Olympus VN-3600 is an extended version of the earlier two, low-capacity models: the VN-900 and VN-1800. Its size is as small as a mobile phone and the weight of it, is very light.
The VN-3600 is a big brother of earlier VN series (larger memory). You wouldn't need worry about the storage capacity, as it's capable of recording at an extended period of time.
The built-in memory size is 32MB (non removable/exchangeable).
There are simple features such as record, stop, play, forward/reverse tracking or skip, and erase. It also matches its design, not too crowded and not too empty.
Additional buttons include: DISPLAY (for date, time, and time remaining) and MENU/FOLDER (select up to 4 folders for easy navigation). It's capable of storing 100 files per folder (depending
on the recording length).
In the MENU mode, there are several options to customise your VN-3600; one of them is VCVA.
What is VCVA?
VCVA stands for: Variable Control Voice Actuator (silly name, I know).
Originally, this is known as VOR (Voice Operated Recording, now that sounds better), it automatically records itself upon detection of a sound and then, PAUSES when there's silence (suitable for hands-free recording and as long as the time is available, unless the stop button is pressed).
It has different features and can be used as a pocket organiser, to keep voice-notes or to schedule an alarm for appointments. It can also be used as a reminder.
On the side is a HOLD switch (on/off) with a volume control wheel just above it (wheel ranges from 0 to 10).
A built-in speaker is loud enough, but the sound is high-pitched (when played on the recorder).
The quality of sound is magnificent and it's a lot clearer when it's played via PC, HiFi (line-in) or through earphones that can be plugged directly from the VN-3600's earphone socket.
It does not support USB capabilities, as this is not necessary for this device. You can purchase a separate audio lead (3.5mm stereo jack, male on both ends, one for VN-3600 earphone socket, the other for PC/HiFi line-in) from Maplin or local HiFi stores (for £3 to £5, depending on length).
In order to record from this dictation-machine to your PC, you must have Windows Media Recorder (or any type of media-recorder, such as Creative). You have to record manually onto the PC by using a simple "line-in" method (record what you hear).
Recording lengths on this little device are as follows:
HQ (high quality), records up to 91 minutes.
SP (standard play, standard quality), records up to 137 minutes.
LP (long play, reduced quality), records up to 364 minutes.
LP mode is good and the quality seems to remain the same as the standard (SP); only those that have bionic ears will be able to tell the difference.
It has a built-in microphone (records any sound, from a gentle wind to a bass beat), the recording quality from its microphone is excellent, but I haven't tried it with an external microphone, the quality could vary depending on the external microphone's make and type.
A pen-like clip on the other side is pretty useful when you want it to be kept secured in pockets or other attachable places.
Additionally, it requires two AAA batteries (Alkaline, rechargeable NiCD or NiMH) that fit neatly inside this VN-3600 and can last for quite a while (depending on the direct playback on your recorder). Battery-level indicator is also featured on the display.
There's a small LED with red and green colours right next to the LCD display, it responds to the pressing of buttons, playback and record modes.
This VN-3600 has a little problem; you can't view the display without such light. Unfortunately, it does not have backlight, like watches or alarm clocks.
Almost anyone can use this little device for any reason, from a Journalist to a home-user (also suitable for students that like to keep lecture's records), from a serious conversation to fun. For those that like to keep lengths of recordings, this suits you.
You can get it from Argos for £89.99. It can also be available from your local high-street shops such as Index (also available from online stores such as Ebay and Amazon).
Have fun with the recording.
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This product has not yet been reviewed.
06.01.2005 14:07
Gotta agree with ya!!! I got one of these and it's very useful, especially in arguments. Great review. ;-)
21.12.2004 22:37
I prefer 3600 so I guess I'll have one of these :-)
21.12.2004 20:26
Very useful machine, Maureen