I don't write many reviews, but I felt compelled to write this one. First off, kudos to the vendor who is still selling this "retro" product. I know we have hi-tech digital recorders and what not. I own and use them too. I went back to school for a doctorate and record all of my lectures on a smaller tape recorder I bought from Radio Shack years ago. It's a workhorse and I'm afraid it will someday kick the bucket.
So, I purchased this shoe box tape recorder which I got yesterday. I connected the AC cord to it and played one of my lectures. If you have the volume very low, you may get that "tinny" sound another reviewer mentioned about this product. But, if you increase the volume, it sounds fine. The 3 inch speaker makes a difference and it sounds just a close as you can get to being inside the classroom. The pause button allows me to stop the tape a critical points in the lecture to jot down important notes. Headphones work fine (for those people that keep asking, they are not included, and neither are the batteries).
My generation (i.e. Generation X) ushered in the internet in the early to mid-1990s. Why am I using tape recorders? Well, I guess it's a habit. I used it in graduate school in the late 90s to mid-2000s. I trust the old media. To me, cassette tapes are somehow more "permanent." Thus, the tape counter is a very important feature for me. I can take any tape and listen to any part of a lecture with the tape counter. I'm sure this can be done with the digital recorders but I have yet to learn how.
I think it's important to note that I use the Maxell UR-90 (minutes - 45 minutes each side) blank audio cassette tapes for voice recording (Position Type A). You can get longer tapes, but that actual tape gets thinner and therefore more susceptible for getting "eaten" by your tape player. I believe you get the best quality sound with the Maxell UR-90.
Lastly, you can convert the lecture to MP3s and save them on a CD or cloud - whatever suits you. You just need a connecter cord from your tape player to your digital recorder. The digital recorder I'm using is the Sony ICD-AX412 Digital Flash Memory Voice recorder that I purchased here on Amazon. It's phenomenal! I record my own lectures. I haven't written a review for it because there are plenty of positive reviews for this digital recorder. I connected my old Radio Shack tape recorder to it and converted a taped lecture to an MP3.
Overall, I thought this product deserves 5 stars for availability, reliability, good construction, sound quality (even though when the volume is very low you may get the tinny sound - but just increase the volume and it goes away), tape counter, pause button. Note: I use the product for listening to lectures recorded from the internet.
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refurbished lasted 4 years
seems to be the best quality sound cassette recorders and these were workhorses. I bought a refurbished "like new" for $104 and it has lasted a little over 4 years but is now having problems. The door doesn't want to open. the sound is getting bad.update: actually the thing is still going after 5 years but is sometimes garbled and don't have a very good sound quality. I think I might go all out and get a brand new one although they are very expensive at over $200 for antiquated technology. Still, for rehearsals etc. it is great to be able to rewind and review quickly which is difficult on the new digital machines.
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2012
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- JVKReviewed in Canada on April 10, 2019
Someone very greedy with their ancient stock!
