Archos Studio Recorder 10 20 GB jukebox Information and Full Review.

This range of MP3 players has been superceded by the Archos AV700 and the Archos AV500. Multimedia Players.

In order for our customers to make an informed decision we are taking the unusual step of giving a more complete picture of the equipment for sale on this site. We hope our customers benefit from our straight-up approach.

Who are Archos?

Archos have been making small Hard Drive and other storage and peripheral devices for years. They have taken the technologies behind some of the smallest hard drives (used in laptop computers) and applied them to portable personal music to make the Archos Jukebox range.

Modus Operandi (how it works with your computer)

All the Archos models work as a separate, portable Hard Drive for your computer, which means that loading music onto these machines is a simple matter of 'drag and drop', or 'copy and paste', if you prefer. It also means that the Archos Jukeboxes can all be used for storing data, or you can use them to move data from one computer to another. Your computer reads the Hard Drive as a Hard Drive (not as something specifically for music only), so there is no problem using them to store or move any standard computer file.

Confusions

It states in the older manuals that the player should be carried upside down - that was true of the prototypes, but not the released models, so disregard that statement.

Archos models are advertised as being either for PC or MAC. This could be a bit misleading. You cannot actually order a MAC version. Your MAC must have PC Exchange software installed in order to read the HD.

Originally the Archos Jukebox was to be shipped with a remote control. There was some difficulty during development of the remote and the remote was released later as part of the Accessory Kit. The remote is still referred to in some manuals as part of the basic package, but it is not.

Each model comes in a stylish metal finish with blue rubber corners, to assist with shock-prevention and protect the unit from bumps and scrapes. If we had to make a criticism of the range it would be that the units are difficult to tell apart. That is slightly less true when you look at the new styling of the FM recorder 20 and MMJB, but will once again become topical when all their available players share the revamped styling common to the FM20 and MMJB.

Archos tried to make the Studio 20 model capable of recording directly to MP3. That was not to be the case, so they released the Archos Recorder 20 (since superseded by the FM Recorder 20. Both recorder models are still available, but not the Studio 20).

Archos originally said that there would be no need to pre-amplify microphones when you were recording to MP3, but field tests have prompted them to change their advice on this. Now they recommend pre-amping mikes. There is a microphone available for all Archos recorder models.

Archos Advantages

As touched upon before, the Archos Jukebox Recorder range have the ability to record directly to MP3, without having to go through the cumbersome WAV stage, as the older Creative D.A.P.s had to. This means that you can be as far away from your computer as you like when you make your recording and still go directly to MP3. Some Creative models can record direct to MP3, like the NOMAD JukeBox 3 (but curiously not the Jukebox 2 or Zen).

What this boils down to is that if you are a professional user, or someone who intends to make a lot of their own recordings at least, the Archos models capable of recording have a slight edge over the Creative DAP range. Note: this does not include the older Archos 6000 model or the Jukebox Studio 10 or 20, which are incapable of recording. (Even though the Studio 10 and 20 Jukeboxes come with a line-in), nor does this statement include the Creative NOMAD JukeBox 3, which is capable of recording direct to MP3.

How life has improved

Civilisation in the 21st century, because batteries ARE included. Not only that, the batteries are rechargeable and can be recharged in the Jukebox using the mains adapter supplied with all models, saving you money and the environmental waste of replacements. Well done Archos. It is worth noting that using any batteries other than the ones supplied with the Jukebox may void the warranty. Archos claim that batteries on a full charge will run your player for up to 8 hours of operation. In the case of Jukebox Recorders, Archos claim that the batteries will last up to 10 hours (12 in the new Jukebox FM Recorder 20 model).

The accessory kit is highly useful; especially for drivers, or people who plan to use their JB in the car - think about it: you never have to decide which CDs to bring in your car as you can probably bring everything you own on the Jukebox. Not only that, you never have to fumble through empty CD cases again looking for the right one. The accessory kit enables you to use your car stereo system (and other cassette players) as the speaker system for your Jukebox.

Please check out the Manufacturer's faq for more.