When you get a cassette recorder, you’re not just choosing a recorder that can record your voice through microphones. Sometimes, you probably need to record cassette tapes from external audio devices, then you perhaps need a cassette recorder with line in jack.
Whether you’re buying a cassette recorder for playing tapes or need one for transferring your digital music files, you’ll be wise to invest in the best cassette recorder with line in here.
What’s Line In? – Why Do Cassette Recorders Need It?
The line-in port in a cassette recorder allows users to record cassette tapes from other sources including mp3, computer, CD, and more. And cassette recorders nowadays usually come with a speaker, which makes the recorder a cassette player too. Having a line-in jack also allows you to play external audio files through the built-in speaker. Connecting the line-in jack with external audio devices requires an audio cable with two connectors on both sides. Some cassette devices have an “Aux-In” jack instead of a “Line In” jack, which basically means the same thing. So the line in may be alternatively referred to as aux in for cassette recorders.
However, not every cassette recorder has a line-in jack, even though some of the jacks are pretty similar. First off, the line-in jack and mic-in jack are different. Cassette recorders that support external microphones will have a mic-in jack, and plugging the microphone into a line-in jack won’t make your mic work properly because the mic-level signal is too faint compared to the line-level signal.
Best Cassette Recorders with Line In/Aux Input in 2021
QFX RETRO-39 Cassette Tape Recorder with Line in & USB
If you want the most portable cassette tape recorder with line-in input, then I’m afraid you’re going to have to pay for this QFX RETRO-39 cassette recorder. Luckily, the product is extremely affordable and you don’t have to empty your wallet.
The QFX RETRO-39’s USB port will allow you to connect your USB flash drive to the recorder and you can play or record the audio files on the flash drive. With a line in and a line out jack, it is pretty easy to record tapes from external sources and you are allowed to use extra speakers or headphones to play the recordings.
As a portable cassette recorder, the product comes with a carry handle for convenience and it needs 4 C batteries to work outdoor (The seller claims that it requires 3 D batteries wrongly on the page). Of cause, using the power adapter is always the best option at home.
Riptunes Cassette Boombox, Player, Recorder with Aux-in
Obviously, this riptunes cassette boombox recorder is a bigger fellow compared to portable models. However, the price tag is still pretty friendly to use.
It’s an aspirational modern product that combines old cassette tapes function and the latest Bluetooth technology. It’s not just a heavy cassette player/recorder, it features AM/FM Radio and Shortwave Radio SW1-SW2. Besides using wireless connectivity, you can even play music files on USB drives and SD cards.
As a cassette recorder, the product has a built-in mic and it can record your voice conveniently. Besides, the USB jack and the aux-in jack can help you record old-school cassette tapes from other audio sources. The basic boombox does not have features that pop your eyes, but it is definitely a bargain for people who are looking for a reliable cassette recorder with simple aux input without breaking the bank.
Studebaker Retro Cassette Player/Recorder with Aux Input Jack
A cassette recorder will never look stylish? Don’t say that until you meet this Studebaker Cassette recorder with a compact and elegant design. Indeed, most cassette recorders are old and tedious in 2021, so I’d rather have this aesthetic product even if it does not have many fancy features.
The Studebaker retro cassette recorder is fairly portable compared to a boombox, and it also can work as an AM/FM radio player with its built-in speakers. It’s got a built-in condenser mic and an aux input jack, and you have various ways to record music to cassette tapes.
According to Studebaker, cassette recording can be from the radio, mic (built-in condenser mic), and aux-in jack. That is to say, you can connect any digital player device with an aux-out jack to this recorder. And it will turn your digital files into classic cassette tapes easily.
Overall, this cassette recorder is another great choice between mini models and heavy bulky professional recorders. And it will let you down with its dependable cassette recording performance and quality that are trusted by tons of reviewers.
Sony Portable Stereo Cd Player & Cassette Tape Recorder with Aux Line in
The Sony cassette tape recorder is an awesome recorder for recording cassette tapes, and it is not just a recorder. At a reasonable price, it’s what we’d call a trustworthy product.
Besides a cassette recorder, you can also use this unit as a CD player or a digital audio player thanks to its versatility. And the best thing about this recorder is that you can record a CD onto a tape effortlessly. Apart from that, the Sony cassette tape recorder is equipped with an AM/FM stereo tuner, which makes it able to record radio into cassette tapes as well.
Additionally, the audio in jack lets you play the files on your digital audio players through its speakers. So if you want to connect your iPod, smartphones, MP3 to the recorder, you can easily get it done.
Tascam CD-A580 Rackmount Cassette Recorder with Line in
The Tascam CD-A580 cassette recorder will appeal to buyers who are interested in a professional cassette deck recorder that provides the best quality of the recording. The Tascam CD-A580 is equipped with a versatile media player that can playback from cassette to CD to USB flash drive. And you can convert cassette tapes to USB or record CDs into cassettes. So you don’t need to buy any cassette to MP3 converter if you have this recorder.
The premium recorder comes with line inputs and the line-in option can help you record to cassettes or USB from external devices. It is a solid-built recorder and it offers the most premium recording performance compared to those cheap portable recorders. However, this cassette deck recorder is very pricey, most of us probably can’t accept an old recorder model that costs a fortune.
