Picking out a CDR machine

Posted by Nigel Pond [SysOp] [IP: 194.128.83.228] on September 08, 1999 at 18:01:32
Using Mozilla/4.5 [en] (Win98; I):

In Reply to: Picking out a CDR machine posted by Dave Tomarchio on September 08, 1999 at 17:59:28:

This is not the correct forum for this, but here goes.

To begin with I am not sure you are right that most people use a dual deck machine. In any event you have 2 basic options - either buy a standalone CD recorder or buy a CD-R or CD-RW drive for your PC, plus a decent sound card with digital inputs and outputs. The simplest in terms of set up and use is a standlone recorder.

In this category you should probably go with a model that will burn both CD-R and CD-RW discs, with RWs you can erase your recording if you wish, CD-R is permanent. But bear in mind also that most single laser pickup DVD players will not be able to read CD-Rs and all but the most modern CD players may have problems with CD-RWs. You should also consider whether to go with a pro-level model or a consumer model. Pro machines can use cheaper, data grade blanks while consumer machines are designed only to use the more expensive audio-grade blanks. The only difference between the 2 types of blank is that "royalties" have been included in the price of the audio blanks.

SCMS is another factor. Consumer level recorders leave the SCMS bits in place, so that you will only be able to make single generation copies and not copies of copies. Pro machines allow complete manipulation of the SCMS bits to allow multi-generation copies.

The blank media and SCMS issues do not apply to CD-R(W) drives but the recording and burning process is not as easy.

Personally I went for a standalone, pro model, the Marantz CDR-640- it has a plethora of analogue and digital inputs and outputs and fits nicely in my Middle Atlantic 19" rack . They also have the CDR-630 model which is a little cheaper and IR controllable (the 640 has a hard-wired remote). Check out Marantz Pro's US distributor, SuperScope, for more details.

• SuperScope

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