After several months of use, I can confidently say this device has become a permanent fixture on my desk—and not just because I’m too busy to unplug it. The voice dictation works impressively well, saving both time and keyboard wear, while the video quality is sharp enough to make even Monday morning Zoom calls look respectable.
Whether you’re conferencing or simply attempting to look professional from your home office, the performance is consistently reliable. As someone with over 25–30 years in the IT industry, I don’t hand out praise lightly—but in this case, it’s well deserved.
In short, this is an excellent choice for everyday office use. Logitech continues its long-standing tradition of delivering quality products—thankfully, without requiring an IT support ticket to get started.
If only every piece of tech behaved this well, IT departments everywhere could finally take a proper coffee break.
Olympus WS-852 Digital Voice Recorder - Silver
The WS series established for its clear audio quality and superb operability has been improved. The new WS-852 features a new Intelligent Auto Mode, which is perfect for when there is a distance between the speakers and recorder, such as in large meeting rooms.
The recorder optimizes the recording level regardless of whether the audio source is near or far, making it possible to record audio that is easy to listen to. Simple Mode has been added to the menu for easy, intuitive controls that are perfect for beginners. The new WS series recorders can be used in a wide range of situations, from students to business users.
Key Features
High-quality recording
With the ease of use found in all WS series recorders, this model achieves a highly realistic stereo feeling thanks to the two low-noise, high-sensitivity microphones. The new Intelligent Auto Mode provides automatic sensitivity adjustment, and a Low-cut filter removes unnecessary noise from your recordings.
Superb stereo feeling with True Stereo Microphones
Two low-noise directional microphones positioned at a 90° layout enable you to create high-quality recordings with a realistic stereo feeling. This feature ensures that you capture the sense of direction and distance of the speakers in the recording which is useful for meetings, lectures or training presentations.
Playback functions
Featuring an array of playback features to accommodate your needs, such the Voice Filter to clarify and enhance voice within recordings.
Usability
The new Simple Mode is perfect for beginners as it displays only necessary information in a large font, and shows only key functions in the menu.
Low-cut filter eliminates extraneous noise
During recording, the low-cut filter is used to cut the sound at frequencies of 300 Hz and lower during the recording process. Typical examples of these lower frequencies include air conditioner noise, projector fan noise, and even wind noise while outside. By cutting the lower frequency during recording your audio is natural sounding and free of background noise and distortion during playback.
Change the playback speed without changing the pitch "Fast/ Slow playback"
With fast or slow playback, the speed change is processed digitally, thus the pitch is not altered resulting in the voice remaining as recorded. The playback speed can be adjusted between a range of ×0.5 (slowest) and ×2 (fastest). The ability to change the playback speed is particularly useful when you want to quickly check meeting recordings, or when recordings need to be listened to repeatedly such as with language study. The playback speed settings are retained even when the recorder power is off, making it convenient to resume.
Specifications
| Brand | Olympus |
| Type | Digital |
| Type | Digital |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 39 x 111.5 x 18 mm |
| Recording Format | MP3 |
| USB | USB 2.0 (Mini-B) |
| Bit Rate | 128 kbps - 8 kbps |
| Internal Memory | Available: Flash Memory - 4 GB |
| Battery Life (approx.) | Recording: 110 Hour Playback: 90 Hour |
| Sample Rate | 44.1 kHz - 11.025 kHz |
| Battery Type | 2 x AAA |
| Record time | MP3 Stereo:65 Hour Recording in MP3 Format LP Stereo: 130 Hour Recording in MP3 Format LP Mono: 1040 Hour Recording in MP3 Format |
| Power Output | No |
| One-Click Recording | Yes |
| Speaker | Yes |
| Voice Activated Recording | Yes |
| Playback Formats | MP3 |
| Microphone | Internal Stereo |
| Frequency Response | 70 Hz - 17 kHz |
| Microphone Sensitivity | High/Low |
| Microphone Sensitivity | High/Low |
| Frequency Response | 70 Hz - 17 kHz |
| Microphone Type | Internal Stereo |
| Playback | Format: MP3 |
| Recording Time | MP3 Stereo:65 Hour Recording in MP3 Format LP Stereo: 130-Hour Recording in MP3 Format LP Mono: 1040 Hour Recording in MP3 Format |
| Speaker | Yes |
| Recording Format | MP3 |
| Speaker Size | 20 mm |
| Mode | Stereo / Mono |
| Power Output | 250 mW |
| Weight | 77 g |
| Search | Calendar Search |
| Battery Type | 2 x AAA |
| Battery Life | Recording: 110 Hour Playback: 90 Hour |
| Power Adapter | No |
| Internal Memory | Available: Flash Memory - 4 GB |
| Compatible Memory Cards | microSD |
| Connector | 1/8 inch mini Male Microphone In 1/8 inch mini Male Headphone Out |
| USB | USB 2.0 (Mini-B) |
| System Requirements | Windows Mac |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 39 x 111.5 x 18 mm |
| Weight | 77 |
| Operating System Support | Windows, macOS/OS X |
| Bit-Rate | 128 kbps - 8 kbps |
| Sample Rate | 44.1 kHz - 11.025 kHz |
| One-Click Recording | Yes |
| Voice Activated Recording | Yes |
| Pickup Pattern | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Speaker Size | 20 mm |
| Search | Calendar Search |
| Power Adapter | No |
| Compatible Memory Cards | microSD |
| Connectors | 3.175mm mini Male Microphone In 3.175mm mini Male Headphone Out |
