Photocentre launches Olympus Pro-Grade Audio Recorders

With the LS-12 and LS-14 Linear PCM audio recorders, Olympus delivers two new models that not only impress due to their pro performance attributes and diverse range of functions including tuner, metronome and overdubbing capabilities - they also provide for effortless operation.

"The Olympus LS-12 and LS-14 Linear PCM recorders are the perfect tools for amateur musicians or any other user looking for a high performance audio recorder with exceptional operating ease," said Mohammad Al Farei, Managing Director of Photocentre.

"They allow you to effectively capture and playback live music and sound exactly how you experience it with the turn of a single dial," he added.

Switch it on, turn the dial and start recording. The eye-catching Olympus LS-12 and LS-14 make it that simple to record professional quality audio. The mode dial lets users choose between the tuner and three recording modes - Quick, Manual and Smart. No volume adjustments are necessary in Quick mode thanks to Automatic Gain Control (AGC) - making it ideal for recording quick memos.

In Manual mode, users have complete control of levels - even during recording. The clever Smart mode, meanwhile, automatically adjusts to the best levels to ensure professional results: it detects the maximum volume input during a set time interval and optimises the recording level. Recording then automatically commences once the interval has elapsed. A clear user interface complements these recorders with intuitive icons and multiple screens on the 1.75" (4.45cm) backlit display to ensure easy operation.

"The revolutionary part of these recorders is that you don't have to spend time playing around in the menu settings to find the perfect recording level to capture sound based on your environment. Just turn the dial to your ideal mode and press record," added Mohammad Al Farei.

Superior sound is what you expect from Olympus and the LS-12 and LS-14 uphold this tradition admirably - recording in professional, uncompressed 96kHz/24bit Linear PCM quality, which far surpasses 44.1kHz/16bit CD quality audio, or in the popular MP3 format. The LS-12 incorporates two high performance directional microphones with a frequency response of 60-20,000Hz.

The LS-14 also boasts a 'Tresmic' system, which incorporates an improved third, omni-directional MIC placed in the centre. The result is a wide frequency range, which extends to as low as 20Hz to ensure natural bass recording. Both models support faithful audio capture up to a sound pressure level of 130dBspl that ensures clipping is not an issue even when recording extremely loud sources.

A true companion for musicians, the LS-12 and LS-14 also include a chromatic tuner to keep you in key. Users also have the option to depict waveforms on the built-in screen. This provides the opportunity, for example, to check whether a stable pitch has been played and held over a certain timeframe. Meanwhile, the metronome function, indicated by a flashing LED, will keep you in time.

Overdubbing lets users record over a file or section of music while listening to it, which is then saved together as a new file. Furthermore, tracks can be divided and then incremented to assist in getting the track just right - with the LS-14 also enabling on-unit trimming.

The Olympus LS-12 comes with 2GB of internal memory, the LS-14 with 4GB. Both models additionally boast an SD/SDHC slot (up to 32GB) for added versatility. A tripod hole on the back of these units also allows for easy attachment to tripods or the CL2 Stand Clip (included with the LS-14).

The LS-12 comes in gunmetal grey, the LS-14 in black. They will soon be available for sale from Photocentre, retailing at approximately OMR 99.900 and OMR 134.900 respectively.

Main Features LS-12 and LS-14:
•High quality stereo microphones (additional omni-directional microphone (TRESMIC) LS-14).
•Professional PCM recording (24bit/96kHz) / MP3 / BWF.
•Sound pressure level up to 130dBSPL.
•Frequency characteristics of built in microphones: 20Hz to 20kHz (LS-14); 60Hz to 20kHz (LS-12).
•Pre-recording function.
•Essential music functions: tuner, metronome, overdubbing, partial delete and trimming* (*LS-14).
•Track increment: divide file during recording.
•Playback speed control from 50-300%.
•Outstanding battery life: up to 50hrs (LS-12) / 46hrs (LS-14 with 3 MICs on).
•Voice Guidance (LS-14).
•LS-14: stand clip (CL2) and case included.
•Optional Wireless Remote Controller (RS30W).