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 recordings, we recommend that you test the record function and volume before use.

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Before using your new recorder, read this manual carefully to ensure that you know how to operate it safely and correctly. Keep this manual in an easily accessible location for future reference.

???The warning symbols indicate important safety related information. To protect yourself and others from personal injury or damage to property, it is essential that you always read the warnings and information provided.

fDanger

If the product is used without observing the information given under this symbol, serious injury or death may result.

fWarning

If the product is used without observing the information given under this symbol, injury or death may result.

fCaution

If the product is used without observing the information given under this symbol, minor personal injury, damage to the equipment, or loss of valuable data may result.

Convention used in this manual

???The word ???card??? is used to refer to the SD card.

???The word ???DSS Player??? is used to refer to the DSS Player Standard Dictation Module in Windows environment and DSS Player in Apple Macintosh environment.

???The Notes at the bottom of a page are used for additional information, exceptions, or related events.

???Words in uppercase form such as PLAY or REC are used to describe a function or button on the recorder.

Caution for usage environment

???To protect the high-precision technology contained in this product, never leave the recorder in the places listed below, no matter if in use or storage:

???Places where temperatures and/or humidity are high or go through extreme changes. Direct sunlight, beaches, locked cars, or near other heat sources (stove, radiator, etc.) or humidifiers.

???Near flammable items or explosives.

???In wet places, such as bathrooms or in the rain.

???In places prone to strong vibrations.

???Never drop the recorder or subject it to severe shocks or vibrations.

???The recorder may malfunction if it is used in a location where it is subject to a magnetic/ electromagnetic field, radio waves, or high voltage, such as near a TV set, microwave, video game, loud speakers, large monitor unit, TV/radio tower, or transmission towers. In such cases, turn the recorder off and on again before further operation.

???Avoid recording or playing back near cellular phones or other wireless equipment, as they may cause interference and noise. If you experience noise, move to another place, or move the recorder further away from such equipment.

???Do not use organic solvents such as alcohol and lacquer thinner to clean the unit.

Warning regarding data loss:

??? Recorded content in memory may be destroyed or erased by operating mistakes, unit malfunction, or during repair work. It is recommended to back up and save important content to other media such as a computer hard disk.

??? Any liability for passive damages or damage of any kind occurred due to data loss incurred by a defect of the product, repair performed by the third party other than Olympus, an Olympus authorized service station or any other reason is excluded from the Olympus liability.

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Safe and proper usage

???Keep batteries out of the reach of children.

???If you notice anything unusual when using this product, such as abnormal noise, heat, smoke, or a burning odor:

1remove the battery immediately, taking care not to burn yourself, and;

2call your dealer or local Olympus representative for service.

???Do not expose the rechargeable batteries to water. Do not allow water to contact the terminals.

???Do not remove or damage the battery insulating sheet.

???Do not use the batteries if you find something wrong with them such as leakage, color change or deformity.

???Unplug the charger if the charging is still incomplete after the specified time it should take.

???Should any battery liquid get on skin or clothing, promptly wash it off with clean water.

???Keep batteries away from fire.

LCD monitor

???The LCD used for the monitor is made with high-precision technology. However, black spots or bright spots of light may appear on the LCD monitor. Due to its characteristics or the angle at which you are viewing the monitor, the spot may not be uniform in color and brightness. This is not a malfunction.

Memory Card

fWarning:

???Do not touch the card contacts. This may damage the card.

???Do not place the card in locations with static electricity.

???Store the card in a location that is out of the reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, consult a physician immediately.

fCaution:

???Do not subject batteries to strong shocks.

???Do not use batteries of different types, voltages, and/or brand names.

???Rechargeable battery is exclusively for use with Olympus digital voice recorder DS-2500.

???There is a risk of explosion if the battery is replaced with the incorrect battery type.

???Dispose of the used battery following the instructions.

???Please recycle batteries to help save our planet???s resources. When you throw away dead batteries, be sure to cover their terminals and always observe local laws and regulations.

???Always charge a rechargeable battery when using it for the first time, or if it has not been used for a long period.

???Rechargeable batteries have limited lifetime. When the operating time becomes shorter even if the rechargeable battery is fully charged, replace it with a new one.

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Main features

s Support type of memory: SD card (??? P.9).

s Three programmable smart buttons F1, F2 and F3.

s Recording and storing voice in Digital Speech Standard Pro (DS2 format).

sTwo recording modes, QP (Quality Playback) mode or SP (Standard Playback) mode (??? P. 26).

s Overwrite Recording and Insert Recording (partial insertion) available (??? P.24, P.25).

sSupports USB 2.0. High-Speed, which enables high-speed data transmission from the recorder to your computer.

s Five folders and up to 200 files per folder, for a maximum of 1,000 recordings (??? P.22). s It has a built-in Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA) function (??? P.28).

s Large LCD screen with backlight.

sIndex mark function which is useful to search particular points in the dictation files (??? P.38).

s DSS Player software included (??? P.53).

This recorder uses memory in the form of SD card memory.

Compatible cards

The recorder supports cards with memory capacity between 512 MB to 32 GB.

Settings and operating environment relating to the card

Check the latest operating information on the Olympus homepage (http://www.olympus. com) when using cards other than the included card. In addition, refer to the following pages as well when handling the card.

???Inserting and ejecting a SD card (??? P.19).

???Formatting the card [Format] (??? P.50).

SD card

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SD card

1 Card lock

SD card is equipped with a lock function. When the lock function is used, important data is protected by preventing it from being accidentally overwritten or erased.

When the lock function is set [] will appear on the display.

Check card information [Card Info.]

Information such as the memory capacity and remaining memory for installed cards can be displayed on the recorder (??? P.40).

Card Info.

SD

Remain 540MB

Capacity 2.0GB

BACKEXIT

Notes

???When initializing (formatting) a card, confirm that no necessary data is stored on the memory card beforehand. Initialization completely erases the existing data on the card.

???In some cases cards which have been formatted (initialized) by another device, such as a computer, cannot be recognized. Be sure to format them with this recorder before using.

???The card has a service life. When reaching the end of its life, writing or erasing data on the card will be disabled. In this case, replace the card.

???If you use a PC card adapter compatible with the card to save or delete some data on the card, the maximum recording time on the card may be decreased. To recover the original recording time, initialize/format the card in the recorder.

???Olympus will not be held liable for any data corruption or loss due to misuse of the media card.

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card Memory

2Index area

For writing down information identifying card or content.

3Contact area

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Identification

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parts of

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1SD card slot

2Built-in microphone

3NEW button

4REC button

5REW button

6FF button

7STOP button

8POWER/HOLD switch

9ERASE button

0EAR (Earphone) jack !MIC (Microphone) jack @Record indicator light

#Display (LCD panel)

$+ (Volume) button

%Fast Forward (9) button

^PLAY/OK button

&Smart button (F1,F2,F3) *Rewind (0) button (??? (Volume) button

)Built-in speaker -Battery cover

=PC (USB) terminal qCradle connector

wBattery cover release button

7 8

1 QP DICT Ni

DS2500

2025/030 9

3EF

Display in the recording mode

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Inserting batteries

This recorder can be used with either Ni-MH rechargeable batteries or AAA alkaline batteries.

???When charging with the recorder, be sure to use the supplied Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (BR404).

???The supplied rechargeable batteries are not fully charged. Before using the recorder or after long periods of disuse, it is recommended that you continuously charge them until full (??? P.14, P.15).

1Lightly press down on the battery cover release button, then open the battery cover.

2Insert batteries, observing the correct polarity as shown in the illustration below, then close the battery cover.

Cautions concerning the battery

fWarning:

???Using batteries for which part or all of the external coating (insulating sheath) is peeling off or batteries which have ruptured may cause fluid leaks, overheating, and explosions. For this reason such batteries should absolutely not be used.

???Commercially available batteries for which part or all of the external coating (insulation sheath) has been peeled off should absolutely not be used.

Unusable batteries

Batteries for which the entire external coating (insulating sheath) is peeled o??? (naked batteries), or those where it has partially been peeled o???.

Notes

???Manganese batteries may not be used in this recorder.

???When changing batteries, AAA alkaline batteries or Olympus Ni-MH rechargeable batteries are recommended.

???Be sure to turn OFF the recorder before replacing the batteries. Removing the batteries while the recorder is in use may corrupt the card. If you are recording into a ???le and the batteries run out, you will lose your currently recorded ???le since the ???le header will not be written. It is crucial to replace the batteries when one hash mark is shown in the battery icon.

???Be sure to replace both batteries at the same time.

???Never mix old and new batteries, or batteries of different types and/or brands.

???If it takes longer than 15 minutes to replace the dead batteries or if you take the batteries in and out repeatedly at short intervals, you may have to redo the battery and time settings. In this case, the [Battery] screen will appear. For more details, see ???Battery settings???.

???Remove the batteries if you are not going to use the recorder for an extended period of time.

???When replacing rechargeable batteries, be sure to use Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (optional). The use of other manufacturers??? products can damage the recorder and should be avoided.

Battery settings

Select to match the battery you are using.

1Replace the batteries and turn on the recorder (??? P.12).

2Press the + or ??? button to change the setting.

Battery

Ni-MH

Alkaline

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[Ni-MH] (??):

Select when using the Olympus Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (BR404).

[Alkaline] (??):

Select when using alkaline batteries.

3Press the PLAY/OK button to complete the setting.

???If the ???Hour??? indicator flashes in the display, see ???Setting time and date [Time & Date]???

(??? P.20).

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Charging by connecting to a computer via

USB

You can charge the batteries by connecting to a PC???s USB port. When charging, be sure to correctly place the rechargeable batteries (supplied) into the recorder (??? P.12).

Before connecting the USB cable, exit HOLD mode (??? P.18).

Do not charge primary batteries such as alkaline or lithium batteries. It may cause battery leakage or heating, which may cause the recorder to malfunction.

4Press the PLAY/OK button to start charging.

Press OK to start charging

Remote (Storage)

???While [Press OK to start charging] is flashing, press the PLAY/OK button.

5Charging is completed when battery indication becomes to [??].

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1Boot the PC.

2Connect the USB cable to the USB port of the PC.

3While the recorder is in stop mode or turned off, connect the USB cable to the connecting terminal on the bottom of the recorder.

Battery Full

Remote (Storage)

Charging time: approximately 3 hours *

*It shows the approximate time when charging rechargeable batteries fully from no remaining power at the room temperature. The charging time will be changed depending on the remaining amount and the state of batteries.

Notes

???The recorder cannot be charged when the PC is not turned on. It may not also be charged when the PC is in standby, hibernate, or sleep mode.

???Do not charge the recorder with the USB hub connected.

Connecting the USB-type AC adapter (optional) to charge

It can be charged by connecting to the USB connecting AC adapter (A514) (optional).

???Before connecting the AC adapter, switch the USB connection setting to [AC Adapter] (??? P.48).

???Before connecting the USB cable, exit HOLD mode (??? P.18).

3While the recorder is in stop mode or turned off, connect the USB cable to the connecting terminal on the bottom of the recorder.

To the USB connector

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1Plug the recorder???s USB cable into the AC adapter.

To the USB connecting AC adapter???s (A514) USB connector.

4Press the PLAY/OK button to start charging.

Press OK to start charging

2 Plug the AC adapter into AC outlet.

To the

AC outlet

???While [Press OK to start charging] is flashing, press the PLAY/OK button.

5Charging is completed when [Battery Full] is displayed.

Battery Full

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Notes

???Insert the supplied rechargeable battery and set [Battery] to [Ni-MH]. If [Battery] is set to [Alkaline], you cannot recharge (??? P.13).

???You cannot charge when [??]*1 or [???]*2

blinks. Charge the batteries at a temperature in

the range of 5??C to 35??C (41??F to 95??F).

*1 [??]: When the surrounding temperature is low.

*2 [???]: When the surrounding temperature is high.

???When using time becomes notably short even after the batteries are fully charged, replace them with new ones.

???Be sure to push the USB connector all the way in. Otherwise, the recorder may not operate properly.

???Be sure to use the included dedicated USB cable. If any other company???s cable is used, it may lead to malfunction of the recorder. Also, never use this dedicated cable with any other company???s products.

???If selecting [Composite] in the USB connection settings:

-Charge will not be possible if the recorder is operating. Charge will start 1 minute after the end of the operation.

-Charge may not be possible depending on the application in use on the computer connected.

???In case you would like to charge using the [Composite] setting, select [Optional] in the USB connection settings, then connect the USB cable to the recorder. Selecting [AC Adapter] at the [USB Connect] display will enable you to charge (??? P.48).

Cautions concerning the rechargeable batteries

Read the following descriptions carefully when you use the Ni-MH rechargeable batteries.

Discharging:

Rechargeable batteries self-discharge while not in use. Be sure to charge them regularly before use.

Operating temperature:

The rechargeable batteries are chemical products. The rechargeable batteries efficiency may fluctuate even when operating within the recommended temperature range. This is an inherent nature of such products.

Recommended temperature range:

When operating appliance:

0??C - 42??C/ 32??F - 107.6??F

Charging:

5??C - 35??C/ 41??F - 95??F

Storage for a long period:

???20??C - 30??C/ ???4??F - 86??F

Using the rechargeable batteries outside the above temperature range may result in declining efficiency and shorter battery life. In order to prevent battery leakage or rust, remove the rechargeable batteries from the products when you will not be using them for a long time, and store them separately.

Notes

???This recorder is designed to fully charge batteries regardless of their energy level. However, for best results when charging newly purchased rechargeable batteries or batteries that have not been used for a long time (more than one month), it is recommended to fully charge the batteries then discharge repeatedly for 2 to 3 times.

???When disposing rechargeable batteries, always observe the local laws and regulations. Contact your local recycling center for proper disposal methods.

???If Ni-MH rechargeable batteries are not fully discharged, protect against short-circuiting (e.g. by taping the contacts) before disposing.

Turning on/off the power

When the recorder is not being used, turn the power off to reduce battery consumption to a minimum. Even if the power is turned off, existing data, mode settings, and clock settings will be maintained.

Power Save Mode (Power Save)

When the recorder is ON but not in use for 10 minutes, by default, it will switch to power save mode automatically. To reactivate the recorder again, operate any button or the slide switch.

Turning on the power

While the recorder is turned off, slide the POWER/HOLD switch to the direction of the arrow.

???The display will turn on, and after [System Check] appears, the power will be turned on. The resume function will bring the recorder back to the stop position in memory before power was turned off.

Turning off the power

Slide the POWER/HOLD switch to the direction of the arrow, and hold it for 0.5 seconds or longer.

???The display shuts off and the power will be turned off. The resume function remembers the stop position before the power is turned off.

Power Save Setting

You can set the time to enter Power Save mode from among [5 minutes], [10 minutes], [30 minutes], [1 hour], and [Off].

To exit power save, press any button.

The [Power Save] setting can be changed from the Menu. For more details, refer to ???Menu list??? (??? P.39) and ???Learning to use the menu???

(??? P.41).

Power Save

5 minutes

10 minutes

30 minutes

1 hour Off

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HOLD

HOLD

If you bring the POWER/HOLD switch to the HOLD position, the current conditions will be preserved, and all buttons and switches will be disabled.

This feature is useful when the recorder has to be carried in a bag or pocket.

Set the recorder to HOLD mode

Slide the POWER/HOLD switch to the HOLD position.

???After [Hold] appears on the display, the recorder is set to HOLD mode.

Exit HOLD mode

Slide the POWER/HOLD switch to the A position.

Inserting a SD card

Insert the SD card fully into the card slot with the card facing the direction shown in the illustration below, until it clicks into place.

???When inserting SD card into the SD card slot, the recorder message [Please Wait] will ???ash on the LCD display for a few seconds while validating the SD card.

???Insert the card keeping it straight.

Notes

???The card stops with a click when it is inserted all the way.

???Inserting the card the wrong way or at an angle could damage the contact area or cause the card to jam.

???If the card is not inserted all the way, data may not be written to the card.

???Hold the card straight and pull it out.

???If an unformatted card is installed, the recorder will automatically display the menu format option (??? P.37).

???Never use any card in the recorder unless it has been formatted on this unit (??? P.50).

???Never remove the card while the recorder is in operation. This may damage the data.

???Releasing your finger quickly after pushing the card inward may cause it to eject forcefully out of the slot.

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Setting

Setting the correct time and date on the recorder is very important since every file recorded on the recorder will have the time and date information as part of the file header. This will simplify the file management aspects later on.

The hour indicator will flash automatically when you load batteries before using the recorder for the first time, or after the recorder hasn???t been used for a long time.

1Press the 9or 0button to select the item to set.

???Select the item from the ???hour???, ???minute???, ???year???, ???month??? and ???day??? with a flashing point.

Time & Date

01 M 01 D 2012 Y

1: 00 AM

and time

BACK 24H EXIT

date

F1, F2, F3 button

PLAY/OK button

PLAY/OK +, ??? button

9, 0button

2Press the + or ??? button to set.

???Follow the same steps by pressing the 9or 0button to select the next item, and press the + or ??? button to set.

Time & Date

10 M 14 D 2012Y

5 : 45 PM

BACK 24H EXIT

???You can select between 12 and 24 hour display by pressing the F2([24H] or [12H])* button while setting the hour and minute.

Example: 5:45 P.M

5:45 PM (Initial setting) 17:45

???You can choose the order of the year, month, day by pressing the F2([M]/[D]/[Y] or [D]/[M]/[Y] or [Y]/[M]/[D])* button while setting them.

Example: October 14, 2012

10M 14D 2012Y (Initial setting)

14D 10M 2012Y

2012Y 10M 14D

*The display will vary depending on the status of the settings.

3Press the PLAY/OK button to complete the setting.

???The clock will start from the set date and time.