BTO PlusDeck2 PC Cassette Deck

Installation/Setup

Installation went without incident and ended up with a cleaner look than I originally expected.  The shorter length of the pass through cables (275mm not including the plug at each end) made all the difference.  Pass through cables still suck but these are not all that bad because of the shorter length.  A similarly shortened serial cable (yes, I said serial cable) finishes off the hardware installation following the PlusDeck2 being mounted in an open 5.25” bay and the pass through card being mounted in an open card slot.

  

If I thought installation was easy, that was nothing compared to the software setup which was a breeze.  The included CD in its autorun and setup involved four steps, with default being the correct selection for each, as being a 90 second lesson in what program installation should be.

Operation

The software installation leaves a small PlusDeck2 icon on your desktop when double clicked proved to be a simple and intuitive layout.  I’m not going to go into the hardware control buttons as I think identifying them earlier served that purpose adequately.  Next to the Convert button on the software operation panel, is an ‘S’.  This is for set up of the type of digital file, tape side and if the tape contents are to be cut into files or a single stream.  To expand on the cut into files or single stream a bit; ‘one file’ means a lone digital file is generated from the tape’s beginning to end.  ‘Files’ means that the PlusDeck2 picks up the tape’s dividing muted sections and cuts the digital file accordingly.  With the desired selections made you hit ‘Convert’ which executes your selections.  Making a tape is as simple.  Clicking on the 'Make' button, you select your tape's length and what you want on each side.

  

The PlusDeck2 unit performed exactly as it was billed.  Converting tapes to .wav or MP3 format went without any problems at all.  The only downside is that the unit is playing the tape and routing the audio into your PC at real time.  So, a 45 minute tape will take you 45 minutes to rip.  The same is true from a time perspective in converting a .wav or MP3 to tape.  The question I know many of you have is can I convert an audio CD to tape?  Yes you can but you will need some type of program to convert your audio CD to a .wav or MP3 format before you can use the PlusDeck2.

Conclusion

The BTO PlusDeck2 is not for everyone.  The biggest hit it takes is in the real time recording to and from the unit.  As a whole, we have been spoiled technologically and want recordings done fast fast fast.  Aside from the speed issue was the sound quality.  A disturbing hiss seemed to end up on everything I recorded.  Not horribly loud but loud enough to be noticeable.  With no Dolby Noise Reduction you will have to just live with anything you tape and the hiss you subsequently get with it. 

Now after I give a thumbs down to the unit's recording quality and speed, you would think that its fate was sealed.  You would be wrong in assuming this.  The utility of the PlusDeck2 kicked so much ass that it made up for it in no small measure.  The real strength of the PlusDeck2 for me was in convenience firstly.  Sure you can jack your home stereo to a PC and do this but that is nowhere as clean and convenient as the PlusDeck2.  Another very strong point is that you Books on Tape folks will love this thing.  I listen to lots of older material on tape that simply isn't offered on CD.  Now hypothetically, if I were to borrow something from a friend or the library that was on tape and want to put it on CD, the PlusDeck2 is the way to go.  Dragging a PC to my stereo or vice versa isn't exactly how I want to spend my time.  The unattended transfer of data once selected in the PlusDeck2's software interface makes life very nice and somewhat makes up for the real time recording. 

All in all, you get a nice little package for your 150 clams.  Weigh your needs carefully before you go out and buy one.  If you find the PlusDeck2 can meet some of your backup needs, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Pros

• Convenience

• Easy installation and setup

• It's main strength is in converting books on tape

Cons

• Beige coloring

• No Dolby Noise Reduction

• Sound quality diminished

• Records in real time

• Only converts to .wav and MP3

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