Pls. recommmend MD recorder w/ mic.

[van.]

I seek recommendations on a minidisk recorder that I will use as a songwriting aid ["scratchpad"] and live session recorder. I do not need brilliant recording quality, but would like the following:

portability
stereo
ease of use
separate, positionable microphone
moderate cost
reliability
carrying case
either MD or CD format, not tape

Any specific brand and model recommendations most welcome.

Thank you,

van.

[The Ghost of FM]

The Sony MD Walkman series offers a couple of models that have a stereo microphone input and allow for the connection of an optional stereo microphone.

These units are tiny and offer remarkable fidelity for their size.

I have three Mini-Disc recorders myself and can attest to their fidelity and ease of use.

here's a link with some info;

http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/ser...th=46881n32123

Cheers & good luck with your recording projects!

[van.]

Thank you. I'l probably end up with a Sony.

V.

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Van:

You might also check out the Yamaha MD8. I've got one still hooked up in my studio -- it's easy to navigate and does a nice job.

I don't use it much anymore since I've gone digital but it's a good product.

Green Hornet

[van.]

Gracias Senor Hornet.

How portable is it? Do you have any portable one-point stereo mic recommendations?

Thanks for the input,

V.

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Van:

The Yam MD-8 is 19 inches by 15 inches and it is well constructed. It is not lightweight but can be moved. The 140 MB discs it uses are around 14 dollars each but they will last a LONG time. You can also get two track discs for less money. The 140 MB disc is for 8 track recording.

As for the stereo mic, you would get better info on the mic forum as I don't have a "stereo" mic. But, lots of information to had at that forum.

Cheers,
Green Hornet

[johneeeveee]

sony mz-r55 (not much bigger than an actual mini disc)
sony ecm-ms907 stereo mic (nice mic)

... others are talking about multi tracks, and if that's what you need, then this won't work. but for an ulta portable stereo recorder (whole rig fits in a shirt pocket and has a battery as well), it sounds great and will only run you about $200. ($120 or less for md, used, and $80 for mic new).
peace - jv

[van.]

Thanks JV.

From JVL

[onlyfingers]

I heard that Sony has a new line coming with expanded memory and the ability to transfer your recordings to a PC as files (this last point is important, and is forbidden with current Sony MDs). Check http://www.minidisc.org/ for more info on the new Sony line.

[van.]

So is there no way at all to directly upload to PC from Sony's current line of MD recorders?

Thanks for the info,

V.

[onlyfingers]

You can't transfer as digital files. You have to play the MD tunes into your computer through the soundboard, in an analog fashion.

[Morningloryseed]

The machine is very easy to transport. I got a nice gig bag for mine and it fits perfect. It's carrying around the rack that is a bitch. As far as what mikes, I find the AT 4033 and SM 57s to cover most of my needs.

[philboyd studge]

Originally posted by van.
So is there no way at all to directly upload to PC from Sony's current line of MD recorders?

Thanks for the info,

V.

Sure, optical out from a Sony minidisk deck to an optical input (soundblaster live drive).

[tf5_bassist]

Originally posted by onlyfingers
I heard that Sony has a new line coming with expanded memory and the ability to transfer your recordings to a PC as files (this last point is important, and is forbidden with current Sony MDs). Check http://www.minidisc.org/ for more info on the new Sony line.

Sony has also created an internal minidisc drive for the pc. i lost the link to it, but it's been done. What it can do transfer-wise, however, i'm not quite sure.

[sjino]

Originally posted by onlyfingers
I heard that Sony has a new line coming with expanded memory and the ability to transfer your recordings to a PC as files (this last point is important, and is forbidden with current Sony MDs). Check http://www.minidisc.org/ for more info on the new Sony line.

Van, these new high capacity Sony units will be out in April and will start at $200. If you need the ability to upload to PC for mixing, etc, this is definitely the way to go.

If you can't wait and just need a scratchpad for recording song ideas, practices, gigs, etc., for live recording I recommend the Sharp MD units. They're a little bit more oriented towards live recording than the Sony units, although the higher end Sonys are just fine. Check www.minidisc.org for specific model reviews.

If you decide you can't wait for the high capacity units and want to get started right away, I have a brand new Sharp MD for sale. Please email me if you would like details.

Best wishes.