The New Olympus LS-10

So much has changed in the world of technology, This is particularly noticable in the realm of portable recording, or as it is called nowadays, mobile recording, or mobrecording.

When I was about 12 years old, I had a small reel-to-reel tape recorder that used 3" reels. That was when I was infected by the recording bug. I also found out that I could take a cable that had two alligator clips on one end, and a mini plug on the other, and record directly off the air from my clock radio. I did this by clipping the alligator clips to the speaker terminals inside the clock radio, and plugging the mini plug into the microphone input jack. I remember wondering if I could record TV by doing the same thing to the back of a picture tube. Good thing I never tried that! Of course, this was 1965, years before home video recording became available.

Back in the 1980s, I was a reporter at Houston's leading news-talk station, AM 740 KTRH. When we needed to gather audio recordings in the field, we used professional-level audio cassette recorders, much like the Marantz PMD222 seen here. These were far sturdier than the typical consumer model, and had features such as half-speed record and playback for instances where you needed to extend time. Most of the time, normal speed was used, as this yielded the highest quality sound. These machines had a solid feel to them not found on any home model, and came with a leather carrying case and strap for the reporters use in the field. They also had a large VU meter, and when coupled with a professional microphone, produced really outstanding analog recordings.

Once back in the studio, you would dub the sound from the cassette onto a large reel-to-reel tape recorder for editing. Of course this introduced a generational degradation as the reel tape picked up not only the original recorded sounds, but also any background hiss from the cassette. To get the sound ready for broadcast, you would then play the reel tape until you found where you wanted to start and end the playback, mark the tape at the playback head with a white or yellow grease pencil, place the tape in the groove of a splicing block, and put the pieces together with splicing tape, making sure to trim the edges with a razor blade to prevent adhesive from the splicing tape from gumming up the recorder's heads. Then, when the edits were complete, the reel tape was dubbed to a broadcast continuous loop tape cartridge, or cart, for use on the air. Again, this introduced another generation of degradation, but the result was perfectly fine for use on AM news radio.


Splicing tape to edit the old fashioned way

How things have changed! Today, there are field recorders that fit in a shirt pocket that can record full fidelity in stereo. Editing is done on a computer, using a variety of sound editing software; no splicing tape involved. And the end result is not only a perfect copy of the original digital recording, but it can be digitally enhanced and any extraneous noise removed from the recording prior to final broadcast.

I have occasionally thought about buying a reel-to-reel deck off of eBay, but the lovely spouse always responds with "Why would you want that?" I think it would be fun to have one, and I do have some recordings on such tapes still stored away. It would be good to see what is on them. But truly, the LS is probably right.

So all this leads up to the fact that last week I picked up one of the lastest generation of the "studios in a pocket" recorders, the Olympus LS-10. It's good reviews, features, and quality made it stand out over the competition. In addition, I have been very pleased with my Olympus E-500 Digital SLR camera, so I knew the company puts out a great product. The LS-10 can be used for everything from making a stereo recording of a symphony or band, to radio news gathering, to documenting meetings, to recording sounds of nature. It's form factor is not that unlike the size of a typical cellular telephone.

Olympus has put some features and quality into the LS-10 that puts it above competing recorders, many costing much more than the $399 manufacturer's suggested list price (I paid considerably less using online pricing and matching). First of all, it has an aluminum body that gives it a professional look and feel, as well as adding to the durability of the unit. The built in stereo microphones come with wind screens in the box, along with a carrying case, a wrist strap, a USB cable for connection to a computer, and stereo dubbing cables. It also has a capable sound editing software package for Windows and Mac OSX, but I haven't used it yet, as I find that the free and open source program Audacity fills the bill for me. While Olympus says the LS-10 recorder is supported on Mac and Windows, it works perfectly fine on my Linux box as well, appearing as two external hard drives...one for the internal 2 GB of memory, and another for the SD Card (if you have one in your recorder). Yes, that's right! Unlike most recorders like this, the LS-10 comes equipped with a generous amount of internal memory AND a SDHC slot for using memory cards up to 16 GB in capacity. This gives you hour after hour of room for recordings in various resolutions and formats. The LS-10 can record in uncompressed WAV format, as well as MP3 and WMF (Windows Media File) formats. Another fact I like, is that the LS-10 uses two standard AA alkaline or rechargeable NiCad batteries. This means no charging or charger to tote around, as well as being able to grab a couple of AAs anywhere, anytime. The machine is rated at 12 hours of recording on a single pair of batteries! This is probably why the AC adapter is an extra purchase, but I think that most people will not need it.

Both the recording level and playback level controls are thumbwheels marked in units from 0 up to 10. The screen has all the information you need, clearly displayed in monochrome LCD with a soothing orange backlight that can be set via menus as to how long it stays on, or if it lights up at all. This little gem is totally intuitive if you have ever used a recorder at all. Despite its diminuitive size, the LS-10 neither crowded or hard to use. In fact, it can be operated with one hand. To record, you punch the record button once to see and set the recording levels from the VU meters displayed on the LCD. You then punch it again to begin recording. Subsequent punches either pause or unpause your recording, and you hit the stop button to end the recording. Simple, eh? It also has an earphone jack so you can use a set of headphones or ear buds to monitor your recordings as they are made. It also has a tiny pair of stereo speakers on the back to field check recordings. They are not high fidelity at all, but suffice to be sure you got the sounds you thought you did.

I have all kinds of ideas on how to make use of this great little recorder. The frequency response and quality of recordings of this is stunning. You can also put it on a standard camera tripod for stability, as it has a tripod threaded hole in the back. For controlling it from a distance, you can also purchase a remote control unit for the LS-10. Expect to hear samples of my recordings on this blog from time to time. This should be fun!

Olympus LS-10 Portable PCM Audio Recorder In Summary

A great tool for the musician, reporter, podcaster, or recording enthusiast! With included batteries and internal memory, it is all ready to go straight from the box!

PROS:

• Stunning recording quality
• Quality build with aluminum body
• 2 GB internal recording memory
• SDHC slot for additional memory
• High quality stereo mikes with jack for external mikes
• Includes carrying case
• Tripod mountable
• 12 hour battery life with 2 AA alkaline batteries
• Built in enhancements such as zoom mike, audio enhancments, reverb, auto level
• Record in uncompressed WAV or compressed MP3 and WMF, at various bit depths
• WAV tops at 96kHz, 24 bit (Better than CD quality)
• MP3 best quality at 320 kbps
• WMA best quality at 160 kpbs
• Includes windscreens, which attach solidly to the mics
• Includes audio editing software
• Includes first set of AA alkaline batteries
• Supported under Windows & Mac, works fine with Linux
• Can be used as an external hard drive to move computer files

CONS:

• AC Power Supply not included (don't need it with long battery life)

RECOMMENDATION:
Highly recommended


Right-hand side showing low cut switch, mike sensitivity switch, record level adjustment, external microphone jack and line in jack.


Left-hand side showing earphone jack, SDHC slot cover, playback level adjustment, USB port cover, and hold/power slider switch.


Back of LS-10, showing mini speakers and threaded tripod connection, and foam wind screens.

Mourning Dove

One of the various feathered creatures we have inhabiting our yard are the pretty, gray mourning doves. They have various spotted markings, and are a welcome addition to the wildlife around Douglas County. These pleasant birds have a soothing, yet mournful "ooh OOH ooh ooh" sound when they sing. I will try to capture their song with my audio recorder, and if successful, will post it to this blog.

This particular dove was enjoying the aspen trees in the front yard when I snapped its picture.

New Speed Zone Warning Signs

Last April while driving to Houston from Colorado, I noticed a new type of warning sign. These were placed along US 287 just before coming into various towns along the highway. Rather than the rectangular white signs proclaiming Speed Zone Ahead, or Reduced Speed Ahead, Texas has placed diamond-shaped yellow warning signs with a standard speed limit sign and an arrow in their place. I found these to be much more helpful than the older signs that gave no idea how much you had to slow down.

I have since learned that these signs are part of a new standard outlined in the MUTCD, or Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices published by the Federal Highway Administration of the Department of Transportation. The states have until 2018 to fully deploy the new signs.

Uniform road signage is important to safety, as drivers can readily recognize and act upon information relayed by the signs. Imagine if you were driving from state to state, and every jurisdiction has their own sign conventions and designs. It would be pretty confusing, wouldn't it? This is why the MUTCD is important.

So anyway, back to the new speed zone warning signs. I noticed them popping up on Interstate 25 in Denver. There is also this one that I took a picture of today on Park Avenue in Downtown Denver. Behind the sign is Coors Field, home park of the Colorado Rockies baseball club.

Below is an image from the MUTCD that gives specifications for these new signs. This is one innovation that actually improves upon the status quo.

The Pesky Swallow

Back in 2002 during the infamous Hayman Fire, one of its effects was to cause the swallow migration to veer further east than usual. At the time, I had a stucco house that was very appealing to the major pest known as the cliff swallow. Now, I love birds, but I despise these delta-winged little bastards. It was like a scene from Alfred Hitchcock's movie, The Birds, as all of a sudden, hundreds of chattering, squealling, crapping swallows descended upon my house, constructing their gourd-shaped mud nests under the eaves. Once there are eggs in these nests, you cannot legally take them down. Apparently, some old migratory bird protection act gives these nasty creatures the right to destroy human homes and property. Let me tell you, there was no shortage of them. It was a constant battle with high pressure water nozzles to keep them from completing their nests. I finally had netting placed under the eaves of the roof to keep them from building. To make matters worse, if they hatch there, they will return the next year as the next generation builds nests. I had recurring nightmares of them and there awful chattering sound.

Now, I don't have stucco, and so far, so good for several years. But the parking garage at my office attracts these horrible creatures, and they love to dive bomb you as you go to your car. In groups, they make a rattling, chittering sound intermittently between their song. However, yesterday I managed to avoid getting dive bombed, got in the car, rolled down the window, and recorded the song of one of these birds. Annoying as it is, at least it isn't the sound I had nightmares about.

CLICK HERE to hear the swallow's song as I recorded it yesterday.

Fat Robins Cooling Off

Here we are, in the midst of record breaking heat. So far in the Denver area, we have broken a record for consecutive days above 90 degrees Fahrenheit that has stood since 1901. Yesterday, we hit 101, and today is projected to reach 104. It is to get above 100 all the way from El Paso, Texas to Billings, Montana. Phoenix is to reach 114 today!

So with heat like that, even the red, red robins need a cooldown splash to get bobbin' along. This morning as I was leaving for work, I noticed a trio of these cute birds enjoying the water in my birdbath. That splashing around doesn't look like a half bad idea!

Popeye

While looking at the program guide this morning, I noticed they were running Popeye cartoons on the Boomerang network. The guide described the program as follows:

Popeye - The sailor courts Olive Oyl and gains strength through spinach.

Doesn't that description apply to every Popeye cartoon ever produced? Guess that covers them all.

Qantas . . . Still a Safe Airline

Yesterday, one of the world's safest airlines, Australia's Qantas, had a major explosive decompression event that tore a gaping hole in the side of the aircraft. Fortunately, the pilots were able to safely land at Manila, and not a single person was injured. I think I would have needed to make a purchase of clean underwear following such a frightening incident! It is a testament to human resiliency that the passengers remained fairly calm, as evidenced by the video below, taken on board the plane as it descended and landed.

Another Old Street Sign

I have posted pictures of various types of street signs found around the city of Houston in the past. Still, there was one type that used to grace the curbs at many intersections that I haven't had the chance to photograph. Then, in a thread on the Houston Architecture Info Forum, I found that a member called "isuredid", placed one he had taken. So, here it is.

I don't know the history of these blue and white mosaic signs, but they must have had standard tile layouts for every letter and digit, as they always were very consistent. I cannot imagine road crews today taking the time for such curbside artistry, but I have always enjoyed these signs as a piece of how things used to be done. They are much more interesting than the standard signs you typically see nowadays.

Next time I get down to Houston, I hope to catch some of these on my own, but in the meantime, thanks to isuredid for this one.

Where Is This?

Map of the Denver area from Google Maps

I remember a game that used to appear in Readers Digest, where you got to see a little bit of a road map, and the object was to figure out where the place on the map was located. So let's play a little version of that right here.

Click on the map above to get a larger version, but notice that I have circled three town names in red. They are Thornton, Denver, and Aurora, three city names in the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area. However, this is not a map of Colorado. There are a couple of good clues to get you started however if you look closely at the map.

Once you think you have it figured out, go the the comments for this post to see the answer. Don't peek until you have given a real effort at figuring it out.

Horehound? Yep, I Got 'Em!

Okay, today I made good on my promise to buy some horehound drops to share with Kristin, Ryan, and my other pals at work (see this post from July 3). I found them for sale at Cost Plus World Market at Southlands. Here is the proof...a nice, fresh bag of horehound drops. I particularly like the subtext on the bag..."Brewed & steeped in copper kettles to enhance the horehound flavor" (emphasis mine).

I actually have not tasted a horehound drop since I was a child. Wouldn't it be funny if it turns out I actually like them now?

So Kristin, if you are reading this...get ready. The horehound drops are on the way. Or as Mister Burns on The Simpsons would say, "Release the hounds!"

Griff's Hamburgers

Today, I decided to try out a long time favorite of people I have talked to around town . . . Griff's Hamburgers on South Broadway in Denver. Griff's apparently was a chain that disappeared many years back, with a few remaining locations still in business on their own. The one in Denver is located on South Broadway, and while the building is typical of an old burger joint, the hamburgers have a wonderful taste that you don't get in your typical burger fare. From the article on Wikipedia linked above, it appears the largest concentration of remaining Griff's are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

So to start our Griff's experience today, we loaded up the Santa Fe with me, the lovely spouse, the oldest son and his wife, and the grandchildren and headed over to give Griff's a try. I have meant to do this for years, but for one reason or another, never got around to it.

The LS and I each had the Number 2 Combo (no, not THAT number 2), which was the cheeseburger, fries and Coke. Fast service, and while the burger was nothing special to look at, it definitely was a tasty treat.

I also have heard that there is a Griff's still operating in Arvada, Colorado just to the northwest of Denver, as well as others in various towns. If you want to give them a try, and there is one near you, I suggest you do so. Who knows how long some of them may be around.

Even Sweeter in Sugar Land

The Associated Press is reporting that 5,000 gallons of sticky, sweet molasses spilled from a tanker truck on to Texas Highway 6 at the Southwest Freeway (US 59) in Sugar Land yesterday afternoon. What could be a more perfect place for molasses to spill than a place named for sugar?

This particular intersection is one I have been through countless times. In fact, below is a photo of the intersection that I posted a while back on this very blog. I used to frequent a coffee shop at the corner to make use of their wi-fi connections while visiting my parents in nearby Houston. Sadly, The Coffee Groundz closed this location. I guess they, like many small businesses, just couldn't make a go of it.


Intersection of Texas Highway 6 and US 59 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land