OM SYSTEM Olympus Voice Recorder DM-720 with 4GB, Micro SD Slot, USB Charging, Direction PC Connection, Transcription Mode, Silver
Quick take
The OM SYSTEM Olympus DM-720 is a lightweight digital voice recorder designed for clear voice capture, with a stereo TRESMIC microphone system, an intelligent Auto Mode, and a low-cut filter for reducing low-frequency rumble. Buyers tend to praise how straightforward it is to use and the quality you get for everyday recordings, especially in less-than-quiet environments.
The main tradeoff is that it is not positioned as studio-grade audio gear, and a little background noise can be audible at more sensitive microphone settings.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stereo TRESMIC microphone system aimed at capturing natural sound and speech
- Low-cut filter that reduces frequencies below 300 Hz while recording
- Long battery life rating of up to 985 hours, using one AAA battery
- Expandable storage with a microSD slot, plus 4GB built-in
- Built-in USB charging and PC connection for file transfer convenience
Cons
- At higher sensitivity, some users report a faint hiss in the background
- USB connection without a dedicated cable can feel a bit awkward depending on your setup
- More advanced audio workflows may require additional steps and transcription software on your computer
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence highlights a consistent set of themes around usability and everyday audio clarity. Many buyers describe the DM-720 as easy to operate, with a manageable set of menus and useful playback features. Sound quality is generally characterized as “decent” or “clear and legible” for speech and general recordings, and several buyers specifically note improvements when recording in noisier settings.
There is also a recurring nuance: while the recorder performs well for everyday use, some sensitive recording levels can reveal a faint hiss. Overall, reviews suggest the DM-720 is best treated as a practical, reliable voice recorder rather than an audio device meant to match the fidelity of significantly more expensive field recorders.
Key features that matter for real-world voice recording
Stereo TRESMIC and directionally useful capture
The DM-720 uses a TRESMIC microphone system to capture sound in stereo, which can help voices sound more natural than with a single-mic design. For commuting, interviews, meetings, and travel journaling, that stereo presentation tends to support clearer intelligibility when you replay recordings.
Low-cut filter for reducing low-frequency rumble
One of the more practical recording aids here is the low-cut filter, designed to eliminate frequencies lower than 300 Hz. If you record in environments with HVAC hum, traffic vibration, or general low-end “bloom,” this filter can make voice playback sound cleaner without requiring post-processing.
Intelligent Auto Mode for level adjustments
Intelligent Auto Mode adjusts microphone sensitivity based on the input level. This matters when you are moving between quiet and louder moments, like shifting in a meeting or transitioning between outdoor and indoor spaces. It helps keep recordings from swinging between too quiet and too hot.
48 kHz/16-bit linear PCM format for higher fidelity options
The recorder supports 48 kHz/16-bit linear PCM recording, which can be helpful if you plan to edit or process audio later. PCM can also be a good fit when transcription quality depends on maintaining audio detail (especially for consonants and speech dynamics).
Storage, battery life, and day-to-day convenience
4GB built-in plus microSD expansion
With 4GB of built-in storage and a microSD slot, the DM-720 gives you flexibility. You are not forced to manage storage immediately if you do short recording sessions, and you can expand if you expect longer stretches between transfers.
Up to 985 hours battery life
Battery life is rated at up to 985 hours using a single AAA battery. That is a major convenience factor for travelers or anyone who does not want to think about charging often. Since the unit is designed around one AAA, replacement is also straightforward.
USB charging and PC connection
The built-in USB connection supports charging and direct file transfer to a laptop. Some buyers found the USB connector to be a bit awkward because it can be hard to see the tiny screen when plugged into a computer, but the overall workflow is still described as convenient for managing files.
Pros and cons, summarized
- Best for: people recording clear voice notes, interviews, lectures, and travel journals who want easy operation, low-frequency cleanup, and long battery life.
- Who should buy: buyers who care about speech clarity and practical connectivity (USB charging and PC transfer), and who want expandable storage.
- Who should avoid: buyers expecting pro-level field recorder sound, or those who record extremely quiet sources at very high sensitivity and need near-silent noise floors.
How it compares in the category (by fit, not by name)
If you are choosing among digital voice recorders, the DM-720 stands out most for speech-oriented features and convenience, not for maximum audio performance. Consider other options if:
- You want a recorder designed primarily for music production or maximum dynamic range, where background noise expectations are tighter.
- You need a more ergonomic charging and transfer setup with cables always included or a docking workflow that avoids awkward physical placement while connected.
- Your priority is huge built-in storage only, rather than storage expansion via microSD.
Verdict
The OM SYSTEM Olympus DM-720 is a strong, practical choice for clear everyday voice recordings, with a stereo TRESMIC microphone system, a low-cut filter, and intelligent auto-level behavior. Reviews generally support that it is easy to use and produces recordings that are clear and legible for speech, with the main limitation being that faint background hiss can appear at more sensitive settings. If you want a compact recorder that is simple to operate and convenient to transfer and transcribe, it is an easy fit.
FAQ
What is the battery life on the OM SYSTEM Olympus DM-720?
The DM-720 is rated for up to 985 hours of battery life using one AAA battery.
Does the DM-720 support microSD cards?
Yes. It includes 4GB built in and also has a microSD slot for expansion.
What recording formats does it use?
It supports WAV (linear PCM at 48 kHz/16-bit) for higher-fidelity recordings.
Is the low-cut filter useful for speech?
It is designed to reduce frequencies below 300 Hz while recording, which can help minimize low-frequency rumble and improve the clarity of voices in noisy environments.
Can I connect it to a computer to transfer files?
Yes. It supports USB connection to a laptop for file transfer, and that same USB connection can be used for charging.
Is it good for transcription?
Because it can record in a higher-fidelity WAV format and supports speech-focused features like level control and low-cut filtering, it can be a practical recorder for transcription workflows. You may still need transcription software on your computer depending on the method you use.
Will it have background hiss?
Some buyers report faint hiss at very sensitive microphone settings, though recordings are generally described as clear and legible for everyday use.
Specifications
| Product Title | OM SYSTEM Olympus Voice Recorder DM-720 with 4GB, Micro SD Slot, USB Charging, Direction PC Connection, Transcription Mode, Silver |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Portable Audio & Video > Digital Voice Recorders |
| Brand | OM SYSTEM |
| Manufacturer | OLYMPUS IMAGING CORPORATION |
| Model Number | DM-720 Digital Voice Recorder |
| Item Weight | 0.16 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 0.57"D x 1.6"W x 4.17"H |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Microphone Form Factor | Built-In |
| Format | WAV |
| Headphones Jack | 3.5 millimeters |
| Number of Batteries | 1 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 4 GB |
| Screen Size | 1.36 Inches |
| Battery Average Life | 985 Hours |
| Digital Recording Time | 985 hours |
| Microphone Operation Mode | Stereo |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 0.57"D x 1.6"W x 4.17"H |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00050332189560 |
| UPC | 050332189560 |
| Item Part Number | V414111SU000 |
| Mfr Part Number | V414111SU000 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Built-In Media | Digital Voice Recorder |
Available variants
Style
- Voice Recorder
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