Mini Disk or DAT?

[blueman9]

I am going to buy a portable machine to record my flute music at remote locations, both inside and out. I am then going to bring the recording home to upload into my computer hard drive, thru an Aardvark 24/96 sound card. I am new to all this stuff and need all the help/advise I can find. I am confused about which format to buy, minidisk or DAT?? Can anyone out there help me?

[Track Rat]

While the mini disc sounds very good, it's still a lossy data system. Even on units with TOSlink(digital) outputs, the output is missing a lot of data. The DAT will always do a better job.

[blueman9]

Thanks for your reply. Do you have a recomendation for a particular brand/model?

[Nilbog]

you'll end up paying a lot more for a dat machine. You will be safe using minidisc.
The only reason you would want a dat machine is because you have a lot of money, and you want to be ultra-sure (maybe over-sure?)about your recording quality.

I say give MD a chance, and let your ears decide.

-Nilbog

[ranchfield]

Nilbog! thanks for taking the stand. I've been mixing down to MD for going on two years now and am getting tired of defending the use of MD for mixdown. I've absolutely loved the format.. easy editing, easy to use/record, great sound. Thumbing through my collection of music equipment catologs, I notice the number of MD decks being offered is much greater than DAT.. also much cheaper.

Have you any sites where you music can be heard?

Rancher
http://www.mp3.com/crowmusic

[Nilbog]

damn...I listened to your music, and it sounds good! I'm scared to post a link of my lowlife retard-rock...but here we go anyway.

http://www.mp3.com/cyclopsenstein

the stuffs pretty old an embarassing. I've been meaning to get some of my new stuff up there...My newer stuff is a lot harder.

-nilbog

[Nilbog]

blueman9? As in the blueman group?

[blueman9]

Thank you very much for the replys. I do appreciate them.
No, not a member of the bluemen.
I'm feeling I will go with mini-disk as it is cheeper. I just don't know which model/brand to buy.There are so many hustlers at the retail stores around here, I don't know who to believe? Any one know of an honest, reputable store around Berkeley, CA?

[Nilbog]

go to http://www.minidisco.com

I bought a sharp ms722 from them, and was happy with the service, and the product. http://www.minidisco.com/minispecs/sharp722.html

but sharp's newer one looks pretty swell too-

http://www.minidisco.com/minispecs/sharpmdsr60.html

The only thing I would suggest is staying away from SONY. 1.) They have this stupid end search function that clutters up the recording process.
2.) support non-sony minidisc brands so minidisc will GROW!

-nilbog

[Nilbog]

p.s. both of the above models are at minidisco for under $200.

oh yeah, and if your looking for good mics to use with your recorder,
check out http://www.soundprofessionals.com - their mics are designed to work with the mic power that minidisc recorders give. I suggest the deluxe cardiods if you can afford them.
and if your going to be recording high SPL's, spring for battery pack.

-nilbog

[ranchfield]

Don't want to keep catching the tail end of these posts, but I totally agree with Nilbog re: make of machine. My experience with the Sony home unit was great sound, but it broke 1 month after warranty. Since then, I've seen several Sony MD machines in the store for repair. I've got a JVC MD, works great.. and am picking up a Kenwood MD model next. http://www.crutchfield.com actually has some decent prices, great write-ups and product descriptions too.

rancher
http://www.sinlimo.com