Olympus VN-731PC, User Manual

Page 1: ...OICE RECORDER USER MANUAL Thank you for purchasing an Olympus digital voice recorder Please read these instructions for information about using the product correctly and safely Keep the instructions handy for future reference To ensure successful recording we recommend that you test the record function and volume before use ...

Page 2: ...theearphones 25 Fast forwarding 25 Rewinding 26 Skippingtothebeginningofafile 26 Changingtheplaybackspeed 29 A Brepeatplayback 30 Indexmarks tempmarks 31 Writinganindexmark tempmark 31 Erasinganindexmark tempmark 31 Erasingfiles 32 Erasingfiles 32 4 Menu Settingmenuitems 34 Basicoperation 34 Filemenu FileMenu 37 Preventingaccidentalfileerasure FileLock 37 Dividingafile FileDivide 37 Displayingfile...

Page 3: ...ironment 50 PCconnection disconnection 51 ConnectingthevoicerecordertoaPC 51 DisconnectingthevoicerecorderfromaPC 52 LoadingafiletoaPC 53 6 Other information Alarmmessagelist 54 Troubleshooting 55 Accessories optional 56 Copyrightandtrademarkinformation 57 Safetyprecautions 58 Specifications 62 Indications used in this manual NOTE Describes precautions and operations that should be absolutely avoi...

Page 4: ...ilt in speaker 7 Built in microphone 8 MENU button 9 LED indicator light LED 0 REC record s button 9 button FOLDER INDEX button button OK button ERASE button 0 button button STOP 4 button Battery cover Card USB connector cover also used as stand POWER HOLD switch USB connector q Strap hole 1 VN 733PC and VN 732PC models only 2 VN 731PC model only Names of parts ...

Page 5: ...layback indicator Slow playback indicator Fast forward indicator Fast rewind indicator 5 Elapsed recording time or playback time 6 Recording media indicator l Internal memory m microSD card 1 Possible recording time remaining 7 Meanings of indicators shown in indicator display area Rec Level VCVA V Sync Rec 1 Low Cut Filter Noise Cancel 2 Voice Balancer 2 Voice Filter 3 Play Mode 8 Recording forma...

Page 6: ...ressing and holding the STOP 4 button while the voice recorder is in stop mode displays the Time date and Remain amount of possible recording time remaining settings If the current date time is set incorrectly see Setting the date time Time Date P 46 ...

Page 7: ...g started 1 3 Insert the battery Getting started 2 3 Turn the power ON Getting started 3 3 Setting the date time Set the voice recorder s clock for use with file management Getting started 4 Selecting the mode Select either normal mode or simple mode Remove the screen protector on the display Getting started ...

Page 8: ...sal Battery indicator As the battery loses its remaining charge the battery indicator on the display changes as follows indicates there is little remaining battery charge Replace the battery with a fresh one When the battery has run out and Battery low appear and operation stops Battery precautions The voice recorder does not support manganese batteries Always turn power off before replacing the b...

Page 9: ...anguage and press the OK button to finalize the setting Setting the date time 1 Press the 9 or 0 button to select the item to set 2 Press the button to change the number To change the setting of another item press the 9 or 0 button to move the blinking cursor then press the or button to change the number 3 Press the OK button to finalize the setting TIP You can press the OK button during the setti...

Page 10: ...g TIP The mode can be switched even after setting Selecting the mode Mode Select P 47 Portable USB cable The provided Portable USB cable can be attached to the strap hole to carry it around VN 733PC and VN 732PC models only 1 Remove a strap from the Portable USB cable Pull out the strap while pressing the connector part 2 Attach a strap to the voice recorder 3 Attach a strap to the Portable USB ca...

Page 11: ...could damage its contact surface or cause it to jam in the slot A microSD card not inserted fully until it clicks into place might not record data 3 Closethecard USBconnectorcover The recording media selection screen appears after a microSD card has been inserted 4 To record onto the microSD card press the button and select Yes 5 Press the OK button to finalize the setting TIP You can also select ...

Page 12: ...e with the voice recorder and not be recognized properly For microSD card compatibility under Olympus verification please contact our customer support at http www olympus europa com Note that our customer support will provide information on microSD card manufacturers and card types for which Olympus has verified operation but will not guarantee it s performance Also note that some cards may no lon...

Page 13: ...e 1 Slide the POWER HOLD switch to the HOLD position Hold appears in the display and the recorder enters HOLD mode Releasing HOLD mode 1 Slide the POWER HOLD switch to position A shown below NOTE When any button is pressed during HOLD mode Hold appears in the display for 2 seconds No other operation is performed Setting HOLD mode during voice recorder playback or recording continues the playback o...

Page 14: ... second The playback stop position at power OFF is stored in the memory TIP Turning the power OFF whenever the voice recorder is not in use minimizes battery consumption Power Save mode When the voice recorder has been stopped for at least 5 minutes after power ON the display disappears and the voice recorder automatically enters the Power Save mode Pressing any button releases the Power Save mode...

Page 15: ...pecifying a recording date If you have forgotten in which folder a file has been saved this feature lets you access it quickly by entering its recording date VN 733PC and VN 732PC models only 1 Press the SCENE CALENDAR button while the voice recorder is in stop mode 2 Press the 9 or 0 button to select the desired date b a d c a Number of files saved recorded on selected date b Date file was record...

Page 16: ...file is saved in the selected folder 2 Point the built in microphone in the direction of the sound to record You can use the card USB connector cover as a stand when needed 3 Press the REC s button to start recording a c d e b a Rec mode b Elapsed recording time c Level meter changes according to recording volume and recording function setting d Remaining possible recording time e Recording level ...

Page 17: ... in the display When the remaining possible recording time is 60 seconds the LED indicator light starts flashing It flashes more rapidly as the remaining time decreases at the 30 and 10 second points When Folder full appears no more recording can be done To record more you will need to select a different folder or delete unneeded files P 32 If Memory full appears the voice recorder has no more ava...

Page 18: ...recording 1 Press the OK button during recording Monitoring while recording You can monitor the recording as you are making it by listening on the earphone plugged into the voice recorder s EAR jack Use the button to adjust the recording monitor volume The earphones are optional 1 Connect the earphones to the voice recorder s EAR jack To EAR jack Changing the volume will not affect the recording l...

Page 19: ...s humming sounds from equipment such as air conditioners or projectors VCVA P 39 Sets the trigger level for voice activated recording VCVA V Sync Rec P 40 Sets the trigger level for voice synchronized recording Rec Scene P 23 Used to select one of multiple preregistered templates of recording settings When selected each template enters several settings tailored to a particular recording location o...

Page 20: ...one microphone Telephone pickup TP8 set Rec Scene to Telephone Rec This allows you to record conversations on mobile and landline telephones clearly P 23 See Accessories optional P 56 for the compatible external microphones NOTE Connecting an external microphone to the voice recorder s MIC jack disables the built in microphone Microphones with plug in power supplies can be used When Rec Mode is se...

Page 21: ...r Duplication Auto Divide Files are automatically divided into each song when recording Duplication Timer Recording is saved to one file and stops when the previously set time has been reached 3 Press the OK button 4 Press the button to change the setting When Duplication Auto Divide was selected Cassette Suitable for sound sources with a lot of noise such as a cassette tape dubbed from a CD or re...

Page 22: ...hed NOTE Do not plug or unplug devices into voice recorder jacks while recording Perform adjustment of the recording level on the other device To ensure successful recording we recommend that you test the record function and volume before use In Duplication Auto Divide an original recording will be copied to separate files divided into each song by the signal level or the noise level of a silent p...

Page 23: ...ess and hold the SCENE CALENDAR button For VN 731PC Press the SCENE button while the voice recorder is in stop mode 2 Press the button to select the desired recording application You can choose from Dictation Meeting Conference Duplication Auto Divide P 21 Duplication Timer P 21 Telephone Rec P 20 DNS or Off TIP Rec Scene also can be set from the menu P 34 NOTE Recording menu settings cannot be ch...

Page 24: ...d playback time File length c Playback position bar indicator 3 Press the button to adjust the volume to the desired level The volume can be adjusted to a setting between 00 to 30 The higher the number the louder the volume 4 Press the STOP 4 button to stop playback The file being played stops right away The resume function automatically stores the playback stop position in memory The position is ...

Page 25: ...gh the earphones It may cause hearing damage or loss Fast forwarding Fast forwarding while the voice recorder is in stop mode 1 With the voice recorder stopped press and hold the 9 button Fast forwarding stops when you release the 9 button Press the OK button to start playback from the current position Fast forwarding during playback 1 Press and hold the 9 button during playback Playback starts fr...

Page 26: ...ng stops at the mark P 31 Rewinding stops when the beginning of the file is reached Press and hold the 0 button again to rewind from the end of the previous file Skipping to the beginning of a file Skipping to the beginning of the next file 1 Press the 9 button while the voice recorder is in stop mode or during playback Skipping to the beginning of the current file 1 Press the 0 button while the v...

Page 27: ...ransferred to the voice recorder is unplayable check that its sampling rate and bit rate values are within the supported ranges The sampling rate and bit rate combinations supported for music file playback by the voice recorder are shown below File format Sampling rate Bit rate MP3 format MPEG 1 Layer 3 32 kHz 44 1 kHz 48 kHz MPEG 2 Layer 3 16 kHz 22 05 kHz 24 kHz 8 to 320 kbps WMA format 8 kHz 11...

Page 28: ...tor noise or similar sounds Voice Balancer 1 P 42 Compensates low volume portions of recorded audio files during playback Voice Filter 2 P 42 Cuts low and high frequency components emphasizing voices for greater clarity Play Mode P 42 Selecting from among three playback modes Skip Space P 43 A handy function for quickly moving the playback position and playing short segments repeatedly 1 VN 733PC ...

Page 29: ...ayback operations such as stopping playback skipping to the beginning of a file and writing index marks temp marks are the same as during standard playback NOTE Altered playback speed settings are retained even after power OFF Changing the playback speed will make the battery deplete more quickly The function below cannot be used when changing the playback speed Noise Cancel P 42 Fast playback res...

Page 30: ...f the file is treated as the segment end position and repeat playback starts 3 Press the REC s button again when playback reaches the desired end position for A B repeat playback Segment A B is set and A B repeat playback starts 4 Press the STOP 4 button Playback stops The playback segment specified for this function is retained NOTE When an index or temp mark is written or erased during A B repea...

Page 31: ...porary markings They are automatically erased when you select a different file transfer the file to a PC or move the file on a PC You can write up to 99 index marks temp marks in a single file The message No more can be set appears if you attempt to write more than 99 marks You cannot write or erase index marks temp marks in files that have been locked by the file lock function P 37 Erasing an ind...

Page 32: ...der returns to the stop mode if no operation is performed for 8 seconds 3 Press the button to select All in folder or One file All in folder Erases all the files saved in the same folder as the selected file One file Erases only the selected file 4 Press the OK button 5 Press the button to select Start 6 Press the OK button Erasing appears in the display and the erasing process starts Erased appea...

Page 33: ... processes can take over 10 seconds to complete To prevent the risk of damage to data never attempt to perform any of the following processes before an erasing process has finished 1Removing the battery 2Removing the microSD card if the recording media has been set to microSD card VN 733PC and VN 732PC models only VN 733PC and VN 732PC models only When there is a microSD in the voice recorder be s...

Page 34: ...is in stop mode press the MENU button Go to Step 2 when in normal mode and go to Step 4 when in simple mode TIP Some menus contain items that can be set during recording playback P 36 2 Press the button to select the tab containing the item you want to set Moving the cursor from one tab to another switches the displayed menu screen 3 Press the OK button to move the cursor to the desired setting it...

Page 35: ...ing the 0 button instead of the OK button 8 Press the STOP 4 button to exit the menu screen When the menu screen is displayed during recording or playback press the MENU button to return to the previous screen without ending recording playback NOTE For menu settings done while the voice recorder is in stop mode the voice recorder exits the menu and returns to the stopped mode if no operation is pe...

Page 36: ...de Simple mode Rec Level Low Cut Filter VCVA LED Property Noise Cancel 1 Voice Balancer 1 Voice Filter 2 Play Mode Skip Space LED Skip Space 1 VN 733PC model only 2 VN 732PC model only Menu items that can be set during simple mode Rec Scene Skip Space Memory Select 1 Time Date Beep USB Settings 2 Mode Select Language 1 VN 733PC and VN 732PC models only 2 VN 733PC model only ...

Page 37: ...1 and the second half File name_2 NOTE Files cannot be divided if there are 199 files in the folder Locked files cannot be divided It may not be possible to divide some MP3 file with extremely short recording times To prevent the risk of data damage never remove the battery while dividing a file Displaying file information Property You can display the information of a file from a menu screen 1 Pre...

Page 38: ...e You can prioritize sound quality or recording time Select the recording mode that best matches your recording application MP3 192 kbps 1 MP3 128 kbps 1 WMA 64 kbps 2 WMA 32 kbps mono 3 WMA 5 kbps mono 3 1 VN 733PC and VN 732PC models only 2 VN 731PC model only 3 Mono recording TIP Sound quality increases as the recording rate value increases Setting a higher recording rate increases file size Ch...

Page 39: ... unneeded quiet segments when recording such as long silences during conferences saving memory On Turns VCVA on You can adjust the voice activation level used for VCVA Off Turns VCVA off Restores standard recording Adjusting the voice activation level for voice activated recording 1 Press the REC s button to start recording Recording pauses automatically about 1 second after the input sound become...

Page 40: ...23 V Sync Rec Voice sync recording function V Sync Rec The voice sync recording function automatically starts recording when a sound louder than a preset voice sync recording level detection level is detected and automatically stops recording when the sound volume level decreases When copying music from another device connected to the voice recorder use the voice sync recording function to detect ...

Page 41: ... the REC s button again The blinking message Standby appears in the display and the LED indicator light flashes Recording starts automatically if the input is louder than the voice sync level TIP The voice recorder automatically ends recording and returns to recording standby mode when the input sound has been below the voice sync level for at least the set detection time Each time the voice recor...

Page 42: ...sts low volume portions of audio files during playback making them louder Off The voice balancer function is disabled NOTE Using the Voice Balancer function will make the battery deplete more quickly Emphasizing voice more clearly Voice Filter During normal playback or fast slow playback the voice filter function cuts low and high frequency range tone and emphasizes voices making them more clearly...

Page 43: ...se Skip was selected File Skip 1 sec Skip to 3 sec Skip 5 sec Skip 10 sec Skip 30 sec Skip 1 min Skip 5 min Skip Repeat Repeatedly plays the files in the set range 2 Press the to button select a setting When Playback range was selected File Stops playback after the current file has been played Folder Plays all the files in the current folder consecutively stopping playback after the last file in t...

Page 44: ...e playback starts 05min 10min 9 Pressing the 0 button rewinds 5 minutes pressing the 9 button fast forwards 10 minutes and then the playback starts NOTE Forward reverse skip operations over a skip space that contains an index mark temp mark or the starting position of a file will stop at that mark or at the start position Forward reverse skip playback 1 Press the OK button to start playback 2 Pres...

Page 45: ...ight stays off Turning beeping sound ON OFF Beep The voice recorder makes beeping sounds when buttons are pressed or to warn in case of operation errors You can select whether the voice recorder makes these beeping sounds On Enables beeping sounds Off Disables beeping sounds Changing the display language Language You can select the language used in the voice recorder s displays Čeština Dansk Deuts...

Page 46: ...n to move the blinking cursor then press the or button to change the number 3 Press the OK button to finalize the setting TIP When setting the hour or minute each time you press the FOLDER INDEX button the display changes between the AM PM and 24 hour clock formats Example 10 38 PM 10 38 PM default format 22 38 When setting the year month or date each time you press the FOLDER INDEX button the dis...

Page 47: ...ed as a storage device AC Adapter Select to supply power from a PC or AC adapter Optional Select to confirm the connection method whenever making a USB connection TIP If the voice recorder is not recognized by the PC as an external memory device select PC for USB Settings If AC Adapter is selected for USB Settings the voice recorder will not be recognized if connected to a PC NOTE Remove the USB c...

Page 48: ...32PC model only 4 VN 731PC model only Formatting a recording media Format Formatting a recording media erases all existing files saved on it Be sure to transfer all important files to a PC before formatting For VN 731PC go to Step 3 1 Press the button to select the recording media to be formatted Internal memory Formats the internal memory microSD card Formats the microSD card VN 733PC and VN 732P...

Page 49: ...n correctly selected as the recording media to erase P 46 Even when formatting or erasing P 32 is performed only the file management information of the internal memory and or microSD card is updated and the recorded data is not completely erased When disposing of a microSD card be sure to destroy the card format the card and record silence until the recording time runs out or perform a similar ope...

Page 50: ...ments needed for using a USB connection to save files recorded by the voice recorder on a PC Even when the requirements for the operating environment are satisfied updated versions of OS multiboot environments self modified PCs will not be covered under the operational warranty When uploading or downloading a file to or from the voice recorder data transfer will continue as long as the voice recor...

Page 51: ...ame as the drive name If there is a microSD card in the voice recorder it can be used as the Removable Disk Macintosh The voice recorder is recognized and displayed on the desktop with the model name as the drive name If there is a microSD card in the voice recorder Untitled is displayed For information on the PC s USB port see the PC s user manual NOTE The voice recorder must not be in HOLD mode ...

Page 52: ...he window 2 Check that the voice recorder s LED indicator light is off before disconnecting the voice recorder from the PC Macintosh 1 Drag and drop the removable disk icon for the voice recorder shown on the desktop to the trash can icon 2 Check that the voice recorder s LED indicator light is off before disconnecting the voice recorder from the PC NOTE To prevent the risk of data damage never di...

Page 53: ... operating system it is recognized and displayed on the desktop with the model name as the drive name 2 Double click the removable disk icon labeled with your voice recorder s model name 3 Copy the desired data to the PC 4 Disconnect the voice recorder from the PC P 52 4 Voice recorder drive name and folder names on the PC FOLDER_D RECORDER FOLDER_C FOLDER_B FOLDER_A Drive name VN 733PC Folder nam...

Page 54: ...een written in the file Erase unneeded temp marks P 31 Folder full The maximum number of files 200 have been saved in the folder Erase unneeded files P 32 Memory error An internal memory error occurred Contact the Olympus Customer Support Center back cover Card error VN 733PC and VN 732PC models only The microSD card was not recognized correctly Remove and reinsert the microSD card P 11 P 12 Memor...

Page 55: ... been reached Select another folder P 15 Playback is inaudible The earphones are connected to the EAR jack To output the playback through the built in speaker disconnect the earphones The volume is set to 00 Adjust the volume P 24 Unable to erase a file The file is locked You must unlock the file before you can erase it P 37 The file is a read only file Unlock the file or undo the read only settin...

Page 56: ...p to about 12 meters to capture sound from a broad range ME52W mono microphone unidirectional Designed to record sound from a distance while minimizing the impact of surrounding noise ME15 mono tie clip microphone omnidirectional A small unobtrusive microphone that comes with a tie clip TP8 telephone pickup microphone An earphone microphone that can be worn in the ear during phone calls Clearly ca...

Page 57: ...prohibits unauthorized reproduction of this manual or unauthorized distribution of reproductions thereof Note that Olympus will assume no liability in the event of damages lost earnings or any claims from third parties resulting from improper use of the product Trademarks and registered trademarks IBM and PC AT are trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation ...

Page 58: ... is handled incorrectly Voice recorder safety precautions f WARNING s Do not use the voice recorder in an atmosphere that might contain flammable or explosive gases It may cause fire or explosion s Do not attempt to disassemble repair or modify the voice recorder It may cause electric shock or injury s Do not operate the voice recorder while operating a vehicle such as a bicycle motorcycle or car ...

Page 59: ...ming caught on other items f CAUTION s Do not raise the volume before performing an operation Hearing damage or loss may result Batteries f DANGER s Do not place the battery near ignition sources s Do not incinerate heat or disas semble the battery Do not short circuit the battery s positive and negative electrodes It may cause fire ruptures combustion or overheating s Do not solder connections di...

Page 60: ...h of infants and children The battery could be swallowed by an infant or child If swallowed go to doctor immediately s If you notice abnormal sound heat burning odor or smoke from the voice recorder during use 1Remove the battery immediately taking care not to injure yourself 2Have the voice recorder repaired by your place of purchase or an Olympus service center Continued use may result in fire o...

Page 61: ...ing from recorded data damage or loss regardless of the nature or cause thereof Recorded file precautions Note that Olympus will assume no liability for recorded files being erased or becoming unplayable due to voice recorder or PC failure Recording of copyrighted material is permitted when the recording is for your personal use only Any other type of use without the permission of the copyright ow...

Page 62: ...ard 1 Supports card capacities ranging from 2 to 32 GB Some recording media memory capacity is used as a management area so the actual usable capacity will always be slightly less than the displayed capacity 4 Speaker Built in 28 mm diameter round dynamic speaker 4 MIC jack 3 5 mm diameter Impedance 2 kΩ 4 EAR jack 3 5 mm diameter Impedance 8 Ω minimum 4 Power source Battery AAA dry cell battery m...

Page 63: ...l battery life figures will vary greatly according to the battery used and usage conditions Changing the playback speed or using the Voice Balancer and Voice Filter functions may affect the battery life VN 733PC and VN 732PC models only Battery life will be shorter when using a microSD card 4 When recording from MIC jack MP3 format 1 192 kbps 70 Hz to 19 kHz 128 kbps 70 Hz to 17 kHz WMA format 64 ...

Page 64: ...600 hours approx 64 hours approx VN 731PC 2 GB 63 hours approx 126 hours approx 790 hours approx microSD card 1 32 GB 2070 hours approx 12960 hours approx 515 hours approx 16 GB 1030 hours approx 6460 hours approx 258 hours approx 8 GB 510 hours approx 3210 hours approx 128 hours approx 1 VN 733PC and VN 732PC models only 2 Rec Scene NOTE Actual available recording times may be shorter than the fi...

Page 65: ...te that voice recorder specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice for performance improvements or other upgrading 4 MP3 format 1 Recording mode Recording time 192 kbps 49 hours 40 minutes approx 128 kbps 74 hours 30 minutes approx 1 VN 733PC and VN 732PC models only 4 WMA format Recording mode Recording time 64 kbps 2 26 hours 40 minutes approx 32 kbps 26 hours 40 min...

Page 66: ...se do not throw the equipment into the domestic refuse Please use the return and collection systems available in your country for the disposal of this product Applicable Product VN 733PC VN 732PC VN 731PC This symbol crossed out wheeled bin Directive 2006 66 EC Annex II indicates separate collection of waste batteries in the EU countries Please do not throw the batteries into the domestic refuse P...

Page 67: ...nds Norway Poland Portugal Russia Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom Please note some mobile phone services provider do not permit access or request an additional prefix to 800 numbers For all not listed European Countries and in case that you can t get connected to the above mentioned number please make use of the following CHARGED NUMBER 49 40 237 73 899 OLYMPUS IMAGING AUSTRALIA PTY LTD Gr...