Topic: new Sony MD deck in the works...very taper friendly

[Nick's Picks]

http://forums.minidisc.org/index.php?showtopic=14640

looks nice.  will be super small, and proabably a slick stealth deck.
I bet a pair of dpa's into one of these will produce some great results.

[Nick's Picks]

i know...
they are on the ball!


still, looks good. 

[gl0bber]

Looks good and it only took them 10 years to include a stereo level monitor.

At least they worked as advertised.

[nameloc01]

i was going to upgrade  from my current unit,i'll think i'll wait a little bit longer to pick up one of the new(er) himds.

[Krispy D]

so, sorry for being so far out of the loop but, do these Hi MD recorders record without the ATRAC compression?

[Aaron41]

This looks nice. If the price is right, I might grab one especially for venues with harsh security.

[Krispy D]

so, sorry for being so far out of the loop but, do these Hi MD recorders record without the ATRAC compression?

All HiMD can record in pcm wav format

schweeeet.

[cpatch]

Interesting. Some specs pulled off the German site that it originally turned up on (http://www.mp3-player.de/artikel.php?ArtNr=3057):

- Will start shipping in June
- USB 2.0
- Mac compatibility
- Full aluminum housing
- OLED display with clock
- 6-band equalizer
- Various editing functions
- ID3 tag support
- Adjustable microphone sensitivity
- Conversion of ATRAC to WAV format for unrestricted use on PC and Mac

- 3.5 mm headphone
- 3.5 mm line in
- 3.5 mm mic in
- 3.5 mm digital in

- LCD remote (1 line display)
- 350 euros

Also, check out the comments at http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/09/minidisc-lives-hi-md-mz-rh1-said-to-be-coming-soon

Craig

[Aaron41]

Interesting. Some specs pulled off the German site that it originally turned up on (http://www.mp3-player.de/artikel.php?ArtNr=3057):

- Will start shipping in June
- USB 2.0
- Mac compatibility
- Full aluminum housing
- OLED display with clock
- 6-band equalizer
- Various editing functions
- ID3 tag support
- Adjustable microphone sensitivity
- Conversion of ATRAC to WAV format for unrestricted use on PC and Mac

- 3.5 mm headphone
- 3.5 mm line in
- 3.5 mm mic in
- 3.5 mm digital in

- LCD remote (1 line display)
- 350 euros

Craig

That converts to about $415. That Edirol R-09 is going to smoke this.

[cpatch]

That converts to about $415. That Edirol R-09 is going to smoke this.

Maybe, but not because of price...US price is supposed to be $275-$325 according to the article.

Craig

[nameloc01]

i believe these new models also will keep a manual recoding setting unlike the other sony hi-mds.on mine everytime you stop recording or flip discs,you have to go into the menu and switch settings to manual to adjust levels which is a real pain in the ass.otherwise by default is goes to automatic level adjustment which seemingly never works.

[itook2much]

It looks nice, but I don't know that it's worth upgrading from the NH1 I have already.  The fix to avoid resetting manual levels will be nice...if they can produce a 2GB HiMD disc to go along with it would be great.

[nameloc01]

...if they can produce a 2GB HiMD disc to go along with it would be great.

yes,that would be great news.3 hours of linear recording on one disc

[Colin Liston]

- 3.5 mm digital in

Digital In?!    A SONY deck with digi in...has hell frozen over?

How many pins can you get in 3.5mm?

[JasonSobel]

- 3.5 mm digital in

Digital In?!    A SONY deck with digi in...has hell frozen over?

How many pins can you get in 3.5mm?

I'm sure it'll be mini-toslink (optical) input.  the real problem with these is that even with PCM recording, you're still probably limited to 16 bit...

[gl0bber]

- 3.5 mm digital in

Digital In?!    A SONY deck with digi in...has hell frozen over?

How many pins can you get in 3.5mm?

I'm sure it'll be mini-toslink (optical) input.  the real problem with these is that even with PCM recording, you're still probably limited to 16 bit...

PCM is 16, ATRAC was always 20...

[corsair]

If Sony can produce Hi-MD discs that are at least 2-4 GB in size.
I'm game, but then again....
sony has lost the plot. The future is solid state.

[gl0bber]

The future is solid state.

   Isn't that what they said back in the 60s?

[dunebug81]

MDs have (for the most part) always had optical in. 

I believe all HIMDs have had stereo level meters.  Ive got the MZ-NH10 about a year ago and it had has it. 

Sony has a 2GB disc in the works but who knows when it will come out. 

DPA 4060 > MMA600 > MZ-RH10 sounds like this and this

If it will take a AA battery on the side then im game.  I dig the OLED of my current unit but its REALLY bright and would like to have something that is a tad darker and from the pic it looks like it is.

Looking at the picture it looks like the display is on the top side of the unit which will be nice...you can just look down into your pocket and check your levels with out having to take out. 

The lack of usb 2.0 is my only complaint about the model ive got now but according to the spec page it will support it.  I dont know what the read speeds are on the MD but its got to be faster then 11mb a sec...it takes damn near forever to upload a show in PCM.

[Nick's Picks]

i know that they all had stereo meeters, but these are LEDs and not LCD.  that is a nice difference.  and the orientation of them, as you pointed out, will certainly be handy.

[tooldvn]

Also, check out the comments at http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/09/minidisc-lives-hi-md-mz-rh1-said-to-be-coming-soon

omfg!  hahaha.... a comment from that site:

"13. I love minidiscs for recording live music. I don't think even an iPod with a mic adapter could record at the same quality level as a MiniDisc. I don't like proprietary Sony formats, so screw this. I just want something that will record music as an MP3 and can be transferred for editing to my Mac drag and drop style. So my iPod may get the job even though I'm sure a minidisc would sound better.

Lose the proprietary format, add drag and drop format, and I'd buy one of these in a heartbeat.

Posted at 5:43PM on Mar 9th 2006 by Reynor Padilla"

Oh man... that one line is a classic "I don't think even an iPod with a mic adapter could record at the same quality level as a MiniDisc"

-dvn

[Nick's Picks]

that one line is probably true.  MD "preamps" have allways sounded pretty good comparred to things like Jb3.  I dont know that the Ipods amplification on a line or mic signal is anything special.

[dunebug81]

i know that they all had stereo meeters, but these are LEDs and not LCD.  that is a nice difference.  and the orientation of them, as you pointed out, will certainly be handy.

Why would LCD be better then OLED?  Doesnt the LCD need a light source (either front or back) where and LED would not?

[Nick's Picks]

just my preference.  i like nice lights.

[dunebug81]

just my preference.  i like nice lights.

LOL, either way is fine by me just as long as I dont need to hold my cellphone up to my MD ill be happy.

[tooldvn]

that one line is probably true.  MD "preamps" have allways sounded pretty good comparred to things like Jb3.  I dont know that the Ipods amplification on a line or mic signal is anything special.

Oh I know its true, but the fact that he even regards the ipod as a good live recording device is what cracks me up.   Not quite as disparate, but that would be like saying "I don't think even an D8 with a mic adapter could record at the same quality level as a 744T."  While it would be true, the fact that I would put up a D8 in high regards next to a 744t would be laughable.  ;-)

-dvn

[tod3sschu3tze]

damn, this thing looks sexy, but i doubt that it could beat my iRiver H120

[BayTaynt3d]

Aren't LEDs response times WAY FASTER than LCD? That is a nice thing, and basically why I run an SVU off my JB3.

[Nick's Picks]

you mean "led faster than lcd"...
too much lsd?

[BayTaynt3d]

you mean "led faster than lcd"...
too much lsd?

Uh, yeah. LOL! +T for being funny...

[mrsoul]

I will vouch for that OLED screen on the RH10.  It's one of the best things Sony has done for MD since going PCM and upload functionality.  I have had several MDs and also have a RH910 with my RH10. 

I will probably go for the RH1 but will keep my RH910 since you can read the LCD in the daylight which is much easier to read in daylight than the OLED but in the dark the OLED is da bomb.   

But, on the other hand, I do have a 3 line remote RMC 40ELK that displays dual channel record meters when in record mode.  Maybe I should just keep that to use with the RH10 in the daylight, yeah, yeah that's the ticket!!!  OLED rocks!

[mrsoul]

Here's the European press release: 

http://tinyurl.com/nhqyy
1.  Looks like it might be a Lithium Ion battery    (info from Japanese press release,  costly and no way to add an AA attachment)
2.  Will be MAC and PC compatible
3.  Will record and upload in Hi-MD and legacy MD (yes, if I am understanding correctly, you should be able to upload old MDs to the PC digitally with this new model)
4.  Mp3 native playback
5.  All metal body
6.  Includes a normalizer (not sure if this is software or hardware)

[Nick's Picks]

from that press release: “Hi-MD is light years ahead of alternative formatting technologies such as HDD and Flash, making the MZ-RH1 the clear choice for professionals and music fans alike” – Yoshiaki Kadokura (Vice President, Personal Audio Europe, Sony)
 

[dunebug81]

Here's the European press release: 

http://tinyurl.com/nhqyy
1.  Looks like it might be a Lithium Ion battery    (info from Japanese press release,  costly and no way to add an AA attachment)
2.  Will be MAC and PC compatible
3.  Will record and upload in Hi-MD and legacy MD (yes, if I am understanding correctly, you should be able to upload old MDs to the PC digitally with this new model)
4.  Mp3 native playback
5.  All metal body
6.  Includes a normalizer (not sure if this is software or hardware)

If the LI-IO battery will record in pcm for 3+ hours then that will be awesome.  I wonder if it will be removable??

Im very excited to hear that Ill be able to upload all my legacy MDs...Ive been wanting to transfer them for a while now and no real efficient way to do it. 

[Nick's Picks]

you could always buy a MD deck on ebay.  one of the full boat shelf models.  i'm sure you could get one cheap.  that is how I used to transfer mine when I was the big MD fluffer.

[dunebug81]

you could always buy a MD deck on ebay.  one of the full boat shelf models.  i'm sure you could get one cheap.  that is how I used to transfer mine when I was the big MD fluffer.

Ive got one of those...but the transfer is still realtime.  If the new HIMD supports USB2.0 it should upload a 275mb disc in less then 10 min.

[mrsoul]

from that press release: “Hi-MD is light years ahead of alternative formatting technologies such as HDD and Flash, making the MZ-RH1 the clear choice for professionals and music fans alike” – Yoshiaki Kadokura (Vice President, Personal Audio Europe, Sony)
 

Yeah, I know.  Even as a big MD fluffhead, I did cringe just a little 

[mrsoul]

Here's the full discussion with much better pictures over at http://forums.minidisc.org/index.php?showtopic=14814

I think the Lithium Ion will be removable (and you can even buy more from Sony ) just like the 1st Gen NH1 Hi-MD. 

I really like the option of 2 different displays for recording meters.  See below.

[dunebug81]

Wow...I cannot wait for this thing to come out!  Full USB 2.0 (which I dont see how that is possible), uploading of all my old SP recording to the computer, AND a nice new display. 

Only sucky thing I can see is that it doesnt have an external battery   However it does claim that a PCM recording will go for 6 hours on a fully charged battery.  Even if I have to buy another battery for festivals and the like.

[mrsoul]

eBay is sporting those Lithium Ions from China for under $20 after shipping.  I will definitely have 2 of them.

eBay Lithium Ion batteries query

[dunebug81]

eBay is sporting those Lithium Ions from China for under $20 after shipping.  I will definitely have 2 of them.

eBay Lithium Ion batteries query

Think its wise to buy one off ebay...looks like they are all coming from China.  www.minidisco.com has it for $60 + shipping which is pretty steep.  Perhaps sony direct has them for less.

*edit*

All those guys on ebay have a pretty high feedback so I guess I shouldnt worry too much even still...Id rather find it local and pay a few bux more

[mrsoul]

Check out this new pictorial from the MD Netherlands rep. 

He's got one of these for a few weeks and does initially report a much faster connection between the PC and MD, twice as fast as the 2nd Generation Hi-MDs.  Yes, it is a Lithium Ion battery.  But, that supposedly will allow for a real "line out" functionality instead of just turning off the EQ and maxing the volume like the Nh900 (1st Gen). 

New RH1 pictorial

[dunebug81]

Check out this new pictorial from the MD Netherlands rep. 

He's got one of these for a few weeks and does initially report a much faster connection between the PC and MD, twice as fast as the 2nd Generation Hi-MDs.  Yes, it is a Lithium Ion battery.  But, that supposedly will allow for a real "line out" functionality instead of just turning off the EQ and maxing the volume like the Nh900 (1st Gen). 

New RH1 pictorial

Nice!  I didnt see an input for a wall charger...say it aint so!

[mrsoul]

"charging is always done via the USB port (the AC-adapter has an USB port to put in the USB-cable). So the RH1 simply starts charging when 5 volt is applied to the USB port (via USB port or AC-adapter)."

That's the reply posted over at MDCF to your question (I see you posted there too  ) Just wanted to make sure this thread got the updated info. 

That actually makes sense, can't you just get a USB power source and let it roll?

[dunebug81]

Connecting it to the computer is fine but the RH10 takes almost 3 times as long to charge then using a wall charger...which is why I ask.  Normally I just leave it connected to the computer after uploading from the MD to the PC.

[tod3sschu3tze]

there are several nice features, which make that drive VERY interesting (from http://www.mdcenter.nl/redirect.php?file=http://www.mdcenter.nl/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2084):

d) the RH1 remembers live-recording settings. E.g. when you change the recording level from AGC to manual it will remember it even after changing discs or turning the walkman off. The only time when the settings are lost is when removing/disconnecting the Li-ION battery.

e) during a recording you can adjust the mic-sensitivity and recording-level on the fly without interrupting recording.

k) releasedate in the EU: 3th week of may.

damn!! i love my iRiver H120, but this drive may be better for stealthing because of its small and slim case.

[dunebug81]

a) Data transfer speed: when transferring a 135 MB file to the RH10 and RH1 the RH1 took about 136 seconds and the RH10 277. Conclusion: transferring data via Windows explorer is about 2x faster than with a 2nd generation Hi-MD.

I wonder what the specs of the computer he was using were.  Moving data to the drive is different then uploading it to the pc via sonic stage.  I hope these guys test out that speed as I think it will be much slower then just a simple file transfer...altho reading to a disc is faster then writing to it so perhaps it will be just as fast.

[tod3sschu3tze]

yeah you are right, we will see whats possible after the release

[taper420]

This truly is an epic release for the minidisc format. Especially for people like me who have 100's of legacy md's with no easy way of getting them onto the computer. The big issue I see with this unit is the removal of the AA sidecar battery in exchange for analog line-out function. This seems strange since this unit is aimed at the taping community. 6 hours of PCM recording on the lithium ion seems ok for a concert. But expand that into a full festival. Is two really enough... three...? And remember you can't change the battery mid-set now. Do you really want to have to worry about finding your car and recharging for the next day..waking up changing batteries...waking up changing again... how many do you think you can charge overnight? The only option here seems to be an external USB supply with it's own battery level meter. A mighty big solution for what was such a small recorder. And all to do the same job a sidecar and a AA lithium could have done. As a long time minidisc user I think Sony really let it slip with that....but I'm carrying a bunch of shit anyway....what's an extra USB power supply.

[Popmarter]

two things:

- does it have a hold ? (and what kind(pressing for s few secs?)\

- does it have levels on the remote?

if not...there is always the Iriver 120 

[mrsoul]

The only option here seems to be an external USB supply with it's own battery level meter. A mighty big solution for what was such a small recorder. And all to do the same job a sidecar and a AA lithium could have done. As a long time minidisc user I think Sony really let it slip with that....but I'm carrying a bunch of shit anyway....what's an extra USB power supply.

I have seen those USB power supplies for under $10.  Just stick 4 AA's in that and it should be fine.  The question I want to test: will it power the unit with just the USB power supply or will it only charge the battery?  My guess is both: power and/or charge.

You would really only need that for long recording ventures: Christmas Jam, festivals,etc.  But, then again, an extra lithium battery can be had for less than $20 off ebay.  I will probably just get 2 batteries and see how far I can go on that setup with my RH10 with NiMh as the backup. 

two things:

- does it have a hold ? (and what kind(pressing for s few secs?)\

- does it have levels on the remote?

Almost every MD unit has a hold button, will check on that for the RH1.  I have the RM-MC40ELK three line remote and it does show both channel's recording meters and I can adjust using the remote.  It is fully functional with the new unit and all Hi-MD units.  You can't intiate recording with it but you can take it out of Rec-Pause,etc.  That remote usually runs @$70-80. 

Any LCD MD remote will show you recording levels (not meters) and you can adjust.  You can get a LCD remote off ebay for less than $20.

[Nick's Picks]

yes, i saw the old button in one of the pictures

[MoFo2]

I am opting for a R09, but if this can do lossless (16/44) without having to swap discs...

[mrsoul]

The MDCF site is now confirming the HOLD button has moved to the bottom of the unit.  Nice to know it's still around!

MDCF cofirmation reply post

I prefer to set my levels and then just put it on HOLD until the set or disc is complete.  No need to worry about accidently pushing the wrong button while recording.  The HOLD is a must as most of us know. 

[dunebug81]

Im not really seeing the 6hour recording limit as too much of a problem.  How many festivals are you going to record in one yet?  2 maybe 3?  Heck for another $20-$30 you can pick up an extra battery off ebay so surely that would be enough.  Even with multiday festivals you still go home that night and can recharge the battery or at the very least charge it in your car if you don't go home.

[wedraper]

is there even talk anywhere about making 2gb mds or larger?  is that even possible with the current technology?

wed

[dunebug81]

is there even talk anywhere about making 2gb mds or larger?  is that even possible with the current technology?

wed

Ive seen a picture of a 2GB disc but nothing else.  I would gladly pay more for a 2GB disc as that pretty much would eliminate any need for disc swapping.  I could also tape the openers and headliner in pcm all on one disc.

[itook2much]

I've seen a pic as well, but always thought it just may be a little Photoshopped wishful thinking

[mrsoul]

If I remember correctly, being compatible with legacy MD formats has prevented going over the 1Gb disc limit?  Maybe the next generation/model will strictly be a Hi-MD unit and offer larger disc sizes.

[nameloc01]

is there even talk anywhere about making 2gb mds or larger?  is that even possible with the current technology?

wed

Ive seen a picture of a 2GB disc but nothing else.  I would gladly pay more for a 2GB disc as that pretty much would eliminate any need for disc swapping.  I could also tape the openers and headliner in pcm all on one disc.

the 2 gb disc would be the cats ass.

[Nick's Picks]

yup, it sure would.
but then again, for the price ...are you really that far off w/a MT and a 2gb card?, or a microdrive?

[chong138]

yup, it sure would.
but then again, for the price ...are you really that far off w/a MT and a 2gb card?, or a microdrive?

I don't own one so I can't say for sure, but after reading about all the problems everyone has with their MT...I'd never buy one.  A 2 GB MD would be the answer to all my problems. 

[nameloc01]

yup, it sure would.
but then again, for the price ...are you really that far off w/a MT and a 2gb card?, or a microdrive?

hmm.not sure. i personally am a fan of the md.
anyways...one thing i'd thought i'd let everyone in on.(if everyone didnt already know except me) i just happen to be in radio shack this past weekend re: my wifes cell phone and happen to ask if they could order 1 gb himd discs)wondering if they were any cheaper than minidisco-where i usually order from) he said to my surprise... well we dont carry them in stock in this store but other "higher volume" stores carry them..like euclid(which is like 5 minutes from my house) i went to the other store and beholf a big old pile of them(still sonys) for only .05 more cents than minidisco,but cheaper if you would add shipping to the online order.they are also in a different casing..its more like a mini- cassette case.the mds themselves are from australia and are all black unlike minidiscos japanese colored versions.
-i thought someone may benefit from this.

[dunebug81]

yup, it sure would.
but then again, for the price ...are you really that far off w/a MT and a 2gb card?, or a microdrive?

hmm.not sure. i personally am a fan of the md.
anyways...one thing i'd thought i'd let everyone in on.(if everyone didnt already know except me) i just happen to be in radio shack this past weekend re: my wifes cell phone and happen to ask if they could order 1 gb himd discs)wondering if they were any cheaper than minidisco-where i usually order from) he said to my surprise... well we dont carry them in stock in this store but other "higher volume" stores carry them..like euclid(which is like 5 minutes from my house) i went to the other store and beholf a big old pile of them(still sonys) for only .05 more cents than minidisco,but cheaper if you would add shipping to the online order.they are also in a different casing..its more like a mini- cassette case.the mds themselves are from australia and are all black unlike minidiscos japanese colored versions.
-i thought someone may benefit from this.

Woah, thats still $7.00 or so a disc?  Call Tape Warehouse at 800-659-8273 and order discs from them.  They sell them for $4.67.  Shipping will only be a few bux and if youre not in Georgia then you don't have to pay sales tax.  I live about 20 min away from them and usually buy 10 discs every other weekend for just under $50.00 including tax. 

They usually stock about 20 discs or so at a time so if you want more then will have to do a special order.  If anyone wants to go in on an order of 100 ill take 50.  Orders of 100 or more are $0.10 off per disc.  www.tapewarehouse.com > click shop > digital audio > minidisc audio > 3rd or 4th item down.

Id never buy a microtrack as its not nearly as useful to me as a minidisc plus I like having the original recording on a disc for back up.  Not to mention it doubles as my MP3 player when im at work.

[Nick's Picks]

well, wouldnt an MT do all of that as well?
plus give you longer record time and 24bit ?

[Genghis Cougar Mellen Khan]

yup, it sure would.
but then again, for the price ...are you really that far off w/a MT and a 2gb card?, or a microdrive?

Half the size of an R1 or MT, hard copy of the master, it's a different toy.  You may be limited to 16 bit PCM, but you can rewrite on discs, a 1GB disc for $5-$7 is much cheaper than CF memory.  It'll probably sell for $100+ less than a R1 or MT unit and that's before buying the required memory @ $75-$100 a gig.  For a beginner or somone on a tight budget that additional $175+ someone could buy some decent budget mics.  Reliability could also be factored in, no firmware updates...

I've considered a Hi-MD for backup purposes as opposed to rolling tape, worse case scenario I'd have a 44/16 bit copy on discs I could re-use if there was no need for the backup.    

[nameloc01]

yup, it sure would.
but then again, for the price ...are you really that far off w/a MT and a 2gb card?, or a microdrive?

hmm.not sure. i personally am a fan of the md.
anyways...one thing i'd thought i'd let everyone in on.(if everyone didnt already know except me) i just happen to be in radio shack this past weekend re: my wifes cell phone and happen to ask if they could order 1 gb himd discs)wondering if they were any cheaper than minidisco-where i usually order from) he said to my surprise... well we dont carry them in stock in this store but other "higher volume" stores carry them..like euclid(which is like 5 minutes from my house) i went to the other store and beholf a big old pile of them(still sonys) for only .05 more cents than minidisco,but cheaper if you would add shipping to the online order.they are also in a different casing..its more like a mini- cassette case.the mds themselves are from australia and are all black unlike minidiscos japanese colored versions.
-i thought someone may benefit from this.

Woah, thats still $7.00 or so a disc?  Call Tape Warehouse at 800-659-8273 and order discs from them.  They sell them for $4.67.  Shipping will only be a few bux and if youre not in Georgia then you don't have to pay sales tax.  I live about 20 min away from them and usually buy 10 discs every other weekend for just under $50.00 including tax. 

They usually stock about 20 discs or so at a time so if you want more then will have to do a special order.  If anyone wants to go in on an order of 100 ill take 50.  Orders of 100 or more are $0.10 off per disc.  www.tapewarehouse.com > click shop > digital audio > minidisc audio > 3rd or 4th item down.

Id never buy a microtrack as its not nearly as useful to me as a minidisc plus I like having the original recording on a disc for back up.  Not to mention it doubles as my MP3 player when im at work.

boy,i feel like a big arsehole for paying almost$ 7.00.i will definitely be calling them soon.

[mrsoul]

Looks like all SP original recordings are "uploadable" using the RH1, including optical and analog source SP, SP mono, LP, and LP4 bitrates.

See the image below (this was taken from the MDCF forum post by the MDFreak in the Netherlands who has an RH1 to play with from Sony for a few weeks.)  Very nice to see it can happen. 

I am so excited about this that I am taking my trusty MZ-S1 unit with me to the Wanee again this year since I will later have the ability to digitally upload anything it captures down there.  I usually keep my RH10 and RH910 in tandem so I always have 180+ minutes of PCM recording available.  The MZ-S1 will be at the other stage with my buddy and hopefully we can find a good patch output for it. 

This is really good news and great confirmation. 

[bgalizio]

Interesting. I have a few MD masters that could use retransferring (analog transfer, since no one near me had a deck with optical out). Hopefully some nice soul will get one of these and help me with a retransfer.

[tod3sschu3tze]

looks good, the device becomes more and more interesting

[taper420]

The 2GB disc everyone has seen is indeed wishfull thinking and a photoshop mockup...it is my understanding that with the current laser they use it would not be possible to make it 2GB ... they already did something with the HiMD technology that makes the data smaller than can be read by the laser... and an additional layer acts as a sort of interpreter. This let them double the capacity of the legacy MD's and enabled the development of the 1gb which if you know anything about the technology is a miraculous feat. For 2gb the discs would have to be bigger or use the same laser wavelength as DVD, both of which would offer no legacy support.. so in fact this would be nothing more than a new format. It sucks I know...the one thing we can hope sony will do is include a buffer and support for swapping discs with continuous recording. The discs already record from a buffer (I think it might be as much as 30 seconds) so this isn't realy just wishfull daydreaming...and with the release of the RH1 it's looking like sony might actually be starting to listen to it's consumers after so long....maybe we'll see the swapability with the RH2.

[gngrbrdman13]

from that press release: “Hi-MD is light years ahead of alternative formatting technologies such as HDD and Flash, making the MZ-RH1 the clear choice for professionals and music fans alike” – Yoshiaki Kadokura (Vice President, Personal Audio Europe, Sony)
 

Yeah, I know.  Even as a big MD fluffhead, I did cringe just a little 

nuttin' wrong w/a little fluff

[dunebug81]

The 2GB disc everyone has seen is indeed wishfull thinking and a photoshop mockup...it is my understanding that with the current laser they use it would not be possible to make it 2GB ... they already did something with the HiMD technology that makes the data smaller than can be read by the laser... and an additional layer acts as a sort of interpreter. This let them double the capacity of the legacy MD's and enabled the development of the 1gb which if you know anything about the technology is a miraculous feat. For 2gb the discs would have to be bigger or use the same laser wavelength as DVD, both of which would offer no legacy support.. so in fact this would be nothing more than a new format. It sucks I know...the one thing we can hope sony will do is include a buffer and support for swapping discs with continuous recording. The discs already record from a buffer (I think it might be as much as 30 seconds) so this isn't realy just wishfull daydreaming...and with the release of the RH1 it's looking like sony might actually be starting to listen to it's consumers after so long....maybe we'll see the swapability with the RH2.

While 2GB discs may not be physically possible perhaps they could develop an ATRAC lossless..or something...and the would expand disc capacity.  Even if it was only a jump up to 120-125 min that would be perfect for almost any show.

[flintstone]

dunebug81 wrote "...perhaps they could develop an ATRAC lossless..."

Sony has recently included "advanced lossless ATRAC" in its discussion of ATRAC format, (for example, see http://www.sony.net/Products/ATRAC3/tech/aal.html ) so it's possible that this format could be implemented in a Hi-MD machine. 

I think lossless compression is the first step in the ATRAC process.  So it should require only a change to the Hi-MD firmware to save the lossless compressed version to the Hi-MD minidisc.

Flintstone

[taper420]

Atrac-lossless has indeed already been implemented since sonicstage 3.3 where it was pretty much useless and with many  restrictions being lifted in 3.4 (the current version) this format may actually serve as a legit archival option (I would still use flac)... Sony has been getting their act together with the software as well it seems... but all the current testing on the new unit hasn't reported anything about atrac-lossless being used on the recorder.... it remains as an option only when managing your music on your computer.... but there is certainly hope for the future...there probably just holding off for marketing....but as of right now as an archival format it does not offer as much freedom as flac does...there seems to be an issue with encoding lossy files from it...which isn't that big a deal, but still....anyway, atrac-lossless may have a future if they put it in the recorders, but right now its not much

[robin0112358]

While 2GB discs may not be physically possible perhaps they could develop an ATRAC lossless..or something...and the would expand disc capacity.  Even if it was only a jump up to 120-125 min that would be perfect for almost any show.

As others note: ATRAC lossless exists. But anyway, you can get many hours on one disk at the next-to-perfect setting and I'm not sure why you'd need better than that for taping a live show.

I continue to cover MD issues at my site, and have an update on this new model here.

[dunebug81]

While 2GB discs may not be physically possible perhaps they could develop an ATRAC lossless..or something...and the would expand disc capacity.  Even if it was only a jump up to 120-125 min that would be perfect for almost any show.

As others note: ATRAC lossless exists. But anyway, you can get many hours on one disk at the next-to-perfect setting and I'm not sure why you'd need better than that for taping a live show.

I continue to cover MD issues at my site, and have an update on this new model here.

I know it exists..I ment developed for a recording setting not just a setting in Sonic Stage. 

The reason I want to use PCM rather then HI-SP is because I typically am right up front in front of a speaker and the bass is booming.  The PCM will handle in the most insane bass levels where the HI-SP doesn't.  Ive tested this at a show where I did half a set in PCM and the other half in HI-SP and the PCM has much better low end.

I'm referring to bass at an arena show such as NIN during "Burn" "The Line Beings To Blur" "Reptile" songs which are pretty bass heavy.

[robin0112358]

The reason I want to use PCM rather then HI-SP is because I typically am right up front in front of a speaker and the bass is booming.  The PCM will handle in the most insane bass levels where the HI-SP doesn't.  Ive tested this at a show where I did half a set in PCM and the other half in HI-SP and the PCM has much better low end.

Interesting. I would have definitely assumed that the pre-amp or even mic would bottom-out before the encoding. Perhaps though you are using an external pre?

In any case, I cannot argue with your experience and it is indeed informative to know this can be a problem.

[dunebug81]

The reason I want to use PCM rather then HI-SP is because I typically am right up front in front of a speaker and the bass is booming.  The PCM will handle in the most insane bass levels where the HI-SP doesn't.  Ive tested this at a show where I did half a set in PCM and the other half in HI-SP and the PCM has much better low end.

Interesting. I would have definitely assumed that the pre-amp or even mic would bottom-out before the encoding. Perhaps though you are using an external pre?

In any case, I cannot argue with your experience and it is indeed informative to know this can be a problem.

Im running DPA4061s > MMA6000 > MD.  Even when I was using my CSBs I would notice the difference in the low end.  For most shows I have no problems running in HI-SP.  Its great for festivals and other all day events to get almost 9 hours on a single 1GB disc.  Typically Ill tape in HISP for the openers and PCM for the headliner unless its someone I really like opening or Im out of 1GB discs and will stand a little farther back and run in HISP.

Of course it could just be in my head in which case just ignore me

[Laurent]

Any idea about when does this unit come out?

[stober]

its allready out

[Laurent]

its allready out

Well, sorry, I am confused here...
I have first been told that SONY-MZ-RH1 was expected to be available on the 3rd week of may (this week). But looking at SP site they are still in pre-order mode, expecting to send them in june and someone even told me that they won't be there before july Available? Or not?

[Genghis Cougar Mellen Khan]

its allready out

Well, sorry, I am confused here...
I have first been told that SONY-MZ-RH1 was expected to be available on the 3rd week of may (this week). But looking at SP site they are still in pre-order mode, expecting to send them in june and someone even told me that they won't be there before july Available? Or not?

These guys would probably know: http://minidisco.com/ 1-877-MD-ROBOT, either that or call SP.

[gngrbrdman13]

While 2GB discs may not be physically possible perhaps they could develop an ATRAC lossless..or something...and the would expand disc capacity.  Even if it was only a jump up to 120-125 min that would be perfect for almost any show.

As others note: ATRAC lossless exists. But anyway, you can get many hours on one disk at the next-to-perfect setting and I'm not sure why you'd need better than that for taping a live show.

I continue to cover MD issues at my site, and have an update on this new model here.

I know it exists..I ment developed for a recording setting not just a setting in Sonic Stage. 

The reason I want to use PCM rather then HI-SP is because I typically am right up front in front of a speaker and the bass is booming.  The PCM will handle in the most insane bass levels where the HI-SP doesn't.  Ive tested this at a show where I did half a set in PCM and the other half in HI-SP and the PCM has much better low end.

I'm referring to bass at an arena show such as NIN during "Burn" "The Line Beings To Blur" "Reptile" songs which are pretty bass heavy.

Wouldnt a pair of higher quality mics solve this problem?  maybe some cardiods?

[dunebug81]

While 2GB discs may not be physically possible perhaps they could develop an ATRAC lossless..or something...and the would expand disc capacity.  Even if it was only a jump up to 120-125 min that would be perfect for almost any show.

As others note: ATRAC lossless exists. But anyway, you can get many hours on one disk at the next-to-perfect setting and I'm not sure why you'd need better than that for taping a live show.

I continue to cover MD issues at my site, and have an update on this new model here.

I know it exists..I ment developed for a recording setting not just a setting in Sonic Stage. 

The reason I want to use PCM rather then HI-SP is because I typically am right up front in front of a speaker and the bass is booming.  The PCM will handle in the most insane bass levels where the HI-SP doesn't.  Ive tested this at a show where I did half a set in PCM and the other half in HI-SP and the PCM has much better low end.

I'm referring to bass at an arena show such as NIN during "Burn" "The Line Beings To Blur" "Reptile" songs which are pretty bass heavy.

Wouldnt a pair of higher quality mics solve this problem?  maybe some cardiods?

Ive got DPA4061s w/ the MMA6000 I would think those are good enough for just about anything.  I could pick up something in the cardiods flavor but I like the way the 4061s sound and spent so much money on something that I dont use a whole lot that I cant really justify spending a few hundred more another another type of mic.

[itook2much]

Wouldnt a pair of higher quality mics Schoeps solve this problem?  maybe some cardiods with an NBox?

I corrected for what you meant to say

[gngrbrdman13]

Wouldnt a pair of higher quality mics Schoeps solve this problem?  maybe some cardiods with an NBox?

I corrected for what you meant to say

hahahahaahhaahaha...funny shizzle.

I think youz gotz itz right

I actually was thinking of the Church Audio mics for him.  They are the smart, inexpensive, cardiod solution 

rspenser:  I want to send you a recent recording I have done.  pm me if interested please.

[dunebug81]

Wouldnt a pair of higher quality mics Schoeps solve this problem?  maybe some cardiods with an NBox?

I corrected for what you meant to say

hahahahaahhaahaha...funny shizzle.

I think youz gotz itz right

I actually was thinking of the Church Audio mics for him.  They are the smart, inexpensive, cardiod solution 

rspenser:  I want to send you a recent recording I have done.  pm me if interested please.

I also should mention that I really like being right up front for any show especially an arena show.  I like the thump of the kick drum making my chest rumble.

So this new MD is out in Japan but minidisco doesnt have it listed.  I dont think its worth spending the extra $100+ importing it so has anyone seen another site that has it for sale?

[dmbdreamingtree]

hey all, im brand spakin new to taping...i really want to get into taping and would like to know if this model, Sony Net MD Walkman MZ-N707 type R MDLP, would be ok for taping shows?  any help would be great