Olympus DM-520 Digital Voice Recorder/black
- 4GB of Internal Memory for 1000 hours of Recording
- Records and Plays Back in MP3 / WMA and PCM Formats
- Up to 51 Hours of Battery Life with Charging Possible via USB Port
- PC Downloads via USB
- Voice Guidance System and Built in VCVA/Variable Control Voice Actuator
Product Description
Ultra-long memory, ultra sensitive microphone, ultra useful features, ultra sleek… The DM-520 provides more than a thousand hours of recording with 4GB of internal memory and state-of-the-art capabilities such as file move, file copy, sound editing and multi-format recording…. More >>
At the outset, let me say that I am not the typical user for whom the DM-520 was designed. For example, I don’t categorize my music into playlists, albums and artists. I simply have a bunch of diverse audio files, including music, that I’ve successfully transferred to the device for my listening enjoyment, and the device plays it all beautifully. Because of my prior successful experience with Olympus DVR’s, I was impressed when I read about the improvements included on the DM-520, specifically:
(1) The increased memory to 4GB, plus the additional SD memory card feature.
(2) The convenience of using two AAA rechargeable batteries.
(3) The improved stereo microphone.
The opening screen on the DM-520 indicates the three major sections for holding recorded data:
(1) Recording
(2) Music
(3) Podcast
Like some of their other models, the Recording section has 5 folders available for making recordings. The folders are labeled A through E, with each folder being able to hold a whopping 999 files. A special word of gratitude for the built-in stereo microphone which is absolutely amazing, with incredible sound quality.
The Music Section actually has two sections, both of which can hold audio content. There is the Music Section itself, and a sub-folder labeled “Audible”, set up to accept commercial audiobook files. As mentioned, the Audible folder can hold any audio content, not just audio books.
The Podcast Section was set up to accept Internet podcasts, but fortunately, it has the flexibilty to hold any audio content.
According to the User Manual, there are three methods for transferring content to the DM-520:
(1) Sonority software program
(2) Windows Media Player
(3) iTunes
None of those three methods work for me. Fortunately, when the device is plugged into the PC using the supplied USB cable, it is treated as a separate drive, and files can thus be transferred each way using the file transfer features of Windows Explore. This allows me to bypass the above 3 User Manual methods of transferring files, and instead use the tried and true Windows Explore method. In my opinion, this was the unit’s main redeeming feature, and it wasn’t even mentioned in the Manual.
I had to call the Olympus Support line a couple times because some of the unit’s features were a little mysterious at first. But Support was very helpful, and the DM-520 is working like a charm.
Bottom Line: This is a great high-quality DVR and well worth the price. The Sonority software and the User Manual could have been explained and written better, but what else is new? Overall, it is a sweet, versatile and powerful device.
Rating: 4 / 5
Comment by Albert A. Azose — October 19, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
I’ve been using the DM-520 for about one month. It’s fun to use. The stereo recordings are just great. I’ve been using the highest frequency MP3 mode.
The recorder comes with two rechargeable AAA batteries. It has a mini-USB port to connect to a PC and to re-charge the batteries. The recorder also accepts regular, non-rechargeable AAA alkaline batteries. The push buttons are raised, large enough, and well placed, so I can find each one one without looking.
There are three recording formats, WMA, MP3 and PCM. All formats have two or more frequency modes. WMA supports stereo and monaural recording.
The DM-520 has a 4GB memory internal memory and support for a microSD card (up to 16 GB).
The recorder has a metal body and a professional feel to it.
My minimum requirements for purchasing a DVR were rechargeable batteries, a mini-USB port, and good, tactile push buttons. For me, the microSD card, the MP3 and PCM recording modes, the MP3 player functionality were a bonus.
Rating: 5 / 5
Comment by marcvg — October 19, 2009 @ 4:50 pm