Yamaha Minidisc

  • Thread starter Thread starter David Benson
  • Start date Start date
D

David Benson

New member
Does anyone have an opinion on one of these? It seems this would be a good first step into a digital method of recording from cassette multitrack. No computer needed to store unmixed tracks for later changes. Short learning curve? Pricing on the used market? DB
 
:D Yo Dave:

I still have my Yam 8 track minidisc in my studio; I don't use it much; it just looks nice sitting there. I gone to the Yam 2816.

However, I managed to do some nice stuff with the mini. The 8 track discs run around 14/15 dollars each; but, they last a long time as you can use them over and over and over.

Learning curve? Not too bad; the manual is all right but a long way from being succinct and organized.

I don't know about "used" price but I suspect a good one will run 400-500 dollars.

It is a good learning box as you progress to other types of gear.

Green Hornet :cool: :D
 
Minidisc

I saw one on ebay. Buy it now for 400.00. He says it was hardly used. What did those units cost new? Thanks for the info. DB
 
The Yamaha MD-8 sold for about $1150, new.

I also have the Yamaha MD-8, and I think it's a fine machine, with great sound and high capability. Through a use of DIRECT, or 4-Buss & Direct-mode recording, you can get a genuine 8-simul recording capability,... which is a significant advance over the likes of the Tascam 488mkII.

$400 for a like-new MD-8 is quite fair,& a good price.

About 6 months ago, I got a v-good condition MD-8, (package deal) that included 14 MD-Data discs and TWO half-rack efx units, which brought my NET cost of the MD-8 down to about $350, by my own calculations, and I thought I made a VERY good deal. I've never regretted it, & I shopped MD-8's for a LONG TIME before purchasing.

The MD-8 often sells for $450 or more, on a regular basis. It's a unit that's worth getting. I'd recommend the MD-8 as a standout technical achievement, although dated, which is still alone in it's class.

Good luck!
 
R.P.
I also sent you a private message before I read your post. Sorry. There may be a few questions not covered in your post concerning punching in and out and rerecording parts. Thanks again for the info. DB
 
The Yamaha MD-8, and other multitrack Minidisc units,...

use a specialized "DATA-Minidisc", which is a bit more expensive than the "normal" stereo Minidiscs. The "normal" stereo minidiscs may be used, but they'll only record in stereo. For 4- or 8-tracks on Minidisc, you'll need "Data-Minidiscs", specifically.

The MD-8 has an Aux-send/recieve for external effects "loops", and also "Insert" patch points for effects, specifically on Inputs #1 & 2 too.

The MD-8 has punch-in/punch-out capability, that can either be worked with the common foot pedal, or set up to "Auto-punch" by programming it into the "console". It works like the typical punch-in/out you'd get on tape recorders, only more seamlessly. The MD-8 has a "no-gap" punch, like you'd expect of any digital recorder.

Minidiscs can be erased and rerecorded a million times, without degradation.

/DA
 
R.P. So then I can do all the things I do on cassette on a Minidisc(The special one you mention)? Many times I listen to a final mix I have done, and I find the horn is to loud or soft or I want to play with the EQ, and I go back and remix it. This is a snap with the 4 track cassette master. Pop it in and remix. Is it the same deal with the Minidisc? So there are 1-8 indiviual tracks, that can be kept seperate created on a Minidisc, and you just store the raw tracks on the disc like a cassette? Thanks again for your help. DB
 
Yes, that's pretty much it,...

but the Minidisc multitrack recorder is more highly capable than the cassette, for all those things that makes digital,... digital.
 
So now I have a 4 track, an 8 Track standard, because I didn't know there was the upgrade version, A Fostex M-8 with no individual EQ and stinky reverb sound, a Rolland 16 track that has a learning curve like a major league pitcher would throw, and now I am intrigued by a 8 track Minidisc. When does it end? Well, it is a constructive hobby, and the recordings I have made have been well received by my friends and Business Associates. Who would of thought It would be possible to make 25 or 50 CD's of a recording in such an afforable manner at home. DB
 
It ends when the bank goes:...

Tilt! ............;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top