What is the difference between PC CD-recorders and standalones?
Standalone recorders are designed to operate as part of a stereo system rather than a computer. There are several differences between them and their PC counterparts. Here are some advantages and disadvantages: Advantages: • They are easier to learn and use than PC CD-recorders • The Analog/Digital converter is usually better than a PC soundcard • They can communicate easily with DAT decks • There is a “pause” button • You very rarely end up with a “coaster”. Disadvantages: • Audio editing is severly limited • Standalones require more expensive discs • Standalones themselves are usually more expensive than PC recorders • A standalone unit is unable to duplicate a disc created by another standalone unit — this is a copyright protection “feature” • There have been reports that standalones deliberately introduce clicks between tracks when recording at speeds above 2x • Of course — with a standalone, you can only record audio — PC recorders can also record CD-ROMs, PhotoCDs, VCDs and more.
