7 best cassette recorders
Cassette recorders are portable electronic devices designed to record and play audio on cassette tapes. They were popular in the late 20th century and were a common medium for personal audio recording. Here are some key points related to cassette recorders:
Functionality: Cassette recorders typically have features for recording, playback, fast-forwarding, rewinding, and sometimes, they may have an integrated radio tuner.
Recording Medium: They use compact cassette tapes as the recording medium. These tapes are made of magnetic material and come in various lengths and quality grades.
Microphones: Many cassette recorders come with built-in microphones for voice recording. Some models may also have external microphone jacks for improved audio quality.
Inputs and Outputs: They often have input jacks for connecting external audio sources like microphones or musical instruments. They may also have output jacks for connecting headphones or external speakers.
Power Source: Cassette recorders usually operate on batteries, making them highly portable. Some models may also have an AC adapter option for continuous use.
Recording Controls: They typically have controls for starting, stopping, pausing, and adjusting the recording level. Some advanced models may offer features like Dolby noise reduction for improved sound quality.
Playback Controls: These include play, stop, rewind, and fast forward buttons. Some recorders may have additional features like auto-reverse, which allows the tape to play in both directions without manual flipping.
Erasable Tapes: Some cassette recorders support erasable tapes, allowing users to record over previously recorded material.
Portable Design: Cassette recorders were often designed to be lightweight and easily portable, making them popular for field recordings, interviews, and personal use.
Decline in Popularity: With the advent of digital audio recording technologies, cassette recorders gradually became obsolete, replaced by devices like digital voice recorders and smartphones.
Collectors' Items: Despite their decline in popularity, cassette recorders and tapes have gained a certain vintage charm, and some people collect them as nostalgic or retro items.
In the context of contemporary romance literature, cassette recorders may feature in narratives as symbols of nostalgia, personal connection, or as tools for characters to express themselves through recorded messages or mixtapes. Their tactile nature and the act of recording can add a layer of intimacy to romantic scenes.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best cassette recorders on the market
Cassette to MP3 Converter, BlumWay Portable Cassette Recorder Player, Audio Music Cassette Tape to Digital Converter Player with Earphone, No Need Computer
Blumway
Product description
Features:
Converts cassettes to MP3 files without a computer or additional software
Makes high-quality 128 Kbps recordings
Auto and Manual recording modes
AUX line in port lets you convert audio from other sources (radio, CD player, etc.)
Operates on 2 AA batteries or plugs into a USB port
Note: Non-Encrypted USB Flash Drive (FAT32 Formatted, Max.64GB) | Not for SSD or HDD
Specification:
Converter format MP3
Power supply 2X AA batteries or USB port
Format of USB flash Support FAT, FAT32
Working time 2 hours with 2X AA batteries
Audio channel Stereo L/R
Bit Rate 128 Kbps
Dimensions 4.4” L x 3.2” W x 1.25” H
Weight 0.4 lbs. (without batteries)
Includes:
1*Cassette Player
1*Headphones
1*USB Cable
1*User Manual
1*Receive bag
1*3.5mm Audio cable
Please contact us If you have any questions.
- 【Cassette to MP3 Converter】Convert audio music cassette tape to MP3 format without computer needed. Quickly converts your old cassettes - either manually or automatically - really handy and easy to use
- 【USB Capture】Capture and convert your old tape to MP3 format via USB drive which can be used for your computer, while checking your recorded file easily with playback function (Support USB format: FAT, FAT32, up to 64G, but we strongly recommend use USB drive with FAT32mode, 32GB, 4-6M/S read/write speed. It would be more compatible with our machine.) Get it with our original USB flash drive for only $35.99! (SEARCHING ASIN: B08G18F1YJ, or SEARCHING ASIN: B08DLJWDRK for USB drive)
- 【 Auto Reverse】Auto record 2-Side music tracks to USB drive from the cassette, which is powered by USB port or 2X AA batteries. (USB cable included) Audio rates: 44.1 and 48 kHz, 16-bit for YouTube MP3 making
- 【Utility Player】Work as cassette player, and also can perfectly play your audio music tape via 3.5mm headphone or 3.5mm AUX jack in your car (headphone and AUX cable included)
- 【Portable Design】Lightweight & portable design enables you to play and transfer anywhere at any time. Each package comes with headphone, 3.5mm AUX cable and storage bag, makes your listening and conversion easier
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can i move audio tapes direclty to computer using aux output and not usb |
| Answer: | No, it can only help you convert the tape to MP3 files and save them to USB drive directly, not to PC. You need to transfer them from USB drive to PC then. |
| Question: | Hi, can I record external audio source directly to the cassette tape? Thank you |
| Answer: | Dear customer, Our product can convert your cassette tape to MP3 file, and also can work as the cassette tape player. But it can not record the external audio music to your cassette tape, it is not a recorder. If you have any question while using it, please don't hesitate to contact us, we will do our best to help. |
| Question: | What causes a"thumping" sound when in recording mode and is transferred to a flash drive |
| Answer: | Dear, thanks for choosing us. Usually, It's the flash drive that's not compatible with the machine. Would you mind please trying to reformat your USB drive to FAT32 mode, then please try to record again. Thanks |
| Question: | what size cassettes are compatible |
| Answer: | Just regular size cassettes like from 1985. Not the tiny ones from answering machines. |
Product features
BlumWay Cassette to MP3 Converter, No More Time Consuming PC Software
Note:
- This cassette converter can only convert or play your tape, it is not a voice recorder.
- Only work with USB drive(Support format: FAT, FAT32, exFAT, up to 64G), then you can move the converted MP3 file to the computer via jump drive.
- Please kindly note that the sound quality is highly dependent on tape quality.
- Please avoid signal interference for better sound quality when you are recording.
- This device is suitable for standard-sized cassette tapes, not for micro cassette tapes.
- We strongly recommend use USB DRIVE with FAT32mode, 32GB, 4-6M/S read/write speed.
Get it with our original USB flash drive for only 35.99 dollars! (SEARCHING ASIN: B08G18F1YJ, or SEARCHING ASIN: B08DLJWDRK for USB drive)
Features
- Convert cassette to MP3 format via USB drive
- Making high-quality 128 Kbps recording
- Auto and Manual recording modes
- Convert audio via AUX line from other sources (radio or CD player)
- Power supply 2 x AA batteries (2 hours working time) or USB port
Specification
- USB jump drive support format: FAT, FAT32, exFAT, up to 64G
- Compatible with USB2.0 and USB3.0 devices
- Audio channel Stereo L/R
- Bit Rate 128 Kbps
- Dimensions 4.4” L x 3.2” W x 1.25” H
- Weight 0.4 lbs without batteries
Package
- 1 * Cassette player
- 1 * 3.5mm headphones
- 1 * 3.5mm audio cable
- 1 * USB cable
- 1 * User manual
- 1 * Storage bag
Wide Compatibility
- Convert cassette tapes to MP3 file
- Convert audio from other sources, like radio or CD player via AUX line (included)
Auto Reverse
- When set to the "Loop" icon, the converter will endlessly loop the recording of Side A and Side B, which needs to be stopped manually.
- When set to the single arrow icon, the converter will stop automatically after recording Side A and Side B.
Auto / Manual Modes
- To Auto Mode: Long press the Auto/Manual button for about 3-5 seconds till the LED turns to blue
- To Manual Mode: Long press it till the LED turns back to green
USB Jump Drive Storage
- Support USB drive format: FAT, FAT32 and exFAT, up to 64GB
- Compatible with USB 2.0 and USB3.0 drive
- Suggest using USB drive with 4-6M/S read/write speed.
- Get it with our original USB drive for only 34.99 dollars! (SEARCHING ASIN: B08G18F1YJ, or SEARCHING ASIN: B08DLJWDRK for USB drive)
AUX Audio Cable
Works perfectly with any standard 3.5mm AUX jack, meaning you can use headphones, earbuds or an audio port to your car speakers
Earphone and Carry Bag
Fits in virtually any bag and enables you to play and transfer anywhere and easy to carry,with headphones for listening to the tape at any time
JENSEN MCR-100 Cassette Player/Recorder
Jensen
Product description
JENSEN brings back an old favorite with the MCR-100 “shoebox” style Cassette Player/Recorder. The unit includes a top loading cassette deck that both plays and records along with a retractable carrying handle for taking it with you! The unit features easy to use buttons, a one-touch record button, and an automatic voice level control. You can record using the built-in microphone or the included external microphone with handy desk stand. A headphone jack is included for private listening, and you can attach other players to the unit using the auxiliary line-in jack. The MCR-100 operates on four x "C" size batteries (not included) or with the AC adaptor (included).
- 1 Touch Recording, Fast Forward and Rewind
- Headphone Jack, Volume Control, Automatic Level Control
- Built-in Condenser Microphone, External Microphone Jack, Auxiliary Input Jack for Connecting Your iPod, MP3 or other Digital Audio Players
- Carry Handle. Power: 120V AC Adaptor (Included) or 4 x ‘C’ (UM-2) (Not Included)
- Refer to Page E-8 of user manual for troubleshooting steps.
User questions & answers
| Question: | can I plug this into my computer |
| Answer: | When recording a mono player to a your computer, use a mono to mono 3.5mm (1/8") phone cable. This will allow you to record the single audio channel from the cassette recorder to the computer's stereo with the same signal for both the left and right channels. You should also be able to set the recording software to record in mono. |
| Question: | Want to purchase a recorder for my elderly father to tape his memoirs. Would this be a good find |
| Answer: | Yes. This recorder is NOT THE BEST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT THE WORST. I got it for Taping Music. I am a Musician and Singer and it DOES NOT DO WELL FOR THAT, BUT. For Talking, Yes. It would be good. One tip. Don't hold the Microphone too close to your mouth, It will blur when you record. Hold it a few inches away and it will be fine. Talking records much better than singing, or music. So if you want it for that, Yes. And the price is good, and you can use Battries or the Outlet. Hope this helps. Annie/ Houston, Tx |
| Question: | is it eletric & battery |
| Answer: | Yes. Runs on both AC and battery. |
| Question: | Could I plug my phone into the mic jack and then record some songs from phone to a cassette |
| Answer: | Not easily, no. The mic jack on this recorder is mono only. So a standard 3.5mm stereo cable won't do the trick. You would need a 3.5mm stereo to 3.5mm mono cable (or adapter). The resulting audio, of course, will be in mono only. Also, the recording head on this cassette recorder is very, very poor. I wanted to record audio for my truck and the quality was just way to low for music. It is really better suited for voice recording. |
Portable Lightweight Cassette Player And Recorder With Built-in Microphone
Jensen
Product description
Jensen RECORDER & Tape Cassette Player with Built-in Condenser Microphone
Jensen classic tape recorder is ideal for capturing everything from your baby's first cry to sales meetings! You'll find many uses for this classic cassette recorder. The tape recorder features including automatic level control for flawless audio quality, built-in condenser mic, full range speaker and easy-to-use 6-button operation. Also has volume control, aux input for use with your MP3/iPod, carrying handle and headphone jack. 4 'C' batteries not incl. Operates with AC adapter (incl).
Features
Automatic Level Control
1 Touch Recording
Fast Forward and Rewind Functions
Headphone Jack
Volume Control
External Microphone Jack
3.5mm Auxiliary Input Jack for Connecting Your iPod, MP3 or other Digital Audio Players
Convenient Carry Handle
Built-in Condenser Microphone
Power: 120V AC Adaptor (Included) or 4 x ‘C’ (UM-2) (Not Included)
- 1 Touch Recording with Built-in Condenser Microphone with Convenient Carry Handle
- Fast Forward and Rewind Functions & Automatic Level Control
- 3.5mm Auxiliary Input Jack for Connecting Your iPod, MP3 or other Digital Audio Players
- External Microphone Jack, Headphone Jack, Volume Control
- Power: 120V AC Adaptor (Included) or 4 x ‘C’ (UM-2) (Not Included)
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can It pick up Guitar Audio good at all |
| Answer: | Not great but adequate for my needs. Just a slight learning curve getting the correct volume level adjusted for recording. |
| Question: | Is this item brand new and in original packing or opened and used |
| Answer: | Yes, it does come with a small remote control. No, it does not have 'radio presets'. As far as i can tell, you can only manually turn a simple "old-fashioned regular radio tuning knob" on top of the unit to change the radio stations. (But again, I've never used the remote control--in addition to skipping chapters on the CD player---the remote may possibly control a few radio functions also) |
| Question: | This one is $39 & another looking the same is $29. this has higher reviews than the other. what to buy? are they same? please advise! thank you |
| Answer: | I plugged my IPhone 6 into the USB port, I was not able to hear pandora. If it is possible I don't know how else to do it. So now I will have to research that on line cause thAt would be really nice if you could hear pandora. If you happen to find out please let me know. Thanks |
| Question: | Is this shoebox style, or more like a Walkman style recorder? (can't see pics, so would apprecite any feedback |
| Answer: | I had great success transferring a cassette tape to USB. I did each song individually (stopping after each song) and had no problem. I transferred each song separately to iTunes and even burned CD's and it recognizes each song separate. It takes a lot longer but totally worth it! |
Tyler TCP-01 Portable Cassette Player and Recorder - Retro Shoebox Style Music Device with Stand-Alone Microphone, Built-in Speaker, and Retractable Handle - Auto Voice Level Control, 120V AC Adapter
- 📼 PLAY YOUR FAVORITE CASSETTES - Bring out your precious collection of cassette tapes and take a trip down Memory Lane as you play them one by one on this portable cassette player and recorder.
- 📼 RECORD ANYWHERE - Use this tape recorder for voice interviews, conversations, and personal journals. Just insert a blank cassette tape, press the record button, and get recording right away.
- 📼 CONNECT YOUR AUDIO PLAYER - This compact cassette tape player features an auxiliary line-in jack, where you can readily plug in your MP3 player, smartphone, tablet, or digital audio player.
- 📼 EASY, HASSLE-FREE CONTROLS - All of the cassette player's buttons are clearly labelled for intuitive use. It features Record, Play, Rewind, Fast Forward, Stop/Eject, and Pause buttons.
- 📼 TRAVEL-FRIENDLY SIZE - Made available in a compact and lightweight design, bring this portable cassette player everywhere you go as it fits easily in your backpack, work bag, or car compartment.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does the cassette player automatically play side B or do you need to flip the tape |
| Answer: | Yeah. Fine for jotting down ideas. Naturally, if you were to play the amp on 20, I'm sure it would distort and sound bad. What wouldn't? The idea here, is a cheap and convenient way to electronically remember those ideas...that uses those cheap and old cassette tapes that are laying around. |
| Question: | do you have to have the detached mic, or does this also have a built in mic |
| Answer: | New and unopened. We needed it to play dictations back so the staff could type them up. It's worked perfectly so far! |
| Question: | Can I record a message off my cell phone |
| Answer: | I don't know what the other model is that's 29 dollars but I am a court stenographer and this one has a very good sound quality. But I also have as extras a brand thats 20 bucks and I always use external mic and the sound is good. It's a company with letters for a name. Jensen has been around for years. I'm happy with mine. And if the sound isnt good for recording I use ththeththem fir play back. |
| Question: | does this recorder use regular size tapes or the mini tapes |
| Answer: | Yes, it's about the size of a shoe box in length. Definitely not a walkman and also not stereo (mono only). Good product for voice audio recordings, transcriptions, etc. |
Product features
EASY, HASSLE-FREE CONTROLS
Tyler brings back an old favorite with the TCP-01 “shoebox” style Cassette Player/Recorder. The unit includes a top loading cassette deck that both plays and records along with a retractable carrying handle for taking it with you! The unit features easy to use buttons, a one-touch record button, and an automatic voice level control.
CONNECT YOUR AUDIO PLAYER
A headphone jack is included for private listening, and you can attach other players to the unit using the auxiliary line-in jack. The TCP-01 operates on four x "C" size batteries (not included) or with the AC adapter (included
TRAVEL-FRIENDLY SIZE
You can record using the built-in microphone or the included external microphone with handy desk stand. An automatic recording level function ensures steady sound levels, without the need to adjust volume, and a built-in condenser microphone faithfully captures every word and sound
SEMIER Portable Cassette Player Recorder AM FM Radio Stereo -Compact Personal Walkman Cassette Tape Player/Recorder with Built in Speaker and Earphones -Silver
SEMIER
- 【AUDIO PLAYBACK , RECORDING】 Support built-in microphone recording. Compact and lightweight design cassette player allows you to play/record audio anywhere, enjoy your music anytime. It works perfectly as an old school, vintage Walkman.
- 【HIGH SENSITIVE RECEPTION AM/FM RADIO】Strong reception with AM FM radio(such as classical music, baseball game, news station...). Long antenna will strengthen the AM/FM signal in somewhere with weak reception.
- 【TWO TYPES OF POWER SOURCE】AC adapter usable (not included) or 2 x "AA" (um3) batteries (not included). Low power allows this cassette player to keep running for a long time.
- 【LOUD , CLEAR, HIGH-QUALITY SOUND】Build in speaker with crystal clear and good sounds quality, even you still can listen your favoriate songs while showering. 3.5mm earphone jack allows you to enjoy the music/story with the earphone anytime(earphone included).
- WE CARE about you and your love ones! please feel free to contact us with any doubts. Your 100% satisfaction is our target. And our customer service is here for you 24/7 for anything you need!
User questions & answers
| Question: | how do you get the AC adapter |
| Answer: | standard US 60 hz 120 V AC. |
| Question: | Does it automatically play the other side of the cassette or do you need to turn it over |
| Answer: | Need at least one heos speaker to run through wireless and app. |
| Question: | Does this have a belt clip |
| Answer: | Hello, Just to be clear the HEOS Subwoofer will pair with the HEOS AVR but not any Denon branded AVR with HEOS Built-In. You would be able to pair one HEOS Subwoofer to the HEOS AVR. Thanks, Denon North America |
| Question: | Can this record from the radio onto the cassette |
| Answer: | I currently only have one sub, but the Heos app allows you to combine multiple speakers into a “room”, so I would assume you can have a 5.2 setup without any issue. |
Coby CVR-22 Portable Cassette Recorder
Coby
Product description
Cassette recording made- simple with this Portable cassette- recorder. The one-touch functionality for both recording and playback, along with a built-in microphone-and re-tractable handle, provide portability and convenience-. Now you can truly enjoy the- freedom of listening wherever you like.
- One-touch recording
- Auto-stop
- Record
- Built-in microphone
- Retractable handle
User questions & answers
| Question: | I thought Coby was out of business. Is there a manufacture date on it? Does it come with a warranty |
| Answer: | Mine gave me a computer virus. I never got to use it. |
| Question: | Doesv this machine have a tape counter so one can go to an important passage by the indicated number |
| Answer: | Instruction booklet. |
| Question: | What kind of batteries does this machine take |
| Answer: | This is a 1 watt radio. BUT, because of the type of wavelength it carries (900 Mhz), the 1 watt gives almost as much range as a 4-watt UHF. |
| Question: | how do you return items |
| Answer: | Actually it is neither. The DTR600 operates at 900 MHz on the ISM band and does not require an FCC license. The DTR600 will communicate with other Motorola radios that operate on the 900 MHz ISM band like the DLR, but will not communicate with UHF or VHF radios. |
Hamilton Buhl Classroom Cassette Player, 2 Station, 1 Watt (D132) (HA802)
HamiltonBuhl
- Cassette Player and Recorder
- Plays MP3 files on USB flash drives through built-in USB port
- Auto shut-off and high quality speaker
- AC/DC Operation
- 2 ¼” headphone jacks
- 4- “C” cell batteries are not included
- Built in Microphone
- Retractable Handle
User questions & answers
| Question: | does this unit have voice activated recording? in other words, if the unit is set up to record, does it have a voice activaction feature on the mic |
| Answer: | No. Recording is possible only by depressing the "record" button |
| Question: | What does the description mean by "2 station |
| Answer: | It means that it has 2 outputs for listening, |
| Question: | where can i get eaars blugs |
| Answer: | You mean ear buds? Try Amazon. |
| Question: | Dose it have auto reverse |
| Answer: | Auto-shutoff but no auto reverse. |
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