Tech: CD/cassette w/built-in mic?

Subject: RE: Tech: CD/cassette w/built-in mic?
From: Susan-Marie
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 07:28 AM

Thank you very much, everyone. I will look into the SOny and Asada models mentioned. The mini-disc option looks attractive too, but it will depend on finances. Maybe a bug in Santa's ear.....

Subject: RE: Tech: CD/cassette w/built-in mic?
From: NH Dave
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 03:37 PM

Sony has produced a series of CD/Cassette/AM/FM radio systems, some of which should be under U$ 150. With the detachable speakers and 8 D cells they are a bit heavy to carry around, but the speakers do come off and even with the batteries installed it is more transportable. It has an AC cord so if you are near an outlet you can just plug it in and avoid the weight of the batteries. The system is sold as a coffee table sound system and it does this well. If you were going to record stuff you value I'd use an external mic so as to get somewhat better quality.

My system is a CFD 577, which indicates that it incorporates a Cassette recorder(1 recording two playing decks) FM/AM Radio, and CD player, and is model 577 of this line.

Dave

Subject: RE: Tech: CD/cassette w/built-in mic?
From:
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 01:38 PM

IF you want any sort of quality, the builtin microphones of a boombox type is NOT very good for the most part. They tend to pick up the motor noises of the machine itself if they have any sensitivity.

Best to get one that does well, and that you can plug in a microphone to it.

PErsonally, I'd recommend a two machine proposition, a CD player, which can be purchased for an inexpensive price (Wal-Mart Canada is selling one for $39.00 Cdn). And a medium to good quality cassette player where you can plug in a better microphone. If you want any quality from a built-in microphone you'll be disappointed. They're good enough for dictation, but that's all.

If you had the money, I'd recommend a MD instead of the cassette recorder. They'd be more in the $300US with a half-decent microphone extra.

Subject: RE: Tech: CD/cassette w/built-in mic?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 11:21 AM

BTW - If it is to played though an existing amp/speaker system I have used a headphone socket plugged into the input of the amp sucesfully in the past. Dunno if you are supposed to but it worked for me:-)

DtG

Subject: RE: Tech: CD/cassette w/built-in mic?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 11:18 AM

Asda, in the UK (now part of Wallmart) have a whole range of inexpensive boxes. We got a portable CD/Tape/Radio for £19.99, made by 'Pacific', a while back and the quality is good. No mic on this one but they did have ones with a mic. can't remember how much those were. Try searching for a karaoke function as well. May well do just what you need ;-)

While I was posting I looked up Asda web site - Could not find it on there but looked on Tesco as well. Found a Goodmans GPS155R CD Radio Cassette Player with remote control and,
4 Speaker System.
MW / FM Stereo Analogue Tuner.
Top Loading CD Player.
Repeat 1 / All.
Track Skip And Search Functions.
16 Track Programmable Auto Stop Cassette.
Voice Recording Via Internal Condenser Microphone.
Headphone Socket.

Cost in UKP - £35.99

It is a portable. Would that do? Go to tesco.co.uk/electrical to see. I know it is UK but surely things are cheaper in the US aren't they?

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Tech: CD/cassette w/built-in mic?
From: Susan-Marie
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 08:18 AM

Hummm, I should have said "Any suggestions" rather than "Any takers". I'm not asking for someone to sell me theirs. :-) I've been looking on-line but I'm having a hard time finding a CD/tape player with a built-in mic, so I'm looking for suggestions from people who might have one - the make, model, pricew, etc.

Subject: RE: Tech: CD/cassette w/built-in mic?
From: EBarnacle
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 01:07 AM

You can usually get a new Sony walkman pro for about $225 in New York. They seem to get stolen with regularity.

Subject: RE: Tech: CD/cassette w/built-in mic?
From: Kudzuman
Date: 18 Nov 03 - 06:57 PM

You get what you pay for.

Subject: RE: Tech: CD/cassette w/built-in mic?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 Nov 03 - 06:57 PM

Also garage sales and so forth. A year or so back, I got a machine that's quite adequate for my recording needs for £5 from one of them.

Subject: RE: Tech: CD/cassette w/built-in mic?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 18 Nov 03 - 06:50 PM

Check Ebay...

Subject: Tech: CD/cassette w/built-in mic?
From: Susan-Marie
Date: 18 Nov 03 - 05:07 PM

I MAY be asking for too much, but here goes:

my CD/cassette deck is dying and needs to be replaced. I also need to get something that I can use to record my singing practice. SO I'm looking for a boombox or deck that will play CDs and tapes, record CDs onto tapes, AND has a built-in mic that will produce a fairly good recording of my singing. ANy takers?

Did I mention I'm not rich? Keeping the price under $150 U.S. would be nice.