CD Recorders Versus CD Burners

Seeking clarification of CD terms, inSync reader Bob F asks: “The July 8 inSync had a great overview of various CD recording standards. I have a question, though. I talked with an engineer who used to “burn” CDs using a computer CDR drive, and then he moved to a CD “recorder” such as the HHB or Marantz units. This particular engineer felt the CD “recorder” was much superior to the “burner”. Why would this be the case?” There really is no fundamental difference between the process of recording or burning a disc. Both methods use a laser to burn pits into a dye substrate. The biggest difference is that a recorder has the ability to record in real time through a set of audio and/or digital inputs, where a burner must be connected to a computer with appropriate software. Recorders usually cost more because you are buying the computer and software along with the CD burner all in one unit. There are advantages and disadvantages both ways. Some recorders now have SCSI ports on them so they can also be used like a traditional burner with a computer – best of both worlds.The article on July 8 was about rewritable drives and media. This is a technology that has not yet made it to the freestanding recorders yet. I am not sure why the person you know prefers the recorder so much more. It could be for any number of convenience related reasons, but the discs that they produce are, in theory, about the same quality so I don’t see one as “superior” to the other in a qualitative way.

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