Review on Califone 1886 Multimedia Cassette Recorder by Arturo Reyes

I needed a tape recorder with a built in microphone for use in class. I teach choir. I had to order online as I couldn't find it anywhere else. I chose this model because I recognized the brand from my previous teaching experience. Unfortunately, due to older models, this machine falls far short of my expectations. When I play the tape there is no counter so I have to guess where to stop. The worst thing is that the sound is very bad. It sounds like children singing underwater. I bought this unit to allow students to self-assess when preparing for a presentation, but they can barely hear themselves due to the distortion. The CD plays fine and the radio works but I need to record it and be able to hear a clear playback.