ProAudio Review - August 2008 - (Page 12)

BROADCAST | REVIEW By Strother Bullins a 90-degree angle. (Olympus also offers a series of external microphones for the LS-10, including stereo, two-channel, unidirectional, tieclip, and telephone pickup models.) Between the LS-10’s two mics is a control jack for the RS30W, an optional remote control set. Stereo mic and stereo line inputs via 1/8-inch jack are offered, and outputs include an 1/8-inch output and, usefully, 16mm stereo speakers on the back of the unit. A tripod mount is available between these speakers. On its face, the LS-10 provides a well-illuminated, easy-to-read LCD control screen and a Peak LED. Buttons include an illuminated Stop and Rec as well as Erase, List, Menu, A-B Repeat and Fn; the latter allows an assignable menu function for jumping between commonly-used functions, thus eliminating several button presses — pretty cool for those of us who are allergic to menus. On the LS-10’s sides, two necessary dials reside: on the right, Volume, and on the left, Rec Level. Three toggles are also placed on the unit’s sides: Hold/Power, Low Cut (off and on), and Mic Sensitivity (low and high). Within its easy-to-navigate menu, there are several notable recording features — some great, some you may never use. Zoom Mic utilizes DiMAGIC Virtual Microphone (DVM) technology for a directional microphone function; it works only with the LS-10’s internal mics and when set to 16-bit/44.1kHz. Reverb and Euphony settings are also available upon playback; both, if used with 24-bit/96kHz recordings, are converted down to 16-bit/48kHz audio. Reverb offers four environments — Studio, Club, Hall, Dome; Euphony, according to Olympus is “the latest is surround sound systems which combines bandwidth correction, expansion technology, and virtual acoustic source processing technology” — essentially, three EQ settings: Natural, Wide, and Power. Rounding out the LS-10 package are dual snap-on mic windscreens, a leather/nylon handstrap, 1/8-inch cable, USB cable, and a durable, padded canvas carrying case. Its chassis is a sturdy combination of mainly metal and minimal plastic. | IN USE I used the LS-10 over several months in Olympus LS-10 Linear PCM Recorder A pro audio newcomer enters the crowded handheld digital recorder market with a unique, well-built, and intuitive 96kHz-capable treat. A common complaint of small-yet-capable and menu-laden audio gear is its lack of intuitiveness. In my opinion, this is often a result of the pro audio industry’s common priority to increase the number of features over improving ease-of-use. When it comes to on-the-go “pocket” stereo recorders, I find that ease-ofuse is a technological virtue that should be the top of a manufacturer’s list; good (or good enough) audio quality, at least these days, is nearly a given in this segment of the market. Debuting in an already well-developed handheld digital recorder market, the LS-10 Linear PCM Recorder ($449 list) from Olympus — yes, the camera company — is a breath of fresh air. It comes with some neat features that, to some audio pros, might seem “consumerish,” yet provide increased dexterity in the field. Finally, the LS-10 provides BENCH TEST | Pages 13, 32 & 33 nearly all of the best operational features that most of its pocket-sized competitors offer — and maybe just a little bit more where it really counts … for around $300 street. | FEATURES The LS-10 is a small (5 1/4 by 2 by 3/4 inches) stereo digital recorder with up to 24-bit/96kHz recording capability. It fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and is easily operable with one hand’s thumb and index finger (whether you are left or right-handed) thanks to its slim frame and logically designed interface. It will actually fit comfortably in your front pockets (unless you’re “emo” or just wear your pants too tight). The LS-10 operates on two AA batteries or 5VDC power via a jack on its bottom. Including batteries, the unit weighs around 5 ounces. The LS-10 records stereo audio in multiple formats (PCM, WMA, or MP3) and offers 2GB of built-in flash memory. It is equipped with an SD Card slot for additional memory capability and its USB 2.0 connection provides fast transfer to your DAW of choice; a copy of Steinberg Cubase LE 4 is included. At linear PCM format and 24-bit/96kHz resolution, the LS-10 is capable of recording approximately 55 minutes to its built-in memory; at the low end of PCM recording resolution, over 3 hours of audio can be recorded at 16bit/44.1kHz. A stereo pair of microphones resides atop the LS-10; its cardioid diaphragms are fixed at APPLICATIONS Live music and speech recording KEY FEATURES Up to 24-bit/96kHz Linear PCM, MP3, and WMA recording; 2GB built-in flash memory; SD Card slot; stereo microphones; 1/8” Stereo mic input and 1/8” stereo line input; 1/8” output; Reverb and Euphony effects; Zoom Mic setting; remote control jack; stereo 16mm speakers; USB 2.0 connectivity; operates on 2 AA batteries or via DC power connection; package includes Steinberg Cubase LE 4; mic windscreens, a leather/nylon handstrap, 1/8” cable, USB cable, and carrying case PRICE $449 list CONTACT Olympus America | ¤ 888-553-4448 · www.olympusamerica.com 12 | ProAudio Review | August 2008 www.proaudioreview.com http://www.olympusamerica.com http://www.proaudioreview.com

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ProAudio Review - August 2008 Contents Publisher's Page Broadcast News and New Products Yamaha Pocketrak 2G Olympus LS-10 Linear PCM Recorder Bench Test Marantz PMD620 Flash Recorder TASCAM DR-1 Portable Digital Recorder Tips From The Pros: Location/Production Audio Prosumer Portables in a Pro World Studio News and New Products Apogee Ensemble Solid State Logic Duende Mini FireWire DSP Live News and New Products Avril Lavigne's The Best Damn Thing World Tour Behringer Eurolive B412DSP and B415DSP Active Loudspeakers Gear for FOH Engineers — A PAR Contributors’ Wish List Contracting News and New Products Buyer's Guide Single Slice

ProAudio Review - August 2008

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