Olympus VN-7200 Digital Voice Recorder review

The VN-7200 combines the simplicity of analog recorders with Olympus’ renowned audio technology. This digital voice recorder offers tons of hours of recording time, key features to help capture ideal recordings and functional design elements that make it a versatile tool for everything from the classroom to the boardroom. The VN-7200 recorder is the perfect reason to finally get rid of messy and unreliable tapes.

And if you have an iPhone or Android device, and you’re relying on it for its voice-recording capabilities, the latest smartphones, as robust as they are, can’t handle long recording hours. Sometimes, you’re going to want to record that hour-long parent/teacher conference, or that sales meeting, and not have to worry about over-writing your current data.

The Olympus VN-7200, priced at under $40, is the easy ticket.  It can record over 1150-hours of audio without blinking. It also has a fast/slow playback feature.

Olympus actually announced two VN-Series versions, the VN-7100 and VN-7200, (the VN-7100 offers up to 600 hours of recording time). Both the digital audio recorders feature an optional Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA) function, which extends recording time and conserves battery life. Once activated, it begins recording only when the microphone detects sound at a pre-set level, stopping “when sound drops below the threshold level.” If VCVA eliminates “dead air” recordings, Noise Cancel Playback function removes irritating background noises during playback.

The MSRP on the Olympus VN-7100 is $29.99, and as I mentioned earlier, the VN-7200 sells for $39.99.

Check out the specs:

• Recording Format: Sub Band / CELP
• Recording Media: Built-in 1GB (VN-7100) / 2GB(VN-7200) flash memory
• Recording Time: HQ mode: 39H (VN-7100) / 78H30M (VN-7200)
• SP mode: 100H (VN-7100) / 202H (VN-7200)
• LP mode: 573H VN-7100 / 1151H VN-7200
• PC Connectivity: No
• Folders Messages: 4 folders / 200 per folder
• Maximum Output: 190 mW
• Speaker: 28 mm round dynamic speaker
• Microphone Jack: 3.5 mm mini-jack, impedance 2 k ohms
• Earphone Jack: 3.5 mm mini-jack, impedance 8 ohms
• Power Supply: 2 x AAA alkaline (LR03 or R03) batteries or 2 x AAA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries
• Battery Life (Recording): Alkaline: 86H
• Size: 4.1 x 1.5 x 0.8 inch (104 x 37 x 19.1 mm)
• Weight: 2.3 oz. (66 g), including batteries

Scheduled to go on sale in mid-June, the VN-7100 and VN-7200 are clearly Olympus-quality devices that get the job done.  The only thing I miss on these new models is that there’s no PC connectivity. Still though, for the price and what a digital voice recorder is intended to do, they are solid products and .

Check out Olympus’s full release….

New Olympus VN Series Digital Audio Recorders Combine Simplicity with Convenience

Simple-to-Operate VN-7100 and VN-7200 Recorders Offer Handheld Devices That Are Easy on the Pocket in More Ways Than OneCENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 31, 2011 – Olympus, the market leader for portable digital audio recorders and professional dictation devices, combines simplicity with the company’s renowned audio technology to create the new VN-7100 and VN-7200 digital audio recorders. Both recorders affordably offer hundreds of hours of recording time, key features to help capture ideal recordings and functional design elements that make them versatile tools for everything from the classroom to the boardroom. Olympus VN series recorders are the perfect reason to finally get rid of messy and unreliable tapes.“Olympus strives to provide its customers with outstanding value. The new VN series has accomplished this goal by adding a number of features while maintaining its low price,” said Amy Leslie, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “This series continues to offer great sound quality in an easy-to-use, sleek device.” Advanced Olympus Technology Olympus is known for being ahead of the curve in digital audio technology. The VN series is further proof of that deserved reputation. Both VN series recorders feature an optional Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA) function that sets the audio device to record automatically only when sound is detected at a pre-set level, and stop when sound drops below the threshold level. The function eliminates “dead air” during recordings, thereby conserving memory and shortening file times. Leave the recorder on for hours; only what you need will be captured. The new Olympus VN series offers a Noise Cancel Playback function. This function eliminates unwanted background noise such as passing cars or muffled whispers and coughs while in playback mode. The Olympus VN-7100 includes one gigabyte of internal memory and can record for up to 600 consecutive hours, while the Olympus VN-7200 offers a robust two gigabytes and over 1,100 hours of recording time. Both record in WMA file format. Organization is the Key to Success Complementing this boost in memory is an easy-to-use interface that enables users to accurately arrange digital files with unparalleled organization for meetings, class notes, dates and reminders. Each Olympus VN series recorder is equipped with four folders that hold up to 200 files each (800 total files). With hundreds of hours of recordings, searching for what you need in each file can get tricky. Olympus solves that through its Index Marks system, enabling users tag important points in each recording. Index Marks can be inserted while recording or during playback. They are used to skip forward and backward in recordings to pre-selected reference points to eliminate guesswork on where a particular sound bite resides. The Olympus VN-7100 and VN-7200 can both hold up to 16 index marks per file. Tag the exact location of a speech you have recorded and go back to it with ease at your convenience. The days of searching through a recording for what you need are over. Users of the new Olympus VN series will also benefit from fast and slow playback settings that make note taking and transcription as easy and efficient as possible. Sleek Look in a Simple, Easy-to-Use Interface A compact body and striking design are hallmarks of Olympus audio recorders, and the new Olympus VN series lives up to that reputation. The VN-7100 dazzles with a lightweight white body and grey faceplate, while the VN-7200 sports a black body and black faceplate. The 1.4-inch backlit LCD screen is easy to read and clearly displays file information, recording time and events. A user-friendly thumb pad provides simplistic control to play or stop a recording, adjust volume level, fast-forward and rewind. Erase and File List buttons are positioned above and below the thumb pad for easy access. The speaker is located at the bottom of the faceplate for clear playback listening. Turning the Olympus VN series recorders on and off is easily accomplished with a convenient power switch located on the left side of the device. Located at the top are outlets for an external earphone and mic inputs. The internal mic is located in the middle of the outputs, perfectly positioned to capture sound at anything it is pointed toward. At 4.1 x 1.5 x 0.8 inches and weighing 2.3 ounces, the Olympus VN-7100 and VN-7200 conveniently fit in any pocket or small compartment. They make ideal travel companions. Accessories The Olympus VN-7100 is packaged with two AAA alkaline batteries, an instruction manual and Olympus warranty card. The VN-7200 is packaged with all of the above contents, plus a convenient carrying case. U.S. Pricing and Availability Both the Olympus VN-7100 and VN-7200 will be available in mid-June 2011 at any authorized Olympus retailer, www.getolympus.com or many major online retailers. Olympus VN-7100 estimated street price: $29.99 Olympus VN-7200 estimated street price: $39.99 ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC. Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets. Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances people’s lives every day. These include: Digital Cameras Professional and Interchangeable Lens System Cameras Related Underwater Products and Accessories Digital and Microcassette Recorders Digital Media Binoculars Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.getolympus.com.