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Handheld recorders: Olympus vs chinese brand
Posted: 16 Oct 2024 09:52
by Take
Hi SSLovers,
I purchased a second hand Olympus a few months ago (following the recommendation from another user). I was happy with the quality of the recordings as well as how sensitive the mic is. Together with the USB recorder I thought I could have more options to capture nice moments.
So I decided to buy another handheld, this time the main condition would be that don't need AA or AAA batteries to run (like the Olympus has). So I purchased a new handheld recorder from this worldwide known chinese website, and I made some tests at home to compare between the Olympus and the modern handheld recorder. Based on the specs, the new recorder should outperform the Olympus: is stereo and can record at 1536kbps.
But when I analyzed both audios in Audacity, I was surprised how the Olympus made a more clear spectrum of all the sounds while the modern handheld was almost flat all the way. I thought, maybe built mic is rubish, so I connected the external mic that came with it, and the result was even worst, only crispy noises were recorded.
I decided to return this modern handheld as is useless compared with the Olympus.
Just wanted to share all this info, as there are always doubts on what to get to begin recording nice moments.
Here are some pics of both recorders and audacity's capture where you can see the difference on the sounds capture (same video from youtube, and recorders were placed behind the door, trying to simulate what we all know).
Any handheld recommendations (or USB) are wellcome!
5798400184441488943.jpg
audacity.jpg
Re: Handheld recorders: Olympus vs chinese brand
Posted: 16 Oct 2024 16:39
by mrgraham99
I've got the older model Olympus DM550, sill works perfectly.
As we've already discussed, the self charging USB type devices are the way to go, albeit the quality doesn't match the Olympus
Re: Handheld recorders: Olympus vs chinese brand
Posted: 16 Oct 2024 19:16
by Take
mrgraham99 wrote: 16 Oct 2024 16:39
I've got the older model Olympus DM550, sill works perfectly.
As we've already discussed, the self charging USB type devices are the way to go, albeit the quality doesn't match the Olympus
So that seems the reality, good brands like Olympus have a great quality forever, while the new cheap staff can't get close to that quality.
I agree with you as the way to go is USB self charged devices. Somehow, those USB from well known brands are still pricy to consider buying one just for this hobbie.
Re: Handheld recorders: Olympus vs chinese brand
Posted: 21 Apr 2025 19:21
by Serg05+
Hello Take. What settings do you use in the Olympus voice recorder to achieve maximum sensitivity of the internal microphone?
Re: Handheld recorders: Olympus vs chinese brand
Posted: 21 Apr 2025 19:22
by Serg05+
And reveal the secret. Should we expect your wonderful works from you soon?
Re: Handheld recorders: Olympus vs chinese brand
Posted: 21 Apr 2025 22:12
by Take
Serg05+ wrote: 21 Apr 2025 19:21
Hello Take. What settings do you use in the Olympus voice recorder to achieve maximum sensitivity of the internal microphone?
Hey Serg05+,
This test was done last year, a few weeks after the test I acquired 2 more handheld recorders (both Olympus), because I was happy with the first one I have.
So it really depends on the handheld recorder, if is mono or stereo... if it's classified in the upper, mid or low range of the brand etc etc.
From the last 2 I acquired (not shown in this test), I use mic level high with no scene selected and low filter off. But in the VN-8700 (mono with internal and stereo with external microphones) I use mic level low with external sensitive microphones.
One of the recorders can also be configured on how wide you want to capture de sound, in this case I put maximum angle (the widest).
That being said, I would recommend mic level high and no scene or scene in "convention" mode to capture the maximum sounds possible.
Are you planning to buy one? or do you have one already?
Serg05+ wrote: 21 Apr 2025 19:22
And reveal the secret. Should we expect your wonderful works from you soon?
I've been in a couple of hotels the last 2 months, I could capture something but really low and short. It's a pity. I want to go back to the "the night was alive" hotel, I miss that. Will share as soon as I get something interesting.

Re: Handheld recorders: Olympus vs chinese brand
Posted: 22 Apr 2025 00:02
by Take
Serg05+ wrote: 21 Apr 2025 19:21
Hello Take. What settings do you use in the Olympus voice recorder to achieve maximum sensitivity of the internal microphone?
You can take a look to the capsules I tested. There are some really sensitive, way more than the internal mics on the handheld recorders.
Here is the test:
viewtopic.php?t=13002&sid=def51af400072 ... 42f5d9defa
Re: Handheld recorders: Olympus vs chinese brand
Posted: 24 Apr 2025 16:37
by Serg05+
I bought the VN-8700. Like the one in your photo. It's all in English, which I don't speak well. And the manual doesn't tell you how to adjust the microphone. I need to pick up as many quiet sounds through the wall as possible.
Re: Handheld recorders: Olympus vs chinese brand
Posted: 24 Apr 2025 16:41
by Serg05+
But in the VN-8700 (mono with internal and stereo with external microphones) I use mic level low with external sensitive microphones.
One of the recorders can also be configured on how wide you want to capture de sound, in this case I put maximum angle (the widest).
If possible, please explain how to do this.
Re: Handheld recorders: Olympus vs chinese brand
Posted: 24 Apr 2025 16:41
by Serg05+
Take wrote: 22 Apr 2025 00:02
Serg05+ wrote: 21 Apr 2025 19:21
Hello Take. What settings do you use in the Olympus voice recorder to achieve maximum sensitivity of the internal microphone?
You can take a look to the capsules I tested. There are some really sensitive, way more than the internal mics on the handheld recorders.
Here is the test:
viewtopic.php?t=13002&sid=def51af400072 ... 42f5d9defa
Re: Handheld recorders: Olympus vs chinese brand
Posted: 29 Apr 2025 18:13
by Take
Serg05+ wrote: 24 Apr 2025 16:41
But in the VN-8700 (mono with internal and stereo with external microphones) I use mic level low with external sensitive microphones.
One of the recorders can also be configured on how wide you want to capture de sound, in this case I put maximum angle (the widest).
If possible, please explain how to do this.
yes, sure Serg05+. Here is how to reach the mic sense configuration:
1. Press OK/Menu till the menu appears.
2. Select Rec Menu
3. Select Mic Sense
4. Choose between High or Low
I would use High for internal mics, and low for extra sensitive external mics (if external mics are not really sensitive, you can leave it in High sense).
Do some test and let us know which option do you like the most.
Re: Handheld recorders: Olympus vs chinese brand
Posted: 07 May 2025 09:23
by Serg05+
Thanks