How To: Convert .ds2 .dss Files Using DSS Player Pro Version 7 Plus To AIF For MacSpeech Scribe

Now that MacSpeech Scribe is available, a select few will have the luxury of owning a Professional digital dictaphone like the Olympus DS-3400 or DS-5000. Both these digital voice recorders are certified to be used with MacSpeech Scribe. Both recorders are supplied with DSS Player Version 7 Plus for Mac.

The software can be used to convert audio recorded in .ds2 (DSS Pro) audio format to AIFF ready to load into MacSpeech Scribe. Click here for our main blog site explaining how to do the file conversion.

Olympus DSS Pro Latest Release Supports RS24 & RS26 Footswitch with AS-5000 Transcription Kit

Olympus have released an update to the DSS Player Pro software now moving up to version 5.0.4.0. This latest release fixes a problem for many of the converts to the DS-5000 recorders whereby older style Olympus foot controls, i.e. the RS24 and RS26, would not work via USB with the DSS Player Pro transcription module. This release fixes that issue as well as a couple of other minor bug fixes.

The update is available automatically via the softwares auto update function.

For those of you considering upgrading your DS-4000 to a new DS-5000 then this is great news as you will have worry free compatibility with your typists older AS-4000 transcription kit. Simply use the DSS Player Pro software that comes with your DS-5000 or DS-5000iD to upgrade your old AS-4000 kit to an AS-5000 for free.

Contact us for more info: sales@dictate.com.au

How To Set Classic Mode On Olympus DS-5000 & DS-5000iD

Here is our latest YouTube video which shows how to set the Olympus DS-5000 or DS-5000iD digital dictaphone into "classic mode". This mode sets the dictaphone to record audio in the older .dss audio format instead of the default .ds2 or DSS Pro audio format. The benefit being that the older .dss format is compatible with most older transcription kits like the discontinued AS-4000 and the AS-2300 and also the popular free transcription software Express Scribe.



As you can see Classic Mode is set in the Dictation Module softwaree and not on the recorder itself.

My Transcriptionist Can't Play Audio From My New Olympus DS-5000 - Help !

Don't Panic ! The new Olympus DS-5000 and Olympus DS-5000iD digital dictaphone by default records in the new .ds2 or DSS Pro audio format designed to work beautifully with the Olympus AS-5000 transcription kit. But what happens if you send your audio to your outsourced typist and they are unable to play the audio?


The chances are your typist either has an Olympus AS-4000 digital transcription kit, now discontinued, or they are using other transcription software like Express Scribe from NCH Swift Sound. Both of these are not able to play the .ds2 audio format. There are however a couple of options:

1. If your typist has an AS-4000 kit they can upgrade their software to DSS Player Pro as used by the AS-5000 kit. They can do this for free if you hand over your software install disk that came with your DS-5000 as that allows a free upgrade for one licenced copy of DSS Player software. Alternatively they can purchase a software upgrade, look for Olympus product code AS5002.
2. If your typist does not transcribe using the Olympus software then you are able to configure the DS-5000 to record in "classic mode" which will save audio in the older .dss file format used previously by the DS-4000 recorders. Click here to see our YouTube video on how to change your DS-5000 or DS-5000iD recorder to "classic mode".

If you use one of the larger transcription services in Australia like our sister company The Transcription People they will have no problems using the DSS Pro .ds2 file format.

If you have any questions on "classic mode" or the Olympus DS-5000 please contact us, we are always happy to help: mailto://sales@dictate.com.au or click the Live Chat button on our website http://www.dictate.com.au/

New Olympus DS-5000 DS2 Audio Format Not Express Scribe Compatible

The Olympus DS-4000 replacement, the DS-5000 and DS-5000iD record in a newer format of the DSS (Digital Speech Standard) audio format known as .DS2 or DSS Pro. Initial testing with the popular Express Scribe transcription software used by many transcription businesses including our own, The Transcription People shows that the new .DS2 format is not compatible with Scribe, this we believe is due to tighter licencing controls of the DSS audio standard.

There is the option on the DS-5000 and DS-5000iD to record in "Classic DSS" however selecting this reduces not only the audio quality of the recording, QP record mode can not be selected only SP, but also limits some of the additional functionality of the unit. Verbal comments can not be recorded and index marks are limited to 16 for each file.

As soon as we receive our test unit we will test if "Classic DSS" will produce the older style .DSS files which can be loaded into Express Scribe.

Finally - DS-5000 & AS-5000 Pricing Announced In Australia

The much anticipated replacement for the Olympus DS-4000 digital dictation kit and the Olympus AS-4000 transcription kit, the DS-5000 and AS-5000 were officially released in Australia today, 1st September 2008.

Today we finally received the pricing for these new models, they have come in at the same price as the DS-4000 / AS-4000. A smart move from Olympus, not only are these much more advanced recorders and transcription kits but they have been held at this price for some years now. Olympus could have easily released them for a marked up price but by doing this they will continue to keep a dominant grip on the digital voice recorder market here in Australia.

Surprisingly though, the DS-5000iD, the DS-5000 with the finger print reader for added security, we still do not have the official RRP for. As soon as we get it it will be posted on our website.

R.I.P. DS-4000, a legend of a digital dictatphone

DS-5000 & AS-5000 Set To Launch August 2008 In Australia

We reported back in March that the sunset for the amazing DS-4000 digital dictaphone and the AS-4000 digital transcription kit was fast approaching.




The next generation of top of the line digital dictaphones from Olympus will soon make their debut in Australia. The DS-5000 and DS-5000iD professional digital dictaphones along with their very own transcription kit the AS-5000 look to be coming the middle of August.

As reported in the Olympus press release the DS-5000 will replace the DS-4000 and the AS-5000 will replace the AS-4000. Interestingly the DS-5000 will not be compatible with the older AS-4000 transcription kits, users looking to move to the DS-5000 will need to replace all their kit.