Black Boxes: Sima iMix IM-120 Digital Audio Recorder/CD Player

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by Melinda Adams
Summer/Fall 2002

With I-Mix, Sima helps define a new niche in home audio the MP3 jukebox. Though the unit physically resembles a standard audio CD player (and can function as such), at its heart is a 20GB computer hard drive that can store up to 333 hours of music in MP3 or uncompressed WAV formats. Unlike many similar units, the I-Mix can also record music, either ripping digital audio from existing audio discs, or from line sources such as turntables and cassette decks.

We connected the I-Mix to our test receiver's tape input, using the included RCA phono cables for input and output (an optional optical connector allows for digital input). Upon power-up, the unit went into an audio narrated demo mode to guide us through its most basic functions.

Testing One, Two, Three
Our first task was to record a standard audio CD into the unit. The I-Mix digitally ripped audio from the CD in just a few minutes, then gave us the option to encode the tracks into MP3 files.

Before compression, the sound quality was excellent and indistinguishable from the CD source. When we opted to encode the tracks as 128Kbps MP3 files, there was a noticeable audio deterioration, so we chose the 320Kbps option (the I-Mix offers 128Kbps, 320Kbps, or no compression), which created a larger file and better audio. More compression allows you to store more songs on the unit's hard drive, while less compression yields sound quality much closer to the original source.

Our next test was to record a vinyl LP. As the manual instructed, we marked the end of each LP track by tapping the Record button. The I-Mix produced a flawless copy of our LP, with each track saved as a separate digital file.

Tracking our Tracks
After completing any of its recording and compression methods, the I-Mix allowed us to type in track and album titles via the tiny alphanumeric keyboard on the included remote unit. Supplied track titles appear in the remote's small LCD window, and made it easy to find, play and delete tracks or albums stored on the unit's hard drive. Using the text titles as a guide, we could also arrange tracks into playlists, giving us the ability to program several hours of music to our liking.

Entering track titles via the remote was a little awkward, so we were pleased that the unit also shipped with software that allowed us to connect the I-Mix to a standard PC via a serial port. We were then able to work with titles and playlists on our computer keyboard. The I-Mix can automatically supply track names and titles for many popular CDs.

The I-Mix also plays home-burned CD-Rs containing MP3 files, making it an excellent choice for MP3 collectors who want to hear tracks on their home audio systems. It can also transfer MP3 tracks to and from hand-held MP3 players using SmartMedia storage technology. The Sima I-Mix serves as an excellent tool to archive and manage your audio collection.

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