Olympus DM-450 / DM-550

19.08.2010

Today, Olympus released its new series of digital audio recorders: the Olympus DM-450 and the Olympus DM-550. They are the successors of the highly successful and approved DS-50/55 series. The street price is at about 137 euros (DM-450) and 170 euros (DM-550) respectively, VAT included.

Addition from 08-14-09: Today we were able to extensively test one of the first DM-550s in Europe. We are thrilled! The recording quality and menu navigation are absolutely superb. This is what we think:

Addition from 08-31-2009: The official Olympus DM-450/DM-550 info sheet. 

Addition from 09-30-2009: The Olympus DM-550 achieved the best price-performance-ratio in our large digital recorder benchmark test 

Design

We went to Olympus, Hamburg, to inspect the new recorder first hand. The new DM-450 is handsome and classy. The look quite reminds of us the previous series and yet, the DM-450 and DM-550 show great detailed improvements. The processing quality is flawless; the cover is made of metal and solid as rock. It is comfortable to grip but, nevertheless, is at the same time not bigger in size than its predecessor (it's about as big as the chocolate bar which is named after one of our fellow planets).

The control elements on the front are more visibly placed. The central area of operation in the front is labeled more efficiently and the display shows more information while it remains at the same time easy to read. One may be surprised by the key “scene”, which allows to change the sensitivity of the microphone. Therefore, it enables to choose a mode of recording such as auditorium, conversation or other – very handy!

The menu navigation itself has not changed very much and can mostly be operated without using the manual. The record, start and stop keys remain at the side of the device and can easily be felt because of their slightly heightened profile.

The main difference is that the microphone is not removable anymore. As a consequence, the device becomes more stable and a potential weakness is remedied: the loss or damage of the mike. Unfortunately, the microphone can now not be clipped to the tie anymore. This was cleverly solved for the DS-65 using cable remote control. However, this is the only tiny disadvantage of the new DS-450 but, of course, external tie clip microphones can still be attached.

Recording format and capacity

Finally! Olympus realized the significance of recording directly in MP3 format and now offers this feature as well. Consequently, all recordings can now be directly played on a Mac or Linux computer. In addition, the DM-550 supports recording in uncompressed WAV files. The DM-550 also allows automatic and manual rejectionwhereas the DM-450 merely has automatic rejection.

Olympus also worked on the battery and memory capacity. Saving is now possible on an exchangeable micro SD card as well. Depending on the model there are between 2 or 4 GB of memory available (twice as much as before). In MP3 format this corresponds to 35 or 69 hours of recording time.

According to Olympus, the battery life is now up to 50 hours. We will check this as soon as possible. If true, it would be a blessing for every rental office and of course for our environment. The rechargeable batteries which, for the DM-550, are included in delivery can directly be charged via USB port – no power supply needed!

Voice guidance menu

The DM series, just as the DS series, has a voice guided menu, which makes it easier to operate the device blindly. The current menu item is read out aloud and when turning on the device one gets information about the battery status. For experienced listeners there is the option to greatly speed up the messages of the voice guidance. This makes the DM series become a suitable solution for blind or visually handicapped persons that comes at a reasonable price. The voice guided menu is preinstalled in 6 languages. If you have any questions regarding the voice guidance feel free to ask our colleague Mr. Georgi (06421-933426).

Accessories

The new Olympus Software “Sonority”, which allows for the management of podcast subscriptions, music or audio books, is included in delivery. A power supply is available, however, this option is not really necessary anymore. The package content of the DM-550 includes a case. We recommend an external tie clip microphone (where necessary) and, of course, essential accessory for transcription and recording (such as foot switch and software). 

The same infrared remote control which is accessory for the LS-10, can be used for operating the DM series- very smart. On the one hand, the remote control can be used for both types of devices (for those who enjoy the luxury of owning both), on the other hand, it allows a neat and simple, wireless control of the recording from up to 6 meters distance and this at an extra charge of only 59 euros.  

Addition from 08-28-2009: After the first DM-550 for sale arrived at our place today, and were tested by us, we were delighted to notice that the case, which is included in delivery, can convert into a mini-tripod for table-use by folding down the holder on the case. A very well thought out feature! 

Addition from 01-29-2010: For all of those who are on an outdoor mission, the sounds of wind are an annoying side-effect. It's a pity, that Olympus doesn't offer a wind jammer, like with its LS series. That's why we initiated that a wind jammer – Tribble be made and included it in our range of products. It noticeably reduces the existing sounds of wind and can easily be attached. By this, it doesn't interfere with the recording key or earphone output. In our test recording we tested the wind setting with the help of a fan – listen to the recordings yourself! The matter of expense is only 29 euros.

Differences between the DM-450 and DM-550

Recording quality

Addition from 08-14-09: Today we were able to test one of the first DM-550 in Europe. We're impressed! Recording quality and menu guidance are amazing!

While its predecessor showed audible compression effects (clinking), the recordings are now clear and nearly noiseless. The quality is therefore close to, or partially even better, than that of recorders such as the Zoom H2 or Tascam DR-07.

Conclusion

Olympus did a good job with the improvement of its DS series. The new DM-450 and the DM-550 have turned out real nicely. The Olympus DM series convinced us on the spot. What we like most, apart from the recording quality, the features and the processing, is the pricing – only 149 euros for a recording device of this remarkable quality. This is setting new standards!

 

We make our living by selling recorders. Therefore, we are of course not thoroughlyunbiased.

Nevertheless, our concern is to display the products as transparent as possible and therefore provide justified information which is far from just being an advertising promise and is more than just technical data. If you would like to support our work, we are looking forward to your purchase in our online shop.