Difference between revisions of "Olympus LS-100 Audio Recorder Gear Guide"

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=== About Media Loan's Olympus LS-100 ===
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{{Media Loan Covid Message}}
* 96kHz/24 bit linear PCM recording
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<div class="container-fluid">
* supports linear PCM & MP3 audio formats
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<div class="row">
* internal 4GB built-in flash memory
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<div class="col-md-8">
* two 90° stereo condenser microphones
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<div class="lead">
* left & right XLR / phone combo inputs
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<div class="lead">[[File:Media Loan Logo.png|left|frameless|90x90px]]A portable audio recorder that can use mics or it's built-in mics. </div>
* multi-track recording & editing
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<div class="pull-right"></div>
<br>
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</div>[[File:LS-100 top.jpg|alt=The LS-100 Audio Recorder sitting upright with the screen facing forward|right|frameless|473x473px]]
'''A proficiency test is required to check out this recorder.''' Schedule a proficiency at the front desk of Media Loan or by calling 360-867-6253. Read this operating guide and complete the written portion of the [[Olympus LS-100 Proficiency Test | proficiency test]] prior to your scheduled proficiency. Bring your answer sheet with you to the test, which should take approximately 30 - 45 minutes. (Please note: if you have a proficiency in the Zoom and Marantz recorders, you will still have to take the proficiency test for the Olympus LS-100.)
+
 
+
This operating guide is not a substitute for the complete manual, which you can download here: [http://www.evergreen.edu/medialoan/docs/audio_manual_LS-100.pdf Olympus LS-100 Manual]
+
  
'''DO NOT''' drop, submit to extreme temperatures, or get wet. '''You are 100% financially responsible for all equipment checked out from Media Loan.'''
+
==Overview==
 +
This is a basic guide for the LS-100 Audio Recorder. Additional information can be found in the [https://www.olympus.co.uk/site/en/a/audio_support/audio_support_downloads/ls_100_downloads/ls_100_downloads.html operating manual] by downloading it at the bottom of the link.
 +
==Kit Contents==
 +
*Audio Recorder
 +
*Outer case and inner case
 +
*Charger
 +
*USB cable
 +
*Windscreen
 +
*2 rechargeable batteries
  
 +
==How to Use It==
 
===Name of Each Part===
 
===Name of Each Part===
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Line 33: Line 39:
 
* After closing the SD card cover, slide the lock switch to '''LOCK'''.
 
* After closing the SD card cover, slide the lock switch to '''LOCK'''.
 
* When the SD card is inserted, the recording media switching screen appears.
 
* When the SD card is inserted, the recording media switching screen appears.
<gallery>
+
* To record data in the SD card, select '''Yes''' by pressing the '''+''' or '''−''' button.
 +
* Press '''OK'''.
 +
* To remove, push card in all the way then pull out.
 +
Note: Media Loan '''does not''' circulate memory cards for patrons to checkout.<gallery>
 
File:Ls-100 6 insert-sd-card.png|Insert SC Card
 
File:Ls-100 6 insert-sd-card.png|Insert SC Card
 +
File:Ls-100 6 insert-sd-card 2.png| 1- Left/Right, 2 - Up/Down, 3 - OK
 +
File:Ls-100 6 insert-sd-card3.png|
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
=== Formatting the SD Card and Erasing all data ===
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=== Battery ===
Perform this function before every use to ensure maximum file space and to erase all data before turning it back in to Media Loan.
+
# Slide the lock switch to '''OPEN''' on the battery cover.
 +
# Insert the battery so that the direction of the arrow (label) on the recorder matches the direction of the arrow on the battery.
 +
# Close the battery cover and slide the lock switch to '''LOCK'''.
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Ls-100 3 insertbattery1.png|Unlock Battery Cover
 +
File:Ls-100 3 insertbattery2.png|Insert Battery
 +
</gallery>
  
#Press the MENU button
+
===USB and Power Settings===
#Forward through the tabs to the DEVICE MENU
+
The '''USB Connection''' setting needs to be changed to either connect the recorder to a computer or to power the recorder from AC while recording. <br>
#Press the '''-''' button down to FORMAT
+
There are 3 options:
#Press OK to Format
+
'''PC''': allows the recorder to be connected to a computer.  Can be used to charge the batteries.
#Press OK to select Internal Memory or SD Card (You must provide your own card)
+
* '''AC Adapter''': allows the recorder to be in record mode while connected to AC.  Can be used to charge the batteries.
#Press OK to select Start, repeat.  
+
* '''Optional''':  anytime the recorder is connected to a computer or the AC Adaptor it will display a menu to select '''PC''' or '''AC Adapter'''.  Use this setting.
  
<br> '''
 
  
=== Battery ===
+
# Press the '''MENU''' button
 +
# Forward through the tabs to the '''DEVICE MENU'''
 +
# Press the '''-''' button down to select '''USB Settings''' and press '''OK'''.
 +
# Select  '''USB Connection''' and press '''OK'''.
 +
# Select  '''Optional''' and press '''OK'''.
  
=== Connect Microphones ===
+
=== Formatting the Internal Memory of the Recorder/SD Card and Erasing All Data ===
 +
Perform this function before every use to ensure maximum file space on the recorder/SD card and to erase all data before turning it back in to Media Loan.
 +
#Press the '''MENU''' button
 +
#Forward through the tabs to the '''DEVICE MENU'''
 +
#Press the '''-''' button down to select '''FORMAT''' and press '''OK'''.
 +
#Select '''Internal Memory''' or SD Card (You must provide your own card) and press '''OK'''.
 +
#Select '''Start''', and press '''OK'''.
  
 +
 +
=== Connect Microphones ===
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Ls-100 2 micconnect1.png|Select
 +
File:Ls-100 2 micconnect2.png|Inputs
 +
</gallery>
 
=== Connect to Computer ===
 
=== Connect to Computer ===
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Ls-100 4 connect-to-computer.png|Connect to Computer
 +
File:Ls-100 4 connect-to-computer2.png|Connect to Unit
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
 +
===Playback===
 +
====Playback the Recording====
 +
 +
 +
# Press the '''List''' button.
 +
# Use the '''+''' and '''-''' buttons to select a file and press '''OK'''.
 +
# The file name will be displayed in the window. 
 +
# Press the '''Play''' button.
 +
 +
 +
====Playback Speed====
 +
 +
* While playing an audio file the speed can be changed from 50% to 400%.
 +
* During playback the up and down arrow button on the front right of the recorder adjust the playback speed.
 +
* Leave it set to 100%.
  
 
=== The Menu System ===
 
=== The Menu System ===
 
'''Press the MENU button'''
 
'''Press the MENU button'''
==== RECORD MENU ====
+
==== Record Menu ====
 
+
 
===== Record Mode =====
 
===== Record Mode =====
  
*Normal - each microphone that is being used to record produces it's respective track.
+
*'''Normal''' - each microphone that is being used to record produces it's respective track.
*Overdub - this allows you to dub a new track over a file that is being played back. The original file does not get erased.
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*'''Overdub''' - The live microphone is mixed with the file that is being played back. The original file does not get erased.
*Play Sync - allows you to record only the input sound that is being played along with the playback of a previously recorded track.  
+
*'''Play Sync''' - This allows you to playback a file and while only the live microphone is recorded.
*V-Sync Rec - a feature that automatically starts a recording when the recorder detects a sound louder than the voice sync level (detection level) setting; when the sound level decreases, recording stops automatically.  
+
*'''V-Sync Rec''' - a feature that automatically starts a recording when the recorder detects a sound louder than the voice sync level (detection level) setting; when the sound level decreases, recording stops automatically.
  
 
===== Mic Gain =====
 
===== Mic Gain =====
'''Mic Gain''' this option let's you adjust the sensitivity of the selected mic
+
'''Mic Gain''' this option let's you adjust the sensitivity of the selected mic
 
+
 
*Built-in Mic - Hi (preferable), Mid, Lo
 
*Built-in Mic - Hi (preferable), Mid, Lo
 
*External Mic - Hi (preferable), Mid, Lo
 
*External Mic - Hi (preferable), Mid, Lo
 
*XLR L  - Hi or Lo
 
*XLR L  - Hi or Lo
 
*XLR R  - Hi or Lo
 
*XLR R  - Hi or Lo
 
 
=====Record Level=====
 
=====Record Level=====
  
 
*Manual - let's you adjust the recording manually. Preferred.
 
*Manual - let's you adjust the recording manually. Preferred.
 
*Auto - the recording level is adjusted automatically.
 
*Auto - the recording level is adjusted automatically.
 
+
*Press the '''REC''' button to enter the recording standby mode.
 +
*Adjust the '''REC LEVEL''' dial according to the sound source.
 +
*The '''REC LEVEL''' dial can separately adjust the level of the input source for the L/R channels.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
File:Ls-100 7 adjust-rec-level.png|Adjust Record Level
 
File:Ls-100 7 adjust-rec-level.png|Adjust Record Level
 
File:Ls-100 7 adjust-rec-level2.png|Adjust Record Level
 
File:Ls-100 7 adjust-rec-level2.png|Adjust Record Level
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
 
===== Input Select =====
 
===== Input Select =====
  
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*Line - sound is input by connecting an external unit to the MIC jack.
 
*Line - sound is input by connecting an external unit to the MIC jack.
 
*XLR/Phone - sound is input through a musical instrument or the microphone connected to the XLR/standard phone combo jack.
 
*XLR/Phone - sound is input through a musical instrument or the microphone connected to the XLR/standard phone combo jack.
 
 
===== Mic Power =====
 
===== Mic Power =====
  
*Phantom power - +48V or 24V This setting sets the voltage of the phantom power. +48V
+
*Phantom power - +48V or 24V This setting sets the voltage of the phantom power. Set to +48V.
*Plug in power - ON/OFF This setting sets the power supply of the plug-in power.
+
**Once you have selected your phantom power voltage, you may still need to flip the switch on the left side of the device to enable the power to flow our each XLR separately. 
 +
 
 +
*Plug in power - ON/OFF This supplies power over the stereo-mini(3.5mm) mic input to certain mics.
  
 
===== Rec Format =====
 
===== Rec Format =====
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*PCM WAV 48.0kHz/24bit - Ideal selection for high quality sound files.
 
*PCM WAV 48.0kHz/24bit - Ideal selection for high quality sound files.
 
*MP3 - highly compressed and less desirable.
 
*MP3 - highly compressed and less desirable.
 
 
===== Low Cut Filter =====
 
===== Low Cut Filter =====
 
This cuts low frequencies to reduce handling noise and unwanted bass-like sounds. Select the frequency you want the cut-off to start at.
 
This cuts low frequencies to reduce handling noise and unwanted bass-like sounds. Select the frequency you want the cut-off to start at.
 
 
*100Hz  
 
*100Hz  
 
*300Hz  
 
*300Hz  
 
 
===== Pre-Recording =====
 
===== Pre-Recording =====
 
This records 2 seconds prior to you pressing the record button
 
This records 2 seconds prior to you pressing the record button
 
 
*On/Off  
 
*On/Off  
 
 
===== Rec Monitor =====
 
===== Rec Monitor =====
 
 
*On/Off - turns On or Off the EAR jack
 
*On/Off - turns On or Off the EAR jack
 
 
==== PLAY MENU ====
 
==== PLAY MENU ====
  
 
*Play Mode - one file or list  
 
*Play Mode - one file or list  
*Skip Space - Forward skip, Reverse skip  
+
*Skip Space - Forward skip, Reverse skip
 
+
<gallery>
 +
File:Ls-100-x-play-screen.png|Play Screen
 +
</gallery>
 
==== FILE MENU ====
 
==== FILE MENU ====
  
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*MP3 Convert - converts a PCM WAV into an MP3 format file  
 
*MP3 Convert - converts a PCM WAV into an MP3 format file  
 
*CD Write - Directly writes a PCM WAV format file into a CD  
 
*CD Write - Directly writes a PCM WAV format file into a CD  
*Bounce - Saves all the tracks in a multi-track mode project to one file  
+
*Bounce - Saves all the tracks in a multi-track mode project to one file
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Ls-100-x-file-screen.png|File Screen
 +
</gallery>
 +
==== Metronome Menu ====
  
==== METRONOME MENU ====
 
 
*On/Off
 
*On/Off
 
*Display - On/Off
 
*Display - On/Off
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*Pattern - 1/1, 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/4, 8/4, 6/8
 
*Pattern - 1/1, 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/4, 8/4, 6/8
 
*Volume - use the - or + button to adjust volume
 
*Volume - use the - or + button to adjust volume
 +
==== LCD/Sound Menu ====
  
==== LCD/SOUND MENU ====
 
 
*Backlight - lighting time, dim light time, brightness
 
*Backlight - lighting time, dim light time, brightness
 
*LED - On/Off
 
*LED - On/Off
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*Voice Guide - On/Off, Speed, Volume. The recorder will talk to you.
 
*Voice Guide - On/Off, Speed, Volume. The recorder will talk to you.
 
*Intro Play - 10 sec, 5 sec, 3 sec, OFF
 
*Intro Play - 10 sec, 5 sec, 3 sec, OFF
 +
==== Device Menu ====
  
==== DEVICE MENU ====
 
 
*Fn. Setting - function key menu. Let's you assign the F1, F2, F3 keys as a shortcut to menu options that you can choose from.
 
*Fn. Setting - function key menu. Let's you assign the F1, F2, F3 keys as a shortcut to menu options that you can choose from.
 
*Memory Select - allows you to choose from the 4Gb internal memory or to use the external memory slot in which you would provide your own SD card.
 
*Memory Select - allows you to choose from the 4Gb internal memory or to use the external memory slot in which you would provide your own SD card.
Line 158: Line 208:
 
*Memory info - Displays the remaining memory and capacity
 
*Memory info - Displays the remaining memory and capacity
 
*System info - Model/Version/Serial No.
 
*System info - Model/Version/Serial No.
<br><br>
+
<br>
 
'''Press the HOME button'''
 
'''Press the HOME button'''
 
 
 
=== Tuner ===
 
=== Tuner ===
 +
 
*Calibration - the frequency of the reference tone A can be adjusted by 1Hz increments in the range of 435Hz to 445Hz.
 
*Calibration - the frequency of the reference tone A can be adjusted by 1Hz increments in the range of 435Hz to 445Hz.
 
*Chromatic Tuner - adjust the mismatch between the one of the musical instrument you have entered and the reference tone to ensure a proper response to all the musical scales.
 
*Chromatic Tuner - adjust the mismatch between the one of the musical instrument you have entered and the reference tone to ensure a proper response to all the musical scales.
 
*Guitar - tune to a guitar chords chart
 
*Guitar - tune to a guitar chords chart
*Bass - tuen to a bass chords chart
+
*Bass - tune to a bass chords chart
 
+
 
=== Metronome ===
 
=== Metronome ===
 +
 
*Let's you adjust beats per minute. You must enter the MENU system for more parameters.
 
*Let's you adjust beats per minute. You must enter the MENU system for more parameters.
  
 
=== Recorder ===
 
=== Recorder ===
 +
 
*Let's you access the Normal Record mode, choose your folder, and select your input source.
 
*Let's you access the Normal Record mode, choose your folder, and select your input source.
 
  
 
=== Multitrack ===
 
=== Multitrack ===
 +
 
*This mode allows you to separately record and playback different parts/sound sources.  
 
*This mode allows you to separately record and playback different parts/sound sources.  
 
*You can manage up to 8 tracks per project. Recorded tracks can be edited separately to adjust the output level or balance.
 
*You can manage up to 8 tracks per project. Recorded tracks can be edited separately to adjust the output level or balance.
 
*You can record over an existing track unlike the recorder mode. Edited tracks can be mixed (bounced) into a single file.
 
*You can record over an existing track unlike the recorder mode. Edited tracks can be mixed (bounced) into a single file.
 
 
=== Lissajous ===
 
=== Lissajous ===
 +
 
*You must plug in two microphones to use this feature.
 
*You must plug in two microphones to use this feature.
 
*This helps you obtain the optimal positioning of a microphone in order to reduce phase.  Phase is the slight difference between two sound waves that is recorded by two different microphones which will produce a slight time difference between the two waveforms which could cancel out certain frequencies.
 
*This helps you obtain the optimal positioning of a microphone in order to reduce phase.  Phase is the slight difference between two sound waves that is recorded by two different microphones which will produce a slight time difference between the two waveforms which could cancel out certain frequencies.
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Ls-100-lissajous1.png|Lissajous
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
===Helpful Menu Options===
 +
====Record 2 XLR inputs with manual record level:====
 +
These settings will enable the recorder to use both (2) XLR inputs with manual record level:
 +
# Menu > Record Mode > Normal
 +
# Menu > Mic Gain > XLR (L) > HI
 +
# Menu > Mic Gain > XLR (R) > HI
 +
# Menu > Rec Level > XLR (L) > Manual > Limit/Comp Off OR Limiter 1/2 if you want extra protection from clipping your recorded audio
 +
# Menu > Rec Level > XLR (R) > Manual > Limit/Comp Off OR Limiter 1/2 if you want extra protection from clipping your recorded audio
 +
# Menu > Input Select > XLR/Phone
 +
# Menu > Rec Format > PCM > 48.0 Khz / 24 Bit
 +
# Menu > Low Cut Filter > 100Hz
 +
# Menu > Pre-Recording > Off
 +
# Menu > Rec Monitor > On (this allows you to listen to audio in your headphones while recording)
 +
 +
====These settings are good to take note of:====
 +
# Menu > Press the Right button ( >>| ) four times to get to the LCD/Sound Menu screen
 +
# LCD/Sound Menu > Backlight > Lighting Time > Always on (this keeps your display from turning off)
 +
# LCD/Sound Menu > Beep > Press the Down button ( - ) until the number reads as "00" (this mutes the beep sound when pressing buttons)
 +
# LCD/Sound Menu > Voice Guide > On/Off > Off (If you do not want your device to talk to you every time you press a button, turn Voice Guide OFF)
 +
# Menu > Press the Right button ( >>| ) five times to get to the Device Menu screen
 +
# Device Menu > Time & Date > Use the Left/Right/Up/Down buttons to set Time & Date (this can be helpful when reviewing your unnamed files later)
 +
# Device Menu > Format > Internal Memory > Start > Start (Formatting means all files will be deleted off of the device, so only do this when you first check out your recorder and after you have safely stored your own recorded files onto a computer and/or other devices)
 +
 +
==Troubleshooting==
 +
See [[Troubleshooting Media Equipment]] Guide for general information.
  
 +
==Media Loan Gear it Connects With Well==
 +
{{Collapsed|
 +
See the [[Media Loan Catalog]] for more info about the below items.
 +
* XLR cables (Mic Cables)
 +
* Headphones
 +
* Desk stands, floor stands, microphone handles (that can screw into the back of the Olympus)
 +
* Microphones
 +
}}
  
 +
==Other Models of Audio Recorder at Media Loan==
 +
[[Zoom H4n Audio Recorder Gear Guide]]
 +
<!-- Technical note for source editors: end col-md-8 -->
  
  [[category:Media Loan]]
+
</div>
 +
<div class="col-md-1"></div>
 +
<div class="col-md-3 sidebar">
 +
{{GA Proficiency Information
 +
|Testlink= [[Olympus LS-100 Proficiency Test]]
 +
}}
 +
<!--GA Proficiency Information is the template for the top of the side bar. There is also one for APS called APS Proficiency Information. To edit the proficiency test link, "edit source" for this page for for the keyword "Testlink"-->
 +
{{Precautions, Help, and Other Wikis for all Media Loan Gear
 +
|Exceptions=
 +
*'''For This Gear Specifically'''
 +
**Don't listen at loud volumes for long periods of time.
 +
}}
 +
<!--Precautions, Help, and Other Wikis for all Media Loan Gear is the template for the bottom of the sidebar. To edit the precautions for this gear specifically, "edit source" for this page for the keyword "Exceptions". be sure to write in the title for the exceptions similar to the title for what they all have.-->
 +
<!-- Technical note for source editors: end col-md-3-->
 +
</div>
 +
<!-- Technical note for source editors: end row-->
 +
</div>
 +
<!-- Technical note for source editors: end container-->
 +
</div>
 +
<!-- Technical note for source editors: Generator=Template:TwoColumn -->
 +
[[category:Audio Gear Guides]]
 +
__NOEDITSECTION__

Revision as of 16:39, 6 April 2021

Media Loan Logo.png
A portable audio recorder that can use mics or it's built-in mics.
The LS-100 Audio Recorder sitting upright with the screen facing forward

Overview

This is a basic guide for the LS-100 Audio Recorder. Additional information can be found in the operating manual by downloading it at the bottom of the link.

Kit Contents

  • Audio Recorder
  • Outer case and inner case
  • Charger
  • USB cable
  • Windscreen
  • 2 rechargeable batteries

How to Use It

Name of Each Part

Internal Memory

Internal Memory = 4Gb
PCM WAV 48.0 kHz/16 bit = 4 hours 45 min
PCM WAV 48.0 kHz/24 bit = 3 hours
PCM WAV 44.1 kHz/16 bit = 5 hours
PCM WAV 44.1 kHz/24 bit = 3 hours 15 min
MP3 320 kbps = 22 hours 30 min
Purchasing your own 8Gb card will give you 2X as much recording time.

Inserting an SD Card

If you purchase your own SD card to use with the Olympus LS-100:

  • Slide the lock switch to OPEN when the recorder is stopped and open the SD card cover.
  • Insert the SD card with the terminal face facing up, as shown in the figure.
  • If the SD card is inserted in the wrong direction or at an angle, the contact face may be damaged or the SD card may get stuck.
  • Recording cannot start unless the SD card is inserted all the way in.
  • After closing the SD card cover, slide the lock switch to LOCK.
  • When the SD card is inserted, the recording media switching screen appears.
  • To record data in the SD card, select Yes by pressing the + or button.
  • Press OK.
  • To remove, push card in all the way then pull out.
Note: Media Loan does not circulate memory cards for patrons to checkout.

Battery

  1. Slide the lock switch to OPEN on the battery cover.
  2. Insert the battery so that the direction of the arrow (label) on the recorder matches the direction of the arrow on the battery.
  3. Close the battery cover and slide the lock switch to LOCK.

USB and Power Settings

The USB Connection setting needs to be changed to either connect the recorder to a computer or to power the recorder from AC while recording.
There are 3 options:

  • PC: allows the recorder to be connected to a computer. Can be used to charge the batteries.
  • AC Adapter: allows the recorder to be in record mode while connected to AC. Can be used to charge the batteries.
  • Optional: anytime the recorder is connected to a computer or the AC Adaptor it will display a menu to select PC or AC Adapter. Use this setting.


  1. Press the MENU button
  2. Forward through the tabs to the DEVICE MENU
  3. Press the - button down to select USB Settings and press OK.
  4. Select USB Connection and press OK.
  5. Select Optional and press OK.

Formatting the Internal Memory of the Recorder/SD Card and Erasing All Data

Perform this function before every use to ensure maximum file space on the recorder/SD card and to erase all data before turning it back in to Media Loan.

  1. Press the MENU button
  2. Forward through the tabs to the DEVICE MENU
  3. Press the - button down to select FORMAT and press OK.
  4. Select Internal Memory or SD Card (You must provide your own card) and press OK.
  5. Select Start, and press OK.


Connect Microphones

Connect to Computer


Playback

Playback the Recording

  1. Press the List button.
  2. Use the + and - buttons to select a file and press OK.
  3. The file name will be displayed in the window.
  4. Press the Play button.


Playback Speed

  • While playing an audio file the speed can be changed from 50% to 400%.
  • During playback the up and down arrow button on the front right of the recorder adjust the playback speed.
  • Leave it set to 100%.

The Menu System

Press the MENU button

Record Menu

Record Mode
  • Normal - each microphone that is being used to record produces it's respective track.
  • Overdub - The live microphone is mixed with the file that is being played back. The original file does not get erased.
  • Play Sync - This allows you to playback a file and while only the live microphone is recorded.
  • V-Sync Rec - a feature that automatically starts a recording when the recorder detects a sound louder than the voice sync level (detection level) setting; when the sound level decreases, recording stops automatically.
Mic Gain

Mic Gain this option let's you adjust the sensitivity of the selected mic

  • Built-in Mic - Hi (preferable), Mid, Lo
  • External Mic - Hi (preferable), Mid, Lo
  • XLR L - Hi or Lo
  • XLR R - Hi or Lo
Record Level
  • Manual - let's you adjust the recording manually. Preferred.
  • Auto - the recording level is adjusted automatically.
  • Press the REC button to enter the recording standby mode.
  • Adjust the REC LEVEL dial according to the sound source.
  • The REC LEVEL dial can separately adjust the level of the input source for the L/R channels.
Input Select
  • Built-in Mic - sound is input through the built-in stereo microphone.
  • External Mic - sound is input by connecting an external microphone to the MIC jack.
  • Line - sound is input by connecting an external unit to the MIC jack.
  • XLR/Phone - sound is input through a musical instrument or the microphone connected to the XLR/standard phone combo jack.
Mic Power
  • Phantom power - +48V or 24V This setting sets the voltage of the phantom power. Set to +48V.
    • Once you have selected your phantom power voltage, you may still need to flip the switch on the left side of the device to enable the power to flow our each XLR separately.
  • Plug in power - ON/OFF This supplies power over the stereo-mini(3.5mm) mic input to certain mics.
Rec Format
  • PCM WAV 48.0kHz/24bit - Ideal selection for high quality sound files.
  • MP3 - highly compressed and less desirable.
Low Cut Filter

This cuts low frequencies to reduce handling noise and unwanted bass-like sounds. Select the frequency you want the cut-off to start at.

  • 100Hz
  • 300Hz
Pre-Recording

This records 2 seconds prior to you pressing the record button

  • On/Off
Rec Monitor
  • On/Off - turns On or Off the EAR jack

PLAY MENU

  • Play Mode - one file or list
  • Skip Space - Forward skip, Reverse skip

FILE MENU

  • File Lock - On/Off
  • Move/Copy - Copies and moves the files within the memory
  • File Divide - Divides a file recorded on this device
  • Property - Displays information about a file or folder
  • MP3 Convert - converts a PCM WAV into an MP3 format file
  • CD Write - Directly writes a PCM WAV format file into a CD
  • Bounce - Saves all the tracks in a multi-track mode project to one file

Metronome Menu

  • On/Off
  • Display - On/Off
  • Countdown
  • Tempo - lets you adjust using the + or - buttons
  • Sound - Metronome 1 (vibrato), Metronome 2 (moderato)
  • Pattern - 1/1, 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/4, 8/4, 6/8
  • Volume - use the - or + button to adjust volume

LCD/Sound Menu

  • Backlight - lighting time, dim light time, brightness
  • LED - On/Off
  • Beep - lets you adjust the beep volume that occurs when any buttons are pressed
  • Language - let's you change the language
  • Voice Guide - On/Off, Speed, Volume. The recorder will talk to you.
  • Intro Play - 10 sec, 5 sec, 3 sec, OFF

Device Menu

  • Fn. Setting - function key menu. Let's you assign the F1, F2, F3 keys as a shortcut to menu options that you can choose from.
  • Memory Select - allows you to choose from the 4Gb internal memory or to use the external memory slot in which you would provide your own SD card.
  • Power Save - turns the recorder Off after a selected amount of time (5min, 10min, 30min, 1hour, or OFF)
  • Time & Date - let's you adjust the time and date which can be helpful in file management
  • USB Setting - Let's you choose from PC, AC adapter, Optional
  • Reset Setting - Resets the settings to default
  • Format - Formats the selected memory and erases all files
  • Memory info - Displays the remaining memory and capacity
  • System info - Model/Version/Serial No.


Press the HOME button

Tuner

  • Calibration - the frequency of the reference tone A can be adjusted by 1Hz increments in the range of 435Hz to 445Hz.
  • Chromatic Tuner - adjust the mismatch between the one of the musical instrument you have entered and the reference tone to ensure a proper response to all the musical scales.
  • Guitar - tune to a guitar chords chart
  • Bass - tune to a bass chords chart

Metronome

  • Let's you adjust beats per minute. You must enter the MENU system for more parameters.

Recorder

  • Let's you access the Normal Record mode, choose your folder, and select your input source.

Multitrack

  • This mode allows you to separately record and playback different parts/sound sources.
  • You can manage up to 8 tracks per project. Recorded tracks can be edited separately to adjust the output level or balance.
  • You can record over an existing track unlike the recorder mode. Edited tracks can be mixed (bounced) into a single file.

Lissajous

  • You must plug in two microphones to use this feature.
  • This helps you obtain the optimal positioning of a microphone in order to reduce phase. Phase is the slight difference between two sound waves that is recorded by two different microphones which will produce a slight time difference between the two waveforms which could cancel out certain frequencies.

Helpful Menu Options

Record 2 XLR inputs with manual record level:

These settings will enable the recorder to use both (2) XLR inputs with manual record level:

  1. Menu > Record Mode > Normal
  2. Menu > Mic Gain > XLR (L) > HI
  3. Menu > Mic Gain > XLR (R) > HI
  4. Menu > Rec Level > XLR (L) > Manual > Limit/Comp Off OR Limiter 1/2 if you want extra protection from clipping your recorded audio
  5. Menu > Rec Level > XLR (R) > Manual > Limit/Comp Off OR Limiter 1/2 if you want extra protection from clipping your recorded audio
  6. Menu > Input Select > XLR/Phone
  7. Menu > Rec Format > PCM > 48.0 Khz / 24 Bit
  8. Menu > Low Cut Filter > 100Hz
  9. Menu > Pre-Recording > Off
  10. Menu > Rec Monitor > On (this allows you to listen to audio in your headphones while recording)

These settings are good to take note of:

  1. Menu > Press the Right button ( >>| ) four times to get to the LCD/Sound Menu screen
  2. LCD/Sound Menu > Backlight > Lighting Time > Always on (this keeps your display from turning off)
  3. LCD/Sound Menu > Beep > Press the Down button ( - ) until the number reads as "00" (this mutes the beep sound when pressing buttons)
  4. LCD/Sound Menu > Voice Guide > On/Off > Off (If you do not want your device to talk to you every time you press a button, turn Voice Guide OFF)
  5. Menu > Press the Right button ( >>| ) five times to get to the Device Menu screen
  6. Device Menu > Time & Date > Use the Left/Right/Up/Down buttons to set Time & Date (this can be helpful when reviewing your unnamed files later)
  7. Device Menu > Format > Internal Memory > Start > Start (Formatting means all files will be deleted off of the device, so only do this when you first check out your recorder and after you have safely stored your own recorded files onto a computer and/or other devices)

Troubleshooting

See Troubleshooting Media Equipment Guide for general information.

Media Loan Gear it Connects With Well

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See the Media Loan Catalog for more info about the below items.

  • XLR cables (Mic Cables)
  • Headphones
  • Desk stands, floor stands, microphone handles (that can screw into the back of the Olympus)
  • Microphones

Other Models of Audio Recorder at Media Loan

Zoom H4n Audio Recorder Gear Guide