Thank you for the future information. AVR is Automatic Volume Recognition, whereas it seems most “recorders” seem to call it/use VOX (Voice Operated Control). Olympus calls this similar feature VCVA (Variable Control Voice Actuator).

THIS FEATURE APPEARS TO WORK FINE ON OLYMPUS RECORDERS. I DID NOT DO A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF IT.

As I’d expect some of your readers would be (budding?) recording artists/engineers, you may also want to mention various formats & settings they record to/playback.

I WILL CONSIDER DOING THIS IN FUTURE REVIEWS.

There’s a world of difference between a “First Look” & a “Review”. I was excited to read your post expecting real-world testing and impressions.

OKAY. GOOD POINT.

Don’t forget you’re working an a dynamic publishing enviorment; why not include one or two clips fr ea. unit to illustrate various results?

SUZE’S STAFF INTERVIEW WAS CONDUCTED OUTDOORS USING THE LESS EXPENSIVE “BLACK” RECORDER, FYI. LINK IS BELOW. I WILL DO AS YOU SUGGEST IN THE FUTURE.

http://www.mymac.com/2010/10/suze-gilbert-—-brief-audio-interview-with-new-staff-member/

Yes, I did note the links to ea. model in the product titles (thank you, as some sites don’t do this!), but if I wanted the standard marketing BS, I’d just have gone to the Olympus site.

OLYMPUS DOESN’T OVERLOAD ITS SITE WITH USELESS FLUFF MOST OF THE TIME.

THANKS AGAIN, MARK. MYMAC APPRECIATES YOUR COMMENTS.

[Nemo]

Thank you for the future information. AVR is Automatic Volume Recognition, whereas it seems most “recorders” seem to call it/use VOX (Voice Operated Control). Olympus calls this similar feature VCVA (Variable Control Voice Actuator).

As I’d expect some of your readers would be (budding?) recording artists/engineers, you may also want to mention various formats & settings they record to/playback.

There’s a world of difference between a “First Look” & a “Review”. I was excited to read your post expecting real-world testing and impressions. Don’t forget you’re working an a dynamic publishing enviorment; why not include one or two clips fr ea. unit to illustrate various results?

Yes, I did note the links to ea. model in the product titles (thank you, as some sites don’t do this!), but if I wanted the standard marketing BS, I’d just have gone to the Olympus site.

1. I used the sliver WS for three weeks, and the black VN for six weeks.

2. Background noise is adjustable and can be filtered, especially on the more expensive silver WS.

3. You can use both units in different types of rooms. As expected, the higher-end silver WS will give better results in varied situations.

4. Pub gigs are tricky, and very “it depends.” Both products can potentially do the job. The straightforward, basic way the less-expensive VN handles complex environments is better than expected.

5. My objective results are not reported. Let me think about how to answer this question.

6. Which AVR do you refer to?

7. Battery life is good to excellent.

8. Audio transfer is very easy.

9. Generic volume recognition is the case with both units on a Macintosh. I didn’t test on a PC. My guess is it’s similar.

10. MP3 and WMA are available.

11. Physical construction is hardy.

12. I will comment another time if I have anything to add regarding software and OS.

13. I didn’t test using Dragon or any dictation software.

14. Olympus has one year warranties.

15. You can study the entire PDF manual at the following URL. This manual is exhaustive, in comparison to the included printed manual that is icon-based and difficult to follow. http://www.olympusamerica.com/files/oima_cckb/WS-710M_WS-700M_WS-600S_Instructions_EN.pdf

I have a question for MyMac readers:

In a first-look or capsule review such as this one, do you expect to have all your own product questions answered, or are you prepared to go to the products’ web sites and do a little investigation on your own?

[Nemo]

This so-called “review” is completely useless. How long did you use each of them? How sensitive are the mikes? Do they filter out background noise &/or are they adjustable? Can I use this in various sized lecture halls, meeting/conference rooms? How well does it record gigs in pubs? Where’s the results of various audio playback when recording in different environments? AVR? What’s the battery life like? How easy was it to transfer the audio files to the computer? Do I need “client” software or is it recognized as a generic flash drive? What formats & settings do they record to? What’s their physical construction like? What type of software is included & what OS are supported? Does Dragon Dictate recognized their output files? Warranty details?

“I can’t make it work so it sucks” should have been the title to accurately represent this page (as it should not be considered a “review”). It’s a shame it’s the 5th link on Google for “Olympus WS-710″. This type of “quality content” belongs on 4chan.

I may buy even so; if a Mac tutor can’t figure it out, it should be advanced enough for my requirements.