I know there's been some other discussions on this, but i haven't found quite what I need...
I'm looking to buy a minidisc recorder (for as cheap as possible! I'm a broke student), and am wondering 2 things:
1) What features are important to have on a MD?
2) What's the cheapest MD recorder that still has decent quality and all the features that I will need for recording sessions/uploading onto a PC? Can be new or old (as long as I can find it on ebay).
Hi!
It depends what do you want to do with this minidisc.
I have two. They both pretty old, and both were bought used.
I've bought minidisc to record my bands rehersals, so everybody could practice home.
First one Sony MZ R700 - works on AA battery, line out for head phones, line in optical and for a mic
Sony MZ N710 - net MD. This one has same things as r700, but also has a USB line in - there is no chance to use it to reload music from MD to PC.
Try to fing them on ebay.
Cheers
I bought a new MD MZ-NH900 last December (cheapest price was on Amazon) and I think it's absolutely great. I know this isn't relevant to fiddletreegypsy's quest for a cheap old one, but I think the technology has a long future for people who actually want what it can do. I makes an excellent substitute for an iPod and with 1Gb minidiscs it can record masses of stuff - and you can have any number of discs. Great for recording with a mic and for all the things you use an MP3 player for. Some people don't like them, but I think press reporters use them a lot so they'll be around for a good while yet.
I just purchased (and used to record yesterday's session) one of the latest iRiver mp3 recorders, model ifp790.
I had an earlier version of this recorder which worked very well with the line-in but not so well with the built-in mic (loud sessions/or instruments would cause clipping). The problem with using the line-in was that you needed a mic preamp.
The new 790 works great. The line-in is software switchable between line-in and external mic. Set it to external mic, plug in any mic and push record. Set your mic and recorder (mine are rubberbanded together) on the table next to your pint and forget about it. 4 hours of live recording time at 44k sampling rate.
And here's the best part. Uploading to your PC is by USB, fast, fast , fast!!!
I'm not especially familiar with this kind of recording devices, but I think minidisc recorders are very easy to use: you can also easily edit what you recorded. But the problem is that it's not so compatible with other devices. I mean you cannot send the data from minidiscs to PC only with a recorder: you actually can do it but you need to buy a very expensive software.
I recently got a device called IC recorder: http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/tourist/icrecorder/index.cfm?B2=84&LG=1 It's smaller and cheaper than a minidisc recorder, and quite easy to use. Some models include a software with which you can upload the data from the device to PC. Most models are designed to record human voices, but I find the sound quality is quite good.
Sandy, what's the recording quality like on the 790? Comparable to a mini disk? (Obviosuly, a lot depends on the mic you plug in, but I've been waiting for an mp3 player with genuine live music recording capabilities.)
I bought one of the older cheap Sharp mini disk recorder for about €100 which is perfect for what I
want it for (not worried about transferring to PC etc). I just wanted a recorder that could be used for
for lectures, sessions and workshops.
If you get one of the older types make sure you have a “mic-in” line, and don’t believe a salesperson if they
tell you optic-in will record as well.
Reports I’ve heard about Sony is that engine noise is often picked up in the recording, for that reason you’re
better off with an external mic
I got a Sony ECM-MS907 (for about €80), which I find very good.
To clarify, you can easily record almost anything onto a minidisc from other devices: I've been collecting favourite tracks of all-time favourite recordings in a single minidisc; I often record radio programmes on a minidisc through the internet and later leave out what I don't want. But, you cannot move what you have in a minidisc to other devices. If you want to upload to PC, it's better to avoid minidisc recorders though it's really handy.
You can move live recordings from minidisc to other devices and convert them to other formats though I haven't got round to experimenting with this yet. Sony just have a copyright protection system that stops you re-copying cd tracks from the minidisc player, but if you have them on your pc anyway that's no bother. I got mine in order to record my own playing to see how terrible it was (hmmm, some improvement!) , but I didn't realise how useful it would be for compiling tracks that I want to learn from all kinds of sources - the advantage is that you can put your own tortuous violin scrapings on a different disc so you don't play them accidentally!
We bought a mini-disc late last year. The sound quality is great in a controlled setting, but I have a few session tapes that are over-driven...bad sound. The menu system is difficult at best. And if you want to share any of these tracks, i.e, make MP3 files or record them to CD, forget about it. The security around these files is ridiculous.
BUT, if you only want to record things and play them back on your MD and never share them except with compatible MD players, then it is great.
A friend of mine got the Iriver 790 and is happy with it...super portable and good enough sound. I was looking into their more advanced models.
Will, you might check those out too. They seem interesting, although I have not actually had one in my hand to try. There are some models going on ebay but are still expensive.
I just got a Sony MD MZ-R700 on ebay for $60.00 it Came whit
a PC Link USB Cable and a charger to plug into the mains,but it did not come whit a microphone.I bought a Sony ECM-MS907$70.00 the mic cost more than the recorder.
I brought it down to the pub the other night for the session,it worked great and fairly easy to use.The only problem I cant get it to up or download,
Being a bit on the thick side the technology has me looking into the ditch.
Thanks
The Sony protection is a nuisance, I've found the easiest way to get sounds into the computer is to connect directly to the sound card line in from the headphone socket on the control with a 3.5mm jack lead. I then use Audacity (free) program to record.
If you put mp3 into ebay search you get loads of 256MB players for under £20, postage extra. I've got one, 'Samsung Chip' type that is easy to load and unload files from the computer and can also be used to transfer other files. I've used it to record sessions, the quality is not as good as the mini disc, because you use the built in microphone but it's so easy to edit and sort out, using Audacity again.
i have a new mz nh900.upload to pc is easy, works perfectly. there is a wav conversion tool from sony you can get for free so that you can use.
its hi md, i can upload more hours of music than i know what to do with on an old minidisc reformatted (or the new 1gb hi md discs can hold 30 at a good quality).
microphone recording is easy, you can edit tracks, combining, making new ones, and seperating songs into several trakcs on the computer.
i guess if you're really lazy uploading, and converting to wav before you can send it to other people is too much work, its not a good deal, but i think it is.
its better than a tape player... you cant upload that easily even with file conversions!
It's all Hi-MD now. Ignore anything else for goodness sake it's all outdated. If you get any old models it means playing real time into your computer if you want to convert to CD or anything. With the new ones they're stored as files that you can do anything with in a matter of seconds. Just make sure it has a mic socket.
I second Sandy's recommendation of the IRiver 790, Annie. I got one for Christmas, and love it! I used just the on-board mic and was very impressed with the fact that it records well even in messy environments (like sessions). Much less $$ than an Ipod, and less than the mini-disc recorders I was looking at last year.
A caution: my computer at home runs Windows 98, and I never have been able to get it to recognize the IRiver connection. But that just may be a crappy USB port. No trouble at all on a machine with Windows XP.
The menu structure takes some getting used to, but you learn your way around pretty quickly.
if you apply for/are offered the current amazon credit card promotion at amazon.com you can get the iRiver iFP-790 with free shipping (Super Saver) in the continental U.S. for about $95USD (regular price $124.99). I suppose none of that would apply to other folks though. The iRiver site listed above provides "Where to Buy" online info and two of their featured sellers have a price of around $120USD. Tusong's sample sounds good to me....
Just a word to anyone who like me DID get suckered into buying a Minidisc recorder that had no Mic socket.
As long as you have a line in socket there is a convenient microphone with a built in preamp which can be plugged straight into the line in socket on MD recorder. (Available by internet order from the good old USA).
Sandy that was a great recording on the iRiver. I will have ti save for one. They are a bit more expensive here in Australia where iPods rule the world of portable sound.
Thanks for all the feedback! I think I'm going to get the iriver, it's in my price range and sounds good! Should I buy a mic to plug into it or is the one on it good enough? I'm gonna look around now for the best place to get it, I'm living in Ireland right now, anyone know of the best place to order from over here? Thanks!!
also- even though it is a voice recorder, it really is good sound quality for recording sessions?
I bought a voice recorder (dont remember what kind) before and it was aweful so I've been shying away from them since. But if it sounds decent enough, great!
The iRiver is both a voice recorder and a music recorder. When in 'voice record' mode the internal mic is used. The quality isn't bad but you have no control over the record level so you may get clipping. You can set it to AGC (automatic gain control) but that seems to alter the sound of some instruments, and boosts quiet passages.
I set it to 'line-in record' mode, intended to be used for real-time recording of CD's etc. from your stereo system. The internal mic is defeated, and the signal is recorded from the line-in input. You can switch the line-in input between 'external mic' or 'line-in'. You also can set the record volume, select between mono record or stereo record, and set the record quality (sampling rate and bit rate).
you can do more with minidiscs than any other portable recording medium. the converting thing is a hassle, but you get high quality microphones, on the fly track editing and 1gb replaceable discs.
if you're looking for power and professional quality, minidisc. if you're just looking for casual quality then i guess not. for me it was worth the money.
OK, so I have the Sony MZ NHF800 mini disc. Sony has recently released its own version of an OMG to WAV translator. Previously, you could get a freeware version of this tool, so I guess they buckled under.
Last night, I took some tracks that I recorded on the MD, transferered them to my hard drive using Sony's software, then used their conversion utility (a separate program) and created WAV files out of them. Then I took the WAV files and burned a CD.
It would be nice to take them straight off the MD and put them on a CD, or something similar, but this is not bad. It's a 3 step process to get them to CD. (I suppose if you are burning CDs that you might want to copy the files to your hard drive first anyway, thereby making it a 3 step process anyway.)
The sound quality is great on them. It is just me playing tunes for my students, so the environment was controlled. I use the Sony ECM-MS907 microphone.
I am now considering NOT ditching the MD for an iRiver or other device.
Sony has just announced a new line of Minidisc players (one which includes a camera) - apparently the new ones will play mp3s directly. So if you can wait a few weeks, there'll be more choice.
I've used minidisc for 7 years now, have 3 portables (2 Sharps and a JVC) and one deck (JVC), plus a Yamah 8-track MD recorder. Ideal for things like music camps, where you can take a bunch of disks with you and just set it up to record, then edit out the cruft later.
My MDs pre-date the NetMD line, so I've never tried using the USB interface to upload or download - besides, I'm a Mac person, and NetMD is not supported on the Mac. So I've always had to use the line-out to record to the computer in real time to make a CD, but it means you can keep your originals safe. Sony needs to wake up to the reality that musicians need a way to quickly upload as well as download (even on the Mac)
I've used the portable MD plugged into the board at live shows to record CD quality sound. I just turn it on and let it run at rehearsals...
so I got the iriver in the mail yesterday and took it to a session and ad after a few hours, it pretty much shut itself off and seems broken. it'll stay on for a few seconds with everything darkened so you cant read it and then turn off. i tried switching batteries and it still doesnt work! has anyone experienced this with the iriver ifp 790 before?
I've done quite a bit of live recording with my iRiver H-140, which I've had for several months and haven't experienced any problems. I wouldn't recommend using the internal mic though - tried that once and it made my flute sound like a stylophone in the upper register (well, I'm choosing to blame the iRiver anyway...). I use an external Sony opt dig mic instead and am really happy with the quality.
One comment on the latest MD technology ... it's great but not everyone else is using it so be aware you might end up with a lot of material you can't play on someone elses standard MiniDisc player.
I've got a little baby SONY MD recorder with MDLP and, even then, I found friends with older MD players that didn't even support LP recordings - so the machine just pretended the disk had 10 blank recordings on and pleaded ignorance.
I'm happy with what I've got as I only record sessions, gigs and practice/rehearsals, so if you need more than a couple of hours - take more than one disc!!!
We've just put together our first band demo CD using some previously recorded CD material and some more recent live material taken from the MiniDisc recordings I took from the desk.
One tip though ... make sure you leave your little recorder in automatic level control as trying to preset it causes more problems than it's worth!
so I think I'm going to return the iriver I got and NOT get another one, I don't like it. Maybe it's because they sent me a mostly-broken one, but I think I definately want a MD now.
It seems like there are some MD that are pretty easy to load up onto a PC, anyone recommend any models which do this- and where is a good place to order from? I'm in Ireland now, but will be visiting the states in a week and can have it shipped to relatives if its US based.
mz-nh1 net md - best, and most expensive (dont really need all the features)
mznh900 - the one i have. best deal. you can either use the replaceable rechargeable battery, or screw on a AA adapter (no other model can use both battery types)
mznh800 - pretty much the same as 900, but only can use AA.
mznh600 DO NOT GET IT, IT WILL NOT RECORD FROM A MICROPHONE
i bought the Sony ECMMS907 Digital Recording Microphone, it works well, i think. it has a very good quality. i dont know how good more expensive ones are, that one is 80 dollars. other people might know more than i do on that one.
i bought all that on amazon.
they use hi-md minidiscs. which are 1GB. you can use old discs, and they hold a lot more because it reformats them. you can even chose to format them to the old format, but it doesnt matter unless you have an old player you want to use. the 1gb discs are hard to find, but as i said you can use the old ones, so it doesnt matter. however, amazon.com always has them in stock through a 3d party vendor, so they are not hard to get. i just havent found them in best buy yet. however, most electronic stores carry the old ones.
i only have 2 of the 1gb discs and i use one for data. my main minidisc is an old format one, and i keep putting cd's of itm on it, and original recordings, and its not full yet.
A full-size iRiver is relatively inexpensive, but has good sound quality, is set up for music recording, and is easy to use once you're past the learning curve. However, they require an external microphone, which bumps both the cost and the hassle-factor. They work well with your standard PC and create convenient files for uploading.
A minidisc is less forgiving when it comes to uploading and requires more effort to burn to CD or share; not all varieties are compatible; they require carrying discs in addition to the player itself. However, some versions take more than one kind of battery, they allow for editing without having to upload first (I think?), and - because they use discs rather than flash memory - have conceivably "unlimited" storage space.
Is there anything important that I missed, other than price?
Daiv...one note on your notes...if you put a rechargeable AA battery in the 800 and plug in the AC adaptor, it will recharge your battery for you. So it runs on the AA and is also rechargeable.
Next time I burn a CD I will try it direct from Sonicstage.
minidiscs have better sound quality (though the iriver is ok with an external mic), and irivers are more delicate seem to break easier (in my experience). Also the iriver can only record about 4 hours at a time, if you are doing the higher quality recording.
It doesn't sound like the new Sony NZNH1 or the other models are truly "drag and drop" as advertised. Is this correct?
I phoned minidisco to find out if they were going to get any more of the series in stock, and I was told "probably not, because it looks like Sony is about to release a new series."
It might be worth it to wait to see what Sony does next. At any rate, the NZNH series doesn't seem to be everything they said it would be. Correct me if I'm wrong. Please.
John, I have the NZNH800 and drag-and-drop it ain't.
Still, things seem to be improving, and I am being swayed in the direction of sticking with it. Money might be why, since I already invested in it. But gypsy's comments just above encapsulate some of the negatives around the hard drive recorders.
Sound quality on the 800 has been great so far. I loved my sony pro walkman, but wanted something smaller and more reliable.
I am going to listen to some tracks I recorded recently to see if I can put up a sample.
I just ordered the NZNH700, which is available in Canada and Europe, but not the US. It is the same as NZNH800 but without the radio. At under $200 (US) the price was the best I could find for what I wanted. Here's the link if anyone wants to see it: https://www.minidisc-canada.com/shopexd.asp?id=368
Thanks for the advice, Jode. You really helped figure out what I wanted.
i dont have the mznh700, but i assume it is the same as all the others. use the sonicstage software, its very easy.
i'm sure it has all the basic functions you need. just make sure it CAN record from a microphone. which i'm pretty sure it can. all of them except the mznh600 can, i believe.
Yes, the MZNH700 has all the inputs and outputs of the 800--it just doesn't have the radio.
The problem I've run into is that the files in my sonicstage library don't show up in the WAV converter program. I've reinstalled the WAV converter program.
The version of Sonicstage is 2.1. I've read there is a 3.0 version out there for downloading, but I haven't been able to find it.
Did anyone else have this problem with Sonicstage and the WAV converter programs?
Otherwise, uploading to the PC was very easy. It would be nice to convert the music files from ATRAC to WAV so I could then edit them.
I'm wondering if in the past year there have been any updates as to which MD recorder to get. My second iriver broke (and it didn't sound great, even with an external mic), so I want to go back to MD. From what's written above, it seems that the MZ-NH700 is the overall best one- is that still true? I'm having a hard time trackin them down.
What sort of microphones are you using with MiniDiscs or iRivers. I got a Sony DS70P from eBay but it picks up a lot of motor noise when you plug it straight into my new MZ-NH700. May well be Ok with some sort of extension lead but that starts getting a bit of a palaver.
I finally got an MN-NH700 H-MD on ebay but for the life of me I cannot figure out how to get it to work. I've tried three different microphones and no sound comes through for any of them. The instructions are pretty useless and I just can't figure the stupid thing out! Any help would really really really be appreciated.....specificially tips on how to make it record/play back. I don't know if I'm just not doing it right or if I have a broken one.
minidisc question
minidisc question
I know there's been some other discussions on this, but i haven't found quite what I need...
I'm looking to buy a minidisc recorder (for as cheap as possible! I'm a broke student), and am wondering 2 things:
1) What features are important to have on a MD?
2) What's the cheapest MD recorder that still has decent quality and all the features that I will need for recording sessions/uploading onto a PC? Can be new or old (as long as I can find it on ebay).
Thanks! -Annie
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by fiddletreegypsy
Re: minidisc question
Hi!
It depends what do you want to do with this minidisc.
I have two. They both pretty old, and both were bought used.
I've bought minidisc to record my bands rehersals, so everybody could practice home.
First one Sony MZ R700 - works on AA battery, line out for head phones, line in optical and for a mic
Sony MZ N710 - net MD. This one has same things as r700, but also has a USB line in - there is no chance to use it to reload music from MD to PC.
Try to fing them on ebay.
Cheers
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by padre
Re: minidisc question
I understand Minidisk is an aging technology and will become harder and harder to come by.
Your best option would be solid state PC card recorders, but they may be a little expensive at this stage. The price will come down though.
Have a look at this extensive review of recorders at http://www.vermontfolklifecenter.org/res_audioequip.htm
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by Shrog
Re: minidisc question
I bought a new MD MZ-NH900 last December (cheapest price was on Amazon) and I think it's absolutely great. I know this isn't relevant to fiddletreegypsy's quest for a cheap old one, but I think the technology has a long future for people who actually want what it can do. I makes an excellent substitute for an iPod and with 1Gb minidiscs it can record masses of stuff - and you can have any number of discs. Great for recording with a mic and for all the things you use an MP3 player for. Some people don't like them, but I think press reporters use them a lot so they'll be around for a good while yet.
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by RichardB
Re: minidisc question
I just purchased (and used to record yesterday's session) one of the latest iRiver mp3 recorders, model ifp790.
I had an earlier version of this recorder which worked very well with the line-in but not so well with the built-in mic (loud sessions/or instruments would cause clipping). The problem with using the line-in was that you needed a mic preamp.
The new 790 works great. The line-in is software switchable between line-in and external mic. Set it to external mic, plug in any mic and push record. Set your mic and recorder (mine are rubberbanded together) on the table next to your pint and forget about it. 4 hours of live recording time at 44k sampling rate.
And here's the best part. Uploading to your PC is by USB, fast, fast , fast!!!
It was about $100 at CircuitCity.
I Sold my minidisc recorder.
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by Tusong200
Re: minidisc question
I'm not especially familiar with this kind of recording devices, but I think minidisc recorders are very easy to use: you can also easily edit what you recorded. But the problem is that it's not so compatible with other devices. I mean you cannot send the data from minidiscs to PC only with a recorder: you actually can do it but you need to buy a very expensive software.
I recently got a device called IC recorder: http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/tourist/icrecorder/index.cfm?B2=84&LG=1 It's smaller and cheaper than a minidisc recorder, and quite easy to use. Some models include a software with which you can upload the data from the device to PC. Most models are designed to record human voices, but I find the sound quality is quite good.
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by slainte
Re: minidisc question
Sandy, what's the recording quality like on the 790? Comparable to a mini disk? (Obviosuly, a lot depends on the mic you plug in, but I've been waiting for an mp3 player with genuine live music recording capabilities.)
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by Will Harmon
Re: minidisc question
I bought one of the older cheap Sharp mini disk recorder for about €100 which is perfect for what I
want it for (not worried about transferring to PC etc). I just wanted a recorder that could be used for
for lectures, sessions and workshops.
If you get one of the older types make sure you have a “mic-in” line, and don’t believe a salesperson if they
tell you optic-in will record as well.
Reports I’ve heard about Sony is that engine noise is often picked up in the recording, for that reason you’re
better off with an external mic
I got a Sony ECM-MS907 (for about €80), which I find very good.
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by BegF
Re: minidisc question
To clarify, you can easily record almost anything onto a minidisc from other devices: I've been collecting favourite tracks of all-time favourite recordings in a single minidisc; I often record radio programmes on a minidisc through the internet and later leave out what I don't want. But, you cannot move what you have in a minidisc to other devices. If you want to upload to PC, it's better to avoid minidisc recorders though it's really handy.
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by slainte
Re: minidisc question
You can move live recordings from minidisc to other devices and convert them to other formats though I haven't got round to experimenting with this yet. Sony just have a copyright protection system that stops you re-copying cd tracks from the minidisc player, but if you have them on your pc anyway that's no bother. I got mine in order to record my own playing to see how terrible it was (hmmm, some improvement!) , but I didn't realise how useful it would be for compiling tracks that I want to learn from all kinds of sources - the advantage is that you can put your own tortuous violin scrapings on a different disc so you don't play them accidentally!
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by RichardB
Re: minidisc question
We bought a mini-disc late last year. The sound quality is great in a controlled setting, but I have a few session tapes that are over-driven...bad sound. The menu system is difficult at best. And if you want to share any of these tracks, i.e, make MP3 files or record them to CD, forget about it. The security around these files is ridiculous.
BUT, if you only want to record things and play them back on your MD and never share them except with compatible MD players, then it is great.
A friend of mine got the Iriver 790 and is happy with it...super portable and good enough sound. I was looking into their more advanced models.
Will, you might check those out too. They seem interesting, although I have not actually had one in my hand to try. There are some models going on ebay but are still expensive.
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by Jode
Re: minidisc question
Will, sound quality is very good.
Essentially, the file is a very high-quality mp3 (sampling-rate and bit-rate selectible by the user).
About as big as "D" battery. Runs on one AA battery, 40 hrs playing time.
It also serves as a 256M external memory device. Upload/download any type of file.
I've been searching and waiting for a long time for a device like this at this price, and I couldn't be happier.
I'll see if I can't post a link to recently recorded mp3 later today.
Here's a link to iRiver ifp790
http://www.iriveramerica.com/prod/ultra/700/ifp_790.aspx
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by Tusong200
Re: minidisc question
Sandy, did you test drive the more expensive models, like the H120 or H300s?
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by Jode
Re: minidisc question
I just got a Sony MD MZ-R700 on ebay for $60.00 it Came whit
a PC Link USB Cable and a charger to plug into the mains,but it did not come whit a microphone.I bought a Sony ECM-MS907$70.00 the mic cost more than the recorder.
I brought it down to the pub the other night for the session,it worked great and fairly easy to use.The only problem I cant get it to up or download,
Being a bit on the thick side the technology has me looking into the ditch.
Thanks
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by Bog_Trotter
Re: minidisc question
I see iRiver also makes 512 and 1G models, getting up to the $200 range. But the 790 should be fine for most sessions.
What type of mic are you using, Sandy?
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by Will Harmon
Re: minidisc question
Slowplayer, you won't be able to get it to upload, they just don't do it. The USB is only for downloading tunes off your PC to your player.
I didn't try the more expensive models. I would think the record quality would be the same, the more expensive models just having lots more memory.
Here's a link to clip I recorded this morning with a $20 RadioShack microphone here in my office. Please ignore the flubbed notes
http://www.goldbugproducts.com/iriver sound2 wav.mp3
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by Tusong200
Re: minidisc question
That didn't work???
Try the link again.
http://www.goldbugproducts.com/iriver sound2 wav.mp3
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by Tusong200
Re: minidisc question
Interesting?? Ill have to take the spaces out of the file name.
Back in a minute....
They should work now.
http://www.goldbugproducts.com/iriver.mp3
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by Tusong200
Re: minidisc question
The Sony protection is a nuisance, I've found the easiest way to get sounds into the computer is to connect directly to the sound card line in from the headphone socket on the control with a 3.5mm jack lead. I then use Audacity (free) program to record.
If you put mp3 into ebay search you get loads of 256MB players for under £20, postage extra. I've got one, 'Samsung Chip' type that is easy to load and unload files from the computer and can also be used to transfer other files. I've used it to record sessions, the quality is not as good as the mini disc, because you use the built in microphone but it's so easy to edit and sort out, using Audacity again.
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by Lurcherjohn
Re: minidisc question
I uploaded 4 hours of session recording to my PC in about 5 minutes.
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by Tusong200
Re: minidisc question
i have a new mz nh900.upload to pc is easy, works perfectly. there is a wav conversion tool from sony you can get for free so that you can use.
its hi md, i can upload more hours of music than i know what to do with on an old minidisc reformatted (or the new 1gb hi md discs can hold 30 at a good quality).
microphone recording is easy, you can edit tracks, combining, making new ones, and seperating songs into several trakcs on the computer.
i guess if you're really lazy uploading, and converting to wav before you can send it to other people is too much work, its not a good deal, but i think it is.
its better than a tape player... you cant upload that easily even with file conversions!
# Posted on February 28th 2005 by daiv
Re: minidisc question
It's all Hi-MD now. Ignore anything else for goodness sake it's all outdated. If you get any old models it means playing real time into your computer if you want to convert to CD or anything. With the new ones they're stored as files that you can do anything with in a matter of seconds. Just make sure it has a mic socket.
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by Dr. Dow
Re: minidisc question
I second Sandy's recommendation of the IRiver 790, Annie. I got one for Christmas, and love it! I used just the on-board mic and was very impressed with the fact that it records well even in messy environments (like sessions). Much less $$ than an Ipod, and less than the mini-disc recorders I was looking at last year.
A caution: my computer at home runs Windows 98, and I never have been able to get it to recognize the IRiver connection. But that just may be a crappy USB port. No trouble at all on a machine with Windows XP.
The menu structure takes some getting used to, but you learn your way around pretty quickly.
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by Michele Sims
Re: minidisc question
if you apply for/are offered the current amazon credit card promotion at amazon.com you can get the iRiver iFP-790 with free shipping (Super Saver) in the continental U.S. for about $95USD (regular price $124.99). I suppose none of that would apply to other folks though. The iRiver site listed above provides "Where to Buy" online info and two of their featured sellers have a price of around $120USD. Tusong's sample sounds good to me....
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by 2ndFiddle
Re: minidisc question
Sandy, thanks for the clip. Enjoyed the tune, and it really helps to hear the recording quality. That's what I'm after. Thanks!
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by Will Harmon
Re: minidisc question
Just a word to anyone who like me DID get suckered into buying a Minidisc recorder that had no Mic socket.
As long as you have a line in socket there is a convenient microphone with a built in preamp which can be plugged straight into the line in socket on MD recorder. (Available by internet order from the good old USA).
Sandy that was a great recording on the iRiver. I will have ti save for one. They are a bit more expensive here in Australia where iPods rule the world of portable sound.
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by Donough
Re: minidisc question
Thanks for all the feedback! I think I'm going to get the iriver, it's in my price range and sounds good! Should I buy a mic to plug into it or is the one on it good enough? I'm gonna look around now for the best place to get it, I'm living in Ireland right now, anyone know of the best place to order from over here? Thanks!!
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by fiddletreegypsy
Re: minidisc question
also- even though it is a voice recorder, it really is good sound quality for recording sessions?
I bought a voice recorder (dont remember what kind) before and it was aweful so I've been shying away from them since. But if it sounds decent enough, great!
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by fiddletreegypsy
Re: minidisc question
The iRiver is both a voice recorder and a music recorder. When in 'voice record' mode the internal mic is used. The quality isn't bad but you have no control over the record level so you may get clipping. You can set it to AGC (automatic gain control) but that seems to alter the sound of some instruments, and boosts quiet passages.
I set it to 'line-in record' mode, intended to be used for real-time recording of CD's etc. from your stereo system. The internal mic is defeated, and the signal is recorded from the line-in input. You can switch the line-in input between 'external mic' or 'line-in'. You also can set the record volume, select between mono record or stereo record, and set the record quality (sampling rate and bit rate).
It's slick, easy, and cheap.
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by Tusong200
Re: minidisc question
When setting the recorder to 'external mic' you can plug in any microphone (does not require a preamp). Nice.
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by Tusong200
Re: minidisc question
i just ordered it! yay!!! now I'll just need to figure out how to use it, I'm horrible with electronics.....
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by fiddletreegypsy
Re: minidisc question
you can do more with minidiscs than any other portable recording medium. the converting thing is a hassle, but you get high quality microphones, on the fly track editing and 1gb replaceable discs.
if you're looking for power and professional quality, minidisc. if you're just looking for casual quality then i guess not. for me it was worth the money.
# Posted on March 2nd 2005 by daiv
Re: minidisc question
OK, so I have the Sony MZ NHF800 mini disc. Sony has recently released its own version of an OMG to WAV translator. Previously, you could get a freeware version of this tool, so I guess they buckled under.
Last night, I took some tracks that I recorded on the MD, transferered them to my hard drive using Sony's software, then used their conversion utility (a separate program) and created WAV files out of them. Then I took the WAV files and burned a CD.
It would be nice to take them straight off the MD and put them on a CD, or something similar, but this is not bad. It's a 3 step process to get them to CD. (I suppose if you are burning CDs that you might want to copy the files to your hard drive first anyway, thereby making it a 3 step process anyway.)
The sound quality is great on them. It is just me playing tunes for my students, so the environment was controlled. I use the Sony ECM-MS907 microphone.
I am now considering NOT ditching the MD for an iRiver or other device.
# Posted on March 2nd 2005 by Jode
Re: minidisc question
Sony has just announced a new line of Minidisc players (one which includes a camera) - apparently the new ones will play mp3s directly. So if you can wait a few weeks, there'll be more choice.
see http://minidisc.org/ for info
I've used minidisc for 7 years now, have 3 portables (2 Sharps and a JVC) and one deck (JVC), plus a Yamah 8-track MD recorder. Ideal for things like music camps, where you can take a bunch of disks with you and just set it up to record, then edit out the cruft later.
My MDs pre-date the NetMD line, so I've never tried using the USB interface to upload or download - besides, I'm a Mac person, and NetMD is not supported on the Mac. So I've always had to use the line-out to record to the computer in real time to make a CD, but it means you can keep your originals safe. Sony needs to wake up to the reality that musicians need a way to quickly upload as well as download (even on the Mac)
I've used the portable MD plugged into the board at live shows to record CD quality sound. I just turn it on and let it run at rehearsals...
wil
# Posted on March 3rd 2005 by wil macaulay
Re: minidisc question
so I got the iriver in the mail yesterday and took it to a session and ad after a few hours, it pretty much shut itself off and seems broken. it'll stay on for a few seconds with everything darkened so you cant read it and then turn off. i tried switching batteries and it still doesnt work! has anyone experienced this with the iriver ifp 790 before?
# Posted on March 4th 2005 by fiddletreegypsy
Re: iRiver
I've done quite a bit of live recording with my iRiver H-140, which I've had for several months and haven't experienced any problems. I wouldn't recommend using the internal mic though - tried that once and it made my flute sound like a stylophone in the upper register (well, I'm choosing to blame the iRiver anyway...). I use an external Sony opt dig mic instead and am really happy with the quality.
# Posted on March 4th 2005 by Biddy
Re: minidisc question
you can use the sonicstage software to record to cd after you upload, no conversion. that takes out a step.
# Posted on March 4th 2005 by daiv
Re: minidisc question
One comment on the latest MD technology ... it's great but not everyone else is using it so be aware you might end up with a lot of material you can't play on someone elses standard MiniDisc player.
I've got a little baby SONY MD recorder with MDLP and, even then, I found friends with older MD players that didn't even support LP recordings - so the machine just pretended the disk had 10 blank recordings on and pleaded ignorance.
I'm happy with what I've got as I only record sessions, gigs and practice/rehearsals, so if you need more than a couple of hours - take more than one disc!!!
We've just put together our first band demo CD using some previously recorded CD material and some more recent live material taken from the MiniDisc recordings I took from the desk.
One tip though ... make sure you leave your little recorder in automatic level control as trying to preset it causes more problems than it's worth!
Luv
Cat
xxx
# Posted on March 8th 2005 by CindersWorld
Re: minidisc question
so I think I'm going to return the iriver I got and NOT get another one, I don't like it. Maybe it's because they sent me a mostly-broken one, but I think I definately want a MD now.
It seems like there are some MD that are pretty easy to load up onto a PC, anyone recommend any models which do this- and where is a good place to order from? I'm in Ireland now, but will be visiting the states in a week and can have it shipped to relatives if its US based.
# Posted on March 9th 2005 by fiddletreegypsy
Re: minidisc question
mz-nh1 net md - best, and most expensive (dont really need all the features)
mznh900 - the one i have. best deal. you can either use the replaceable rechargeable battery, or screw on a AA adapter (no other model can use both battery types)
mznh800 - pretty much the same as 900, but only can use AA.
mznh600 DO NOT GET IT, IT WILL NOT RECORD FROM A MICROPHONE
i bought the Sony ECMMS907 Digital Recording Microphone, it works well, i think. it has a very good quality. i dont know how good more expensive ones are, that one is 80 dollars. other people might know more than i do on that one.
i bought all that on amazon.
they use hi-md minidiscs. which are 1GB. you can use old discs, and they hold a lot more because it reformats them. you can even chose to format them to the old format, but it doesnt matter unless you have an old player you want to use. the 1gb discs are hard to find, but as i said you can use the old ones, so it doesnt matter. however, amazon.com always has them in stock through a 3d party vendor, so they are not hard to get. i just havent found them in best buy yet. however, most electronic stores carry the old ones.
i only have 2 of the 1gb discs and i use one for data. my main minidisc is an old format one, and i keep putting cd's of itm on it, and original recordings, and its not full yet.
# Posted on March 12th 2005 by daiv
Re: minidisc question
So what I'm hearing from all this is:
A full-size iRiver is relatively inexpensive, but has good sound quality, is set up for music recording, and is easy to use once you're past the learning curve. However, they require an external microphone, which bumps both the cost and the hassle-factor. They work well with your standard PC and create convenient files for uploading.
A minidisc is less forgiving when it comes to uploading and requires more effort to burn to CD or share; not all varieties are compatible; they require carrying discs in addition to the player itself. However, some versions take more than one kind of battery, they allow for editing without having to upload first (I think?), and - because they use discs rather than flash memory - have conceivably "unlimited" storage space.
Is there anything important that I missed, other than price?
# Posted on March 14th 2005 by Tol-Timpinen
Re: minidisc question
Daiv...one note on your notes...if you put a rechargeable AA battery in the 800 and plug in the AC adaptor, it will recharge your battery for you. So it runs on the AA and is also rechargeable.
Next time I burn a CD I will try it direct from Sonicstage.
# Posted on March 14th 2005 by Jode
Re: minidisc question
minidiscs have better sound quality (though the iriver is ok with an external mic), and irivers are more delicate seem to break easier (in my experience). Also the iriver can only record about 4 hours at a time, if you are doing the higher quality recording.
# Posted on March 14th 2005 by fiddletreegypsy
Re: minidisc question
It doesn't sound like the new Sony NZNH1 or the other models are truly "drag and drop" as advertised. Is this correct?
I phoned minidisco to find out if they were going to get any more of the series in stock, and I was told "probably not, because it looks like Sony is about to release a new series."
It might be worth it to wait to see what Sony does next. At any rate, the NZNH series doesn't seem to be everything they said it would be. Correct me if I'm wrong. Please.
# Posted on March 16th 2005 by bellows boy
Re: minidisc question
John, I have the NZNH800 and drag-and-drop it ain't.
Still, things seem to be improving, and I am being swayed in the direction of sticking with it. Money might be why, since I already invested in it. But gypsy's comments just above encapsulate some of the negatives around the hard drive recorders.
Sound quality on the 800 has been great so far. I loved my sony pro walkman, but wanted something smaller and more reliable.
I am going to listen to some tracks I recorded recently to see if I can put up a sample.
# Posted on March 16th 2005 by Jode
Re: minidisc question
I just ordered the NZNH700, which is available in Canada and Europe, but not the US. It is the same as NZNH800 but without the radio. At under $200 (US) the price was the best I could find for what I wanted. Here's the link if anyone wants to see it:
https://www.minidisc-canada.com/shopexd.asp?id=368
Thanks for the advice, Jode. You really helped figure out what I wanted.
# Posted on March 17th 2005 by bellows boy
Re: minidisc question
question about the NZNH700 in the last post- how easy is it to use and especially, how easy is it to upload onto the computer?
# Posted on April 4th 2005 by fiddletreegypsy
Re: minidisc question
i dont have the mznh700, but i assume it is the same as all the others. use the sonicstage software, its very easy.
i'm sure it has all the basic functions you need. just make sure it CAN record from a microphone. which i'm pretty sure it can. all of them except the mznh600 can, i believe.
# Posted on April 13th 2005 by daiv
Re: minidisc question
Yes, the MZNH700 has all the inputs and outputs of the 800--it just doesn't have the radio.
The problem I've run into is that the files in my sonicstage library don't show up in the WAV converter program. I've reinstalled the WAV converter program.
The version of Sonicstage is 2.1. I've read there is a 3.0 version out there for downloading, but I haven't been able to find it.
Did anyone else have this problem with Sonicstage and the WAV converter programs?
Otherwise, uploading to the PC was very easy. It would be nice to convert the music files from ATRAC to WAV so I could then edit them.
# Posted on April 27th 2005 by bellows boy
Re: minidisc question
I'm wondering if in the past year there have been any updates as to which MD recorder to get. My second iriver broke (and it didn't sound great, even with an external mic), so I want to go back to MD. From what's written above, it seems that the MZ-NH700 is the overall best one- is that still true? I'm having a hard time trackin them down.
# Posted on February 16th 2006 by fiddletreegypsy
Re: minidisc question
I would not go back to minidisc after my iRiver.
# Posted on February 16th 2006 by Donough
Re: minidisc question
Can I have it then, Donough?
# Posted on February 16th 2006 by Ptarmigan
Re: minidisc question
What sort of microphones are you using with MiniDiscs or iRivers. I got a Sony DS70P from eBay but it picks up a lot of motor noise when you plug it straight into my new MZ-NH700. May well be Ok with some sort of extension lead but that starts getting a bit of a palaver.
# Posted on March 6th 2006 by sgp
Re: minidisc question
I finally got an MN-NH700 H-MD on ebay but for the life of me I cannot figure out how to get it to work. I've tried three different microphones and no sound comes through for any of them. The instructions are pretty useless and I just can't figure the stupid thing out! Any help would really really really be appreciated.....specificially tips on how to make it record/play back. I don't know if I'm just not doing it right or if I have a broken one.
# Posted on June 1st 2006 by fiddletreegypsy