What software do Philips and Olympus dictation recorders use?

Olympus dictation recorders use the ODMS software, which runs on Windows. Philips uses SpeechExec for desktop dictation and transcription, and its VoiceTracer recorders have a separate program. The right program depends on the recorder model, and each manufacturer ties its download to a license or a serial number, so you should match the model before you install anything.

Olympus recorders use ODMS, now in its R8 version

Olympus's dictation software is the Olympus Dictation Management System, called ODMS. The version we read on Olympus's support page is ODMS R7. Olympus says the software key you supply decides which version of its standalone launcher installs ¹. The launcher page is dated 2024, so it describes an older release.

The newer version is ODMS R8. OM System's single-license page for the R8 dictation module describes a one-time cost with no subscription, and Windows compatibility ². The same page says the software is compatible with OM System and Olympus handheld devices ³. So an Olympus recorder bought years ago may still work with R8, but check the model list before you buy the license.

Philips uses SpeechExec and a separate VoiceTracer program

Philips' desktop software is SpeechExec. SpeechExec Basic is sold in modules, and Philips lists the Dictate module as a two-year subscription at a recommended retail price of $78.00 per year in the US ⁴. A subscription is a different cost pattern from Olympus's one-time license, so compare the total over the years you will use it. For the difference between the two models, see the glossary entry for a perpetual license.

The download is locked. Philips' page asks you to enter the software serial number, then click Download, before it offers the installation file ⁵. You can't get the installer without a purchased copy.

Philips' VoiceTracer recorders have their own program, the VoiceTracer Speech Recognition Software. Philips says it works only with VoiceTracer audio recorders ⁶. Philips also marks the DVT2805 version of that software as no longer available ⁷, though its download form is still on the page. Before you rely on it, check that your recorder model is still supported.

Free download: what we could and could not confirm

We did not find a free, full version of either manufacturer's dictation software. Olympus's R7 launcher needs a software key, and Philips' SpeechExec download needs a serial number. Reseller sites describe trial modes for ODMS, but their listings disagree about how long the trial lasts, and we could not confirm any trial on Olympus's or Philips' own pages. Ask OM System or Philips support for the trial terms before you install.

Match the recorder to the software

What to do

1. Find the exact model name on the label of the recorder, then look it up on the manufacturer's support page.
2. Choose the license type you want: a one-time license for ODMS R8, or a subscription for SpeechExec Basic.
3. Check the operating system. Olympus's R7 requirements call for 4 GB of memory on Windows 11 ⁹, so older computers may need an upgrade first.
4. Ask the manufacturer's support team for the trial terms and the current download before you start.

For a dictation program that works without a recorder, see how to test dictation software. If you need to know how dictation differs from transcription, read dictation versus transcription.

This question belongs to our guide on professional dictation software, which covers the specialist products by field. For police report software, see the question on dictation software for police reports.