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audio cassette tape duplicators

cassette tape duplicators - telex, sony, recordex?

Even with the advent of digital recording and the growing popularity of CD's and DVD's, analog cassette tape recorders and duplicators still represent a significant installed capacity in the marketplace. Their durability and affordability suggest that these recorders will continue to be around for a long, long time. While no one can dispute that the new digital products have greater fidelity, the sound quality of the analog cassette tape is more than adequate for most applications. Therefore, the AudioLink technical staff recommends ongoing investment in high-end cassette duplicators, both now and in the foreseeable future.

Among the existing cassette duplicators currently on the market we have identified three major brands: Sony, Telex and Recordex. All of these are available through our catalog at substantial discounts from list price.

The products of Recordex particularly impress!

At this time, the products of Recordex particularly impress us. Here are a few reasons why:

Recordex is committed to supporting and improving its product while other manufacturers have essentially shifted their emphasis to the digital products.

Recordex is a company with a growing reputation for responding to the particular needs of the cassette tape marketplace. Their current product offerings (particularly the Recordex Sound Master and Pro Stereo units) combine several desirable attributes of top of the line models into a single, affordable package. These features include:

  • The ferrite erase heads and all steel construction are able to withstand repeated use over a long period of time.
  • The 110/220-volt switch allows you to plug and play the machine in both North America and Europe without purchasing an expensive transformer.
  • Two-sided copying lets you cut your duplicating time in half.
  • Independent drive motors reduce the chance for non-uniform recording speed.
  • Individual channel controls allow you to check the audio quality on each cassette.
  • Most importantly, the extra-long life stereo record heads ensure high fidelity over extended use without costly repair or replacement.
  • Optional, expandable units allow simultaneous duplication of a large number of tapes without loss of fidelity.
Stereo 1 to 1 (1-2-1) Duplicator
Feature
Sony
Telex
Ferrite Erase Heads
N/A
No
Yes
All-Steel Construction
N/A
No
Yes
110/220 Volt Switch
N/A
No
Yes
Separate Channel Controls
N/A
No
No
Price
N/A
$859.00
$328.99
Stereo 1 to 2 (1-2-2) Duplicator
Feature
Sony
Telex
Ferrite Erase Heads
N/A
N/A
Yes
All-Steel Construction
N/A
N/A
Yes
110/220 Volt Switch
N/A
N/A
Yes
Separate Channel Controls
N/A
N/A
Yes
Price
N/A
N/A
$744.88
Stereo 1 to 4 (1-2-4) Expandable
Feature
Sony
Telex
Ferrite Erase Heads
Yes
N/A
Yes
All-Steel Construction
Yes
N/A
Yes
110/220 Volt Switch
No
N/A
Yes
Separate Channel Controls
Yes
N/A
Yes
Price
$3,549.00
N/A
$1,398.98
Stereo 4 Copy Expansion Unit
Feature
Sony
Telex
Ferrite Erase Heads
Yes
N/A
Yes
All-Steel Construction
Yes
N/A
Yes
110/220 Volt Switch
No
N/A
Yes
Separate Channel Controls
Yes
N/A
No
Price
$3,549.00
N/A
$1,398.98

In addition, Recordex offers a superior warranty on parts (one-year) and labor (90 days). Under conditions of normal use Recordex claims its equipment should last at least five years.

Then too, the efficient manufacturing of Recordex allows timely fulfillment and minimizes the problems of back-order delays.

Did we mention stereo?

Since the beginning of the need for this copying application, a single-channel, or mono, signal has been deemed adequate. That is, at least until it's realized that someone will actually listen to what's been recorded. Have you ever heard a tape that plays back, mysteriously, from only one speaker? It is more natural to feed the monaural audio source simultaneously into both left and right channels. Usually, this is done through the use of some sort of external splitting device, producing an effect affectionately known as "stereo mono".

Stereo duplication eliminates the need for limiting your recording source, or assisting signal output to replicate monaural "stereo". With stereo duplicators you can eliminate the splitter and your listeners can use just about any headset or pair of speakers.

Expandable units...

Let's "e x p a n d" a little on the optional, expandable units.

We haven't even touched on expansion yet. Traditionally, the need to copy tapes starts small and only later demand for copying capacity increases. What happens when you're ready for the next level? The old solution was to simply scrap what you have and move on up the line. Well, Recordex has introduced a new machine that grows at whatever pace you're setting for yourself, and it interfaces with their entire expandable line.

However, this linchpin in the Recordex strategy is so simple, it's hard to believe it has largely been ignored. By adding an extra recording slot on their machines they have increased output by 33%! That's very smart. Sony offers this for thousands of dollars more. Telex does not yet offer this feature.

We've saved the best for last: Price!

See for yourself. Recordex simply offers a lot more for a lot less money. Visit our product pages and take a closer look at the price points to see what we mean. To review all of AudioLink's Duplicators and Recorders click here.

Whether you want to make a single audio copy of a legal brief, this week's sermon, or next month's shareholders meeting - right on up to making a thousand copies of your latest live concert - there is a Recordex cassette tape duplicator that will suit your needs.

Note: If you find this type of editorial useful please let us know and we will be glad to add additional copy to help you out. Feel free to email us your questions and ideas for other articles.

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