Olympus ME-15 Tie Clip Microphone

ab..c

at 3:32 pm

General description

Although this is a mono-microphone, it’s very well suited for general higher- quality voice recordings with a WS -class ‘Olympus’ digital voice recorder. The microphone takes some power from the device as it operates, so its fidelity is better than you would think from just looking at the size of the device. Its colour is black and with a metallic tie clip, so it’s easy to place. I would however avoid getting the microphone wet or subjecting it to strong impacts.

Why use this microphone?

If you use an Olympus digital recorder, other people as well have noticed that it’s hard to boost the input levels for recordings that use ‘Voice-activation’. If you apply this microphone, the input level is boosted so these features are easier to use reliably. However I would suggest that users select a ‘high’ microphone, non-stereo, setting before the recording is made, and make test recordings beforehand for maximum results.

Is it any better than my built-in microphones?

The native stereo of Olympus class type devices can be fantastic when the device is stationary. But when you carry these devices, the recording quality can be reduced, as you are moving about. The idea is that the microphone can be made stationary with a tiepin clip, so is less likely to record the rustling of your clothes. This alone is an aid to better clarity recordings.

To give you an idea of the clarity & sensitivity of this microphone when I play the recordings back using native Olympus headphones, I have heard my own breathing being recorded, the rustling of news papers and a clock ticking from over 2 meters away, even parts of the other person telephone conversation as someone is talk to them on the ‘phone.

Summary

The price is fantastic for the quality of this microphone and is perfectly suited to an ‘Olympus’, WS -class device, for example. If you require better quality, you could consider the stereo-class microphones but they are #40 and up.

If you wish reduce any residual hiss present when the recording is very quiet, I could suggest buying ‘Magix Audio Cleaning lab deluxe 12′ to remove it as it works wonders!

Rating: 5 / 5

K. Bartlett

at 5:56 pm

This item works really well, picking up everything. Possibly a bit sensitive to back ground noise but depending on how you listen to the play back it is fine. Played back though the the headphones in stereo the recording is crystal clear, but played back through the machine the sound is a bit wooley.

It is very discreet and records well even hidden inside a jacket pocket!
Rating: 5 / 5

Rev. A. Russell

at 10:43 pm

I was delighted to be able to use the Olympus ME-15 Tie Clip mic for my Sony IC digital recorder, for which I could not get a tie mic. It works perfectly and produces excellent results.

Alex
Rating: 5 / 5