16.7.2018

The Olympus LS-P4 is extremely neat and feels solid in the hand but what appears to be a metal casing is, in fact black-painted plastic (not a major issue). It comes with a rechargeable AAA battery (charged via USB) which can be replaced by a regular AAA battery - very convenient. Unusually, the recorder has a built-in USB plug that slides out of the bottom of the unit - you can then plug the recorder directly into your computer without the need of a cable (yes, it's small and light enough to do that). I think this is a mixed blessing - although you don't have to worry about losing a cable many USB sockets are too close together to be able to be used in this way and there is the danger of beingknocked off and damaged (although this is easily solved by buying a USB extension cable).I was pleased to find the LS-P4 comes with a thick (195 page) printed manual – too often these days, manuals are something you have to download. Unfortunately only around 6 of these pages are in English so the instructions, as in so many Japanese-designed products, are a little terse and enigmatic. The instructions don’t, for instance, list the various different recording formats on offer. Having said that, operation is quite straight forward and, by default, there is even a ‘voice guided’ mode that talks you through the various options.The LS-P4 records in .mp3 mode at 64, 128 and 320 kps and in PCW (uncompressed WAV files) from 44.1kHz/16 bit (CD standard) up to 96khz/24 bit ‘high resolution’ files. Although the ‘hi-res’ capabilities are touted in its description they really are a bit of a gimmick. The standard for most professional broadcast work is 48kHz/16 or 24 bit. This can reproduce the entire audio frequency that we are capable of hearing (as can the marginally lower standard used for CDs). There are valid reasons for using higher sampling and bitrates in the recording studio, when many layers of effects might be used or for very high-end audio where some claim they can tell the difference between 44.1/16 and 96/24 or even higher rates (although blind tests disputes this). But on a recorder like this there in no point - you will NOT notice the difference between 44.1/16 and the higher rates, you will merely use up more space on your memory card. In fact, for most purposes the higher .mp3 rates will be absolutely fine and allow you to record for much longer.What is very useful on this machine is the inclusion of FLAC format (corresponding to the same sample and bit rates as the WAV options). Unlike .mp3 files, which are smaller than WAV files but lower in quality, FLAC format is ‘lossless’ – they retain the same quality as WAV files but take up 30% less space. The downside is they may not be compatible with editing systems. My recommendation would be to use .mp3 for non-critical files (note taking, recording lectures etc) and 48/16 WAV for more serious applications like video shoots. Let’s be honest – you are not going to be using this machine to record an album.Steinberg Wavelab LE 9 audio editing software is also included with this product in theory – I say in theory, because after attempting to download it several times with a rather Kafkaesque series of codes and registrations, I gave up.The built-in stereo microphones are surprisingly good. Get close enough to your subject and your recordings could be considered ‘broadcast standard’. Compared to more expensive, separate microphones the recordings lack ‘warmth’ - they slightly emphasise the top end - but they are very clear and clean. The recorder offers a range of ‘scene’ modes for different circumstances - lecture, conference, meeting, dictation, music - but I haven’t had a chance to try these in the real world.My advice to anyone using a recorder like this for the first time is to get as close to your subject as possible - ideally, no further than two feet away. No microphone in the world works well much further away from the subject. Like all small handheld recorders, the LS-P4 is very prone to handling noise if you don’t grip it firmly or use a stand.Other features include socket for external microphones and headphones (both minijacks) and options for auto or manual recording levels, voice-detect, a limiter and a bass cut and the ability to ‘zoom’ the mic (which is really more to do with stereo effect than the ability to zoom in closer to the source). Menus are slightly fiddly and not that intuitive but you will get used to them.Some reviews have recommended this as a recorder for fitting to the top of a DSLR camera for shooting video. This is certainly possible – the recorder is small and light enough to make this easy and has a mounting socket on the bottom – but the microphones are not really directional enough for on-camera use in most circumstances, and if you are using external microphones – like a lavalier or boom mic - there is no real need to mount the recorder on the camera. For filmmaking with external microphones, a Zoom or Tascam recorder with larger controls would make life a lot easier. For on-camera use you would be better off with something like this F1-SPAll in all, I think this is an impressive recorder. It is small enough to slip easily into a shirt pocket and the recordings are as good as you can expect for a machine of this size and price. It’s diminutive size can be a drawback when, for more serious work, dedicated controls and a larger screen makes life a lot easier, but, other than that, there is little wrong with this device. Recommended.

6.7.2018

I thought I'd try using this audio recorder without consulting even the basic manual. Its menu system and button operation are very intuitive and straightforward. It has a retractable USB plug for charging and data transfer to computer, an editable internal folder structure for file management, and comes up in Explorer (if you're using Windows; I believe it is Mac-compatible as well) as an external drive, as you'd expect. It can be controlled from a smartphone app via bluetooth, and an optional tripod can be purchased.The LS-P4 has a large array of functions for tweaking various facets of recording, storage and playback which I won't go into here - I've pasted salient parts of the manual below.Have a look through these to get an idea of the machine's flexibility.As to the recording quality, I was stunned at the clarity and realism of playing back a stereo-recorded file. My pastime is playing in local folk sessions and I decided to test the LS-P4's recording capability in this environment. At the aforementioned playback on my hi-fi speakers at home I was really impressed. I could hear the separate instruments playing, unspoiled by any distortion (there are both manual and automatic record level settings), and every word of the inevitable banter between tunes, with the voices of the musicians sitting in the stereo field exactly as their owners had been in the earlier real-life setting. I felt as though I was still there in the pub!Anyone who's at all interested in better-than-decent, ambient stereo recording will be be delighted with the LS-P4.Names of parts:1 Built-in centre microphone2 Built-in stereo microphone (L)3 POWER/HOLD switch4 F1 button5 USB connector slide lever6 STOP ( 4) button7 ERASE button8 Built-in stereo microphone (R)9 Display10 MENU/SCENE button11 F2 button12 REC (record)( s) button, Recording indicator light (LED)13 PEAK indicator light (LED), LED indicator light (LED)14 LIST button15 [Rewind] button16 + button17 [Fast Forward] button18 [Play] / OK button19 – button20 Attachment mounting hole21 Earphone jack22 Microphone jack23 Built-in speaker24 Battery/card cover25 microSD card slot26 Battery/card cover lock button27 USB connector/USB connector cover (retractable)28 Strap holeDisplay items in Recorder mode:1 Recording media indicator[ ]: Internal memory[ ]: microSD card2 Current folder name3 Bluetooth® indicator*4 Battery indicator5 Folder name6 Function button guide display7 File namePlayback indicatorVoice Detect indicatorFile lock indicator8 Folder indicator9 Voice recorder status indicatorRecording indicatorRecording pause indicatorStop indicatorPlayback indicatorFast playback indicatorSlow playback indicatorFast-forward indicatorFast-rewind indicator10 Elapsed recording time (during recording mode), playback time (during playback mode)11 Level meter (during recording mode), playback position bar indicator(during playback mode)12 Speaker muting indicator ( )13 File length14 Possible recording time remainingDisplay items in Music (playback) mode:1 Recording media indicatorInternal memorymicroSD card2 Current folder name3 Bluetooth® indicator4 Battery indicator5 Folder name or file name6 Function button guide display7 File namePlayback indicatorFile lock indicator8 Folder indicator9 Elapsed playback time10 Voice recorder status indicatorStop indicatorPlayback indicatorFast playback indicatorSlow playback indicatorFast-forward indicatorFast-rewind indicator11 Music title12 Artist name13 Album name14 Speaker muting indicator ( )14 File length16 Playback position bar indicatorRecording settings:[Rec Level] Sets the recording level.[Limiter] Sets the correction method according to the sound input during recording.[Rec Mode] Sets the recording sound quality.[Zoom Mic] Sets the built-in stereo microphone’s directivity.[Low Cut Filter] Reduces humming soundsfrom equipment such as air‑conditioners or projectors.[Mic Select] Selects whether or not the builtin centre microphone is to be turned on or off.[VCVA] Sets the trigger level for voice activated recording (VCVA).[V-Sync. Rec] Sets the trigger level for voice synchronized recording.[Rec Scene] Used to select one of multiple preregistered templates of recording settings. When selected, each template enters several settings tailored to a particular recording location or condition all in a single operation.Playback settings:[Voice Playback]*1 Only plays voice portions of a recorded audio file.[Noise Cancel]*1 A setting that makes recorded voices more discernible when muffled by projector noise or similar sounds.[Voice Balancer]*1 Compensates low-volume portions of recorded audio files during playback.[Play Mode] Selecting from among three playback modes.[Equalizer]*2 Adjusts the quality of sound as desired.[Skip Space] A handy function for quickly moving the playback position, and playing short segments repeatedly.*1 Function active only in [Recorder] mode.*2 Function active only in [Music] mode.

24.6.2018

This is a quality voice recorder, it is quite specialised but if you need one it is well designed and full of features. It also includes a licence for Steinberg Wavelab LE 9.5 which is a cut down version of a pretty serious audio editing program offering the ability to add effects and edit your recordings.The recorder is supplied boxed along with an instruction booklet, one AAA rechargeable battery and a tripod adapter as well as a sheet with the code for the Wavelab software. The software is a bit fiddly to install as you have to input the download access code to download the loader, select the correct program and then input a separate activation code the register it for use that is emailed to you,

28.6.2018

This unit works very well and I only have two things that could be better.1. The screen (full LCD Dot Matrix) has a plastic screen which is so easy to damage (had to use PolyWatch to remove a mark).2. Internal or MicroSD card - You have to select one or the other from the setting menu, it won't use both.The device comes with a rechargeable AAA and this is charged via the USB port on the base. When you first turn it on it asks you and announces which battery type you are using (a normal AAA can be used if your battery goes flat).It comes with a quick start guide and the main manual (several version in different languages)

21.6.2018

I have reviewed a number of these type of products before, but this is the very best one I have tried. Once you get into everything this can do, you quickly realise this is a Rolls Royce of Audio Recorders. Its been a long time since I used a very expensive Sony Voice Recorder with a tape at University to capture lectures. This Olympus unit blows anything and everything I have tested since University into smithereens.It is very obvious this is very well made, it uses metal and not plastic in its construction. It has three microphones and boy are these good quality units. The sound they record is crisp, precise and clear. It records in FLAC, WAV and MP3 file formats, which makes it almost future proof.

23.7.2018

This tiny little audio recorder really is beautifully made. The case is solid aluminium and it feels strong and solid. – I’ve actually dropped it a couple of times and it survived unscathed!I love the audio announcements of the menus – this makes it really easy to use. These of course can be turned off it you wish, but I liked them.The whole device is also tiny – easily small enough to fit is a shirt or trouser pocket and be ready when you need it.It is also FLAC enabled at up to 96/24, so high quality lossless recordings are possible in addition to MP3 and WAV.I also really liked the fact that it has a built in USB connection that slides out from the bottom of the device.

31.7.2018

This is an update and improvement on the 2 year-old LS-P2 model, which has become my go-to small recorder for capturing music demo ideas - and a far better job it does of that than the equivalent and far bulkier Tascam.This has the same design and capabilities as the LS-P2, but adds lossless FLAC recording ability, as well as PCM and MP3. As with the earlier model, it helps to have headphones - the in-built speaker is pretty tiny and quiet for field recording. The device connects to your computer via an in-built, slide-out usb plug, which works very well (take note Tascam!). The thick manual is comprehensive, but for basic set-up, recording and playback, the device is completely intuitive.As with the old model,

24.8.2018

Olympus advertises this as one of the smallest Hi-Res recorders that Olympus ever made. It really is very compact - a mere 1.4 x 4 x 10.9 cm.The sound quality is very good.The noise cancellation is very handy to have and works well.What I really like is that you can plug it in to a digital camera to capture higher quality sound when filming. Cameras’ built-in microphones invariably can’t match the sound quality of this recorder.While it is supplied with a rechargeable NiMH AAA battery, what’s great is that you can replace this with a non-rechargeable alkaline one such as if you get caught short when out filming or recording. I carry a spare AAA alkaline battery in my camera bag.

13.7.2018

This is a compact, well designed recorder offering good sound quality. It is really intuitive and easy to get to know and use and has a good range of features and good recording and playback options.If offers FLAC, PCM and mp3. It has stereo inbuilt microphones offering noise reduction and a third microphone. These are good quality but you can use an external microphone, especially if you need wind protection. You can use wired headphone or bluetooth.Battery life is excellent. It is charged with USB but uses an AA battery so you can take spares and you don't need to worry about the internal battery eventually dying.They didn't include a case and skimped a bit on the screen but these aren't real problems.

27.3.2018

Small efficient package ideal for packaging with DSL’s shooting video. While it has 8 gab it can be increased with a 32 go micro sd. It does mp3 which is sufficient but it also has Flac so in some ways it could be future proofed. Switching it off requires learning how to push the power button back to the mid point. I have twenty year old marantz 660 which is 20 times larger to do the same job. You need a decent pair of headphones to listen since the speaker is very small. It seems quite flexible in its set up in how the microphones are set up but it also has a microphone input. It has the ability to over dub but I have not exploited or explored all its abilities.

2.6.2018

Got this soley for extra sound for Recording when I video and add the sound into the edit. also I wanted a unit that can record from my old vinyl and tapes as you can plug a line in cable in the microphone socket and you can manually adjust record level.excellent audio recording with inbuilt microphones with noise cancelling ( get wind shield assessory) if recording outside as it picks up wind noise easilly.was hoping a case would of been included but wasnt at this devices is so small if you drop it....its alot of money.plays Hi Res Music downloads and caple of recording voice and audio also in flac lossless.would highly recommend this productcomes with rechargable battery.

17.10.2018

I've used several bulkier Olympus recorders in the past, so was keen to try this as it's more portable. Micro SD fits in easily and the config is straightforward. I use this to dictate novels and that works well. Audio is captured perfectly and my transcribing software rarely picks up mistakes. Good echo cancellation. Only marked down as the battery life is appalling and I'm having to charge this every 2 or 3 days, whether I've used the device or not, as if it's always on standby.

26.6.2018

A solid, well made and compact unit.It has a multitude of features and as a result there is a learning curve. You will need to read the manual. It isn't especially intuitive in operation.Once you are familiar with the operations it is fairly easy to use, if a little menu heavy.Sound quality is very high.The screen is straight out of the 1980s. At this price level it really needs to be much better.Battery life is good.

10.8.2018

Smaller and lighter than other models by this manufacturer, this is perfect for recording high quality stereo audio, as well as the standard dictaphone uses . It can also fit in an inside pocket, for covert recordings. This model contains a flick USB connector that can charge the device and transfer files. I record mine in WAV form, which gives very good sound.

5.5.2019

Waited a while before reviewing until I made multiple indoor and outdoor recordings, speeches, nature sounds, music etc and quality is outstanding. I would recommend a furry wind shield. Battery life good and charging easy.

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