Tune in to Sony's WM-GX221 Walkman AM/fm stereo cassette player/recorder as you move into motion. Featuring stereo cassette recording and playback, an AM/FM analog tuner, a built-in microphone, and built-in stereo speakers (140MW + 140MW), this cassette player/recorder satisfies all of your listening and recording needs. Enjoy double recording time which is useful for extended recording or dictation sessions, Cue and Review which will help you find specific passages, and Stereo Recording (using external stereo microphone) for more realistic recordings of voice and music with high quality speaker sound. For listening to music and recording on the run - the versatile WM-GX221 is the one.
This compact Sony Walkman receives FM/AM stereo and plays and records cassette tapes. With its built-in microphone and built-in speaker, there are no additional hardware requirements necessary to play and record music or voice. The stereo speakers (140MW + 140MW) produce a rich, complete sound. While it is possible to record via the Walkman's built-in microphone, this recording will not be in stereo. If you want the full sound of stereo captures, simply attach the included stereo microphone via the external microphone input jack. With the double recording time option, you can record a standard cassette at either normal speed or half the normal speed, thus doubling your recording time. This is a nice feature for those encountering long lectures or dictation sessions. The cue and review feature provides sound to be heard as the fast forward and rewind modes are used, a helpful tool when searching for specific passages. Sony has incorporated an advanced anti-rolling mechanism to maximize sound reproduction even while the Walkman is jostled and bumped.
The Walkman's stereo speakers produce quality sound. The player's automatic volume limiter system (AVLS) maintains an even volume level, guarding against unintended level increases; it also normalizes the output of musical passages that vary widely in level. The tape deck's one-way tape playback lets you enjoy uninterrupted listening to one complete cassette side. For those who enjoy deep bass sound, Sony's Mega Bass system will surely impress, providing a distinctly rich sound, even though earphones.
The Walkman runs on 2 AA batteries and will last approximately 31.5 hours in tape playback mode and up to forty hours in FM reception mode. To help with battery usage, Sony has installed an automatic shut-off feature on the playback mode to extend battery and mechanical usage. The Walkman comes with the MDR-E808LP stereo headphones and a stereo microphone.
What's in the Box
Sony WM-GX221 Walkman, stereo headphones, stereo microphone, ninety day warranty and a user's manual.
1 A decent product with one serious flaw
This product description includes the following: "The cue and review feature provides sound to be heard as the fast forward and rewind modes are used, a helpful tool when searching for specific passages." Unfortunately there is no cue and review feature. There are buttons labeled cue and review, but they do nothing but fast forward and rewind, respectively. A call to SONY confirmed the fact: the agent said, "on this product cue means fast forward." Later she admitted that cue usually has another meaning. This makes the recording device nearly unusable for many purposes.
Otherwise, the recorder works pretty well for the price. The radio is less satisfactory, and the earphones must be plugged in to provide an aerial, even when the speakers are used.
2 Very nice
I've had mine for a year now and it still works like brand new since the day I got it. My only complaint is the volume leveler when recording because sometimes on playback its too low. So its seems like I'm turning the volume dial to the max just to hear it.
3 Fills the bill!
I got this unit about 2 weeks ago and have been very pleased with it so far.
I purchased this Cassette/recorder to make some self-study drill tapes ,so I really didn't care about the built-in stereo speakers ,the FM tuner or even if it recorded in stereo or mono.
I just wanted the ability to record lectures on standard size casette tapes using an external microphone with a walk-man sized recorder. I looked at Sony's 'Pressman' line of recorders but none of them come with both an external microphone AND a set of headphones. This was the only Walkman I could find that came with a detachable microphone AND headphones.
The included stereo mic works very well for voice recordings and the included headphones sound very good for both voice AND music.
The FM stereo sound is of very good quality through both the headphones and the internal stereo speakers. the Bass boost and volume limiter are nice features that I wasn't looking for but found usefull once I tried them out.
All I needed was the ability to record lectures, since this unit provides 1/2 speed recording and playback ,to increase the amount you can fit on a single tape, I found that very handy and the recording quality of voice at half speed is excellent.
I do have a few minor complaints - The headphone jack is very touchy and causes intermittent speaker drop-outs with very little motion of the headphone plug and /or cable.. You need to secure the plug and cable to get a reliable signal on both channels if you listen while walking or jogging.
There is no included belt holder or carrying case - something that could help alleviate the touchy headphone jack ,so if you use it while walking or jogging you are left with only two options - carry it in your hand or put it in a pocket.
The headphones that are included have a cable attached to each ear-piece which are then joined together ,under your neck ,into a single cord. This configuration makes it impossible to keep from twisting up the cord in short-order,and it is nearly impossible to completely untwist once that has happened. A single cable configuration would be simpler and better.
You will probably want to get an AC/DC adapter. Try ...first - they have an appropriate 3Vdc adapter for about $...Sony wants $...for theirs.
Overall this is a good recorder and Player with all the features you need plus some nice extras. If you are considering a Sony Pressman - take at look at the WM-GX221 it might be just what you are looking for!
