VN-541PC VN-540PC

Thank you for purchasing our company’s digital voice recorder.

Please read these instructions for information about using the product correctly and safely.

Keep the instructions handy for future reference.

• To ensure successful recording, we recommend that you test the record function and volume

before use.

• If there are additions and/or modifications of functions due to firmware update for the

recorder, the contents will differ. For the latest information, please visit our website.

Getting started

Recording

Playback

Editing

Use with a PC

Other information

VN-541PC

VN-540PC

DIGITAL VOICE

RECORDER

USER MANUAL

Names of parts ................................... 4

1 Getting started

Setup .................................................. 5

Inserting the batteries ........................................ 6

Turning the power ON ........................................ 7

Setting the time/date..........................................7

Setting the beeping sounds ............................. 8

Batteries ............................................. 9

Turning the power OFF ..................... 9

Preventing accidental operation .... 10

Setting HOLD mode ..........................................10

Releasing HOLD mode .....................................10

2 Recording

Recording ......................................... 11

Changing the recording scene ......................11

Basic recording procedure ..............................12

Monitoring while recording ...........................13

Recording with an external microphone ...13

Recording from another connected

device ............................................... 14

Recording audio from another device with

this recorder .........................................................14

Recording audio from this recorder with

another device.....................................................14

3 Playback

Playback ........................................... 15

Basic playback procedure ................................15

Fast-forwarding ...................................................16

Rewinding .............................................................17

Skipping to the beginning of a file .............17

Playback through the earphones .................18

Changing the playback speed ........ 19

Repeat playback .............................. 20

Folder/File repeat playback ............................20

A/B repeat playback ..........................................20

Reducing noise during playback

(Noise Cancel) .................................. 21

4 Editing

Changing the information screen ... 22

Preventing accidental file erasure

(File Lock) ......................................... 22

Index marks/temp marks ................ 23

Writing an index mark/temp mark ...............23

Erasing an index mark/temp mark ...............23

Erasing files ...................................... 24

Erase a single file .................................................24

Erase all the files in the folder ........................24

Formatting the internal memory ... 26

Table of contents

5 Use with a PC

PC operating environment ............. 27

PC connection/disconnection ......... 28

Connecting the voice recorder to a PC .......28

Disconnecting the voice recorder

from a PC ...............................................................29

Loading a file to a PC ....................... 30

6 Other information

Troubleshooting .............................. 31

Recorder care ................................... 33

Accessories (optional) ..................... 34

information ...................................... 35

Safety precautions .......................... 36

Specifications ................................... 40

Indications used in this manual

NOTE

Describes precautions and operations that

should be absolutely avoided in using the

voice recorder.

TIP

Describes useful information and hints that

will help you getting the most out of your

voice recorder.

☞

Indicates reference pages describing details

or related information.

Names of parts

(

1 2 4 53

Recorder

1 Built-in microphone

(microphone) jack

3 Display

4 USB connector

5 l (index/repeat)

button

6 n (recording

scene, folder/noise

cancel) button

7 p (playback, pause)

button

8 0 button

9 Built-in speaker

0 q (earphone) jack

! LED indicator light

@ o (power, hold)

button

REC

(record) switch

button

% 9 button

^ k (erase) button

–

button

* Battery cover

( Strap hole

Display

1 Repeat

2 File lock

3 File number/Total

number of recorded

files in folder,

A/B repeat

4 Volume

5 Battery

Folder (recording scene)

7 Voice recorder status

(recording, playback,

fast playback, slow

playback)

8 Time and date,

Recording scene

9 Indicator display

area (recording date,

time and date, remain,

index/temp mark,

erase, noise cancel,

hold, format, beep)

Names of parts

VN-541PC

model only

Setup

After unpacking the voice recorder, follow the

steps below to have it ready for use.

Getting

started

Inserting the batteries

Getting

started

Turning the power ON

Getting

started

Setting the time/date

Set the voice recorder’s clock for

use with file management.

Getting

started

Setting the beeping

sounds

Getting started

This product is a voice recorder that is easy

to use for all age groups, from children to

senior citizens. It can be used in a range of

situations, such as in business, or recording

memos.

Usage examples

Recording meetings and discussions means

that if you miss something important, you

can listen to it again as many times as you like

to confirm the content.

This recorder also features Noise Cancel

function useful for transcription, as well as

faster and slower playback.

Record messages as well as

changes to schedules instead

of taking memos. Simple

one-handed recording

means it is easier

than writing in a

notebook.

This voice recorder

can also be connected

to a PC, and used as

mass USB storage.

This is convenient for

transferring large files

such as image data

between computers.

Setup

Inserting the batteries

Before using the voice recorder, insert the batteries in the battery compartment of the voice

recorder.

Slide open the battery cover

while pressing down on it.

Insert the batteries, making

sure its positive and negative

terminals are placed correctly.

Insert the battery’s

negative terminal first.

Pull up the battery cover in the

direction of 1.

4 Align the battery cover with the

voice recorder. (2)

5 Slide the battery cover in the

direction of 3 to close it.

• Do not close the battery cover while

the batteries are still loose.

Setup

Turning the power ON

While the voice recorder is turned

off, press and hold the o button.

TIP

• If you install batteries for the first time

or replaced with new ones, the [hour]

indicator will flash automatically when

the power is turned on.

Setting the time/date

Set the time and date beforehand to enable

easier management of recorded files.

Press the 9 (p) or 0

button to select the desired

setting item.

Press the

–

button to change

the number.

• To change the setting of another item,

press the 9 or 0 button to move

the blinking cursor, then press the + or

– button to change the number.

Press the p button to finalize

the setting.

Setup

TIP

• When setting the hour or minute, each

time you press the n button the

display changes between the AM/PM

and 24-hour clock formats.

Example: 10 : 38 PM

PM 10 : 38

(default format)

22 : 38

• When setting the year, month or date,

each time you press the n button

the display order used for the date

changes.

Example: March 24, 2016

03. 24.

(default format)

24. 03.

NOTE

• If the batteries in the voice recorder are

replaced with new ones, the [DATE]

screen is displayed automatically when

the power is turned on.

• Even if the voice recorder is not used

for a long period of time, when the

batteries are used up, the time and date

must be re-entered.

Setting the beeping sounds

The voice recorder makes beeping sounds

when buttons are pressed, or to warn in case

of operation errors. You can select whether

the voice recorder makes these beeping

sounds.

Press the 9 or 0 button to

select [

] or [

OFF

[ON]

Enables beeping sounds.

[OFF]

Disables beeping sounds.

Press the p button to finalize

the setting.

• After beeping sound has been set,

version information will be displayed,

and then voice recorder will enter stop

mode.

Batteries/Turning the power OFF

Batteries

Existing data, mode settings and the clock

setting are saved when the power is turned

off.

Press and hold the o button while

the voice recorder is in stop mode.

TIP

• Turning the power OFF whenever the

voice recorder is not in use minimizes

battery consumption.

Power Save mode

When the voice recorder has been

stopped for at least 5 minutes after power

ON, the power turns off automatically.

Turning the power OFF

Battery indicator

As the battery loses its remaining charge, the

battery indicator on the display changes as

follows:

• [ ] indicates there is little remaining

battery charge. Replace it with a fresh one.

When the batteries has run out, [

] and

[LO] appear, and operation stops.

Battery precautions

• The voice recorder does not support

manganese batteries.

• Always turn power OFF before replacing

the batteries. Files may be damaged if

the batteries are removed while the voice

recorder is recording or performing an

operation such as erasing a file.

• You need to reset the time/date if the

batteries are replaced. See “Setting the

time/date” (☞P. 7) for the procedure.

• When not using the voice recorder for

an extended period, always remove the

batteries before storage.

• Even if the battery indicator is [

playback with the built-in speaker at some

volumes may result in a drop in battery

output voltage, causing the voice recorder

to reset. Lower the volume in this case.

• The continuous battery usage time will

vary depending on the performance of the

battery in use (☞P. 41).

For users in Germany

Our company has an agreement with the

GRS (Joint Battery Disposal Association) in

Germany to ensure environmentally-friendly

battery disposal.

Preventing accidental operation

Setting the voice recorder to HOLD mode maintains the current operation and disables button

operations.

Setting HOLD mode

Press and hold the o button

during recording or playback.

[HOLD] appears in the display,

and the recorder enters HOLD

mode.

• Even if in HOLD mode, the REC switch

can be moved to the ON and OFF

positions.

Releasing HOLD mode

Press and hold the o button

during HOLD mode.

TIP

• HOLD mode is automatically released

after recording or playback finishes.

NOTE

• When any button is pressed during HOLD mode, [HOLD] appears in the display for 2

seconds. No other operation is performed.

• Setting HOLD mode during voice recorder playback (or recording) continues the playback

(or recording) operation and prevents any other operation from being performed. (The

voice recorder stops when playback ends or when recording ends because, for example,

there is no remaining memory space.)

Preventing accidental operation

Recording

You can select from four recording scenes on this voice recorder - [MEMO], [TALK], [MUSIC],

and [LP]*. Recorded audio will be stored in the same folder as the selected recording scenes.

Each folder can store up to 199 files.

* VN-541PC model only

Changing the recording scene

[

MEMO

] Suitable for recording your own voice and other sounds that are extremely close.

[

TALK

] Suitable for recording meetings held in a small space and other sounds that are fairly close.

[

MUSIC

]

Suitable for recording realistic audio with exceptional clarity such as live recording of a

musical instrument performance or out in the open air.

[

]* Suitable for recording for a long time.

* VN-541PC model only

While the voice recorder is in stop

mode, press the n button.

a Folder in which the recorded file is

stored

b Recording scene

• Press the n button to switch

between recording scenes.

TIP

• To record the speaker’s voice clearly, set

[MEMO], and place the voice recorder’s

built-in microphone near the speaker’s

mouth (5 to10 cm away).

Recording

Basic recording procedure

Changing the recording scene

(☞ P. 11).

• Each new voice recording file is saved

in the selected folder.

Point the built-in microphone

in the direction of the sound to

record.

Slide the

REC

switch to start

recording in the direction of the

arrow.

a File number/Total number of

recorded files in folder

b Voice recorder status indicator

(during recording)

c Elapsed recording time

• The LED indicator light lights.

Slide the

REC

switch to stop

recording in the direction of the

arrow.

d File length

TIP

• Even when the power is turned off, you

can immediately start recording by

sliding the REC switch up.

NOTE

• To prevent the beginning of the

recording being cut off, start recording

after the LED indicator light has lit or

recording indicator has appeared in

the display.

• When the remaining possible recording

time is 60 seconds, the LED indicator

light starts flashing. It flashes more

rapidly as the remaining time decreases

(at the 30- and 10-second points).

• If the number of files inside the

recorder reached 199 or the memory

becomes full, you will not be able to

record any further, and [FULL] will

be displayed. You will need to delete

unnecessary files to record more

(☞P.24).

Recording

Monitoring while recording

You can monitor the recording as you are

making it by listening on the earphones

plugged into the voice recorder’s q jack.

Use the + or – button to adjust the recording

monitor volume.

• The earphones is not supplied.

Connect the earphones to the

voice recorder’s q jack.

To q jack

• Changing the volume will not affect

the recording level.

NOTE

• To avoid unpleasantly loud sound, set

the volume to [00] before plugging in

the earphone.

• To prevent feedback, do not place the

earphone near the microphone while

recording.

Recording with an external

microphone

You can record audio input using an external

microphone or other device connected to

the voice recorder’s

jack. Do not plug or

unplug devices into voice recorder jacks

while recording.

• Microphones with plug-in power supplies

can be used.

Connect an external microphone

to the voice recorder’s

jack.

To m jack

Start recording.

• See “Recording” (☞P. 12) for

descriptions of recording operations.

TIP

• See “Accessories (optional)”

(☞P. 34) for the compatible external

microphones.

Recording from another connected device

Recording audio from another

device with this recorder

Audio can be recorded when you have

connected the audio output terminal

(earphone jack) of another device and the

jack of the recorder by using the connecting

cord KA333 (optional).

To m jack

To audio output terminal

of other device

NOTE

• When recording from a connected

external device, perform a test

recording and adjust the output level

of the connected device as needed.

Recording audio from this recorder

with another device

Audio from this recorder can be recorded

to another device by connecting the audio

input terminal (microphone jack) of the other

device and the q jack of this recorder using

the connecting cord KA333 (optional).

To q jack

To audio input terminal

of other device

Recording from another connected device

Playback

In addition to files recorded by the voice recorder, you can also play files in WMA format

transferred from a PC.

Basic playback procedure

Select the file to play from the

folder containing it.

• Immediately after selecting the file,

the following file information will be

displayed in order.

a Current file

number

b Current folder

c Recording

date

d Recording

time

e File length

f File start

Press the p button to start

playback.

g Voice recorder status indicator

(during playback)

h Elapsed playback time

Press the

–

button to adjust

the volume to the desired level.

i Volume

• The volume can be adjusted to a

setting between [00] to [30]. The

higher the number, the louder the

volume.

• If the volume is set too loud, a warning

screen may appear.

Playback

Press the p button to stop

playback.

• The file being played stops right away.

The resume function automatically

stores the playback stop position in

memory. The position is retained even

if the power is turned off. The next

time the power is turned on, playback

can be resumed from the stop position

stored in the memory.

• If the end of a file is reached without

the p button being pressed, then

it will stop at the beginning of the

next file.

Fast-forwarding

Press and hold the 9 button

during playback.

• Playback starts from the current

position when you release the 9

button.

• If an index mark or temp mark in the

file is reached, fast-forwarding stops at

the mark (☞P. 23).

• Fast-forwarding stops when the end of

the file is reached.

TIP

• Press the 9 button during playback

to skip forward 10 seconds.

Playback

Rewinding

Press and hold the 0 button

during playback.

• Playback starts from the current

position when you release the 0

button.

• If an index mark or temp mark in the

file is reached, rewinding stops at the

mark (☞P. 23).

• Rewinding stops when the beginning

of the file is reached.

TIP

• Press the 0 button during playback

to rewind 3 seconds.

Skipping to the beginning of a file

Skipping to the beginning of the

next file

Press the 9 button while the

voice recorder is in stop mode.

Skipping to the beginning of the

current file

Press the 0 button while the

voice recorder is in stop mode.

Skipping to the beginning of the

previous file

Press the 0 button when

the playback position is the

beginning of the file.

TIP

• To skip the files continuously, pressing

the 9 or 0 button while the

recorder is in stop mode.

Playback

Playback through the earphones

You can connect the earphones to the voice

recorder’s q jack and listen to playback

through them.

• The earphones are optional.

Connect the earphones to the

voice recorder’s q jack.

To q jack

Press the p button to start

playback.

• There will be no sound from the speaker

when the earphones are connected.

CAUTION

• Avoid excessive volume when listening to

playback through the earphones.

It may cause hearing damage or loss.

NOTE

• To avoid unpleasantly loud sound, set

the volume to [00] before plugging in

the earphone.

• If the volume is set too loud, a warning

screen may appear.

Music files

If a music file transferred to the voice recorder

is unplayable, check that its sampling rate,

bit count and bit rate values are within the

supported ranges. The sampling rate, bit

count and bit rate combinations supported

for music file playback by the voice recorder

are shown below.

File format Sampling rate Bit rate

WMA format

8 kHz,

22.05 kHz,

44.1 kHz

5 to 320 kbps

• Even if the file formats is compatible for

playback on this recorder, the recorder does

not support every encoder.

Changing the playback speed

Changing the playback speed is handy for speeding up conference presentations, or for slowing

down parts difficult to discern when learning a language.

Press and hold the p button

during playback.

a Playback speed

Press the

–

button.

• The playback speed can be adjusted

between [x0.5] and [x2.0] in 0.1

increments.

• The playback speed increases when

the + button is pressed, and decreases

when the – button is pressed.

• To return to the normal playback

speed, set the setting to [x1.0].

TIP

• Press and hold the p button on

the playback speed screen to return

to [x1.0] at once.

Press the p button to finalize

the setting.

b Voice recorder status indicator

(during fast-playback)

NOTE

• Altered playback speed settings are

retained even after power OFF.

• Changing the playback speed will make

the battery deplete more quickly.

• Noise Cancel function will not be

available while you are changing the

playback speed (☞P. 21).

Fast playback restrictions

Depending on their sampling frequency and

bit rate, some files may not play normally.

In this case, you will need to reduce the

playback speed.

Changing the playback speed

Repeat playback

Folder/File repeat playback

You can select the repeat range in the file or

the folder.

Press and hold the l button

while the voice recorder is in stop

mode.

a Repeat indicator

[

Plays the files in the current folder

repeatedly.

[

Plays the current file repeatedly.

• Press and hold the l button to

switch repeat settings.

Release the p button to finalize

the setting.

A/B repeat playback

The voice recorder has a function with

which you repeat the playback of a portion

(segment) of the file being played.

Select a file for A/B repeat

playback, and start playback.

Press and hold the l button

when playback reaches the

desired start position for A/B

repeat playback.

• [A] will flash on the display.

TIP

• You can change the playback speed

(☞P.19), and fast-forward/rewind

(☞P.16, P.17) when the [A]

indicator is blinking.

• If playback reaches the end of the file

when the [A] indicator is blinking,

the end of the file is treated as the

segment end position, and repeat

playback starts.

Repeat playback

Reducing noise during playback (Noise Cancel)

Repeat playback

Press and hold the l button

again when playback reaches

the desired end position for A/B

repeat playback.

• Segment A/B is set, and A/B repeat

playback starts.

Press the p button.

• Playback stops. The playback segment

specified for this function is retained.

NOTE

• You cannot write index marks or temp

marks during A/B repeat playback.

Canceling A/B repeat playback

Press and hold the l button

while the voice recorder is in stop

mode, or during playback.

NOTE

• A/B repeat playback function will be

cancelled in case position of the file

reaches beginning or end of the file by

pressing the 9 or 0 buttons.

Use the Noise Cancel function to reduce noise

when a recorded voice is difficult to discern.

Press and hold the n button

while the voice recorder is in stop

mode, or during playback.

a Noise Cancel indicator

NOTE

• Using the Noise Cancel function will

make the battery deplete more quickly.

• Noise Cancel function will not be

available while you are changing the

playback speed (☞P. 19).

Reducing noise during

playback (Noise Cancel)

Changing the information screen/

Preventing accidental le erasure (File Lock)

Editing

With the file lock feature you can lock

important files to prevent them being

accidentally erased. Once locked, file is not

erased even if the operation for erasing all the

files in its folder is performed (☞P.24).

NOTE

• Select the file you want to lock, and stop

at the start of the file.

Select the file you want to lock.

Press the l button while the

voice recorder is in stop mode.

a File lock indicator

Press and hold the p button while the voice

recorder is in stop mode to display the remaining

recording time, as well as the current time/date.

Continue press and hold the p button to

display the time/date settings screen (☞P.7).

Press and hold the

button while

the voice recorder is in stop mode.

a Remaining

possible

recording

time

b Current date

c Current time

d Setting the

time/date

e Setting the

beeping

sounds

f Version

information

Preventing accidental

file erasure (File Lock)

Changing the

information screen

Index marks/temp marks

Writing an index mark or temp mark in a file enables you to quickly access desired position in

the file with the same operations used for fast-forwarding, rewinding or skipping to the start

of a file. Files created using this voice recorder have index marks written to them. It may not be

possible to write index marks to files created using other recorders from our company. Files to

which index marks cannot be written have temp marks written. Additionally, temp marks are

written to files created with devices from other companies.

Writing an index mark/temp mark

When the desired position has been

reached press the l button to

write an index mark or temp mark.

a Number of the index mark/temp mark

b Index mark/temp mark indicator

NOTE

• Temp marks are temporary markings.

They are automatically erased when you

select a different file, or when recorder is

connected to a PC.

• You can write up to 99* index marks/

temp marks in a single file. The message

[FULL] appears if you attempt to write

more than 99* marks.

(99: for VN-541PC/16: for VN-540PC)

• You cannot write or erase index marks/

temp marks in files that have been locked

by the file lock function (☞P.22).

• Index marks/temp marks cannot be

written to the beginning of files.

• If the files created on this voice recorder

are played back on a PC, the index marks

may not be retained.

Erasing an index mark/temp mark

Select a file that contains index

mark/temp mark you want to

erase and start playback.

Use the 9 or 0 button to

select the index mark/temp mark

you want to erase.

When the number of the index

mark/temp mark to erase is being

shown (for about 2 seconds) in

the display, press the k button.

• Any subsequent index marks/temp

marks in the file are automatically

renumbered.

Index marks/temp marks

Erasing les

This section describes how to erase a single unnecessary file from a folder, erase all the files in

the current folder at once. Files cannot be restored after being erased, so please check carefully

before erasing a file.

Erase a single file

Select the file you want to erase.

Press the k button while the

voice recorder is in stop mode.

The file of this number is

erased. After it is erased,

renumbering is performed

automatically.

• The voice recorder returns to the

stopped mode if no operation is

performed for 8 seconds.

Press the 0 button to select

[

YES

Press the p button.

• [END] appears when the process has

finished.

Erase all the files in the folder

Select the folder from which to

erase all files.

Press the k button while the

voice recorder is in stop mode.

Press the k button again.

Press the 0 button to select

[

YES

Press the p button.

• [END] appears when the process has

finished.

Erasing files

Erasing les

Erasing files

NOTE

• Locked files and read-only files cannot

be erased (☞P. 22).

• If there is a file that cannot be recognized

by the recorder, the file will not be erased.

The voice recorder must be connected to

a PC to erase these files.

• Before erasing a file, replace the battery

to ensure it will not run out before the

process has finished. Erasing processes

can take over 10 seconds to complete.

To prevent the risk of damage to data,

never remove the battery before an

erasing process has finished.

Formatting the internal memory

Formatting the internal memory erases all existing files saved on it. Be sure to transfer all

important files to a PC before formatting.

While the voice recorder is in

stop mode, press and hold the k

button for more than 3 seconds.

Press the 0 button to select

[

YES

Press the p button.

Press the 0 button to select

[

YES

] again.

Press the p button.

• [END] appears when the process has

finished.

NOTE

• Never format the voice recorder from

a PC.

• Formatting erases all the existing data,

including locked files and read-only files.

• Time/date settings as well as various

set content will retain information from

before formatting.

• Before formatting, replace the battery

to ensure it will not run out before the

process has finished. The formatting

process can sometimes take over 10

seconds to complete. To prevent the risk of

damage to data, never remove the battery

before a formatting process has finished.

• Even when formatting or erasing

(☞ P. 24) is performed, only the

file management information of the

internal memory is updated and the

recorded data is not completely erased.

Before giving the voice recorder to

somebody or disposing of it, perform

initialization and then record silence

until there is no recording time

remaining in order to prevent the

leakage of personal information.

Formatting the internal memory

PC operating environment

The requirements shown are the operating environments needed for using a USB connection to

save files recorded by the voice recorder on a PC.

Windows

Operating system: Microsoft Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10 standard installation

PC: Windows PC with at least one available USB port

Macintosh

Operating system: Mac OS X 10.5 to 10.11 standard installation

PC: Apple Macintosh series PC with at least one available USB port

NOTE

• Even when the requirements for the operating environment are satisfied, updated

versions, multiboot environments, self-modified PCs and other compatible machines will

not be covered under the operational warranty.

PC connection precautions

• When uploading or downloading a file to or from the voice recorder, data transfer will

continue as long as the voice recorder’s LED indicator light is flashing. Never disconnect

the USB connector before data communication has finished. Always use the procedure

on ☞P. 29 to disconnect the USB connector. Data may not be transferred correctly if

you disconnect the connector before the drive has stopped.

• Do not format (initialize) the voice recorder’s drive from a PC. Formatting done from a

PC will not be done correctly.

• Voice recorder folders or files that are moved or renamed in a Windows or Macintosh file

management screen may be reordered or become unrecognizable.

• Note that it will still be possible to read and write data on the voice recorder after

setting the attribute of the voice recorder’s drive to ’Read only’ on a PC.

• To prevent nearby electronic devices being affected by noise, disconnect the external

microphone and earphones when connecting the voice recorder to a PC.

Use with a PC

PC connection/disconnection

Connecting the voice recorder to a PC

Start the PC.

Connect the USB cable to the USB

port of the PC.

After making sure the voice

recorder is in stop mode, connect

the USB cable to the connecting

port on this recorder.

TIP

• Windows: The voice recorder is

recognized and displayed in the

[Computer] folder with the model

name as the drive name.

• Macintosh: The voice recorder is

recognized and displayed on the

desktop with the model name as the

drive name.

• For information on the PC’s USB port,

see the PC’s user manual.

NOTE

• Insert the USB connector securely all

the way. Operation will not be normal if

the connection is not made properly.

• Connecting the voice recorder through

a USB hub may result in unstable

operation. Do not use a USB hub if

operation is unstable.

• Use only our compatible micro USB

cable. Operation is not guaranteed if

another manufacturer’s cable is used.

Only use our micro USB cable with the

voice recorder and never use it with

another manufacture’s products.

Once the included micro USB cable

is broken or lost, please contact the

Customer Support Center.

PC connection/disconnection

Disconnecting the voice recorder from a PC

Windows

Click [ ] on the task bar in the

lower right hand corner of the

screen and click [

Eject DIGITAL

VOICE RECORDER

• The letter used to identify the drive

will vary according to your PC.

• When the window indicating it is safe

to remove hardware appears, close the

window.

Check that the LED indicator light

of the voice recorder has stopped

blinking and then disconnect the

USB cable.

Macintosh

Drag-and-drop the removable

disk icon for the voice recorder

shown on the desktop to the

trash can icon.

Check that the LED indicator light

of the voice recorder has stopped

blinking and then disconnect the

USB cable.

NOTE

• To prevent the risk of data damage, never disconnect the voice recorder from the USB

port while the LED indicator light is flashing.

Loading a le to a PC

Files recorded with the built-in microphone are saved in a folder named [RECORDER] on the

PC. You can copy voice recorder files to any folder on the PC.

RECORDER

VN-541PC

MEMO

TALK

MUSIC

001

002

199

Copy these files to the PC.

VN-541PC model only

Drive name Folder names

* Recognized/displayed by

voice recorder drive name.

Folder

File

(Memo)

(Talk)

(Music)

(LP)

Loading a file to a PC

Windows

Connect the voice recorder to the

PC (☞P. 28).

Open Windows Explorer.

• When you open [Computer], the voice

recorder is recognized and displayed

with the model name as the drive

name.

Click on the folder labeled with

your voice recorder’s model

name.

Copy the desired data to the PC.

Disconnect the voice recorder

from the PC (☞P. 29).

Macintosh

Connect the voice recorder to the

PC (☞P. 28).

• When the voice recorder is connected

to the Macintosh operating system,

it is recognized and displayed on the

desktop with the model name as the

drive name.

Double-click the removable disk

icon labeled with your voice

recorder’s model name.

Copy the desired data to the PC.

Disconnect the voice recorder

from the PC (☞P. 29).

NOTE

• To prevent the risk of data damage, never disconnect the voice recorder from the USB

port while the LED indicator light is flashing.

Troubleshooting

Problem

Alarm

message

Possible cause Solution

The display is

blank.

The batteries are not inserted

properly.

Check that the positive and

negative terminals of the

batteries are placed correctly

(☞P. 6).

The remaining battery power

is low.

Replace the batteries (☞P. 6).

The power is OFF.

Turn the power ON (☞P. 7).

Unable to operate

the voice recorder.

The remaining battery power

is low.

Replace the batteries (☞P. 6).

The power is OFF.

Turn the power ON (☞P. 7).

HOLD

The voice recorder is in HOLD

mode.

Release HOLD mode (☞ P. 10).

Unable to record.

FULL

There is no remaining memory.

Erase unnecessary files

(☞P. 24).

FULL

The maximum number of

recordable files (199) has been

reached.

Erase unnecessary files

(☞P. 24).

Playback is

inaudible.

The earphones are connected to

the q jack.

To output the playback through

the built-in speaker, disconnect

the earphones.

The volume is set to [00].

Adjust the volume (☞ P.15).

The recording is

too quiet.

The output level of the

connected external device may

be too low.

Adjust the output level of the

external device.

Missing audio file.

NO FILE

The file was recorded in a

different folder.

Select another folder.

Other information

Troubleshooting

Problem

Alarm

message

Possible cause Solution

Noise during

playback.

Objects brushed against the

voice recorder while recording.

Try your best not to touch the

voice recorder during recording.

The voice recorder was

placed near a mobile phone

or fluorescent light during

recording or playback.

Redo the operation with the

voice recorder in a different

location.

Unable to erase

a file.

LOCK

The file is locked.

You must unlock the file before

you can erase it (☞ P. 22).

LOCK

The file is a read-only file.

Unlock the file, or undo the read-

only setting on a PC.

Noise when

monitoring a

recording.

Feedback is being caused.

Connecting a speaker with a

built-in amplifier may cause

feedback during recording.

Using the earphones to monitor

recording is recommended.

Adjust the recording setup such

as by moving the earphones and

microphone farther apart, or

ensuring the microphone is not

facing the earphones.

Unable to write

index marks/temp

marks.

FULL

The maximum number of marks

(99: for VN-541PC/16: for VN-

540PC) has been reached.

Erase unnecessary marks

(☞ P. 23).

LOCK

The file is locked.

Unlock the file (☞ P. 22).

LOCK

The file is a read-only file.

Unlock the file, or undo the read-

only setting on a PC.

Playback speed is

fast (or slow).

Playback speed function is set to

anything other than [x1.0].

Set the playback speed function

setting to [x1.0] (☞ P. 19).

Memory error.

ERROR

An internal memory error

occurred.

Contact the Customer Support

Center.

Format error.

ERROR

A formatting problem occurred.

Format the memory again

(☞P. 26).

Recorder care

s Exterior

• If the voice recorder gets dirty, wipe gently with a soft cloth. If the recorder gets very dirty,

soak the cloth in mild soapy water and wring well. Wipe the recorder with the damp cloth

and then wipe it with a dry cloth.

s Display

• If the display gets dirty, wipe gently with a soft cloth.

NOTE

• Do not use benzene, alcohol or other strong solvents, or chemical cleaning cloths.

Accessories (optional)

Accessories for our voice recorders can be purchased directly from the Online Shop on the our

website.

Availability of accessories differs depending on the country.

ME52W mono microphone

(unidirectional)

Designed to record sound from a

distance while minimizing the impact of

surrounding noise.

ME34 compact zoom microphone

(unidirectional)

Comes with an integrated stand ideal for

table placement when recording events

from a distance, such as conferences or

lectures.

ME33 boundary microphone

A microphone for recording conferences

that enables connection of up to three

left- and three right-channel units.

Cascade connection enables the left/

right channel connections to be

extended up to about 12 meters, to

capture sound from a broad range.

ME15 mono tie clip microphone

(omnidirectional)

A small, unobtrusive microphone that

comes with a tie-clip.

TP8 telephone pickup microphone

An earphone microphone that can

be worn in the ear during phone

calls. Clearly captures voices and

conversations during phone calls.

KA333 connecting cord

A resistive connection cord with stereo

mini-plugs (3.5 mm diameter) on both

ends. Used to connect the earphone jack

output to the line input when recording.

Comes with plug adapters (PA331/

PA231) that adapt to mono mini plugs

(3.5 mm diameter) or mono mini mini

plugs (2.5 mm diameter).

CS131 Carrying case

Accessories (optional)

• The information in this document is subject to change in future without prior notice.

Contact Customer Support Center for the latest product names, model numbers and other

information.

• Voice recorder displays and product illustrations shown in this manual may differ from

the actual product. While every precaution has been taken to ensure the accuracy of

the information in this manual, errors may occasionally arise. Any questions or concerns

regarding doubtful information, or possible errors or omissions should be directed to the

Customer Support Center.

• OM Digital Solutions Corporation is the copyright holders of this manual. Copyright law

prohibits unauthorized reproduction of this manual, or unauthorized distribution of

reproductions thereof.

• Note that we will not be held liable in the event of damages, lost earnings, or any claims

from third parties resulting from improper use of the product.

Trademarks and registered trademarks

• Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

• Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Inc.

All other brand or product names in this manual are the trademarks or registered trademarks of

their respective owners.

Safety precautions

Before using the voice recorder, read

this manual to ensure correct and safe

operation. After reading this manual, be

sure to keep it on hand for ready reference

whenever needed.

Important safety precautions

• Important safety precautions in this

manual are accompanied by the symbol

and labels below. Always follow these

precautions to prevent harming yourself

or others, or causing damage to property.

• The meaning of each precaution type is

given below.

f DANGER

A precaution about an imminent

danger that is expected to result in

death or serious injury if equipment

is handed incorrectly.

f WARNING

A precaution about a situation that

is expected to potentially result in

death or serious injury if equipment is

handled incorrectly.

f CAUTION

A precaution about a situation that

is expected to potentially result in

injury, or is expected to result only

in property damage, if equipment is

handled incorrectly.

Voice recorder safety precautions

f WARNING

s Do not use the voice recorder in

an atmosphere that might contain

flammable or explosive gases.

It may cause fire or explosion.

s Do not attempt to disassemble,

repair or modify the voice recorder.

It may cause electric shock or injury.

s Do not operate the voice recorder

while operating a vehicle (such as a

bicycle, motorcycle or car).

It may cause traffic accidents.

s Do not leave the voice recorder in

a location accessible to infants and

children.

Pay attention when using the voice

recorder near an infant or child, taking

care not to leave it unattended. Infants

and children are unable to understand

voice recorder safety precautions, and are

at risk of accidents such as:

– Strangulation caused by accidental

entanglement of the earphone cord

around the neck.

– Operation errors resulting in injury or

electric shock.

s If you notice unusual odor, noise,

heat, burning odor or smoke

coming from the recorder:

1 Disconnect batteries and USB connection

immediately, taking care not to burn or

injure yourself. Continued use may result

in fire or burns (Do not touch the product

with bare hands when it’s overheating).

2 Contact your place of purchase or service

center.

Safety precautions

s If the voice recorder is dropped

in water or, if water, metal or

combustible foreign matter gets

inside:

1 Remove the battery immediately.

2 Contact your place of purchase or

service center for repair. Continued use

may result in fire or electric shock.

s Do not use the voice recorder or

use it only as directed in airplanes,

hospitals or other locations

where use of electronic devices is

restricted.

s When carrying the voice recorder

by its strap, take care to prevent it

becoming caught on other items.

f CAUTION

s Do not raise the volume before

performing an operation.

Hearing damage or loss may result.

Batteries

f DANGER

s Do not place the battery near

ignition sources.

s Do not incinerate, heat or

disassemble the battery. Do not

short-circuit the battery’s positive

and negative electrodes.

It may cause fire, ruptures, combustion or

overheating.

s Do not solder connections directly

onto the battery. Do not deform,

modify or disassemble the battery.

s When carrying or storing the

battery, always place it in the case

and protect its terminals. Do not

carry or store the battery together

with precious metal items such as

key rings.

It may cause overheating, electric shock

or fire.

s Do not connect the battery directly

to a power outlet or car cigarette

lighter.

s Do not use or leave the battery

in a hot location such as in direct

sunlight, inside a vehicle on a hot

day, or near a room heater.

It may cause fire, burns or injuries from

leaking, overheating or ruptures.

s Battery fluid in the eyes may cause

blindness. If battery fluid gets in

eyes, do not rub the eyes. Instead,

rinse them thoroughly with tap

water or other clean water right

away. Go to doctor immediately.

f WARNING

s Do not touch or hold the battery

with wet hands.

It may cause electric shock or

malfunctions.

s Do not use a battery with a

scratched or damaged case.

It may cause ruptures or overheating.

s Keep the battery out of the reach

of infants and children.

The battery could be swallowed by infants

and children. If swallowed, go to doctor

immediately.

Safety precautions

s Do not submerge the battery in

freshwater or saltwater, or allow its

terminals to become wet.

s Discontinue use of the battery

if it develops a problem such

as leaking, discoloration or

deformation.

s Battery fluid on clothing or skin

may damage the skin, so rinse the

battery fluid off right away with

tap water or other clean water.

f CAUTION

s Do not throw the battery around,

or subject it to strong shocks.

s Do not use a battery with a torn

casing seal (insulating covering).

s Always remove the battery when

the voice recorder will not be used

for an long period.

s Remove the battery from the voice

recorder as soon as the battery

becomes unusable. It may cause

leakage.

Operating precautions

• Do not leave the voice recorder in hot or

humid locations such as in direct sunlight

inside a vehicle, or on a beach during

summer.

• Do not store the voice recorder in humid

or dusty locations.

• If the voice recorder becomes wet or

damp, wipe off the moisture right away

with a dry cloth. Contact with salt water

should be particularly avoided.

• Do not place the voice recorder on top of

or near a TV, refrigerator or other electrical

appliance.

• Prevent sand or mud from getting on the

voice recorder. It may cause product not to

be repairable.

• Do not subject the voice recorder to

intense vibrations or shocks.

• Do not use the voice recorder in humid

locations.

• Placing a magnetic card (such as a bank

cash card) near the speaker or earphones

may cause errors in the data stored on the

magnetic card.

• Noise may be heard when the voice

recorder is placed near an electric lamp

line, fluorescent light or a mobile phone

during recording or playback.

Safety precautions

• Recorded content in the internal memory

may be destroyed or lost due to reasons

such as operating errors, device failure or

repair.

• Also, when content is saved in the internal

memory for long period of time or is used

repeatedly, operations such as writing to,

reading from, or erasing of contents may

not be possible.

• Making a backup of important recorded

information and saving it on a PC’s

hard disk or other recording media is

recommended.

• Note that we will not be held liable for

damages or lost earnings resulting from

recorded data damage or loss, regardless

of the nature or cause thereof.

• Note that we will not be held liable for

recorded files being erased or becoming

unplayable due to voice recorder or

computer failure.

• Recording of copyrighted material is

permitted when the recording is for your

personal use only. Any other type of use

without the permission of the copyright

owner is prohibited by copyright law.

• Even when formatting (☞ P.26) or

erasing (☞ P. 24) are performed, only

the file management information of the

internal memory is updated and the

recorded data is not completely erased.

When disposing of the voice recorder,

be sure to destroy it, format and record

silence until the recording time runs

out, or perform a similar operation in

order to prevent the leakage of personal

information.

Specications

General items

4 Recording/Playback formats

WMA format

4 Sampling frequency

WMA 32 kbps 44.1 kHz

WMA 16 kbps 22.05 kHz

WMA 5 kbps* 8 kHz

* VN-541PC model only

4 Maximum working output

200 mW (8 Ω speaker)

4 Maximum output voltage

Recorder: â 150 mV

(according to EN 50332-2)

4 Recording media*

Internal NAND flash memory:

4 GB

* Some recording media memory

capacity is used as a management

area, so the actual usable capacity

will always be slightly less than the

displayed capacity.

4 Speaker

Built-in 20 mm diameter round dynamic

speaker

4 Microphone jack

3.5 mm diameter; Impedance: 2 kΩ

4 Earphones jack

3.5 mm diameter; Impedance: 8 Ω

minimum

4 Power source

Two AAA dry cell batteries (model LR03)

4 External dimensions

108 × 37.5 × 20 mm

(Not including largest projection)

4 Weight

67 g (including battery)

4 Operating temperature

0 to 42°C (32 to 107.6°F)

Frequency response

4 During recording

MEMO 200 Hz to 7 kHz

TALK 200 Hz to 13 kHz

MUSIC 40 Hz to 13 kHz

LP* 200 Hz to 3 kHz

* VN-541PC model only

4 During playback

20 Hz to 20 kHz

(The upper and lower limit values of the

frequency response depend on each

recording format.)

Specifications

Specications

Specifications

Battery life

The figures below are guideline values.

4 When recording with built-in

microphone

TALK 52 hours (approx.)

MUSIC 52 hours (approx.)

MEMO 52 hours (approx.)

LP* 60 hours (approx.)

* VN-541PC model only

4 During audio file playback

During speaker playback

TALK 21 hours (approx.)

MUSIC 21 hours (approx.)

MEMO 22 hours (approx.)

LP* 23 hours (approx.)

During earphone playback

TALK 45 hours (approx.)

MUSIC 45 hours (approx.)

MEMO 46 hours (approx.)

LP* 46 hours (approx.)

* VN-541PC model only

NOTE

• The battery life figures shown here

were determined using our test

method. Actual battery life figures will

vary greatly according to the battery

used and usage conditions (Changing

the playback speed or using the Noise

Cancel function may affect the battery

life).

Recording time

The figures below are guideline values.

TALK/MUSIC

(WMA 32 kbps)

251 hours (approx.)

MEMO

(WMA 16 kbps)

495 hours (approx.)

LP*

(WMA 5 kbps)

1570 hours (approx.)

* VN-541PC model only

NOTE

• Actually available recording times may

be shorter than the figures shown

here when making short recordings

repeatedly (Equipment displays of

available/elapsed recording times

should be considered guideline values).

Maximum recording time per file

Regardless of the amount of remaining

memory, the maximum recording time per

file is restricted to the following values.

WMA 32 kbps 26 hours, 40 minutes (approx.)

WMA 16 kbps 53 hours, 40 minutes (approx.)

WMA 5 kbps* 148 hours, 40 minutes (approx.)

* VN-541PC model only

Note that voice recorder specifications

and appearance are subject to change

without prior notice for performance

improvements or other upgrading.

date of issue 2016.12.

BS226600

2023

https://om-digitalsolutions.com/