Prism Sound Orpheus - Audio Media

ambience, a diesel engine at several rev’ levels,a vehicle hooter, and a few others. I also did aphone interview with the recorder connectedvia a phone socket adapter. By combining thevarious recording formats, recording modes,and microphone zoom modes, I got a fairlygood picture of the LS-10’s performance.Initial ambient tests were very impressive,with especially good height reproduction.It was apparent from the outset that the builtinmics are bright and take a bit level before thelow end gets a good look in. The 24/96 optiongave a more open, rich experience, thoughthe low sample rates and even MP3 are prettygood too – it did seem that the brightness ofthe recordings obscured a lot of the normalartefacts or characteristics you’d expect withthe lower rates and compressed formats.With the mic zoom modes there was a goodrange of options. Without them, the stereoimage is fine. In Wide mode the difference wasvery obvious – very inclusive and the stereo fieldgets stretched very effectively, though imagingdoes get a little more vague. In the Narrow andZoom modes it was possible to get a feel fora real strength with this unit – environmentalexclusion. Often the problem with the olderdictaphone-type mics was a lack of distinctionbetween ambience and the target – the Narrowand Zoom modes do away with that problem,so for broadcast journalists doing interviewsin a variety of settings, these options could bea valuable asset.The unit handled high SPLs with ease,though mic sensitivity and record level wereobviously critical here. My diesel enginerecording turned out nicely, and I even forcedsome low end oomph close up to the exhaust.With sensible settings, nothing overloaded,and if the limiter was working hard, it didn’tshow it.The low-cut filter together with the 'MickeyMouse ears' wind shields did a good enoughjob in light winds, and the rear rejection ofthe unit in normal recording mode was alsovery noticeable. Handling noise was quitehigh, so it was important to keep a firm gripand not shuffle the unit about, and the clickfrom the record pause button does end upon the recording – so that’s a minor edit jobright there.Avoiding the microphones and goingstraight in through the mic/line sockets is asatisfying experience and proves just how littlenoise the unit generates.If I was to add anything to this unit it wouldbe presets of recording settings, which wouldmake minimal training necessary for ‘pool’units; also a pre-record facility so you don’tmiss an inspiring sentence just because you’rea little bit slow on the record button.ConclusionThe highlights in this package include the niceconstruction and large screen, the Fn button forquick access, the mic zoom modes (though ifthese were available for all sample rates it wouldbe better still), the thread in the back of theunit for mounting directly on a tripod or stand,and the inclusion of Cubase LE in the bundle.That last one signals Olympus’ intention tomake the LS-10 more than just a recorder – it’sthe start of a production chain.Overall, the LS-10 is a great little tool for justabout anybody who records – whether it hangsout in your top pocket waiting to be useful(and it will be) or whether it stays glued to yourpalm as you roam. ∫..................................£ GB£269.99 (RRP)INFORMATIONA Olympus UK Ltd., Vision House, 19 ColonialWay, Watford, Herts WD24 4JLT +44 (0) 1923 831100F +44 (0) 1923 201767W www.olympus.co.ukE info@olympus.uk.comaudio media may 2008ORDER YOUCATALOGUEBulk CablesConnectorsKID BROADCASTDistribution Systems– AMPLIFIERS –Active ComponentsPremade CablesHeadphonesModular SystemsOEM Manufacturingwww.sommercable.comSOMMER CABLE GmbHAudio Video Broadcast Media Technology HiFiinfo@sommercable.com