md -> computer

[merodema]

is there software that enables direct (digital) import from the Sony md to the computer through the usb-port?
the net-md software that was supplied with the portable does not work
what format are recordings registered in?

[onlyfingers]

No.

Sony has protected whatever you have recorded on your MD from theft. The only way to get it out of the MD into the computer is to play it trough the soundboard in an analog way.

Sony announced MD-HD in Janauary, to be available in April, I think. I have heard that the new MD-HD will let you move sound files from MD to the computer as files, through the USB port.

Go here to learn more.

http://www.minidisc.org/

[joeinthebox1980]

Originally Posted by onlyfingers

The only way to get it out of the MD into the computer is to play it trough the soundboard in an analog way.[/url]

and how exactly would you do that?

[onlyfingers]

It's been a while since I tried this. I think you connect the headphone jack on you MD to the computer sound board. (line in or mic? I'd try line in first.) Then record the track with Microsoft's Sound Recorder. Open a new file, click "Record" on the software, and hit "Play" on MD for the track you want.

As you might expect, there are all sorts of settings on the Sound Recorder software that will prevent you from making a recording. You'll have to click your way through the menues to find them. At least some of the recorder settings you need are under the Edit--Audio Properties tab. Also, check your Play Control (the little speaker on the menu bar at the bottom of your screen), to make sure you haven't got your sound source turned off.

Many others have been through this. I just looked--at Minidisc.org and other places--and could not find a set of instructions for you. If you find a step-by-step guide on how to do it, please post the link here.

[hubcapbrian]

Actually, you CAN do digital transfers but only in real time and you will need to buy an MD deck that has a SPDIF digital output (currently the cheapest available is the Sony MXD400 CD/MD deck at about $300 new in the USA). For the average user, better to save your $$ and wait for Hi-MD.

[MDShinn]

Hi everyone,

Here is what I do to transfer my Sony MD recordings to the computer, then remaster it a bit and burn to CD. What a long strange session it is.

First I connect a 1/8" stereo cable to the headphone jack. This is sent to my mixing console with (2) RCA jacks that are plugged into channel 1 & 2. I pan channel 1 slightly left and channel 2 slightly right. The mains from my mixing board are sent to my sound card and plaugged into the line in using a stereo 1/8" jack. I use Cakewalk Home Studio as my destination. So, I play the MD. adjust levels, pan, high, mid and low eq and start recording from the Sony MD, through my console and into the computer using Cakewalk. After I have recorded and seperated each track I convert the Cakewalk file either to wave or Mp3. Of course you can add effects or additional EQ or whatever turns you on to make your recording sound good. So in affect, I am taking a digital sound, playing it into the console which is sending it as an analog sound to the software program and re-recording the analog signal as digital to my hard drive.

It takes quite some time but, I do end up with really good quality recordings.

One day I find a better way. If anyone is interested in hearing some of these recordings let me know. I'd be happy to send you a Mp3 file so you can listen. In fact, maybe I'll just post a few samples on my web site. Check it out:

http://soundwaves2.tripod.com

Regards,
Michael D Shinn

[MDShinn]

Hi everyone,

Here is what I do to transfer my Sony MD recordings to the computer, then remaster it a bit and burn to CD. What a long strange session it is.

First I connect a 1/8" stereo cable to the headphone jack. This is sent to my mixing console with (2) RCA jacks that are plugged into channel 1 & 2. I pan channel 1 slightly left and channel 2 slightly right. The mains from my mixing board are sent to my sound card and plaugged into the line in using a stereo 1/8" jack. I use Cakewalk Home Studio as my destination. So, I play the MD. adjust levels, pan, high, mid and low eq and start recording from the Sony MD, through my console and into the computer using Cakewalk. After I have recorded and seperated each track I convert the Cakewalk file either to wave or Mp3. Of course you can add effects or additional EQ or whatever turns you on to make your recording sound good. So in affect, I am taking a digital sound, playing it into the console which is sending it as an analog sound to the software program and re-recording the analog signal as digital to my hard drive.

It takes quite some time but, I do end up with really good quality recordings.

One day I find a better way. If anyone is interested in hearing some of these recordings let me know. I'd be happy to send you a Mp3 file so you can listen. In fact, maybe I'll just post a few samples on my web site. Check it out:

http://soundwaves2.tripod.com

Regards,
Michael D Shinn