What Chuck Does

Roland CD-2e: SD/CD Recorder

Smaller in size, simpler to use — the new CD-2e takes the best from the past and enhances it for the next generation. From rehearsals to recitals, lectures to live-music events, the CD-2e is the fastest way to capture the moment and render it to CD or SD memory card for storage or distribution.

• Simple recording direct to CD-R/RW or SD memory card
• All-in-one portable design; thin, sturdy, and stylish
• Built-in stereo microphone and speakers
• Extra-long recording times, over 12 hours with 8GB SDHC card
• High-quality sound via built-in stereo mic
• Easy-to-use interface with [EASY GUIDE] button
• Wireless remote controller
• Practical lesson functions
• Battery or AC power (6 AA batteries; AC adaptor included)

My brother introduced me to this little unit over a month ago (after he bought one). I got it so I could record my piano sessions, piano/vocal sessions, and in the case I’d ever need to record another piano track for someone’s wedding. While pricey (retails at $650 I bought it for $536 shipped 2-day).

After recording a few tracks on piano/vocals I’m amazed at what it’s capable of. The Roland CD-2e really delivers where it’s supposed to. It’s small/light/portable, really easy to use, has excellent sound quality for both recording and playback. With the recorder placed optimally the piano tracks I recorded sounded incredible (of course the baby-grand we have simply is incredible). I’ll have to play around with the placement to better capture the vocals.

But on the other hand I agree with my brother when he said that for what it does it really shouldn’t cost $650. The CD-R/RW speed is way slow taking up to 10 minutes to record a CD with less tha 80 minutes of audio. The internal mics do tend to capture a lot of subtle sounds and as of right now hiss more than they should IMHO (we’ll see how the positioning changes this).

But overall I give this unit a 9/10 with 1 point docked for cost/pricing.