TASCAM announces the CD-A580 Cassette Recorder/CD Player/USB Flash Drive Recorder, the return of the company’s CD-A580. By combining a cassette recorder, CD player and USB flash drive recorder/player into a rack-mountable unit, the CD-A580 is designed as a playback device for installed sound applications in addition to being a single unit capable of supporting three distinctly different media types.
“The CD-A580’s integrated cassette recorder utilizes a single-direction logic-based transport control with exceptional stability and longevity,” the announcement states. “An IC Logic-based transport control is used for the cassette mechanism. This transport was chosen to support years of professional use.”
The cassette mechanism facilitates copying content from CD to cassette in addition to being able to record content from the USB flash drive or the Line Inputs. The transport also includes +/-10% Pitch Control. For playback, Normal (TYPE I), Chrome (TYPE II), and Metal (TYPE IV) cassettes are supported. For recording, Normal (TYPE I) and Chrome (TYPE II) cassettes are used.
As a CD player, the CD-A580 supports playback of CDs, CD-R/CD-RW discs, and data CDs containing MP3 files. In addition to conventional CD playback, the system also supports repeat, shuffle, and programmed playback.
The announcement continues, “The CD-A580’s integrated USB flash drive recorder/player is extremely versatile. Users can easily transfer cassette tape content to MP3 format on a USB flash drive—enabling analog masters to be saved and archived in a digital format. Further, audio from both the CD drive and the Line Inputs can be recorded in MP3 format to USB flash drives. When material is transferred from CD to flash drive, each track is automatically captured as a separate MP3 file. Recordings from either the cassette desk or the Line Inputs can be manually divided into separate MP3 files. When playing back MP3 files, Repeat, Shuffle, and programmed playback are all supported.”
In addition to wireless remote-control operation, Power-on Playback mode is available. This function is designed for restaurants, shopping areas, etc. and facilitates unattended playback (or recording) when the power comes on. To facilitate operation of the CD-A580’s cassette deck, CD drive, and USB flash drive capabilities, the unit also includes an LCD display with level meters, CD-A580 includes the RC-1329 remote control, plus rack ears and mounting screw kit.
The TASCAM CD-A580 is expected to become available Q3, 2022 and will be designated as the CD-A580 v2 on specific technical documentation since it was out of production for a period of time.
