13 best tape decks
Tape decks, commonly found in boomboxes and other portable audio/video devices, are components used to play and record audio on magnetic tape. These devices were popular in the late 20th century, particularly during the era of cassette tapes.
Components and Mechanism:
- Tape decks have several key components, including the tape head, capstan, pinch roller, and motor. The tape head reads the magnetic signals on the tape, while the capstan and pinch roller maintain tape speed and tension during playback or recording.
Playback and Recording:
- During playback, the tape head reads the magnetic signals from the tape and converts them into an electrical audio signal. In recording mode, the electrical audio signal is converted into a magnetic signal and recorded onto the tape.
Types of Tapes:
- Common tape formats used in tape decks include compact cassettes (often referred to as cassettes), which were widely used for music playback, and reel-to-reel tapes, which were used for higher-fidelity audio recording.
Boomboxes and Portability:
- Tape decks were often incorporated into boomboxes, portable audio devices with built-in speakers.These boomboxes were popular for their portability and ability to play music on-the-go.
Decline in Popularity:
- With the advent of CDs, MP3 players, and digital audio formats, the popularity of tape decks declined significantly, and they are now considered outdated technology.
Maintenance and Care:
- Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the tape heads and ensuring proper tape tension, was necessary to maintain good audio quality and prolong the life of the tape deck.
Collectibility:
- Despite their decline in popularity, tape decks and boomboxes have gained a niche following among collectors and enthusiasts. Vintage models are sometimes sought after for their retro aesthetic and unique features.
Understanding the basics of tape decks and their relation to boomboxes and portable audio can help individuals appreciate the evolution of audio technology over time.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best tape decks on the market- Quickly transfers music from tapes to digital music format. System requirements Microsoft - Windows XP, Windows Vista (32/64-bit, Windows 7 - 32/64-bit, Pentium 4 CPU or comparable or better
- Quickly transfer music on your tapes to MP3 format on your computer
- Dual dubbing cassette deck
- Plug and play USB audio interface, no drivers needed
- Metal and CrO2 tape selector
- PC and Mac compatible
Product description
Bring the good old days into the 21ST century with this classic boombox with a modern look This boombox lets you listen through built-in speakers to radio (AM/FM) CD Cassette or aux in The simplistic design makes it easy for all ages to use and enjoy with programmable tracks and repeat one or all play and even records radio or CD to cassette Plug it in at home or take your music on-the-go with the built-in AC power cable or DC batteries (6C not included) and use the telescopic antenna to get the best reception
- Portable Boombox with AM/FM radio CD and cassette player top-load disc player
- Auto-stop at tape end LCD display with white backlight records from Radio and CD
- Powerful built-in stereo speakers metal speaker grill
- Includes AC power cable DC battery power requires 6 C batteries (not included)
- Convenient carry handle for portability Black
- Included components: Owner's Manual
User questions & answers
Question: | Can you plug into wall socket |
Answer: | Correct, you can plug this into a AC all outlet. |
Question: | Exactly where do you plug in earphones? can only find aux in for microphone |
Answer: | This boombox has only one auxiliary port, it is labeled auxiliary in. That is where you would plug in earphones per the manufacturer. |
Question: | Can you plug in a set of head phones |
Answer: | There would be a plug for headphones. |
Question: | will it play an mp3cd |
Answer: | No, this unit'll only play CD, CD-R/RW discs not MP3 discs. |
Product features
GPX BCA209B Portable Am/FM Boombox with CD and Cassette Player, Black
This boombox lets you listen through built-in speakers to radio (AM/FM), CD, Cassette, or aux in. The simplistic design makes it easy for all ages to use and enjoy with Programmable Tracks and Repeat One or All Play, and even records radio or CD to cassette.
Bring the good old days into the 21st century with this classic boombox with a modern look. This boombox lets you listen through built-in speakers to radio (AM/FM), CD, Cassette, or aux in. The simplistic design makes it easy for all ages to use and enjoy with Programmable Tracks and Repeat One or All Play, and even records radio or CD to cassette. Plug it in at home or take your music on-the-go with the built-in AC power cable or DC batteries (6C, not included) and use the telescopic antenna to get the best reception.
- CASSETTE PLAYER/ Recorder with WIRELESS BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY; This wireless Boombox features Bluetooth for wireless music streaming w/a connectivity range of up to 30 ft. Works w/ any device that features Bluetooth connection 4 Band Portable Radio –; Features AM/FM Radio and Shortwave Radio SW1-SW2
- USB , SD - Aside from wireless connectivity, this Retro unit is also equipped to connect to your other Music Files USB & SD Playback; play your music files on this Boombox via the USB and SD slots
- Volume and Bass Controls - for better sound effect - FOLDING CARRY HANDLE; Built-in carrying handle- Portable design makes this Cassette Player perfect for the on-the-go user - Aux in -Telescopic Antenna
- AC 110v Power (cable included), or 4 x D size Batteries (Batteries sold separately)
- Available in a verity of colors of your choice - Yellow, Red and Silver
User questions & answers
Question: | How good is it with cassettes |
Answer: | It is very good with cassettes. Once when it was brand new it destroyed one of my rare cassettes, but no problems since then. |
Question: | Can I record onto cassette from all sources on this machine, i.e. radio, usb, or SD card |
Answer: | yes |
Question: | Does this speaker have an aux port |
Answer: | no sadly it does not have an aux port which is why i have to return it |
Question: | If this item is only 12 inches long, how short is the guy on the bench sitting next to it |
Answer: | Lol fr. the picture is very misleading. |
- Cassette Player and Recorder
- Plays MP3 files on USB flash drives through built-in USB port
- Auto shut-off and high quality speaker
- AC/DC Operation
- 2 ¼” headphone jacks
- 4- “C” cell batteries are not included
- Built in Microphone
- Retractable Handle
User questions & answers
Question: | does this unit have voice activated recording? in other words, if the unit is set up to record, does it have a voice activaction feature on the mic |
Answer: | No. Recording is possible only by depressing the "record" button |
Question: | What does the description mean by "2 station |
Answer: | It means that it has 2 outputs for listening, |
Question: | where can i get eaars blugs |
Answer: | You mean ear buds? Try Amazon. |
Question: | Dose it have auto reverse |
Answer: | Auto-shutoff but no auto reverse. |
Product description
JENSEN brings back an old favorite with the MCR-100 “shoebox” style Cassette Player/Recorder. The unit includes a top loading cassette deck that both plays and records along with a retractable carrying handle for taking it with you! The unit features easy to use buttons, a one-touch record button, and an automatic voice level control. You can record using the built-in microphone or the included external microphone with handy desk stand. A headphone jack is included for private listening, and you can attach other players to the unit using the auxiliary line-in jack. The MCR-100 operates on four x "C" size batteries (not included) or with the AC adaptor (included).
- 1 Touch Recording, Fast Forward and Rewind
- Headphone Jack, Volume Control, Automatic Level Control
- Built-in Condenser Microphone, External Microphone Jack, Auxiliary Input Jack for Connecting Your iPod, MP3 or other Digital Audio Players
- Carry Handle. Power: 120V AC Adaptor (Included) or 4 x ‘C’ (UM-2) (Not Included)
- Refer to Page E-8 of user manual for troubleshooting steps.
User questions & answers
Question: | can I plug this into my computer |
Answer: | When recording a mono player to a your computer, use a mono to mono 3.5mm (1/8") phone cable. This will allow you to record the single audio channel from the cassette recorder to the computer's stereo with the same signal for both the left and right channels. You should also be able to set the recording software to record in mono. |
Question: | Want to purchase a recorder for my elderly father to tape his memoirs. Would this be a good find |
Answer: | Yes. This recorder is NOT THE BEST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT THE WORST. I got it for Taping Music. I am a Musician and Singer and it DOES NOT DO WELL FOR THAT, BUT. For Talking, Yes. It would be good. One tip. Don't hold the Microphone too close to your mouth, It will blur when you record. Hold it a few inches away and it will be fine. Talking records much better than singing, or music. So if you want it for that, Yes. And the price is good, and you can use Battries or the Outlet. Hope this helps. Annie/ Houston, Tx |
Question: | is it eletric & battery |
Answer: | Yes. Runs on both AC and battery. |
Question: | Could I plug my phone into the mic jack and then record some songs from phone to a cassette |
Answer: | Not easily, no. The mic jack on this recorder is mono only. So a standard 3.5mm stereo cable won't do the trick. You would need a 3.5mm stereo to 3.5mm mono cable (or adapter). The resulting audio, of course, will be in mono only. Also, the recording head on this cassette recorder is very, very poor. I wanted to record audio for my truck and the quality was just way to low for music. It is really better suited for voice recording. |
Product description
Specification
100% Brand new and high quality cassette tape machine belt
30 Most popular square flat belts
Diameter: (Approx) 24mm to 80mm mix package fit cassette tape machine
Color: Black
- Cassette tape machine belt
- 30 Most popular square belts
- 24mm to 80mm mix package fit most devices
- Color: Black
User questions & answers
Question: | Can anyone tell me what these are made of, are they neoprene or more like rubber bands from Walmart |
Answer: | Hi, yes , they can be used by 2 kids at the same time. |
Question: | Could you tell me if there is a belt 12-13 mm long in the package |
Answer: | When the ball flies into the air, it will have a beautiful flash.It's especially beautiful in the dark. |
Question: | Does any of this belts will fit a sony boombox cfs |
Answer: | About 20 minutes |
Question: | Will this work for my vintage 1980 Fisher Price tape player? The belt is broken |
Answer: | Don't worry,It is not too loud |
Product description
Portable Cassette Player/Recorder with AM/FM Radio AM/FM Radio Auto Stop Cassette Player Recorder Play/Pause, Fast Forward and Rewind, Record, Stop/Eject, Auto Stop Auxiliary Input Jack for Connecting your iPod, MP3, Smartphone or other Digital Audio Players 3” speaker Cassette recording from the radio, mic (built-in condenser mic) and aux-in jack Carrying Handle Telescopic Antenna AC/DC operation (AC detachable power cord included or 6 “C” batteries (not included)) Product Dimensions: 10.63”(W) x 3.5”(D) x 6.22”(H)
- ►Portable AM/FM Receiver & AC Adapter plug included to use at home or office
- ►Cassette Auto Stop Player & Recorder Built in / Cassette recording from the radio, mic (built-in condenser mic) and aux-in jack
- ►Auxiliary Input Jack for Connecting Your iPod, MP3 or other Digital Audio Players
- ►3 speaker, Carrying Handle, Carrying Handle easy to take anywhere
- ►AC/DC operation (AC detachable power cord included or 6 C batteries (not included)) Product Dimensions: 10.63(W) x 3.5(D) x 6.22(H)
User questions & answers
Question: | Can I record off the radio |
Answer: | I have never tried to do that. I used it to record songs for my great niece. It works beautifully. Try reading the instructions that come with the device. They may answer your question. Good luck! |
Question: | can i play cassettes that my grandma gave me |
Answer: | I am happy to say that the STudebaker Portable does a great job of playing Cassette tapes, and the radio works fine as well. Bob Loudon |
Question: | Does this have a place to plug in headphones |
Answer: | Has plug for AUX not for headphones sorry |
Question: | Can I record with aux cord from my phone on a blank cassette |
Answer: | Yes if your recording to a cassette |
Product description
Features:
CLEAR SOUND QUALITY
By transferring your cassettes to MP3s in a quiet room, you can enjoy crystal clear sound quality with even the oldest bands.
STANDARD WALKMAN USE
Lightweight, Compact Size, Better than just a recorder, it works perfectly as an old school, vintage Walkman with any standard headphones.
Portable Design
Fits in virtually any bag and enables you to play and transfer anywhere and easy to carry,with headphones for listening to the tape at any time.
Product Details:
USB 2.0 Port
Material: Plastic / Iron
USB Transfers Tapes to MP3
Requires Pentium 4 (1.7 GHz) or Above
VGA Card with 32mb MemoryUSB 2.0 Port
Power Supply: 2×AA Batteries, 3V DC or USB 5V DC Power
Compatible with Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, 2000/7/8/10/; Mac older than version 10.5 (Mac operation requires download of free software)
Package Included:
1 x USB Cassette Capture
1 x USB Cable
1 x Software CD
1 x 3.5mm jack earphone
1 x User Manual ( Cassette tape is NOT included)
- 【CONVERTS TAPE TO MP3】 -- Our unique tape recorder quickly converts old cassettes to MP3 format via a USB cable. Also works with laptop CD burners
- 【USB CASSETTE CAPTURE】 -- You can easily Record, Captures,convert your old tape to MP3 format,with playback function for easily checking the recorded file. USB port supports FAT, FAT32, exFAT formats up to 64G
- 【RETRO CASSETTE PLAYER】-- Convert cassette music to MP3 format, keep those old memory in this player forever, awaken your memory of the past and classic music, no worry about damaging the tape
- 【INNOVATIVE DESIGN】-- Audio editing software included, audio output enables you to listen on your stereo, headphones, or other speaker system. Convert your old mix tapes and cassette to MP3 to playback on iPod/MP3 plater or burn it to CD
- 【PORTABLE SIZE ATANDER 3.5 JACK】 -- The portable size allows it to fit in virtually any bag and enables you to play and transfer music anywhere. Support 3.5mm AUX jack, you can connect it to your car speaker, speaker, or just connect it with an earphone to listen the music
User questions & answers
Question: | can this just play cassettes? Does it use batteries |
Answer: | /Duration -:-Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:00 Playback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions off, selectedAudio TrackFullscreenThis is a modal window. .noScriptDisplayLongText { display : none; } .noScriptNotDisplayExpander { display : none; } .noScriptDisplayLongText { display : block; } Yes,If your headphone is 3.5mm jack, it's OK |
Question: | If the source tape was stereo will the mp3 file be stereo |
Answer: | /Duration 0:40Loaded: 0.00%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:40 Playback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions off, selectedAudio TrackFullscreenThis is a modal window. .noScriptDisplayLongText { display : none; } .noScriptNotDisplayExpander { display : none; } .noScriptDisplayLongText { display : block; } Package Included: 1 x USB Cable 1 x Software CD … see more Package Included: 1 x USB Cable 1 x Software CD 1 x 3.5mm jack earphone 1 x USB Cassette Capture 1 x User Manual (Cassette tape is NOT included) see less Package Included: 1 x USB Cable 1 x Software CD 1 x 3.5mm jack earphone 1 x USB Cassette Capture 1 x User Manual (Cassette tape is NOT included) |
Question: | Can I record to a cassette using this and a microphone |
Answer: | Yes,these unique tape recorder quickly converts old cassettes to MP3 format via a usb cable. |
Question: | I have a mac running os 10.10.5, with intel core. will this work with that |
Answer: | These unique tape recorder quickly converts old cassettes to MP3 format via a USB cable. Also works with laptop CD burners.Support 3.5mm AUX jack,or just connect it with an earphone to listen the music |
Product description
Specification:
Cassette tape machine belt
50PCs popular flat belts
40mm to 135mm mix package fit most devices fit cassette tape machine
- Flat generic tape cassette player recorder drive belts
- 3mm Width , 40mm to 135mm mix package fit most devices
- Rubber Belt Superior wear resistance and the right traction but without deformation
- Premium both the duration and the ability to absorb vibrations
- Just feel free to contact us if you have any problems with this pulley drive belts.We will reply to you within 24 hours
User questions & answers
Question: | how these belts are measured - folded or full circumference size |
Answer: | you can control its landing or flying by the yellow remote control. |
Product description
Play Music From Your Phone on Your Old Car's Cassette Deck Whether on a cross-country trip or on your way to work, playing music in your car makes your ride a lot more pleasurable. However, having a car with no auxiliary port or bluetooth capability to play music from our phone is unfortunate for music lovers like us. But now, RocketBus Car Audio Cassette Tape Adapter allows you to take the music from your phone, and play it on your car's cassette deck! Seamless Music Experience Don't settle with the same tasteless music from your FM Radio, fumbling with CDs with limited and outdated songs or playing music from your phone's speaker. RocketBus Car Audio Cassette Tape Adapter allows you to play music or your favorite podcasts from your phone by simply connecting it to the 3.5mm jack and inserting the tape adapter to your cassette deck. Bring back your car's glory and savor every ride while playing the music that keeps you going.
- RocketBus Cassette Adapter for iPhone 3/3GS, 4/4S, 5/5S/5C, 6/6S/6 Plus/6S Plus; iPod 1st Gen, 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, 4th Gen, U2 Special Edition, iPod Classic iPod Mini, iPod Nano 1st Gen, 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, 4th Gen, 5th Gen, iPod Shuffle 1st Gen, 2nd Gen, iPod Touch 1st Gen, 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, iPod Video
- 3.5mm jack for compatibility with devices such as iPhone, iPod, smartphones, MP3 players, and mini disk players
- Spring-loaded cassette head reduces mechanical noise to produce a loud and crisp sound throughout your ride
- Adjustable cable positioning for cassette players with different insert direction, even for horizontal insertion
- 1 Year Warranty
Product description
The JENSEN MCR-1000SB LIMITED EDITION. is a stylish and unique portable music system that offers a lot of features in a compact design. The unit includes a front loading CD-R/RW compatible CD player with programmable memory and white LCD display, dual top mounted cassette decks with play and record capability, and a stereo AM/FM radio. The cassette recorder feature offers multiple recording options. Record directly from the radio, CD, or Aux-in. You can even plug your own microphone into the external microphone jack to record yourself singing to your favorite tunes. This portable system also offers a stereo headphone jack and auxiliary input jack for playing your favorite music from other digital media players. The unit operates on 120V AC power or eight ‘D’ batteries (not included).
- ✅ ► ★ Front Loading Vertical CD Player, CD-R/RW Compatible Multi-function White Digit LCD Display Skip/Search, Forward and Back
- ✅ ► ★ AM/FM Digital Radio Stereo Receiver Stereo Headphone Jack Microphone Jack Rotary Telescopic Antenna Foldable Carrying Handle
- ✅ ► ★ Repeat 1 or All Programmable CD Memory Auto Stop Cassette Deck One Touch Recording
- ✅ ► ★ Auxiliary Input Jack for Connecting iPod, MP3 or other Digital Audio Players, Dynamic Bass Boost System Control
- ✅ ► ★ (Limited Edition Model) Power: AC120 60Hz or 8 x ‘D’ (UM-1) Batteries (Not included) Manufacturer's 90-day limited warranty included
User questions & answers
Question: | Record from cassette to CD |
Answer: | No you cannot record from cassette to CD. |
Question: | Can you put songs on cd from cassette with this player |
Answer: | Yes |
Question: | Does fm have good reception and where is fm stations displayed |
Answer: | Yes, the FM reception is good. The channel numbers are listed in a circle on the top flat surface of the actual tuning knob, located on the right top side of the unit. The AM channel numbers are listed in the first, larger circle on the tuning knob and the fm cannel numbers are listed in the inside, smaller circle. |
- CATCH THOSE BEFORE THEY ARE COMPLETELY OBSOLETE: The cassette player allows to convert those precious old audio cassettes into files such as MP3/WAV etc which can be played on ipod, mp3 player, computer or burn to CD. Digitize all your old cassette tapes before the old tapes get lost, time will pass, but memory never.
- USB CASSETTE CONVERTER AND PORTABLE TAPE PLAYER: This USB cassette capture is not only a cassette converter but also a hand held Cassette Walkman. You can listen to your tapes through earphones (included in the package), or plug Aux into car radio, it allows you listen to cassettes on car radio with aux. Portable design fits in virtually any bag and enables you to play and transfer anywhere.
- FLEXIBLE USB POWERED OPERATION OR BATTERY: You can choose 2 AA batteries (not included) or USB powered operation for your convenience. It also comes with software CD to guide you through transfer, makes it easy to set up your converting system.
- AUTO REVERSE FUCTION: You can choose to listen to music on one side or two sides, click the DIR button, it plays the 2nd side automatically, and plug your earphone in, enjoy your music from old cassette tapes on the go!
- What's in the package: 1x cassette converter, comes with converter software in the CD, user manual and a 5V DC USB power cord for quick and easy conversion.
User questions & answers
Question: | Can I listen to old tapes in my car without converting them |
Answer: | We listen to tapes all the time on it and haven’t converted them. |
Question: | Do you want to use it as a portable cassette player like me |
Answer: | I do! I take it anywhere by insert 2*AA batteries to use it. And of course it also support USB power. |
Question: | What settings do I use to create the MP3 file (what extension will be on the file created |
Answer: | After recording into audacity select all then choose File/export audio/. Then select or create the export location. Then name the audio file and choose type of file to export from the drop down list where the default type is wave file. It will show mp3. The mixed down file will then export automatically as a mp3 to your specified location. |
Question: | Will this work with a MAC |
Answer: | I have found that the capture doesn't have speakers so it is difficult to get the MAC to accept it and bring it back through. Especially since my mac doesn't have a cd-rom, I have been improvising myself to death. If anyone else has been doing this, you might try to find a way to create a speaker format |
Product features
Cassette to MP3 Converter
Cherish all the things that will pass away, those are the most precious memories.
Time will pass, while memory never.
That's why we need to digitize all your old cassettes before they go lost.
Product description
Enjoy music wherever you go You take pleasure in the simple things in life and delight in convenience. The compact and portable Philips CD soundmachine lets you indulge in the pleasures of enjoying your favorite music with the help of easy-to-use functions.
- Play MP3-CD, CD and CD-R/RW – MP3 stands for "MPEG 1 Audio layer-7.6 cm (3") .MP3 is a revolutionary compression technology by which large digital music files can be made up to 10 times smaller without radically degrading their audio quality. MP3 has becom
- Dynamic Bass Boost for deep and dramatic sound - Dynamic Bass Boost maximizes your music enjoyment by emphasizing the bass content of the music throughout the range of volume settings - from low to high – at the touch of a button! Bottom-end bass frequenci
- CD Shuffle/Repeat for personalized music enjoyment - The "Shuffle/Repeat" function helps you to get rid of the boredom of hearing your music played in the same order all the time. After loading your favorite songs to the player, all you have to do is to se
- Audio-in for easy portable music playback - Make one easy connection and enjoy all your music from portable devices and computers. Simply plug your device to the AUDIO-IN (3.5 mm) port on your Philips set. With computers, the connection is typically made f
- USB Direct for MP3/WMA music playback - With the USB Direct mode, simply plug in your USB device to the USB port on your Philips device and your digital music will be played directly from the Philips device.
User questions & answers
Question: | Does it have am/fm radio |
Answer: | It’s FM but not AM. |
Question: | how many cds can it hold |
Answer: | Only one |
Question: | does this item come with ac dc cords |
Answer: | Just one AC cord |
Question: | Does this come with an ac cord |
Answer: | Yes |
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