CD recorders and CD recording systems will do something called ripping, which essentially converts the music from an analog format into a digital format such as an MP3 or AAC file, stored on a CD. Once the content is on a CD, you can listen to it on any CD player. You can also convert the files into a digital format to upload them to other media devices, like your phone. In some cases, you may even be able to store those files on a flash drive for playback on modern audio systems or upload them to a music service. It features analog, digital optical, and coaxial audio inputs and outputs so you can connect a plethora of audio devices both for pass-through recording and playback. Independent level controls for left and right channel inputs offer additional personalization, alongside pitch and job controls. If you want more robust support for precise audio and quality editing, this is the machine. It employs the high-performance AKM codec to capture audio so your CD conversions sound more natural and genuine. An optional rec-mute function can insert a specified period of silence between tracks too, mimicking the experience of listening to a CD. A P/S2 keyboard input is located on the front, but no keyboard is included. If you plug a keyboard in, you can update the track information, including the disk and track titles. You can also control the unit with multimedia keys if they are available. Speeds: N/A | Inputs: RCA, Digital, Optical | Outputs: RCA, Digital, Optical | Dimensions: 12.2 x 19 x 3.7 inches It doubles as a modern record player, thanks to a built-in preamp and included RCA output cables. You can connect it to a CD or AUX audio input on home theater and audio systems to playback your old vinyls when you’re not converting the music. An anti-resonance die-cast aluminum platter mitigates vibrations during playback, which reduces operational noise during recordings. The belt-drive design offers increased fidelity for clear, authentic conversions. A removable and hinged dust cover keeps both the system and any inserted records debris-free. Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45 RPM | Inputs: Switchable phono pre-amplifier | Outputs: USB, RCA | Dimensions: 14.02 x 14.17 x 3.84 inches Ultimately, the system allows you to preserve and digitize your music collection, even on older mediums like records or cassettes. Recorded files are stored in 128Kbps 44.1Khz dual-mono format, equivalent to CD-quality audio. The remote makes it easy to start and stop playback, as well as begin recording. The digitizer features both an RCA input and a 3.5mm audio in (AUX) port, as well as a separate 3.5mm line out so you can listen in. Speeds: N/A | Inputs: RCA, 3.5mm (AUX), USB, SD card reader | Outputs: 3.5mm line out | Dimensions: 2.59 x 2.44 x 0.91 inches The recorder comes with a remote, making it easier to adjust settings, start or stop playback, and control recording sessions. It does require additional equipment, so you’ll need more than this recorder if you don’t already have a playback setup. The biggest drawback is that this recorder is hard to come by, since it’s directly imported from Japan. Speeds: N/A | Inputs: S/PDIF optical and coax, RCA | Outputs: 6.3mm stereo, RCA | Dimensions: 20.94 x 14.88 x 6.22 inches Erasing CD-RWs for reuse is quick and easy, and it can be done at the push of a button. The same is true for finalizing CD-RW burns. Inputs include RCA and XLR audio, as well as digital coaxial. There’s an RCA output, too, and a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can listen in during recordings. Advanced specs are limited, including sample frequencies and audio recording quality. Speeds: N/A | Inputs: S/PDIF coax, RCA | Outputs: 3.5mm AUX, RCA | Dimensions: 22 x 18 x 8.5 inches
What to Look For in CD Recorders
Inputs and Outputs
You want to make sure the CD recorder you choose is going to be compatible with your existing equipment. Does it include an input to hook up your current player, whether it’s a record player or cassette deck?
Recording Formats
True to their name, most CD recorders will record audio streams directly to a disc. However, some also record to digital formats like MP3, or other mediums. Consider what you need your recorder to do, and go from there.
Live Monitoring
If you want to be certain the recording is going well, you can always listen in with headphones, but the CD recorder or system must support it. If this is something you want to do, look for a headphone or AUX output you can use to listen live. If you have a lot of older mediums, like records, cassettes, or even eight-track tapes (Stereo 8) you’ll need to convert them using a recorder, much like the CD recorders listed above. You will also need to connect the original media player(s) into the recorder because they’re usually not directly compatible with older formats.
