The Reloop Tape 2 Mix Recorder comes out as the follow-up successor to the first Reloop recorder. Just like the first, Tape 2 was created specifically with DJs as the intended user.
This recorder offers both fast and portable methods for DJs so that they can record their sets in as easy a manner as possible.
Here, with simply a push of a button, a DJ can externally record and save all of their performances and sets for later tweaking and altering.
Is the Reloop Tape 2 Any Good?
In the case of the Reloop Tape 2, this recorder truly does pick up where the original left off, making it a serious consideration for just about any DJ that plans to head into the studio.
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Reloop Tape 2: First Impression
The Reloop Tape 2, strictly on first impressions, comes across as quite deliberate in its size. The recorder makes a point of being super small and compact, easily slipping into your pocket or a DJ bag.
The recorder also intentionally harkens back to a more old-school tape cassette player giving it a serious sense of nostalgia. I have to say that, since I lived during the era of old tape cassettes, this was pretty neat to look at.
You obviously can’t “actually” put a tape in it, but you didn’t really expect that to be the case, did you?
One thing the Reloop Tape 2 supremely excels at is making all of its sides important and useable. Unlike other recorders, which focus on maybe one or two sides, the Tape 2 puts different controls and functions everywhere.
What’s more, they do all of this while still making DJ set recordings both natural and simplified.
Build Design
Taking a look at how the recorder is designed, the Reloop Tape 2 holds a single button on its face that is used to deal with turning it on and off as well as starting and stopping the recording itself.
Under there are LED lights that offer feedback on different specific functions.
This includes things like power/recording, as well as the battery and micro-SD card statuses and any peaking that may occur when receiving a signal.
The Tape 2’s button includes all of the input and output options. This includes things like the mic/line input port, the 1/8th inch input and thru output port, as well as where the micro-SD card will be. You’ll also find an RCA cable port.
At the other end of the recorder is where you can replace the batteries as well as where your files recording and sound files will be transferred.
Here, the controls are presented in a three-position switch. The first position ensures that the micro-SD isn’t overwritten.
The second allows for the Reloop Tape 2 to record anything on the micro-SD. Lastly, the third position makes the recorder a micro-SD card reader, which is how you’ll transfer files out to the computer.
- Portable
- Simple to use
- Include Micro-SD card
- Lack of USB option
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A Deeper Look
Taking a step away from the visuals, we’ll now spend a minute going over the different features and functions of the Reloop Tape 2 and how it operates compared to its previous outlook and development.
Micro-SD Card
Another one of the changes between this and the first is the fact that the first Tape has a larger USB flash drive while the Tape 2 makes a point of being smaller and more portable, instead using a micro-SD. The micro-SD card can be as large as a 128GB slot
Multiple Formats
One of the key changes seen here compared to the original is that the Reloop Tape 2 can record in multiple music formats. Here, instead of just having MP3, you can now record in WAV.
Recording Setup Process
The Tape 2 has made the recording process much easier, to the point where you can seamlessly pull it out of your bag and immediately begin recording your sound.
The process is extremely simple.
Just power up the unit and plug in the RCA cable (it comes included in the packaging) into the Tape 2 and a DJ controller or mixer.
From there, you simply press the record button and you’ll instantly begin recording. From there, once you’ve finished everything, press the button again to end the recording and send the rest of the information to the micro-SD card.
Overall Performance
What We Like:
- Super Portable: A major strength here of the Reloop Tape 2 recorder is its small size and impressive portability options. In most instances, you can store it away in your pocket or a DJ bag fairly easily.
- Neat Design: The Tape 2 has a very nice design that is made to be reminiscent of old-school recording and cassette-playing devices. While this may be a bit lost on younger or beginner DJs, for those in their 30s and beyond, it’s a nice little homage.
- Simple Recording Process: The Reloop Tape 2 has a fairly simplified and easy recording process. Simply plug the recorder into your mixer or controller and press the record button. It’s a very straightforward feature unlike others, which can potentially be more exhaustive and complex.
- Includes Micro-SD Card: Unlike the original, here, the Tape 2 comes with a micro-SD card rather than the previous USB. While a bit of a swap, the micro-SD card is smaller and takes up much less space compared to everything the USB required.
What We Do Not Like:
- Lack Of USB Option: The only real setback with the Reloop Tape 2 recorder is the fact that it lacks a USB option. While I appreciate the slimming effect of switching over to micro-SD cards. I do wish there was some way you could still use your USB options.
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Reloop Tape 2: The Verdict
Despite the Reloop Tape 2 recorder being the sequel to the original Reloop Tape recorder, one could easily see it instead as two different versions of the same recorder.
While its removal of USB drives is a bit of a disappointment, it’s clear that the device is otherwise firing out on all cylinders.
If you’re looking for a nice, portable, and effective recorder, the Tape 2 is definitely worth your time.
