitive than thought: Here I would like to see a clearer, easier handling. However, one so fuchst a well; you have to just take the time to get to know all functions. Only when you realize the device in all its complexity, it is also all the opportunities that it provides leverage.
For me the important thing is the sound quality. In second place are flexibility and mobility, because I have to take it, and an external microphone can be connected. This provides the equipment, thus fulfilling all my wishes.
(Hobby) musicians are there to make fullest use and a lot more. Filmmakers who turn event videos, or scientists who documentaries will be delighted by the XLR connectors. A purchase that is worth it!
