The original problem seems solved(?) but others may be interested in my observation that the half-dozen "micro-cassette" and "mini-cassette" recorders I've tried over more years than I care to talk about have all failed to get much useful recording done.

I currently use (rarely lately) a couple of Sony "meeting recorders" that I picked up about 2 years ago for $30-$40 each that use standard audio tapes and that have been fairly useful.

They are not "music" quality recorders, but are good enough with the built-in mics to recognize what songs are played at a session, and to make any "verbal notes" you might want. If you want, they'll record at half-speed to get about an hour on a side, but I've never needed more than the half-hour per side at standard speed. The "high-priced" one of the two I have has a VOX - voice actuated switch - that you can use so it shuts itself off during "quiet" time to conserve tape.

They're not "tiny," but are only about twice the size of a typical small tuner. Fairly cheap, standard tapes and batteries, and seem to be quite reliable. There are many other brands that are comparable.

John