Topic: Digital upload from MD to PC - finally?

[stunt_show]

Hi there,

I know there is a raging debate (sort of) about people always asking if it is possible to upload digitally from MD to PC.

Please see:

http://www.xitel.com/product_mdpio.htm

Is this product (MD-Port I/O) the saviour? Has anyone had any experiences with it? From the product descrption, it is possible to transfer (in .WAV for example) from MD to PC.

The cost is about $70USD which is great - considering the only other previous options to digitally upload usually involved buying a MD deck with Optical Out and having a good soundcard, etc.

The only hesitancy I have about purchasing a MD Recorder is that it was (until now perhaps) not possible to digitally upload.

Please, someone with MD experience, is this the next big thing? If so, I am making a purchase of MD Recorder and this product ASAP!

Kind regards,

Adam

[Brian Skalinder]

If the MD in use doesn't have a digital output, then this box is just [1] receiving an analog output from MD, [2] doing the A>D conversion, and [3] sending the now-digital signal to your PC via USB:

MD analog out >
MD-Port analog in >
MD-Port AD conversion >
MD-Port USB out >
PC USB in

This isn't effecitvely any different from transferring MD > PC using a soundcard:

MD analog out >
Soundcard analog in >
Soundcard AD conversion >
PC

Bottom line:  if the MD doesn't output digitally, you can't avoid the analog stages when converting MD > PC, MD-Port or otherwise.

[stunt_show]

Brian,

Hi there - thanks for your reply.  As you can tell, I am still a newbie to the whole MD / Recording scene.

I just don't have the $$$ necessary to buy a DAT Recorder and then transfer the digital signal to computer then burn to CD-R without loss of quality or any compression of the sound.

It looks as though MD Recorder is the only option for me at the moment as I am still unsure of the Nomad Jukebox 3's capabilities and reliability.

Could you suggest any other setup (complete) that would allow me to get a digital copy of any live music I record to MD or other?  I have a budget of around $700-800 USD at the moment.  I would consider used items if necessary.

I am a complete newbie, needing stealth mics, recorder, headphones, etc...

Many thanks.

Adam

[Brian Skalinder]

If you really wanna go MD, you can always transfer MD analog out > PC soundcard analog in > PC.  Having the music to listen to - even if not converted ideally - is better than no music!

If you have $700-800, I'd pick up a JB3, personally.  ~$250 and transfer problem solved.

That leaves $550 for stealth mics!  Here's a recent thread on stealth mic recommendations:

http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?board=3;action=display;threadid=5923

I can't help much more on the stealth side as I mostly tape openly.  But read that thread and ask more questions - we have a good crew of stealthers here who will help out a lot.

[sexymexi]

i'd say screw that thing i mean its cool and all, but edirol makes the same thing the UA-1D, but this ones better cause it uses S/Pdif and optical ins and outs.  but i'd say just spend the extra money to get a UA-5 and you get the same thing, as well as a pre too.... and still i'd say its still impossible to transfer md>pc via USB, other than using a deck that has digital outs, and using a card, or pre like the ua5 and run digital in there, thats the only way that i see to digatally convert md to pc.  so good luck....

[1st set only]

buy a jb3 you wont be disapointed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RRobar]

Can't a decent used D8 DAT Deck and a decent set of core sounds be had for less than $800. And a Aopen or Zoltrix card for under $40. Seems like a better deal in the long run. Or like the others say get the JB3. I've seen 20 GB ones at Walmart of all places for $179. Search the archives for more Nomad info.

[sexymexi]

i'd say go jb3 as well, but i havn't used one, and i don't know enough about them, i've talked to a few people using them, but i don't know about uploading.  i know you can connect via USB, but can you download, and upload using USB, i think i heard you can via Firewire, if this is so, i'd say go for it, and use firewire...

[olyrc]

Keep an eye on ebay if you're going JB3 - Creative's ebay store sells factory refurbs for around $170-$180 for the 20gig model.

[Sean Gallemore]

AT831c = great stealth mics

even if you find a MD deck or portable with USB out capabilities, it won't transfer as fast as if you had a JB3 or other HD recorder with firewire/usb.

sorry for repeating whatr's already been said

[Stumptown Matt]

used MD home deck with digi out $100 off ebay
used hercules GT-XP soundcard $60 off ebay
This is all you need if your heart is set on MD