Taperssection.com

Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: pepper on February 04, 2007, 03:50:26 PM

Title: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: pepper on February 04, 2007, 03:50:26 PM
I know that md's are worthless on here but i just need a bit of help.If i was to record a show in hi-sp mode,how long would i be able to record for.If anyone can help id be very grateful.
Title: Re: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: Church-Audio on February 04, 2007, 04:17:57 PM
I know that md's are worthless on here but i just need a bit of help.If i was to record a show in hi-sp mode,how long would i be able to record for.If anyone can help id be very grateful.


Hi Md in Wav format should give you about 1.5 hours of record time per disk stereo.. But the internal battery on most HIMD recorders will be dead long before that if you have the "gumstick" battery.....
Title: Re: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: pepper on February 04, 2007, 05:05:38 PM
No i dont have the gumstick battery with my md.Most shows i go to are roughly 90mins-2 hours,so im hoping it might last long enough.Ive seen quite a few u2 shows on one site that were recorded with minidisc in hi-sp mode,so im assuming this is reasonable quality for recording.All shows that wernt recorded in hi-sp mode were mp3,so im guessing hi-sp is good enough to trade/seed etc.
Title: Re: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: Church-Audio on February 04, 2007, 05:28:56 PM
No i dont have the gumstick battery with my md.Most shows i go to are roughly 90mins-2 hours,so im hoping it might last long enough.Ive seen quite a few u2 shows on one site that were recorded with minidisc in hi-sp mode,so im assuming this is reasonable quality for recording.All shows that wernt recorded in hi-sp mode were mp3,so im guessing hi-sp is good enough to trade/seed etc.

Well there you go it seems you already knew the answer to your own question!
Title: Re: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: beefstew on February 04, 2007, 06:01:10 PM
No i dont have the gumstick battery with my md.Most shows i go to are roughly 90mins-2 hours,so im hoping it might last long enough.Ive seen quite a few u2 shows on one site that were recorded with minidisc in hi-sp mode,so im assuming this is reasonable quality for recording.All shows that wernt recorded in hi-sp mode were mp3,so im guessing hi-sp is good enough to trade/seed etc.

yes and a MiniDisc rig isnt too expensive either
Title: Re: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: flintstone on February 04, 2007, 06:23:12 PM
Sony says that the MZ-RH1 can record for 6 hours of WAV tracks, or 9 hours Hi-SP ATRAC
under ideal conditions (backlight off, for example).

http://www.minidisc.org/manuals/sony/Sony_MZ-RH1_user_manual.pdf
see page 16

I think you're safe with an estimate of 5 hours WAV or 8 hours Hi-SP when using a reasonably new, fully charged lithium "gumstick" battery.

Sony equips the MZ-RH1 with the LIP-4WM lithium ion battery.  Other models are sold with a lower capacity NiMH battery.  Figure an hour less record time if you use NiMH.  You can use the LIP-4WM in these models to gain that extra hour of record time.  Cost of the LIP-4WM is about $20 via eBay.

The least expensive Sony HI-MD recorder that has a mic input is the MZ-NH700.  It's a discontinued model that is available on eBay for about $100 used, $150 new. The MZ-NH700 uses a single AA battery.  Use a rechargeable NiMH or a one-use Lithium battery for longest record time.

All Hi-MD machines have a USB port.  You can power the recorder for longer periods using an external USB battery pack.  The Hi-MD machine will run on the USB battery only,
without an internal battery at all.

When planning your recording session, remember that a Hi-MD disc has a capacity of 94 minutes of WAV files, or 7 hours and 55 minutes of Hi-SP ATRAC files.  You'll need to stop and change discs at that point.  It only takes a few seconds to pop in a freshly charged internal battery at the same time.

Hi-LP, the ATRAC format with maximum compression, can squeeze 34 hours of tracks onto a single Hi-MD.  The recording quality isn't great, but might be useful for some situations (surveillance?)  In this case, you'll need a big external USB power source.

One rechargeable USB battery is the LENMAR PPU1700B. This battery provides 1700mAh at 5 volts.  That's 5 times as much power as the Hi-MD's internal battery provides. It's
available for about $30 from several online sources.  Here's one:
http://www.bybb.com/product_info.php?products_id=46792 

An alternative is a case for AA batteries that has a voltage regulator to keep the power output around 5 volts, the USB standard.  Here's one example, cost $4.
http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2970

You'll also need a cable to connnect the Hi-MD recorder to the power supply, $10 or less.

Flintstone
Title: Re: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: poorlyconditioned on February 04, 2007, 06:56:48 PM
I know that md's are worthless on here but i just need a bit of help.If i was to record a show in hi-sp mode,how long would i be able to record for.If anyone can help id be very grateful.

On HiMD disk: 7h something in HiSP (256kbps ATRAC), 94mins WAV
On original disk: 2h20 HiSP, very little WAV

I've recorded a lot on HiSP and it is pretty good.  I like MD because it has a nice interface, quality preamps (better than NJB3 or iRiver, even for line in), and with a backlit remote it really rocks.  (Level meters show on remote, adjustable on the fly.)

I'm now *finally* moving to Edirol R09, but up till now MD has been excellent.

  Richard
Title: Re: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: mrsoul on February 04, 2007, 09:11:30 PM

Sony equips the MZ-RH1 with the LIP-4WM lithium ion battery.  Other models are sold with a lower capacity NiMH battery.  Figure an hour less record time if you use NiMH.  You can use the LIP-4WM in these models to gain that extra hour of record time.  Cost of the LIP-4WM is about $20 via eBay.

I would NOT try using a lithium ion gumstick in anything other than the RH1 or NH1 since these are the only recorders designed to use that LiIon gumstick.  The size isn't the same for a reason.  It won't even fit.

I have owned several HiMDs and currently have the RH1 and the RH910.  I use AA on the attachment with the RH910 because the gumstick NiMh aren't worth much, even for listening.  For the RH1, I have 2 LiIon gumsticks and I use the Energi To Go (http://www.energizer.com/energitogo/index_flash.html) from Energizer.  Make sure you get the one with miniUSB.  It will charge or run your RH1 without problems.  I haven't measured total time but the 2 lithium AAs will run forever otherwise.  Worth the $20 at Best Buy and you can use it with your Razor phone too!
Title: Re: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: dunebug81 on February 04, 2007, 10:11:37 PM
I know that md's are worthless on here but i just need a bit of help.If i was to record a show in hi-sp mode,how long would i be able to record for.If anyone can help id be very grateful.


Hi Md in Wav format should give you about 1.5 hours of record time per disk stereo.. But the internal battery on most HIMD recorders will be dead long before that if you have the "gumstick" battery.....


Holy wrong information batman! 

Like others have said HISP on the 1GB disc will give you about 8 hours and on an 80 min disc you get about 2.5.  My RH10 would go for at least 3 hours on the internal and 7 maybe 8...never acutally used it that long at one shot...if you have a model that has the AA side car and you use a good 2000+mAh cell.  The RH1 has excellent battery life.  Ive ran 3+ hours in PCM with the display on and the thing still was showing 1/2 battery left. 


Sony equips the MZ-RH1 with the LIP-4WM lithium ion battery.  Other models are sold with a lower capacity NiMH battery.  Figure an hour less record time if you use NiMH.  You can use the LIP-4WM in these models to gain that extra hour of record time.  Cost of the LIP-4WM is about $20 via eBay.

I would NOT try using a lithium ion gumstick in anything other than the RH1 or NH1 since these are the only recorders designed to use that LiIon gumstick.  The size isn't the same for a reason.  It won't even fit.

I have owned several HiMDs and currently have the RH1 and the RH910.  I use AA on the attachment with the RH910 because the gumstick NiMh aren't worth much, even for listening.  For the RH1, I have 2 LiIon gumsticks and I use the Energi To Go (http://www.energizer.com/energitogo/index_flash.html) from Energizer.  Make sure you get the one with miniUSB.  It will charge or run your RH1 without problems.  I haven't measured total time but the 2 lithium AAs will run forever otherwise.  Worth the $20 at Best Buy and you can use it with your Razor phone too!

You cant fit the lithium battery that comes with the RH1 in anything other then the RH1 or NH1, its almost twice as wide.
Title: Re: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: Church-Audio on February 04, 2007, 10:51:49 PM
I know that md's are worthless on here but i just need a bit of help.If i was to record a show in hi-sp mode,how long would i be able to record for.If anyone can help id be very grateful.


Hi Md in Wav format should give you about 1.5 hours of record time per disk stereo.. But the internal battery on most HIMD recorders will be dead long before that if you have the "gumstick" battery.....


Holy wrong information batman! 



Like I give a shit batman

The HI MD i owned would only record for about an hour with its built in battery!!
and it will only record for 94 minutes in WAV format.... Dam why are you such an asshat.

I was not saying all MD recorders were less then an hour with the internal battery.... That has been my experience.. Nobody in there right mind records in any other format but WAV on HIMD recorder Because the compression, as good as it is still sucks. Atleast with WAV your getting a uncompressed format that is closer to studio quality....
Thanks for your two cents Dungbug Sorry Dunebug....
Title: Re: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: poorlyconditioned on February 04, 2007, 11:09:05 PM
I know that md's are worthless on here but i just need a bit of help.If i was to record a show in hi-sp mode,how long would i be able to record for.If anyone can help id be very grateful.


Hi Md in Wav format should give you about 1.5 hours of record time per disk stereo.. But the internal battery on most HIMD recorders will be dead long before that if you have the "gumstick" battery.....


Holy wrong information batman! 



Like I give a shit batman

The HI MD i owned would only record for about an hour with its built in battery!!
and it will only record for 94 minutes in WAV format.... Dam why are you such an asshat.

I was not saying all MD recorders were less then an hour with the internal battery.... That has been my experience.. Nobody in there right mind records in any other format but WAV on HIMD recorder Because the compression, as good as it is still sucks. Atleast with WAV your getting a uncompressed format that is closer to studio quality....
Thanks for your two cents Dungbug Sorry Dunebug....


It depends on your goals.  I've recorded a ton of shows on HiMD.  I use HiSP recording.  I've got an NH-800 unit that takes a single AA battery.  I put a single disk in there and record for three or four hours at a time.  I use something like AT853, hat mounted, a (three wire) battery box and *line in* on the MD.

The thing I like is that I can leave this thing in "pause record" mode forever.  I have a back lit remote that shows levels.  All I do it hit record on the remote, lock it, and forget about it.  This is a sweet setup for festival recording and the like, especially where you are walking around in crowds trying to find the "sweet spot".  No fiddling with the unit, just the remote.  Not as good as a WAV recorder, but it is certainly "good enough" for many mics and venues.

  Richard
Title: Re: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: dunebug81 on February 05, 2007, 12:09:06 AM
I'm sorry, you can read can't you?  Pepper asked about recording in HISP. 

Quote
If i was to record a show in hi-sp mode,how long would i be able to record for.

Did you have a faulty battery?  Perhaps, but reading the manual or even using a little common sense would tell you that something isn't right with a battery that won't last an hour.

Quote
I was not saying all MD recorders were less then an hour with the internal battery....

Uhh, ya, you pretty much did.  See...you, again, gave some more of your misinformation. 

Quote
But the internal battery on most HIMD recorders will be dead long before that if you have the "gumstick" battery.


Quote
Nobody in there right mind records in any other format but WAV on HIMD recorder Because the compression, as good as it is still sucks. Atleast with WAV your getting a uncompressed format that is closer to studio quality....

Oh no, not getting a studio quality tape while standing in the middle of a crowd with some mics clipped to a hat....I know that's what I think about everytime I listen to a show.  WAV vs. HISP...not really much of a difference.  I've heard quite a few really good tapes that were recorded in the dreaded HI-SP.

Quote
Thanks for your two cents Dungbug Sorry Dunebug....

Nothing says mature like making fun of someone on the internet.

Title: Re: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: flintstone on February 05, 2007, 01:39:22 AM
Thanks for the correction  about the batteries.  I was thinking
of the Sony NH-10WM and NH-14WM NiMH batteries,
which are interchangeable.  Here's a little more
info, hopefully correct this time.

Flintstone


Sony batteries for Hi-MD recorders

1. LIP-4WM Lithium
63.3mm x 23.1mm x 3.6mm
370mAh @ 3.7v

works with MZ-RH1, MZ-M200, and MZ-NH1


2. NH-14WM Ni-MH
66.5 x 16.7mm x 5.9mm
1400mAh @ 1.2v

works with MZ-RH10, MZ-M100, MZ-RH910, MZ-M10, MZ-NH900, MZ-N1
as well as many standard minidisc machines from Sony and Sharp


3. NH-10WM Ni-MH
Size: same as NH-14WM
900mAh @ 1.2v

So if you've got an NH-10WM, you can upgrade to
the NH-14WM and get about 50% longer recording time.
Title: Re: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: pepper on February 05, 2007, 02:38:31 AM
No i dont have the gumstick battery with my md.Most shows i go to are roughly 90mins-2 hours,so im hoping it might last long enough.Ive seen quite a few u2 shows on one site that were recorded with minidisc in hi-sp mode,so im assuming this is reasonable quality for recording.All shows that wernt recorded in hi-sp mode were mp3,so im guessing hi-sp is good enough to trade/seed etc.

Well there you go it seems you already knew the answer to your own question!



Not really,i just needed some advice/conformation from someone more knowledgable.Thanks for your reply,i appreciate it.
Title: Re: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: pepper on February 05, 2007, 02:43:04 AM
I already have a small set up,a sony mz-nh700 and a sony ecm-719 mic.I was always recording in lp2 mode,and have recently found out that its not worth rec in that mode.So i was looking for some conformation,and general help as to what hi-sp could offer.If i can record 2-2.5 hours in hi-sp mode then im happy,thats all i needed to know.Thanks to everyone for the replies,it has given me a lot of things to think about.
Title: Re: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: Church-Audio on February 05, 2007, 02:55:49 AM
I already have a small set up,a sony mz-nh700 and a sony ecm-719 mic.I was always recording in lp2 mode,and have recently found out that its not worth rec in that mode.So i was looking for some conformation,and general help as to what hi-sp could offer.

I should not have said that you should only record in Wav format...Personally I would only ever record in wav format I am sure because of the mics your running it would not make much difference.. I know the Sony compression has come along way. I still prefer wav but of course that is just my opinion.. I think its always best to experiment with your stereo at home record a track with HISP then one with Wav and see if you can hear the difference.. MD is a good format I liked my Himd If it was not for the really poor display screen it had I would have kept it.. The battery issue aside..

Title: Re: recording in hi-sp on minidisc
Post by: Arni99 on February 05, 2007, 04:10:53 PM
I use both my iriver H140 rockboxed (last new one on ebay purchased last year ;) ) and my Sony MZ-RH1.
Today I started a HI-SP recording when I left for work and after 7h56min at the office it saved the TOC and still 1/4 of the battery was ok. Charging the LIP-4 "gumstick" takes 60minutes.
I like the RH1 for it´s mic-input...great for taping lectures or comedians.
I also did some HI-SP concert-recordings which would have sounded great IF I had the right mics(cardioids) back then.....instead of omnis....too much bass ;).
Now I use MM-HLSC-2 Sennheiser cardioids or my SP-CMC-8 cards together with my 9V-bbox or my MM-preamp, depending on what I´m going to tape.