Re: [microsound] [ot] minidisc recorders

[Aaron Ximm <ghede@xxxxxxxx>]

Subjective comments below... I agree with most of Derek's points btw re:
connectors, A/D, etc.

Derek wrote:

> 2) No digital outs. This means the DA converter of the MD, and then the

Just to clarify Derek's later comments, the new HiMD decks can transfer
digitally at higher than realtime -- with the limitation that as he says,
you must use their Windows application to do it. Once uploaded, a second
trivial step is necessary to convert uploaded recordings to non-DRM .WAV
files.

Both compressed and un-compressed recordings can be uploaded this way.

Sony's own software does not allow you to "unlock" recordings made through
portables' optical digital inputs.

However, an enterprising MD fan has made a convertor utility themselves
which WILL unlock recordings made through the digital ins.

QED you can use a high-quality pre/AD box like a Zerofire or maybe the
Core Sound Mic2496,  send the signal via optical in to the HiMD
portable, record uncompressed PCM 16/44 and then upload it and decode to
WAV on your PC.

Not QUITE as useful as a drag-and-drop CF/HD recorder with no limitations,
but my number one reason for still using MD is that my original MDs are my
permanent reliable archival medium of everything that I record. I never
have to burn CDs/DVDs, remember to back up, etc...

(My other reasons are battery consumption and size).

> 3) No digital ins [at least on newer models, my old MZ-R35 had an

Many don't but many actually do, check the equipment browser at
minidisc.org for a model-by-model breakdown.

> Getting a recordable MP3 player [like the some of the IRiver models] is
> an option, but your still stuck with many problems, namely compressed

iRiver recorders have now stopped supporting uncompressed recording; the
most likely reason is they have never been able to get the uncompressed
recording feature on their last generation of recorders working correctly.
It notoriously drops hundreds of samples regularly if unpredictably
(presumably it can't keep up with the data stream)...

But despite all these fits and starts it's a golden era for portable
quality recording.

FWIW I still regularly record with/perform with a set of 5+ year old Sony
MZ-R50's and MZ-R37's purchased on eBay for an average price of $60 each.

The MZ-R50 in particular is a TANK with a great interface, dedicated line
out, optical in, etc. Downsides are that it's big and uses proprietary
rechargeables internally (though it can run off AAs with a screw-on case).

 best,
  aaron

  ghede@xxxxxxxx
  http://www.quietamerican.org

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