Topic: Sony Minidisc Questions

[Patrick]

I have a recording rig that, sadly it seems, is based around a Sony NETMD Walkman.  I have used this thing for about 1 1/2 years now, and never have had any major problems with the sound.  

I know all of the tech heads around here are going to be all like, "My god, what is he doing?," but I am still in high school, and haven't the money for any kind of DAT or digital based recording rig.  

Right now, I have my Nakimachi mics running into a Rat Shack 4 channel mixer (powered by 9volt battery) and straight into my MD's analog in.

So my question is:

How can I improve my rig?  Is there any special way to make Minidiscs sound better?  Do you have to compensate with better placement?  Or Mics?

Also, what about my mixer.  Is that really helping out things right now?

Any help will be so greatly appreciated.  As you can see, I am a definite newbie, and thought I would turn to the "professionals" here at Taperssection.com!

Thanks alot!

-Patrick

[Sean Gallemore]

a harddrive based wav recorder such as the Nomad JB3 would be an improvement over ATRAC compression.  Also, the New HiMD recorders will be coming out soon.  They record wav as well.

[Patrick]

I mainly use the SP setting.  Sometimes I will use LP2, but mainly I stick with Stereo.  

I have the Net MD Walkman, from Sony.  
<http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=WltLx7fPGolL7vds7btBzPjDb7g3x3dZ5Zo=?ProductSKU=MZN420DKIT>

Yes, the Naks are powered internally, but I used to use (and still use sometimes) an Audio Technica COndenser.  For some reason, even though this mic was powered, it wasn't getting very good levels when plugged right into the MD.  So, I really just kept the mixer in my signal chain because, well, maybe I don't know why!

I'll try to play around with getting a good level from the Naks, and see what happens.  I'm going to tape this weekend, so maybe that go smoothly.  I can kinda experiment with placement and such then as well.

Thanks alot for all the help!

[Patrick]

I'm sorry.  I can't find a site with my deck on it.  Mine does have a line in jack on it.  It is 1/8"

My Naks are 3 CM300's with the Omni and Card caps on them.  I would be more willing to sell my left arm then these mics.  So, send me your best offer!!!!!!
Sorry about the link, too.

[Zaphod]

You should consider getting a nice preamp. That will improve your sound.

[mterry]

I had to use my MD for the 1st time in like a year tonight.....i forgot how simple it was to plug into the board and walk away......haha


so that was way off subject....