Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $180

Standard/Professional

$149

$400+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Capture pristine audio wherever your creativity takes you with the Olympus LS-100, a high-fidelity portable recorder designed for musicians, podcasters, and field recordists alike. Whether you're in the studio or on location, this recorder's 96kHz/24-bit linear PCM recording capability ensures that every nuance of your performance is captured with crystal-clear precision. Equipped with dual XLR/¼" combo inputs, the LS-100 offers compatibility with a wide range of microphones and instruments, making it a versatile tool for any audio professional.

For those who require flexibility in their recording environments, the Olympus LS-100 boasts an impressive array of features that cater to both the novice and experienced user. Its built-in stereo microphones allow for effortless stereo recording, while the multi-track functionality enables you to layer up to eight tracks, perfect for complex compositions or multi-part harmonies. The intuitive interface and large, easy-to-read LCD screen make navigation and setup a breeze, so you can focus on what truly matters—your music.

Whether you're capturing the subtle dynamics of a live performance or the intricate details of a studio session, the Olympus LS-100 is engineered to deliver exceptional audio quality. The combination of versatility and professional-grade features makes it an indispensable tool for any serious musician or audio engineer.

Key Features:

  • 96kHz/24-bit linear PCM recording capability
  • Dual XLR/¼" combo inputs with phantom power
  • Built-in stereo microphones
  • Eight-track multi-track recording functionality
  • Large, easy-to-read LCD screen
  • USB connectivity for file transfer and power supply
  • Compatible with external microphones and instruments
generalcontrol

generalcontrol

Olympus LS-100 review and test against Zoom H4N

Video thumbnail for Olympus LS-100 review and test against Zoom H4N by generalcontrol

Olympus LS-100 review and test against Zoom H4N

generalcontrol

generalcontrol

Video thumbnail for Olympus LS-100 by B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Olympus LS-100

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Video thumbnail for 1st Impressions: The Olympus LS-100 Portable Digital Audio Recorder by JuanBagnell

1st Impressions: The Olympus LS-100 Portable Digital Audio Recorder

JuanBagnell

JuanBagnell

Video thumbnail for Olympus LS-100 Multi Track Linear PCM Recorder Review by Geekanoids

Olympus LS-100 Multi Track Linear PCM Recorder Review

Geekanoids

Geekanoids

Video thumbnail for Introducing OLYMPUS LS-100 Linear PCM Recorder by OlympusImagingAudio

Introducing OLYMPUS LS-100 Linear PCM Recorder

OlympusImagingAudio

OlympusImagingAudio

Video thumbnail for Olympus LS-100 Multi Track Linear PCM Recorder - Unboxing & First Look by Geekanoids

Olympus LS-100 Multi Track Linear PCM Recorder - Unboxing & First Look

Geekanoids

Geekanoids

Video thumbnail for Olympus LS-100 Sound Recorder demo 2 by SlashGear

Olympus LS-100 Sound Recorder demo 2

SlashGear

SlashGear

Video thumbnail for Olympus LS100 Audio Recorder by Avp Studios

Olympus LS100 Audio Recorder

Avp Studios

Avp Studios

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Olympus ls-100.

Features and functionality

  • LS-100 offers multiple channel data capture, which some users prefer saving for post-production editing.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • DaVinci Resolve can automatically sync LS-100 audio to video clips using in-camera audio, with manual waveform matching as a backup.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Clapping at the start of a recording is effective for syncing LS-100 audio with video in post-production, leveraging distinct sound waveforms.

    Source
  • The LS-100 can output audio to cameras with mic inputs, like the Olympus E-M5 and E-M1 series, for direct audio-video synchronization.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users suggest considering cheaper options like Zoom H1 unless LS-100's premium features are necessary.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Olympus LS100

soundonsound.com

The Olympus LS-100 is a capable eight-track recorder with independent phantom power for XLR inputs and a range of useful recording modes. However, it’s not without flaws; the inability to record more than one stereo signal at a time, sluggish start-up, and lack of on-board effects are notable drawbacks. While it excels in providing eight mixable tracks and quality audio, the user interface and OS could be more intuitive. It's a mixed bag, offering high-quality stereo audio but lagging in DSP effects and computer interfacing compared to some competitors. Ideal for basic multitracking, but not quite professional-grade.

Olympus LS-100 - Transom

transom.org

The Olympus LS-100 offers impressive sound quality and professional features, like XLR inputs and multitrack capabilities, appealing to musicians. However, it falters as a field recorder for journalists due to cumbersome operation, a proprietary battery system, and a frustrating user interface that demands multiple button presses to start recording. Despite its high-quality audio output and sturdy design, its complexity and higher cost make it less practical than alternatives like the Tascam DR-100mkII. If you can navigate its quirks, it delivers excellent sound, but there are smoother, more cost-effective options available.

negative

Review: Olympus LS-100 Linear PCM Recorder | WIRED

wired.com

For musicians seeking a portable recording powerhouse, the Olympus LS-100 shines with its high-fidelity sound and versatile multi-tracking capabilities, making it a standout pocket studio. Its sturdy build and excellent condenser mics capture live performances with remarkable clarity. However, its $400 price tag and bulky design may deter casual users. The user interface is not intuitive, requiring patience to master. Despite these drawbacks, it's a top choice for professionals or serious enthusiasts who will leverage its features.

positive

Zoom H4n, Tascam DR-100 MkII, Olympus LS-100 Review

photographybay.com

Olympus LS-100 shines with its polished interface, robust build, and excellent sound quality, making it a strong contender among compact XLR recorders. However, its higher price point and limited power options—relying solely on a Li-ion battery without AA backup—detract from its appeal for field use. The LS-100 offers superior preamps, but the presence of a .2 second monitoring delay, which Olympus promises to address with a firmware update, is a notable drawback. While its internal storage and support for SDXC cards provide flexibility, the Tascam DR-100 MkII's competitive pricing and battery versatility give it an edge.

Olympus LS-100 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Olympus LS-100 is a robust and versatile portable stereo recorder, ideal for musicians needing a reliable tool for songwriting and live recordings. Its standout features include multi-track recording, high-quality sound, and a solid build. The inclusion of XLR inputs and phantom power for condenser mics adds to its appeal, making it suitable for more professional setups. However, its multi-track mode is somewhat basic and requires a cumbersome initiation process when adding tracks. Despite its size being a bit unwieldy for pockets, its comprehensive array of features makes it a worthy investment for musicians seeking flexibility and quality on the go.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tony Kakko uses Olympus ls-100

Tony Kakko

Singer, Keyboardist

Northern Kings

...
Verified via YouTube

Tony Kakko, the vocalist and keyboardist for Sonata Arctica, is shown utilizing the Olympus LS-100 Multi-track Linear PCM Recorder to create a new tune in a video published by the band on their official YouTube channel. The video, titled "Tony Kakko Recording a New Tune With OLYMPUS LS-100 (OFFICIAL)," features Kakko in his personal creative space, demonstrating the use of the recorder. This source confirms Kakko's use of the Olympus LS-100 for recording purposes.

More Olympus Portable Recorders

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    luftkraft
    luftkraft

    Gear IQ 123