OM SYSTEM Olympus VP-20 Digital Voice Recorder - Pen Style Recorder

In this review the OM SYSTEM Olympus VP-20 is evaluated as a compact, pen style digital voice recorder best suited for students, journalists and professionals who need simple, reliable capture of spoken content. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of built-in 8GB memory and stereo microphones with noise cancellation, which together make it easy to record clear meetings or lectures without external drives or complicated setup. The unit's REC monitor and VCVA features help focus on usable audio and save space, making it a straightforward tool for anyone who prefers a no-nonsense recorder.

Key Features

• Pen Style: The slim, pen-like body makes the device discreet and easy to carry in a pocket or pen holder while recording on the go.
• Stereo Microphones: Built-in stereo mics capture a wider sound field for clearer voices across a small room or meeting table.
• 8Gb built in memory: Substantial internal storage removes the need for external cards and stores hours of recordings ready for playback or transfer.
• Noise Cancellation: The noise canceling function reduces background hiss and distractions so spoken words come through more intelligibly.
• Direct USB: The built-in direct USB makes transferring files to a computer quick without needing a cable or separate docking station.
• Mic/Headphone Jack: The mic and headphone jack allow monitoring during capture and easy private playback or external mic use.

Who It's For

The VP-20 is aimed at students who record lectures, reporters taking interviews, and professionals documenting meetings who value portability and straightforward operation. Its pen style and direct USB make it convenient for frequent use and simple file management without extra accessories.

It is less suitable for high-end field recording or music production where interchangeable microphones, higher bitrates, or removable storage are required. Users requiring advanced multi-channel recording or rugged, weatherproof construction should consider specialized recorders elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact pen style design is unobtrusive and pocketable for everyday carry.
• Built-in 8Gb memory plus direct USB simplifies file storage and transfer.
• Stereo microphones with noise cancellation improve clarity for voice recordings.
• Mic/headphone jack and REC monitor give practical control during capture and playback.

Cons

• Internal memory is fixed at 8Gb, so users who need very long sessions must manage storage or offload frequently.
• The pen style form is not optimized for advanced field recording or rugged outdoor use.

Specifications

Product Type	Digital Voice Recorder
Style	Pen Style
Memory	8Gb built in memory
Microphones	Stereo Microphone
Connectivity	Built in Direct USB, Mic/Headphone Jack
Signal Processing	Noise Cancellation, Voice Balancer
Recording Features	REC monitor, VCVA, Self Timer

Our Verdict

The OM SYSTEM Olympus VP-20 is a practical, value-oriented recorder for anyone who needs reliable voice capture in a compact package. It stands out for its built-in 8Gb memory, stereo microphones and noise cancellation, which together provide clear recordings and easy file transfer via direct USB. For everyday note taking, interviews and meetings it represents sensible value, though those needing removable storage or advanced audio fidelity should look at more specialized units.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much recording time does 8Gb provide?
Recording time depends on file format and quality, but the 8Gb built in memory is intended to hold many hours of voice recordings at typical voice settings.

Can I monitor recordings while they are being made?
Yes, the REC monitor and headphone jack let you listen and check levels during capture for better results.

Does it require extra software to transfer files?
No, the built in direct USB allows straightforward file transfer to a computer without extra drivers on most systems.