Olympus LS-3 Linear PCM Recorder: the smallest device to capture the purest, better-than-CD-quality sound

Professional sound for anyone and anywhere 

It's just what users have been waiting for - highest quality audio recording matched with a pocket-sized format.  


The easy-to-use Olympus LS-3 joins the coveted family of LS audio recorders, sharing the awe-inspiring studio-grade sound capture capabilities in 96kHz/24bit Linear PCM format.  


It comes hot on the heels of the legendary LS-11 model but at approximately half the size and weight. And offers a surprising extra: a Pre-Record Buffer that captures several seconds of audio before the record button is pressed. This means that the vital start of a song, chirping of a bird or whatever is being recorded need never again be missed.  


Joining its two angled condenser microphones is an omni-directional mic, which improves the capture of low frequencies for truly natural stereo with expansive bass feeling. And enhancing sound purity in situations with background sounds is a switchable two-level low-cut filter.  


The sleek, aluminium-bodied Olympus LS-3 is high on features, is attractive in price and is the most compact LS model ever. It becomes available from August 2011 at a recommended price of £189.99.

 



Pureness of sound

While the MP3 and WMA file formats ensure recording ease and flexibility, the hallmark characteristic of the Olympus LS-3 is its ability to capture sound in uncompressed 96kHz/24bit Linear PCM studio-quality format. Crisp, clear audio is thereby recorded and reproduced as an exact sonic reflection of the sounds of nature, voice or music - whichever is your preference. Its orchestra of microphones is key to capturing audio as purely as possible. Besides two condenser stereo mics positioned at 90 degree angles - as known from its sister LS models - the LS-3 adds a third microphone in the centre. This omni-directional mic ensures the bass range frequency response extends to a punchy 20Hz. An external microphone interface is also provided to satisfy special recording needs. And with 4GB of internal memory and a microSD(HC) card slot, users can capture audio to their heart's content. 

A cut ahead of the rest

Ambient sound recording is given a boost thanks to a switchable low-cut filter with two levels. Unwanted background noises generated, for instance, from air conditioners or projectors of 100Hz and lower (level 1) or 300Hz and lower (level 2) are thereby cut out to encapsulate more of the intended rich audio. A further highlight joins the LS-3's enviable list of features: a Pre-Record Buffer. This gives users a real head start in recording by enabling the capture of the decisive several seconds of sound occurring before the record button has even been pressed.  

Besides the VCVA function, which enables automatic commencement and continuation of recordings in a single file when audio levels exceed a certain threshold, the LS-3 also incorporates Voice sync recording. This feature also captures audio without silent pauses, yet saves the recorded sections in multiple files. 

The intuitive operation of this model is supported by a clever Voice Guidance system. It provides audio prompts on features, which is especially useful for visually challenged users. Ensuring accessibility for literally everyone is proof of the outstanding elaborated product design concept for easy operation.   

Recording and playback scene setting functions can be defined according to the situation and saved for further recordings in the same environment. File management is a breeze, too: users can change folder names and set index marks during recording and playback. Recorded files can be divided, partially erased and moved or copied between internal memory and microSD card. Further versatility is afforded thanks to the included Olympus Sonority software. It ensures that the management and editing of audio files is easy - on both PC and Mac.   

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A feast for the senses
 
No matter which way you look at it, the Olympus LS-3 screams for attention. Besides its convincing high-performance sound and features, this latest model is also a treat to have and behold. Its striking aluminium body is smaller and lighter than the other PCM Recorders, yet the LS-3 remains extremely ergonomic. Operation is a cinch, not least due to the user-friendly thumb pad and the informative 4.3cm (1.69") backlit LCD. 

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LS-3 Linear PCM Recorder - Main Features

  • Linear PCM (up to 96kHz/24bit), MP3 and WMA file formats
  • Two condenser stereo microphones and an omni-directional microphone for capturing true stereo sound and lower bass ranges
  • Adjustable mic sensitivity & zoom mic functions
  • Low-cut filter with 2 levels (Record mode)
  • Voice and Noise filter (Playback)
  • Pre-Record Buffer
  • Seamless playback and playback speed control
  • Indexing function
  • File editing: divide and partially erase
  • File transfer and copying
  • Voice guidance
  • Voice activation (VCVA) and Voice sync recording
  • Equipped with EUPHONY MOBILE which combines bandwidth correction, expansion technology, and virtual acoustical source processing technology
  • Reverb function to enjoy the reverberant sound of various space sizes from the recording studio to the dome
  • 4GB internal memory and microSD(HC) card slot
  • USB charging function


Box Contents

  • LS-3
  • USB cable
  • Strap
  • Carrying Case
  • Windscreen
  • 2x Ni-MH rechargeable batteries
  • Olympus Sonority software

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