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.

The Olympus 2400 Series

Few companies provide professionals with digital dictation equipment as functional and comfortable as Olympus. They understand the workflow relationship between dictators and their transcriptionists. The professional DS-5000 series provides robust file management and encrypted file transfers for a safe and secure (and HIPAA compliant) workflow. However, not every user of digital dictation equipment will find the need for file encryption or the other bells and whistles that come with pro software. 

If you dictation demands are more occasional, consider the consumer series of Olympus recorders and transcribers, the 2400 series. The DS-2400 recorder records in DSS Pro, or DS2, format. This format allows for superb sound quality during playback. Easily create new voice files with the "New File" button right on the recorder. 1 gig of memory will allow up to 159 hours of record time. The cool Voice-Activation Mode will save you time because it only records when you begin speaking, and it stops recording when you stop speaking.

The AS-2400 Transcription Kit is the digital transcription kit to be used when transcribing files recorded on the DS-2400. It allows you to comfortably playback and transcribe voice files with the Olympus foot-switch while you listen with the head set. 

One thing to note, particularly if you're an Olympus dictation user already: the DS-2400 only records in DSS Pro (or .ds2) format. That means that in order to transcribe these files, you must upgrade your transcription kit to the AS-2400.