transfer from mini disk to computer!!

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allaboutabby

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I am new to al of this, which seems to be a theme from the other messages, but I ned help! I recently boughta Sony mini disc recorder, which I love, but now i need to be able to transfer the stuff from the mini disc to my home pc so I can burn a full size cd. My home pc runs in Windows xp, and i generally use roxio cd burning software. My mini disc plugs into the computer but i can't play anything. What should i use to transfer the sound? In Fact the more specific you can be on all the stepd to make it to an full cd would be very helpful
-Thanks
 
To transfer to computer, I have to...

go headphone out of MD into LINE IN of computer soundcard.

You need to re-record from MD to your computer using a recording software (cool edit pro is what I use)

mix down what you recorded to PCM WAV format (44.1 / 16 Bit)

Save file

Then you can burn to CD

Good luck.
 
You must make a realtime audio transfer (audio out of your MD to the audio in of you computer's sound card. Press "record" on your audio recording software and "play" on the MD player.

The SONY proprietary software for MD does not allow for digital transfer FROM the MD TO computer.
 
MiniDisc > Computer Transfer

I see that one person has mentioned that they use Cool Edit as their recording software when transferring from MiniDisc to Computer via Line In.

What other programs do you guys use?

The biggest issue I have in making this type of transfer (I've used a few programs, usually Cowon Jet-Audio -- for no particular reason) is the absence of what I consider to be a decent level meter.

So, what I'm asking is: does anyone have a suggestion on a software program (free, if at all possible) that has a decent way to verify that you're making the transfer at the optimal volume level -- not too high (which yields distortion) but yet not any lower than necessary?

Thanks-

Carey
 
Md To PC

Hi folks,,
Im havin trouble with this too. I got a lead with phonos to a stereo mini jack,,from the MD to the Line In on the pc.
When i record into the Music Match Jukebox Recorder its distorted.
Even though ive followed EXACTLY what it tells me to in the help section. I also want to start gettin my old lp's onto cds,,,,
so its drivin me MAAAAAAD!
 
Re: Md To PC

Monsterpop said:
Hi folks,,
Im havin trouble with this too. I got a lead with phonos to a stereo mini jack,,from the MD to the Line In on the pc.
When i record into the Music Match Jukebox Recorder its distorted.
Even though ive followed EXACTLY what it tells me to in the help section. I also want to start gettin my old lp's onto cds,,,,
so its drivin me MAAAAAAD!
Click to expand...

Hi:

Even though I'm still anxiously awaiting suggestions for software that has a better -- more accurate/clearly defined/wider ranging -- volume meter display, I think I can help with this problem.

It sounds like you're simply recording at too loud a volume. You should be able to reduce the volume at either the playing device (i.e. the stereo to which your turntable is connected -- unless you're going directly from the turntable to the computer) or in Music Match.

I have MM, but haven't used it for Line-In recording. It HAS a volume control (the vertical slider to the right of the large display window) but I don't know if that's for recording, playing or both.

Carey
 
Hi,
I have a similar problem. I have everything I need, and I think I know what I'm doing, for the most part, but I'm stuck on this one issue. I would've put this under a new thread but maybe if someone can help me their responses might help allaboutabby too.
I'm very new to recording. I've been doing it for about a year now (with minidisc) with mixed results. Anyway I wanted to put some of my successful recordings on CD. I recorded the shows onto my computer with Sound Forge, however, when I went to insert the track markers with CDWave I decided to listen to it first and it sounded aweful. Completely distorted. It turns out that it was clipping the entire time it was recording. Even though the actual show was recorded at the perfect level.
Here's my problem:
The minidisc has no way of controlling the output levels so I'm left with Sound Forge.
Unfortunately I can find no way of lowering the input levels in Sound Forge. I was able to bring up the input meters, but this only lets me watch my great recording clip. Is there a way to control the recording levels or input levels in Sound Forge.

Please help, this is the only thing between me and a year's worth of great live shows.
Thanks.
 
dantheman said:
Hi,
I have a similar problem. I have everything I need, and I think I know what I'm doing, for the most part, but I'm stuck on this one issue. I would've put this under a new thread but maybe if someone can help me their responses might help allaboutabby too.
I'm very new to recording. I've been doing it for about a year now (with minidisc) with mixed results. Anyway I wanted to put some of my successful recordings on CD. I recorded the shows onto my computer with Sound Forge, however, when I went to insert the track markers with CDWave I decided to listen to it first and it sounded aweful. Completely distorted. It turns out that it was clipping the entire time it was recording. Even though the actual show was recorded at the perfect level.
Here's my problem:
The minidisc has no way of controlling the output levels so I'm left with Sound Forge.
Unfortunately I can find no way of lowering the input levels in Sound Forge. I was able to bring up the input meters, but this only lets me watch my great recording clip. Is there a way to control the recording levels or input levels in Sound Forge.

Please help, this is the only thing between me and a year's worth of great live shows.
Thanks.
Click to expand...


Sorry for quoting the whole thing -- I don't know how to insert my responses in the middle (i.e. following one quoted passage), resume quoting, insert response relevant to THAT part, etc..

Are you SURE your MD had no volume control on output? That seems VERY unlikely. Please let me know if it's a standard stereo portable minidisc, a home stereo deck, or a multitrack, and I'll try to help.

* If it's a portable, the volume control MUST serve this function -- I assume you'd be using a headphone output;
* If it's a home deck, you should be running it thru your stereo receiver or amplifier, not directly to the computer;
* If it's a multitrack, both the stereo out and monitor out jacks are controlled by one (maybe even two) volume controls.

I have one of each of the above types of units, and I'm pretty sure all makes/models of these function similarly in regard to outbound volume control.

Let me know -- I'll try to help.
 
Hi Carey
"It sounds like you're simply recording at too loud a volume. You should be able to reduce the volume at either the playing device (i.e. the stereo to which your turntable is connected -- unless you're going directly from the turntable to the computer) or in Music Match."

Ive tried everything that MMJB tells me to do when using line in,,,but it distorts every time.Cos its comin from the phono outs on the back of my Sony MDSJE510 there IS no way of reducing the volume from the source end.
I suppose im going to have to try gettin a lead to use from the headphone out to the pc instaed.
its a pain in the arse though,,,cos it SHOULD be fine the oher way.
I havent tried recording any vinyl yet,,,,,,but i do want to.
Thanks anyway.
JimmyD
 
Monsterpop said:
Hi Carey
"It sounds like you're simply recording at too loud a volume. You should be able to reduce the volume at either the playing device (i.e. the stereo to which your turntable is connected -- unless you're going directly from the turntable to the computer) or in Music Match."

Ive tried everything that MMJB tells me to do when using line in,,,but it distorts every time.Cos its comin from the phono outs on the back of my Sony MDSJE510 there IS no way of reducing the volume from the source end.

>>>>>>>
OK, I have that exact same minidisc unit! You're right -- there isn't any volume control that affects the "phono out" level. That's because the unit isn't designed to feed a soundcard -- it's intended to go to an amplifier. BUT if doing that isn't an option, there IS a way to overcome this problem: go from your headphone output to the soundcard -- there IS a volume control for the headphones!!!!!

To do this, you'll need a cable with miniplugs on both ends and a 1/4" (phone) adapter for the plug that goes into the headphone jack OR a cable with the phono plug on one end and miniplug on the other.
<<<<<<<<<<

I suppose im going to have to try gettin a lead to use from the headphone out to the pc instaed.

I SWEAR that sentence wasn't there when I read your reply, before composing the above response! Damn! <g> OK, you already have the solution. At least I got typing practice.

its a pain in the arse though,,,cos it SHOULD be fine the oher way.
I havent tried recording any vinyl yet,,,,,,but i do want to.
Thanks anyway.
JimmyD
Click to expand...
 
MD to PC

Hi Carey!
I was just about to try recording from the phone outs to the pc,,using Windows Media Player instead.
If the MD player isnt meant to go direct to a soundcard from there i will be wasting my time though huh?

Does that also mean that i wil have to record from the headphone out when transferring vinyl to the pc?

Heheh,,im usin invisible virtual ink in these messages,,
thats why that sentence you replied to wasnt there a minute before!
Hehehe,,,,,
Cheers !
www.nowhereradio.com/justanotherdream
www.nowhereradio.com/monsterpop
 
Re: MD to PC

Monsterpop said:
Hi Carey!
I was just about to try recording from the phone outs to the pc,,using Windows Media Player instead.
If the MD player isnt meant to go direct to a soundcard from there i will be wasting my time though huh?

Well, what I meant by that was that it's really designed to go thru a preamp/amp, which would be where you'd have your volume control (as well as a boosted signal, improving the signal/noise ratio). You CAN run it direct, but you have to live with whatever you get.

Does that also mean that i wil have to record from the headphone out when transferring vinyl to the pc?

Again, the turntable should go thru your amp -- the cartridge really doesn't put out a proper signal to go direct to soundcard.

If anyone knows or thinks I'm mistaken, please chime in. This is my understanding, but I'm no expert.

Heheh,,im usin invisible virtual ink in these messages,,
thats why that sentence you replied to wasnt there a minute before!
Hehehe,,,,,
Cheers !
www.nowhereradio.com/justanotherdream
www.nowhereradio.com/monsterpop

I KNEW there was a good explanation. Or else I was just my usual stupid self:-)
Click to expand...
 
Hi Carey,

I don't know how to quote at all so don't worry about it, thanks for responding.
I actually know very little about the minidisc as it is really on indefinite loan from a friend. It IS a portable unit, however. I tried turning the volume all the way down on the unit when I began recording but it seemed to have no effect on the input meters in Sound Forge, it just kept clipping.
The way I've got it setup (which is probably wrong) is:
Minidisc going to lineout, straight into the back of my computer to the mic jack. The I'm simply hitting record in Sound Forge and play on the minidisc.
Maybe this is where I'm messing up?

Thank again for all your help.
 
dantheman said:
Hi Carey,

I don't know how to quote at all so don't worry about it, thanks for responding.
I actually know very little about the minidisc as it is really on indefinite loan from a friend. It IS a portable unit, however. I tried turning the volume all the way down on the unit when I began recording but it seemed to have no effect on the input meters in Sound Forge, it just kept clipping.
The way I've got it setup (which is probably wrong) is:
Minidisc going to lineout, straight into the back of my computer to the mic jack. The I'm simply hitting record in Sound Forge and play on the minidisc.
Maybe this is where I'm messing up?

Thank again for all your help.
Click to expand...

MAYBE the above explains the problem!

1) I've had 4 portables, and don't recall ANY that had Line Out -- each used the headphone jacks for that function. Even if you DO have Line Out on yours, try using the headphone out jack. You've determined that Line Out doesn't give you volume control, but headphone out definitely does -- that alone might solve your problem.

2) Here MIGHT be the problem: you say "Minidisc going to lineout, straight into the back of my computer to the mic jack." MAYBE that's the problem. See if you have a Line In jack and use it. It might be that the Mic jack has a different impedence (or whatever) requirement than you're feeding it from a Line Out source.

Also, have you adjusted your volume in the WINDOWS (not just Sound Forge) menus?
* Double click the speaker icon (probably in the lower right corner, near your clock). This will bring up a "Master Volume" menu, with a number of slider controls. Then....
* Select Options -- Make sure Advanced is checked
* Select Properties
* Select Recording -- This will give you a list of which controls you want to display
* Check the ones you want -- Make sure to include Microphone and Line In
* Click OK -- This will bring up a menu with the choices you made. Set your volume levels and make sure that the correct function (Mic, Line In, etc.) is selected.

If this doesn't solve the problem, I probably don't have any other suggestions. As it is, I think I just amazed myself that I knew THIS much. :-)

Now if only someone would reply to MY post -- on the topic of transferring recorded material to the computer (i.e. 'What sofware programs have decent meter displays so I can get a better handle on proper levels?')!

Good luck-

Carey
 
Thanks so much. I'm sure I can make it work with one of those options. Someone on another site actually suggested the Windows volume thing. I'll give it a shot.

Thanks a million, good luck with your question.
-Dan
 
md to pc

hmmm,,,,ive been tryin it with the lead from the headphones into the line in,,,and its crap. Usin MMJB.
I have NO idea what level to have it at.
I sat with the headphones on,,plugged into the pc speakers,,,MISTAKENLY thinkin i was hearin what was bein recorded. But its not. I played it back and its STILL distorted!
F****N PC ! GRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!
There MUST be a better way,,,,
 
I guess the only other thing I can think of for you to try is a different program to record with. MAYBE the problem(s) you're having are MusicMatch related.

Do you already have, or can you get a copy of, another program to use? If so, try that; if not, see if you can't find one -- even if it's a trial version. Look here:
http://download.com.com unless you have other sources.

Carey
 
md to pc

Hi Carey,,
I have the latest Windows Media Player,,,but i cant record to that can i? I find it a very annoing thing to try and use also.
What else would you recommend?
 
Re: md to pc

Monsterpop said:
Hi Carey,,
I have the latest Windows Media Player,,,but i cant record to that can i? I find it a very annoing thing to try and use also.
What else would you recommend?
Click to expand...

First, let me say that I've never used this program -- I just found it at the site I mentioned: HarddiskOgg 2.0

I've use CD Wave (http://www.cdwave.com) for editing, but not for recording -- but it CAN be used for that (including Line-In). It appears to only record in WAV format.

It kind of doesn't matter what you use -- I'm only suggesting that you try a different program to see if that eliminates the distortion issue. Other than a bad soundcard, or a problem with MusicMatch, I can't think of what might be causing your problem.
 
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