RCA RP3503 "Shoebox" Cassette Voice Recorder

• Compact design has the features of a full sized cassette recorder in a slim package
• Automatic level control provides a constant recording level regardless of the volume control setting
• 3-digit tape counter for easy tracking of your location on the tape
• Retractable carry handle
• Includes external stand-up microphone, AC/DC adapter

I'll preface my review by stating that if I were searching for a high quality voice recorder I would have gone with a brand other than RCA. However, I needed an inexpensive unit which my two young children could operate without much difficulty, and one that played music cassettes. This one does the trick. It is light, compact and easy to use, the sound is decent, the microphone keeps them entertained since they can record their own voices on tape, and the unit operates on both battery or A/C which means I can tote it along in the car to keep them busy. I searched all over for the actual toddler tough versions of these tape recorders which were sold a few years back, Fisher Price or Playskool I believe, but it seems that technology caught up to even the little kids' toys and the units are all CD or MP3 now, which my children don't yet use. This cassette recorder suits our needs just fine for now, and at an affordable price.

Buy RCA RP3503 "Shoebox" Cassette Voice Recorder Now

The RCA cassette recorder which I purchased from Amazon for $24.99 did not work after several days of sporadic usage. I tried different tapes and had the same non-working result.

Audiovox is listed in the manual as the distributor, but it states that I must pay/ship the defective recorder to a "Product Exchange Center" in Texas. The RCA warranty does not cover such things as (1) Customer Instruction...and allows the Exchange Center to charge me for "service not covered" whatever that may be. Additionally, it also allows the Exchange Center to ship me a "refurbished" unit.

This entire ordeal has soured me on buying anything but books from Amazon. It would easier to buy a recorder from the local Best Buy and be able to return a defective item for a new one or my money back.

Read Best Reviews of RCA RP3503 "Shoebox" Cassette Voice Recorder Here

I purchased this inexpensive unit solely for the purpose of using it to record individuals that I would be profiling in the local newspaper. Since the purchase this summer, I have been satisfied with the quality of the unit's performance.

For those seeking something of a higher standard, then money should be spent. However, for a basic recorder/player, one can't pass this one up.

Want RCA RP3503 "Shoebox" Cassette Voice Recorder Discount?

I recently purchased this tape recorder, only to be quite disappointed by its quality (or complete lack thereof). Not only was the recorded sound awful, but the playback was pitch-warped and jumpy. I should have trusted my Dad, who says this brand is the pits. My mistake! I have since used the Sony TCM-929, and it is excellent...it does what it claims to do.

Don't waste your money on this one!

I loved this product, when it was working, then one day, less than 2 months since I got it, it just stopped, went dead.

Checked it, had someone else check it--but no, it's just not working anymore.

It's inexpensive, yes, but when it stops working so soon, it would have been cheaper to have paid a little more for something with higher quality.

RCA used to be a reliable brand... too bad...