Those magnificent and easy to use cassette recorders.

Cooledit

When I need it, I have an older bit of software that works splendidly, even now with Windows 10......
Sound Forge 4.5

This reminds me of the old days when I used "Cooledit". I was impressed by the ability to remove background noise using a filter created from a short sample of that noise. I used it to make my computer say "My mind is going. I can feel it. " when I shut it down, and "Good morning Dave" at startup. Of course I used the HAL9000 red ~eye for wallpaper.
 
Behringer makes small mixer boards with compression and reverb effects that have USB interface for cheap. Audacity running on the PC, almost plug 'n' play. Or record, that is.

I remember when I worked at Olson's my manager was selling a guy on a car radio cassette recorder. "When your favorite song comes on during your commute, just press the red button. Then, you can listen to it on the way home - guaranteed". Standing there trying to absorb his lesson in how to sell, I thought "Yeah and all the multipath too".