Roll your own CDs - compact discs

Sunset, Jan, 1999 by Michael Goldstein

Compact discs (CDs) have taken recorded music by storm. There has been just one big drawback - you couldn't record your own mix. But now, with the arrival of CD recorders, you can.

What is a CD recorder?

A CD recorder is an audio device that allows you to make exact, digital copies onto CD media of audio CDs, tapes, record albums, or even live music.

Why would I want one?

To complete your CD library by recording old albums or tapes that have never been issued on CDs. To create your own CD albums with your favorite songs. Or to make a copy of a favorite CD. A CD audio recorder (they start at about $550) makes sense as an additional component in a good home stereo system.

What am I recording the music on?

A recordable compact disc. There are two kinds of recordable audio CDs: CD-R and CD-RW.

What's the difference?

CD-R stands for compact disc recordable. You can record on this kind of disc only one time - once you've recorded what you want on it, it can never be erased. On the plus side, these CDs can be played in any CD audio player, and the medium is relatively inexpensive, at $4 to $8 a disc. A CD-RW, or compact disc rewritable, can be recorded and erased hundreds of times. On the downside, a CD-RW costs about $15 to $25. An even bigger downer is that they can't be played back yet in conventional CD players - only in CD recorders.

Are these the same recordable CDs used in personal computers to back up data?

No. To make an audio recording, you need to use audio CD media. This is unfortunate, because recordable CDs for PCs sell for as little as $2 a disc, if you buy in quantity. (By the way, although different from audio recorders, recordable CD-ROM drives for PCs are an excellent, affordable - less than $500 - way to back up your computer, as they can hold more than 600 megabytes of data.)

How do CD audio recorders work?

CD recorders use a laser beam to burn information into a special recording layer on the CD-R or CD-RW; the information can be read on playback.

How do I use a CD audio recorder?

Plug the CD recorder into your stereo. The recorders will accept both analog input (such as records, tapes, or microphone input) and digital input (such as CD players, digital audio tapes, or Sony MiniDiscs). Set the unit to record the album, song, or sound bite you like and start recording. When all the tracks are set (for both CD-R and CD-RW), hit the "finalize" control.

Will I be able to play my newly recorded CD on any CD player?

Only a CD-R will play on an audio CD player. A CD-RW will play only on a CD audio recorder.

Are there are any legal or copyright issues with recording audio CDs?

Yes. With a recorder, you're making an exact, high-quality copy of an audio CD; record companies fear this will create widespread piracy that would damage the industry. So CD recorders are designed to let you make only one digital recording of a copy-protected original CD, such as a commercially issued album. You cannot make a digital copy of a digital copy. Also, an audio recorder will record only on a CD-R or a CD-RW that has an official "audio" label.

What's the hot product in this category?

Phillips just launched a dual-drive audio CD recorder, the CD-R 765. Now all you need to do to copy an audio disc is pop it in the drive, along with a recordable CD, and you can copy at twice the playback speed, cutting the time to create a new CD in half.

How much are CD recorders?

Prices for consumer models range from $549 to $700.