Handheld recorders: Olympus vs chinese brand

[Take]

Hi SSLovers,

I purchased a second hand Olympus a few months ago (following the recommendation from another user). I was happy with the quality of the recordings as well as how sensitive the mic is. Together with the USB recorder I thought I could have more options to capture nice moments.

So I decided to buy another handheld, this time the main condition would be that don't need AA or AAA batteries to run (like the Olympus has). So I purchased a new handheld recorder from this worldwide known chinese website, and I made some tests at home to compare between the Olympus and the modern handheld recorder. Based on the specs, the new recorder should outperform the Olympus: is stereo and can record at 1536kbps.

But when I analyzed both audios in Audacity, I was surprised how the Olympus made a more clear spectrum of all the sounds while the modern handheld was almost flat all the way. I thought, maybe built mic is rubish, so I connected the external mic that came with it, and the result was even worst, only crispy noises were recorded.

I decided to return this modern handheld as is useless compared with the Olympus.

Just wanted to share all this info, as there are always doubts on what to get to begin recording nice moments.

Here are some pics of both recorders and audacity's capture where you can see the difference on the sounds capture (same video from youtube, and recorders were placed behind the door, trying to simulate what we all know).

Any handheld recommendations (or USB) are wellcome!

5798400184441488943.jpg

audacity.jpg

[mrgraham99]

I've got the older model Olympus DM550, sill works perfectly.

As we've already discussed, the self charging USB type devices are the way to go, albeit the quality doesn't match the Olympus

[Take]

I've got the older model Olympus DM550, sill works perfectly.

As we've already discussed, the self charging USB type devices are the way to go, albeit the quality doesn't match the Olympus

So that seems the reality, good brands like Olympus have a great quality forever, while the new cheap staff can't get close to that quality.

I agree with you as the way to go is USB self charged devices. Somehow, those USB from well known brands are still pricy to consider buying one just for this hobbie.

[Serg05+]

Hello Take. What settings do you use in the Olympus voice recorder to achieve maximum sensitivity of the internal microphone?

[Serg05+]

And reveal the secret. Should we expect your wonderful works from you soon?

[Take]

Hello Take. What settings do you use in the Olympus voice recorder to achieve maximum sensitivity of the internal microphone?

Hey Serg05+,

This test was done last year, a few weeks after the test I acquired 2 more handheld recorders (both Olympus), because I was happy with the first one I have.
So it really depends on the handheld recorder, if is mono or stereo... if it's classified in the upper, mid or low range of the brand etc etc.

From the last 2 I acquired (not shown in this test), I use mic level high with no scene selected and low filter off. But in the VN-8700 (mono with internal and stereo with external microphones) I use mic level low with external sensitive microphones.
One of the recorders can also be configured on how wide you want to capture de sound, in this case I put maximum angle (the widest).

That being said, I would recommend mic level high and no scene or scene in "convention" mode to capture the maximum sounds possible.
Are you planning to buy one? or do you have one already?

And reveal the secret. Should we expect your wonderful works from you soon?

I've been in a couple of hotels the last 2 months, I could capture something but really low and short. It's a pity. I want to go back to the "the night was alive" hotel, I miss that. Will share as soon as I get something interesting.

[Take]

Hello Take. What settings do you use in the Olympus voice recorder to achieve maximum sensitivity of the internal microphone?

You can take a look to the capsules I tested. There are some really sensitive, way more than the internal mics on the handheld recorders.

Here is the test:
viewtopic.php?t=13002&sid=def51af400072 ... 42f5d9defa