Panasonic RQ-L31 Portable Cassette Recorder with Slide Microphone

Great recorder! The playback sound (voice) is amazingly good at 3x recording speed. It's much, much better than my Sony microcassette, even when the Sony is on the normal (best) recording speed. Like another reviewer mentioned, one drawback of 3x is you can't play it in your car deck (but who has those these days?!). But you can record 12 hours on one 120 minute tape at 3x speed! 6 hours a side. That can be good and bad; good for the capacity, bad to find specific spots, eg. the beginnings of things you tape. So, I think 60 or 90 min tapes might work better. I've also heard the longer the tape the greater likelihood of jamming... and, the tape quality itself is lower because the tape has to be manufactured thinner to fit the longer length/s in the cassette shell. This player isn't much bigger than my Sony microcassette player. Side by side they look about the same size. At first I thought mine was defective; the tapes didn't seem to fit in properly. Load the tape in the door/lid and close it with a little more force than you think is needed (because it seems like it doesn't close properly and you might break it). Or you can seat the tape then close the lid... this method seems less 'harsh' or damaging to me. I think this model offers the best value vs. the more expensive RQ-L51. The players themselves are identical feature, performance wise. The only difference is in accessories; the L51 includes an AC adapter and ni-cad batteries (which should not work as well or long as NMHs). Neither model includes a strap (unless I threw it away by mistake), which would have been nice; there is a place to put one on one of the corners. Overall, I think this is a great little recorder for the money and recommend it. Note: having used this for 2 weeks at college, the 120 min tapes hold about 5 hours per side at 3x speed; not 6 hours as I mentioned above. Not sure why.

I bought the RQ-L31 from Circuit City(in their store)for a total of about $38.00; with no AC adapter or batteries. This recorder has a sensative microphone(built-in)that will pick up birds singing from a neighbors yard! The mic has two positions(up or normal); and it's difficult to tell the difference between the two settings on recordings. The voice activation record has two settings, one is for quiet, distant sounds, the other is for close-up sounds. I have used the RQ-L31 for voice and music recording. It's better at voice recording! It will record music, but a speaker that it not even "2"; just can't reproduce music that well. Also, volume output seems to be lower than most hand-held recorders; although it is totally clear, even turned all the way up. The design puts the speaker in the cassette door. Where you insert the tape(the door)is where the speaker is. I would have to say, that the recorder is not worth the $34.95 that it sells for. It does allow you to use an external mic, and it is shuts off at tape end very quietly. I have a GE mini cassette recorder that has much louder sound than the RQ-L31 by Panasonic. The GE only cost $19.99 at Walmart. It has voice activated recording too; but instead of normal or 3X normal recording length, the GE 3-5364A model has louder volume on playback, and variable speed playback control. If turned up past 75% volume, it gets distorted. The GE also tends to pick up the tape motor sound more. So, the Panasonic RQ-L31 is better at less tape noise recordings. RQ-L31 uses standard size cassette tapes, and has an LED battery level indicator(3 red lights). It is light weight and feature packed, but buy it with the understanding that it is primarily designed for voice/lecture recordings. Circuit City carries the RQ-L31 in their stores. Tape door is awkard to load tapes in, but you can get hang of it.

I am interested in old tech and in my childhood i had a similar Panasonic model. Frankly the exact model was way too expensive. 200€ and over! So I am glad that I found this great deal that cost me only about 90€. It also cheks all my quality needs: Its from Panasonic, it has all the same functions and qualities as my old one and even more, and it was delivered to me in one piece! The extra blank cassette was also a really generous addition. All features function as expected even though it came without original packaging. It was also somehow delivered to me way before intended date!

So far, so good. I was pleased to find that this little recorder works very much like how I remember mini recorders used to work in the '70s and '80s, especially Panasonic. I like to record songs that I'm writing or working on, and I need to just turn on something handy and reliable. My old Panasonic recently "died" and I know I've had it for over 20 years! My only complaint is the cost: I can't believe I had to spend $200 for it, but I also can't believe my luck that I found it. Now I just have to see if it lasts.

I was not able to use this gadget. Directions very confusing and badly laid out. Very expensive for NO result!!