Mini Disc Recorder Suggestions? Options

[Snaggy]

I'm looking for an MD recorder, (for field recordings, mostly ambiant stuff). I used to use my old WalkMan Pro cassette tape recorder for this kind of thing, ... figure it's time to go digital.

My main requirements are adjustable recording levels, microphone input, and Mac compatable. I want to be able to transfer these sound files to my Mac without too much hassel.

Wondering if anyone has any model advice, or suggestions?

OK, thanks in advance.

[boilerblues]

I use a Sharp 702 I bought like 7 years ago, it does really well. Sharps are generally prefered over Sony's because of the manually adjustable recording levels. Sony's have an automatic adjustment for the input levels that trashes live recordings. The Hi MD was looking really nice until it came out that Sony has built in so many copyright protection schemes that it's not really all that useful. The longer recording time is better, but when you transfer the file to the computer you aren't allowed to burn it to a CD without copyright protection. www.minidisc.org has a lot of info on minidisc players/recorders.

If you need a nice mic, Core Sound (www.core-sound.com) is THE place for excellent microphones.

If you have any questions feel free to ask me, I've been doing this for 7 years and have come up with some amazing recordings.

[boilerblues]

Oh yeah, forget about your mindisc being compatible with your Mac. Unless you get the Hi MD there is no way you can transfer the recorded file to the computer. There are PC options to transfer from computer to the minidisc, but not vice versa. The HI MD does allow you to transfer files from the minidisc to a PC (not mac), but there are copyright protections built into it that basically cripple it's usefulness.

If you want the best way to transfer from minidisc to Mac you want to make sure you have a minidisc recorder or seperate deck that gives you an optical out and find an optical in interface for your Mac. You can also accomplish this through a line out or headphone out from your minidisc to the line in (not mic in) on your Mac.

There's no work arounds for this. Minidisc is great for recording, but not well set up for work with computers. There are mp3 players out there that offer recording options with connection to a computer, depending on your needs they might be worth checking out.

[webchannel5.com]

I use a Sony mz-n505 with ohm K II stereo binaural microphones that you place in your ears. Also buy the seperate preamp from the microphone manufacturer... preamp is superior to the internal sony preamp.
The preamp has a switchable pad. This sony minidisc has a manual input setting that you can set to override the auto limiting feature.(important)
I have had good results taking the portable minidisc headphone out into my digi 001 (analog).. don't get too tied up in D/A conversion.. it sounds just fine unless you are recording pure silence.
other transfer option is to buy a home deck that has digital outs.. (if you just won the lottery or Uncle Charlie left you some $)record on the portable and bring your field recordings home and transfer via that. Examples of my minidisc nature recordings are at my website www.webchannel5.com. Go to channel 2.
The binaural microphones are killer, have recorded video using them and it enhances marginal video 200%. Used them to record the video that is on channel 3 with the singer songwriter "Marit". Good luck and enjoy the process!

[Snaggy]

Thank for that info guys, very helpful.

webchannel5.com: nice recordings! ... that's the kind of thing I'm looking to do.
My net research indicates the Sony mz-n505 doesn't have a mic input... so are you using the line input with the pre-amp?

i built a pair of binaurals several years ago, they work great on the Walkman Pro's powered mic, ...hoping to get them working on a MiniDisc too.

[webchannel5.com]

Snaggy,
yes.. line input into the minidisc using the external preamp. A friend bought the same ohm K II binaural microphones without the preamp and then realized he needed their preamp... it sounded terrible without it.
Thank you for the compliment.. many sunday mornings spent at 6 a.m. before jets and tram lines and human noise pollution interfered with pure nature. Enjoy the process... the zen of recording and the hope of getting it right.

[Dimora]

http://www.macmusic.org/agora/forums/index...disc&s=&lang=EN