Audio Ripping Cassette Deck Lets You Record Analogue to Digital, and Digital to…Analog?

Most analog-to-digital audio ripping devices hardly warrant mention these days. But the PlusDeck Ex’s ability to record MP3s to analogue cassette is so odd, I can’t help but be amused.

If you’re longing for the days of mixtapes burned dubbed to a gaudy looking Memorex cassette, this is for you. The USB port allows you to transfer files to the PlusDeck to be put on tape, so you can play them back in your circa-1988 Walkman.

But the PlusDeck Ex does have a few worthwhile features, such as recording FM radio to a digital file, phono jacks for playing and ripping vinyl, 7.1 surround sound support and a mobile phone In, which is presumably for recording voicemail and/or conversations. It also has RCA in/out, 3.5mm in, and a clock/timer that lets you schedule recordings.

The only problem is the thing runs about $US300, which is about $US250 more than I’m willing to pay, personally. [Think Geek via Uncrate via Wired]