LS-5 recorder delivers stand-out performance and value – for music & speech

Olympus launches dream machine for sound lovers

Hamburg, May 2010 – Olympus’ new LS-5 Linear PCM digital recorder delivers what musicians, journalists and podcasters have been waiting for – superb-quality recording on the move at an extremely competitive price. The latest addition to Olympus’ award-winning
LS Series, it combines pocket-sized design and creative flexibility with audio performance of the very highest calibre. Essentially a mobile mini sound studio, the LS-5 records 24bit / 96kHz PCM audio files that can be edited directly on the device – all at the touch of a button. The built-in memory can be expanded to 32GB (using the SDHC-compatible SD card slot) and the batteries stay going for up to 23 hours. With its ergonomic design, sensitive microphone and Auto Recording feature, this powerful recorder makes it easy to capture crucial detail when you’ve got your hands full. The LS-5 comes supplied with Olympus Sonority Audio Management Software and will be available from June 2010.

Outstanding recordings
From interviews to the rich textures of nature, the LS-5 captures the whole range of sound in outstanding quality – thanks to 24bit / 96kHz sampling, high-end Linear PCM recording and a high-grade noise-reducing microphone. The Auto Recording feature on the LS-5 can be crucial for clean, pristine recordings. It can be set to switch on automatically when noise levels exceed a given threshold – and off again when the signal is weak. The LS-5 also enhances audio quality at lower frequencies and comes with a choice of three recording modes (Normal, Wide and Zoom) and three recording formats (WMA, MP3 and WAV) – for consistent audio capture and maximum compatibility with a range of media players. For more sophisticated multi-track recordings, the LS-5 features a double clock generator based on 44.1kHz and 48kHz sampling.

Expandable storage and smooth file management
The LS-5 offers ample storage for long recording sessions. The 2GB built-in memory can be expanded to a huge 32GB using the SDHC-compatible SD card slot. To make maximum use of the space available, users can divide, partially erase and transfer files between the internal memory and SD cards. They can also set practical index marks during recording and playback so they can access files in an instant for stereo playback or editing. If need be, the supplied Olympus Sonority software allows users to save files to multiple folders on a PC or Mac, where they can be split, marked, indexed, partially deleted and browsed by intro. Sonority supports automatic updates and upgrades as well as web-based services such as RSS and podcast subscription. Two optional upgrades can be purchased online. Sonority Plus offers additional audio CD writing and MP3 encoding while a music editing plug-in frees users of restrictions on multiple tracks, lets them manage multiple audio files and delivers over 20 advanced effects.

Podcasters gear up for European Podcast Award
Olympus Audio Systems is the exclusive partner of the European Podcast Award 2.0 (EPA) and for amateur and professional podcasters with award ambitions, the Olympus LS-5 is the perfect device. Both podcasters and podcast fans can still submit and nominate podcasts for the 2010 edition of the EPA, the only Europe-wide award honouring the most popular and professional audio podcasts. Nominations should be submitted online by May 31, 2010 at www.european-podcast-award.eu. The winners will be announced in September at the IFA consumer electronics exhibition to be held in Berlin.

About the European Podcast Award
Last year, the first-ever European Podcast Award attracted over 750 audio podcasts nominations from across Europe, in the categories ‘Personality’, ‘Non-profit’, ‘Business’ and ‘Professional’. A total of 11 European countries are taking part in the second EPA. Out of 44 national winners, four will go on to receive the title of ‘European Podcast of the Year’ in the established categories and one will be awarded the ‘European Podcast Excellence Award’. For more information, go to the EPA blog at http://blog.european-podcast-award.eu.

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Myriam Held
Olympus Europa Holding GmbH
Tel.: +49-40-237-73-5867
E-mail: myriam.held@olympus-europa.com