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Topic: CD BURNERS - Computer type vs rack mounted type |
Kenneth Kotsay
From:
Davie/Ft Lauderdale, Florida
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Posted 26 Oct 2001 4:01 pm |
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If you had a choice between buying a external CD burner & software (for you computer) or a rack mounted such as,TASCAM CDRW700, CDRW-2000 or a Sony, Marantz units etc., (professional studio type), $600-$900 price range, which would you buy and why. Cost is not a factor. Also consider transferring cassette tapes or record directly on a CD fast & easy. Again price is not to be considered. (example: no $149.00 CompUSA with free installation).
I'm new to CD burning and in about a month will have to make a decision on which type to buy. I am not too interested in computer CD burners due to the fact that every time I try something new with my computer something will always go wrong or I'll get about 60 % satisfaction from the computer programs. Also why is these rack units so expensive. I've seen them in Mars Music going for $1,000.00 + for starters (professional end).
Need as much input as possible.
KEN
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George Rozak
From:
Braidwood, Illinois USA
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Posted 26 Oct 2001 9:51 pm
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I just purchased a Tascam CC-222 rack mountable CD Recorder/Cassette Deck. I've only had it for a week now, so I'm still learning how to use it. So far though, I really like it. It records casettes directly to CD-Rs or CD-RWs or vice versa, and also has inputs for a turntable to let you record old records directly to CD or Cassette. It also works with either the audio or the cheaper data blank CD-Rs.
I don't want to talk too soon, but so far it works like a champ & is relatively easy to use.
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 27 Oct 2001 5:00 am
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Two things to consider with the standalone CD Burners. First they require the more costly "music" CD blanks. Second they are much slower (takes longer to burn a CD) than the new internal PC types. I just upgraded my internal PC burner to a 24/10/40 (24X burns) unit. Most of the standalone units I've seen advertised are 2X or 4X burners.
I can copy tapes with my PC, but I have the option of storing the tape (or any input) on the hard drive first and then burn the CD. This may be an extra step but it prevents "coasters" if there is a problem in either the tape playback or the CD burning process. Also putting them on the hard drive first, I can then rearrange them and put them on the CD in any order I want.
However, a standalone CD burner/copier frees up your PC for other uses.
If you do a search, you'll find there has been discussions on the pros and cons of this before. |
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Kenny Forbess
From:
peckerwood point, w. tn.
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Posted 27 Oct 2001 6:55 am
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[This message was edited by KENNY FORBESS on 29 October 2001 at 11:44 AM.] |
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Bill Ferguson
From:
Milton, FL USA
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Posted 27 Oct 2001 7:11 am
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Kenneth, I have been using the Tascam CDRW700 for 2 years now. I use it for the live recording at St. Louis and Chattanooga. It is an awesome machine, and it DOES use the standard CD-R format. While the "consumer" models sold under the Teac name will not.
This is a single unit that has many features, but it is not a dubbing deck. I use it at home to copy cassette to CD which has to be in real time anyway, and I can insert track numbers wherever I like.
I also find that I rarely ever get an error on a CD recorded on this machine, whereas in my computer, there always seems to be some kind of glitch.
For my money, this is the way to go.
There is also a new machine out there that I saw yesterday at my supplier. It is made by Hamilton Electronics. This burner allows you to now only record audio, but you can record video on a standard CD-R and play it in your computer or DVD player. It is only about $100 more than the CDRW700.
It is called a "Deja View".
Bill Ferguson |
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Miguel e Smith
From:
Phoenix, AZ
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Posted 27 Oct 2001 9:46 am
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Ken,
As far as stand-alone units go, I have a CDRW2000 and I'm very happy with it. As far as one or the other, I have both to cover most applications. If you're looking to spend about a grand, you can probably shop and actually get both.
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Kenneth Kotsay
From:
Davie/Ft Lauderdale, Florida
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Posted 27 Oct 2001 12:49 pm
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BILL - You hit the snail on the shell, the TASCAM 700 is portable and you can record a live gig, something you cannot really do with your home PC, who would want to bring their computer to a live show unless it's a lap top, then maybe you can record the gig into a computer.
Like I said, every time I add something new to my computer there's always a minor problem, sometimes it turns out to be a 2-4 hour fix-it job via a Compaq computer tech. Let's say I had a CD burner installed into my home computer and "PUFF" my computer goes dead on me, then what how do I record a CD from a broken computer, or I have a conflict with the software. True a very good Sony external CD burner drive costs about $250 w/o installation and using the computer does have it's advantages but I'm more inclined to buy the rack mounted TASCAM unit. Money is no problem with this decision. Also in the future the next computer I buy (Dell) will most likely have a internal CD burner installed that won't be for a number of years. For now it look's like the TASCAM.
The choice I will have to make soon is which model, the 700 ($599.00) or the 2000 ($899.00).
I really appreciate all the input you guys have given me, serval times I have been to various MARS MUSIC & GUITAR CENTER locations asking the recording techs about the various CD rack units they sell, they all pointed me in the direction of the TASCAM 700 or 2000.
KEN |
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