Reloop’s Tape (our review) was a quirky take on external recorders. In the same way that there’s vinyl inspired products (literally looking at vinyl coasters across the desk), Tape modelled itself on the venerable cassette. And now Reloop has crafted Tape 2 that makes it easier to use and generally more Tapey.
Reloop has as ever provided lavish PR:
RELOOP TAPE 2
THE DIGITAL MIXTAPE FOR DJS.
Muenster, 18 th September 2018
The Reloop TAPE 2 is an audio recording device for DJs with integrated lithium-ion battery and retro, cassette tape styling that allows you to record your mix in WAV or MP3 format directly to a microSD card.
Lossless recording and integrated battery:
The built-in A/D converters offer high-grade, 24-bit sound recording to either lossless WAV or MP3 (320 kbps) formats. TAPE 2 is extremely portable thanks to the internal lithium-ion battery with up to 6 hours recording on a full charge. Charging on the go is easily handled using any standard USB power supply.
Versatile connectivity options:
Line-level or mic sources, such as CD players, DJ mixers or dynamic mics can be directly connected to TAPE 2 via the 3.5 mm jack input. By utilising the THRU output, the audio signal can either be monitored with headphones or it can be looped through to your main speakers. This is recommended for single output audio sources that do not have a dedicated record out (REC).
Recording made simple:
With a new feature, TAPE 2 now offers a lock function which locks/unlocks all control elements. This eliminates the risk of accidentially pressing stop in the middle of a recording session. Thanks to the bi-coloured LED feedback, usage in dark surroundings is possible – various status LEDs, such as Power/Rec, SD Card full, Signal/Peak and Battery give information about the current state of TAPE 2.
Media interface with customisable look:
As well as being an audio recording device its recording function, the TAPE 2 can also be connected to a computer and be used as card reader for microSD cards. To keep track of the recorded material, all recordings on TAPE 2 can be tagged with a timestamp with the help of the sync tool. With the included stickers it is also possible to customise the look of your TAPE 2.
Features
- Portable audio recorder in a tape retro look
- Easily record your mix to microSD with the push of a button
- Selectable recording format: WAV (lossless) or MP3
- Integrated rechargeable battery with up to 6 hours of active recording
- Line level and mic level input for connection of mixers or dynamic microphones
- THRU output for monitoring/connecting headphones or when separated REC out is available
- Fail-safe recording without complicated adjustments
- Lock/unlock functionality provides protection against accidentally stopping while recording
- Simple handling even in dark surroundings
- Input gain control
- Bi-LED feedback (power/REC, SD card full, signal/peak, battery)
- High-quality A/D converters in 24-bit
- HiSpeed slot for microSD cards (class 10 recommended)
- Card reader functionality during active USB connection with a computer
- Sync Tool: software that allows to identify recordings with a time stamp
- Kensington lock to secure the device
- Can be charged with any standard mobile power adapter (5 V)
- Enclosed sticker sets allow for an individualized look
technical details
- Input: 1x line/mic 3.5 mm stereo mini jack
- Output: 1x line 3.5 mm stereo mini jack (THRU)
- microSD slot for cards up to 128 GB (FAT32)
- Recording format: WAV or MP3 (320 kbp/s)
- Recording quality: 24-bit/48 kHz
- Dimensions: 103 (w) x 14 (d) x 65 (h) mm
- Weight: 59 g
- Power supply: 5V micro-USB
- Incl. RCA to 3.5mm stereo mini jack cable, micro USB cable, 3 sticker sets
Available end of September
MSRP Price: 149,99 € | 179,99 $ |£ 130
There’s no denying the appeal of the original Tape. But it was flawed. Thankfully some of those flaws are fixed, but issues remain, and for me they’re exacerbated by the price increase.
As a video maker, I have some professional audio recorders in my arsenal. But you don’t need to spend several hundred to capture audio off the back of a mixer. For example — Zoom, Olympus, and Tascam make recorders with all the features of Tape 2, and with built in microphones and screens for ease of use too. Our Dan uses a Tascam DR-05 to capture mixes, and that’s £75 new.
One thing to be aware of is that depending on the port you connect to on the back of your mixer or controller, it might be a bit hot for some recorders. A simple attenuator deals with this issue.
So while Tape 2 is good update to the original, and I do so desperately want to love it because of its retro stylings, I struggle to get behind it. I need bang for buck, not style over substance. Had the original got a price cut, or Tape 2 was at the same price point at the original, then I would be happier.
But if the aesthetics matter more than the features and price (and it’s an affordable difference at this price point) then Tape 2 has your name all over it.
GALLERY
