The OM Digital Solutions Corporation, the successor to the Olympus photo and audio division, presents the OM System LS-P5, an audio recorder of the latest generation under the new OM System brand.
Olympus had also been known for decades as a manufacturer of compact dictation devices, which developed from analog devices with a micro-tape cassette to digital models with flash memory. From these, Olympus then developed the audio field recorders for recordings with greater dynamics and a wider frequency range as derived. The devices, also known as field audio recorders (field recorders for short), enable high-quality sound recordings in a small, mobile device.
A highly mobile, compact (field) audio recorder like the LS-P5 is an ideal complement to the camera when video recording with the best possible sound is desired.
The recorders are interesting for musicians, for example, to record their rehearsals and/or concerts on a small scale, for podcasters who also want to record with original ambient sound outside of the studio, or for journalists and other recordings. In particular, they are also an ideal addition to the camera for experienced vloggers, film and video makers, as we did many years ago (see Article from 2008) described. Such an audio recorder, with its high-quality built-in microphones and audio functions, enables high-quality sound and can therefore be mounted on the camera or positioned remotely from it.
So now the LS-P5 is a new model under the new Mark OM System. The new recorder offers the usual high sound quality in a small format, making it ideal for professional filmmakers, YouTubers, musicians and other lovers of first-class sound. It thus seamlessly continues the usual high sound quality and versatility of the LS series – packed in a design that is as compact as it is robust. This makes it the perfect companion for on the go. In combination with the latest generation of Micro FourThirds camera models from OM System, e.g. B. the camera flagship OM-1 with 4K/60 video function, the LS-P5 is the optimal all-in-one audio recording device that enables content creators to produce professional moving images with high-resolution sound – ideal for travel, documentary , event, wedding or music videos. YouTubers, influencers and other audio and/or video creators should also be able to benefit from the high sound quality of this combination.
Equipped with the new and improved high-performance Tresmic II microphone system, the LS-P5 enables stereo recording with extended frequency response and high-resolution recording in Linear PCM format (PCM = Pulse Code Modulation, method for digitizing the audio input) or in free (independent) FLAC format (Free Lossless Audio Codec) at 96 kHz/24-bit. In addition, recordings can be made directly in the heavily compressed, space-saving MP3 format.
OM System LS-P5 Key Features:
- Powerful «TRESMIC II˚ technology with three microphones for a natural sound experience
- Improved directionality with 21 adjustable levels from wide to narrow
- Microphone sound pressure level (SPL) of up to 125 dB
- Various recording formats: PCM (44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz, 16/24-bit, mono/stereo), FLAC (like PCM) and MP3 (up to 320 kps)
- Integrated sound monitoring via Bluetooth headphones (up to 10 m)
- Control via smartphone app for remote recording (up to 10 m)
- Improved 3.5mm headphone output, microphone input and line-in jack
- Various recording modes: Auto, Manual and Smart
- Shutter sound for video/movie recording and test sound
- 16 GB of integrated memory and «MicroSDXC I» slot (up to 2 TB)
- Up to 37 hours of battery life with the included NiMH batteries
- Composite USB-Mikrofonmodus
- Compact dimensions: 39.6 x 112.2 x 16.1 mm
- Low weight: 78 g (including batteries)
The field recorder has three built-in high-performance directional microphones that allow targeted zoom control. Thanks to the finely tunable directivity of each individual microphone, sound sources can be recorded true to the original, from very low to very high frequencies. The finest nuances are captured just as the ears perceive them. A special function in the device mixes the input signals from the three microphones and adjusts the directionality in 21 levels without changing the audio quality. The microphones also offer a sound pressure level of up to 125 dB (SPL). This allows distortion-free recordings to be made over a wide dynamic range, from loud music to birdsong to lectures.
Built-in Bluetooth technology allows the LS-P5 to connect to Bluetooth compatible devices. With the free mobile app DVR.Remote for smartphones under iOS and Android, the recorder can be easily controlled remotely (up to 10 m) using a smartphone. Not only is this convenient, it also avoids operating noise when settings are changed during recording. For example, students can set up the recorder near the lecturer to record a lecture. With the mobile app it is not only possible to start and stop recording, but also to adjust the volume level during recording and to change filter settings or directionality. This is especially useful for remotely recording musical performances, business meetings, press conferences or even wild birds. Sound monitoring via wireless headphones (in 16-bit recording mode) is perfect for video and content creators and musicians, for example for quiet band rehearsals, and avoids unnecessary cable clutter. The perfect solution for cameras without a headphone jack. The wireless sound monitoring and remote control via Bluetooth work smoothly up to a distance of 10 m. With the LS-P5 as an external camera microphone, the audio quality of every video is enhanced.
The recorder supports a maximum sampling rate of 96 kHz and linear PCM recording with a bit depth of up to 24 bits (three times that of a CD). It also enables recording and playback in FLAC format with lossless compression, which ensures high sound quality while reducing file sizes by 30% compared to PCM (.WAV). In addition to the 16 GB internal memory, the storage space can be expanded with an optionally available microSD card. In addition, the recording level is manually adjustable to record with an optimal signal-to-noise ratio depending on the volume of the sound source. To fine-tune the level, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the recording level indicator on the LCD display and the peak meter. This offers an even higher level of precision during recording.
The new «Bright Sound» mode ensures clearer voice recordings, e.g. B. vlogging, lectures or meetings. Recording with increased levels in the mid and high range allows audio to be captured while minimizing ambient noise. In addition to the «Auto» and «Manual» modes, the LS-P5 now offers a new Smart mode. If you keep the record button pressed, the Smart mode performs an automatic «sound check» and sets the optimal recording level for the respective environment and sound source. Pressing the record button once more starts recording – ideal for beginners.
price and availability
The OM System LS-P5 will be available from mid-September 2022. The recommended retail price (RRP) is CHF 219.
Further information
OM System LS-P5 (product page)
OM System Audiosysteme (Overview of field recorders and dictation machines)
OM Digital Solutions (manufacturer page)
| OM System LS-P5 – Specifications | |
| Microphone | 3 Directional Microphones |
| High Quality Sound | Tresmic II |
| Max Sound Pressure Level | 125dBspl (1% distortion) |
| Recording Format | PCM / MP3 / FLAC |
| Playback Format | PCM / MP3 / FLAC |
| Internal Memory | 16GB (additional microSDHC/microSDXC) |
| Internal Memory | 16GB (additional microSDHC/microSDXC) |
| Over Dubbing Function | And |
| Signal to noise ratio | Line input 92dB built-in microphone (stereo) 57dB built-in microphone (center) 60dB |
| Level adjustment with pre-recording | Me (SMART mode) |
| Automatic sensitivity adjustment | And |
| Manual recording level setting | And |
| Recording level setting (external microphone) | And |
| Limiter/Compressor | Limiter (music/voice) |
| DRC while recording (Dynamic Range Control) | Voice chaser (Intelligent auto) |
| Pre-recording function | And |
| VCVA | And |
| Recording monitor ON/OFF | And |
| Noise reduction filter | Low cut filter |
| 2-mic noise cancelling | And |
| Sound Effect (while recording) | Ja (Bright sound) |
| Zoom microphone | And |
| Microphone select (ON/OFF for center microphone) | Yes (works with directional adjustment, from which direction is set to 00) |
| Rec SceneS | 9 types Lecture/Conference/Meeting/Dictation/Nosiy situation/Music/DNS/custom 1/custom 2/OFF |
| Timer | Ja (Recording start/end) |
| Slate tone | And |
| Test tone | And |
| Normalize | And |
| Fade in/out | And |
| Trimming | And |
| Partial erase | And |
| File divide | And |
| Edit file name (template) | And |
| Edit file name (original) | Ja (using smartphone app) |
| Edit folder name (template selectable when create a folder) | And |
| Edit folder name (original) | Jas (using smartphone app) |
| Create folder (templete) | And |
| Create folder (original) | Ja (using smartphone app) |
| Playback speed control | 0.5 to 3.5 times |
| Repeat A-B-C repeat | Repeat A-B-C repeat |
| Equalizer | 4 types |
| DRC while playback (Dinamic Range Control) | Voice Balancer |
| Noise cancel while playback | And |
| INDEX | And |
| Calendar Search | And |
| Intro play Yes (3/5/10 sec.) | Me (3/5/10 sec.) |
| Power requirements | 2 AAA batteries/rechargeable batteries |
| Battery life (Recording) | [Linear PCM] Alkaline/NiMH 96kHz/24bit: Ca. 29hours/20hours 88.2kHz/24bit: Ca. 31hours/21hours 48kHz/24bit: Ca. 47hours/31hours 48kHz/16bit: Ca. 54hours/36hours 44.1kHz/24bit: Ca. 50hours/33hours 44.1kHz/16bit: Ca. 56hours/37hours 44.1kHz mono: Ca. 59hours/39hours – [MP3] Alkaline/NiMH 320kbps: Ca. 62hours/40hours 128kbps: Ca. 63hours/42hours 64kbps mono: Ca. 64hours/42hours – [FLAC] Alkaline/NiMH 96kHz/24bit: Ca. 23hours/16hours 88.2kHz/24bit: Ca. 24hours/17hours 48kHz/24bit: Ca. 40hours/27hours 48kHz/16bit: Ca. 43hours/29hours 44.1kHz/24bit: Ca. 41hours/28hours 44.1kHz/16bit: Ca. 46hours/31hours 44.1kHz mono: Ca. 46hours/32hours |
| speaker | Speaker 18mm |
| Maximum speaker output | 230mW |
| Input jack | Ø 3.5mm×1 (MIC/Line in) |
| Earphones jack | Ø 3.5mm×1 (EAR) |
| Maximum headphone output | 3mW+3mW |
| Internal battery charge | And |
| USB | USB 2.0 microB |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 39.6 x 112.2 x 16.1 mm |
| Compatible Bluetooth version and profile | Bluetooth Ver.5.0 |
| Bluetooth earphones to monitor recording | Yes |
| Using smartphone and other Bluetooth device together | Yes |
| Smartphone app. Availability Android/iOS | REC/REC_PAUSE/STOP/INDEX/Recording level/File name edit/Wave form display/various settings |
| tripod connection | And |
| weight | 78g (including battery) |
| included supply | USB cable (A-microB) 2 Ni-MH Akkus |
| Compatible accessories | F-5AC AC Adapter KA333 Connecting Cord KA335 Audio Cable SM2 Shockmount Adapter WJ2 Windshield CS131 Carrying Case ME30W 2-Channel Microphone ME31 Compact Gun Microphone ME33 Boundary Microphone ME34 Compact Zoom Microphone ME51SW Stereo Microphone TP8 Telephone Pickup Microphone |
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