Changing the DS-2400 to DSS Classic Mode

The fairly new Olympus DS-2400 Voice Recorder is a great consumer dictation recorder. However, in order to make it less expensive (and less feature-rich) than its big brothers, the Olympus DS-5000 and DS-3400, Olympus set the DS-2400 to only record in the new DSS Pro format (.ds2). While this format offers increased fidelity, it also means that transcriptionists who have not upgraded their software - or those using third-party DSS transcription software - cannot play the new file format.

First, transcriptionists using the Olympus DSS Player or DSS Player Pro software can upgrade their software. The DSS Player Version 6 or 7 can be upgraded by downloading free upgrades from the Downloads section of our Support page. For those using the DSS Player Pro Release 4, we will download and upgrade the software for a nominal fee (the installer is quite large, and the settings need to be carefully reviewed).

However, if you are using third-party transcription software that plays DSS files, you won't have a way to upgrade to play the DSS Pro files. Olympus, Philips and Grundig, who own the DSS format, are not likely to license the codecs required to play DSS Pro - at least that's the impression we get.

If you are in the latter case, then your only choice other than buying an Olympus Transcripion kit, is to "downgrade" the DS-2400 to play DSS "Classic" files (.dss). This is a two-step process, involving two different firmware update programs. Only an authorized Olympus Pro dealer can do this for you.

If you bought your DS-2400 from us, there is no charge to apply these firmware updaters. If you bought your recorder elsewhere, you will need to purchase an Elite Support plan from us in order to have us apply the updates and provide ongoing technical support.

Note that once applied, the DS-2400 will thereafter record in DSS mode only. To return to DSS Pro mode, another firmware updater will have to be applied.