The Olympus DS 4000 is a compact digital voice recorder which can be used on its own as a pocket memo device, or which can be used with compatible accessories to allow dictated audio files to be sent over the internet for transcription by others.
This sale is for the recorder (with still sealed memory card) plus the following accessories:
* Docking station with USB connecting lead + Power Lead
* Mains power supply
* Leather-effect carrying case with belt-clip
* Dead rechargeable battery (included so you can buy a replacement if you require) + Battery Case
So far as I have been able to test it, the equipment is in working order - the DS 4000 recorder functions as it should, the mains adapter output measures 5.2 volts (under no-load conditions) and the recorder's re-chargeable battery can charge when connected to a computer's USB port via the docking station. I haven't been able to test the uploading of files as I don't have the software CD, however dictation files in .DSS format are visible in Windows Explorer when the recorder is connected to a PC via the docking station. The rechargeable battery is included but DOESN'T HOLD CHARGE due to its age, however the recorder can be powered by two AAA batteries instead of the rechargeable battery if required.
Digital Speech Standard (DSS) is a proprietary compressed digital audio file format defined by the International Voice Association, a co-operative venture by Olympus, Philips and Grundig. An online converter is available to convert .DSS files to MP3 format at https://convertio.co/dss-mp3/
Compatible accessories are widely available from other eBay sellers and elsewhere. The DS 4000 has a built-in microphone and loudspeaker, it also has 3.5 mm Jack sockets to allow an external microphone and/or earphone to be connected if preferred. With the included memory card, maximum recording time, as shown on the LCD display, is over 5 hours in standard mode, or over 10 hours in long-play mode.
Its metal case gives it an air of quality.
Further product details from a supplier's website (Dictaphones.co.uk). I am not able to verify the accuracy of this 3rd party information:
Perhaps the most innovative aspect of the DS-4000 is its "true slide switch" located below the microphone. It's contoured to the thumb for smooth control of record, stop, play and review functions all with the same switch. This model is as equally high-powered as it is versatile with the ability to record 11 hours of audio with the included 16MB x D-Picture Card™, the same memory media used in Olympus Digital Cameras (memory expandable with cards of up to 512MB). The dual purpose USB docking station permits fast downloading of voice files and additionally acts as a charger for convenient dictation. The DS-4000 really excels on network environments. Using the DSS Player Pro Software, voice files can be placed on the network immediately and then processed. The name of the author and work group, the priority of a recording and status of the files, are displayed in an overview, ensuring secure and uncomplicated access to the correct file. This way, information can be quickly and simply retrieved, processed and archived.
| Recording Format | DSS (Digital Speech Standard) |
| Recording Media | xD-Picture Card: 16 to 512 MB |
| Input Level | –70 dBv |
| Sampling Frequency | SP mode: 12 kHz
LP mode: 8 kHz |
| Overall Frequency Response | SP mode: 300 to 5,000 Hz
LP mode: 300 to 3,000 Hz |
| Recording Time (32MB Card) | SP mode: 5 hours 10 minutes
LP mode: 11 hours 5 minutes |
| Alkaline Battery Life** | Recording: Approx. 16 hours
Playback: Approx. 9 hours |
| Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery Life | Recording: Approx. 12 hours
Playback: Approx. 8 hours |
| Speaker | Built-in ø28 mm round dynamic speaker |
| MIC/EAR jack | ø3.5 mm mini-jack, impedance MIC 2 kOhm, EAR 8Ohm or more |
| Maximum Working Output (3 V DC) | 180 mW or more (8Ohm speaker) |
| Input Power Requirement | Rated voltage: 3 V |
| Batteries | Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery Pack (BR402) or
2 x AAA batteries (LR03 or R03) or
2 x Ni-MHrechargeable batteries (BR401) |
| External Dimensions | 110.2 x 50.0 x 16.9 mm (without protrusions) |
| Weight | 103 g Including Ni-MH rechargeable batterypack (BR402)
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