Topic: minidisc to sound board

[gustercc]

Okay,
So, I have a Sony {net md} MD-LP type -R w/ a mic input as well as an optical line-input.
I went to this gig to try and pull some music. I went up to the soundboard guy and asked him if I could plug into him.  Unfortunately, I didn't have the proper plugs. I felt like a fool and was utterly upset that I wasn't able to get a good copy of this concert. So, my question is, what  other lines should I have brought with me. If you guys could give me names/types to bring, it would be greatly appreciated. Anylinks where I could find this stuff would help too.
As you can tell, I really really new to this, I opted for the minidisc route as a first step.  I'd like to move to patching into someone next but I'd just like to get the basics down. A recommendation for a good mic set up would be greatly appreciated too. I only have about $2-300 to work with, or else I could be sleeping on the sofa, permanently.
thanks,
 
--Rich
gustercc@yahoo.com

[MattD]

On most MDs that I've seen, the line input is both optical and electrical (via 1/8" minijack). In that case, you should have 2 RCA>1/8", 2 1/4" TS>1/8", 2 XLR>1/8"

That should cover you on the great majority of boards out there, and will also help you with patching from some people.

*Edit* Jamie's right (see next post). I even bought a pair of these yesterday to go RCA>1/4" into my ULN-2.  

[jlykos]

As far as the 2 RCA > 1/8" and 2 1/4" > 1/8" goes, all you need is the 2 RCA > 1/8" and some gold RCA > 1/4" adaptor plugs found at Radio Shack.  Saves you from buying another pair of cables.

[creekfreak]

I would also recommend some RCA splitters. They are great for splitting a line out of the board and for some reason people always forget them, can make you real popular when you do have them.  

[Nick in Edinboro]

I'm not sure where to get them, or if they're even made that much but I had a XLR > 1/8" 10 foot cable that came with my AT822 (not a bad beginner mic IMHO either!).

It was XLR > stereo 1/8" so you don't need 2 XLR > 1/4" > 1/8".  It came in handy for all those boards who run a mono mix, it allowed me to grab the other channel (usually the right for some reason) really easily and it seemed (to these bad ears) to sound much better then grabbing say the headphone out or something like that.  You might need an attenuator to bring the levels down to something your MD can handle though (like the Shure A15AS, see yard sale </blatent ad>).

Patching might come easy with some of these new units that have opticals out (which are rarely used).  If you don't have one already I'd recommend getting an optical cable too!

[Sean Gallemore]

yeah, don't do the headphone out thing.  I did that on my second recording attempt (never patched before) and it was bad.  Of course the sound guy didn't know what the hell he was doing.  But the heaphone will be a 1/4" so go with the RCAs>1/8", less bulky

[K-dub]

I have a CO2 A/D converter if you your interested, (this can take a digi patch from (board, dat) and convert to optical for input to yur MD. I also have a 3 ft optical monster cable i will sell with it CO2 $75 new Cable $40 new I'll sell ya both for $80 I've only use each about 10 times. Recently upgraded to an M1 (DAT) and have no use for these anymore.

if interested e-mail me
taper@forbins.com

[MattD]

Just to correct, the CO2 is not an A/D converter. It's a format converter from coaxial SPDIF to optical SPDIF.

[Stumptown Matt]

Also most boards will NOT have a digital output, but a format converter will help you get a patch from someone who is already patched out of the board with a DAT deck or is running a rig.