Topic: Sony D7 or D8?

[Carter41]

Which one would you recommend? I've see a lot od D7's around lately, and I think I'm going to buy one. I remember reading something about either the D7 or D8 and how one was preferred over the other. Can anybody help me on this? There's an auctio going off very soon for a D7, and I think I might big on it if I can get it for under $200. Thanks in advance!

[Brian]

well the D8 came out after the D7 so sony would say it's better

[heath]

my d7 still works great and it's about 10 years old.   good decks

[Carter41]

Sweet. Thanks for your help.

I have a couple other questions, though.
1. What format is the audio recorded as with a DAT? (.wav?)
2. How easy is it to go from DAT --> computer (then to CD)?

I have either a choice between a Sony MZ-NHF800 MD recorder or a Song D7 DAT, and I have no idea which one to go with.

Here's a random site with all the Songy MZ-NH800 info: http://ravn.net/md/nhf800/

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

I've also got a 10yo D7.  It's a tank.

Between the two though, I'd get the D8.  My understanding is that the D8 will unload the heads after being idle when power is applied from an external source.  The D7 keeps the tape loaded all the time when powered from an external source.  Can't recall where I read this but I'm sure that someone will correct me if that isn't true.


In answer to your other questions, the DAT audio tape data is block formatted LPCM.  You can read it into a wav file using a computer DDS drive but more commonly people dump to HD via an SPDIF input port on their computer.  If you record your DAT at 48k, you'll need to resample to 44.1 to get to CD but you can put the 48k tracks directly to DVD if you choose.

[Brian]

oh well if the choice is between an MD and a DAT, DEFINTELY the Sony D7.  don't bother with the poopy mini-disc.

i'd also suggest reading the newbie's thread.  all the info you'll need to understand how the music comes from the band to your computer to a CD for you to listen to

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

Actually, why not get a Nomad Jukebox 3 and record straight to HD?  If you are just starting, I'd recommend that you stay away from tape or MD. You can just as easily take an analog patch and unless you already have an outboard A/D to feed your DAT, the ADC in the JB3 is going to be as good as that in the D7/D8 machine.  With a JB3, you can record straight to disc and pull wavs to your PC via serial bus. 

[Carter41]

Thanks for the info! It looks like I'll be getting the MD for x-mas. It ended up being about $100 less than the D7, so I went with that. I've taped about 50 shows via cassette (cass -> hd -> cd), so it looks like I'll be getting a nice little upgrade

[hexyjones]

Thanks for the info! It looks like I'll be getting the MD for x-mas. It ended up being about $100 less than the D7, so I went with that. I've taped about 50 shows via cassette (cass -> hd -> cd), so it looks like I'll be getting a nice little upgrade

mmm...are you sure that's an upgrade?...I'd drag my analog Sony D5 out anyday before I use an MD...

Really - I'm not trolling for -Ts!!!!

[admkrk]

Thanks for the info! It looks like I'll be getting the MD for x-mas. It ended up being about $100 less than the D7, so I went with that. I've taped about 50 shows via cassette (cass -> hd -> cd), so it looks like I'll be getting a nice little upgrade

mmm...are you sure that's an upgrade?...I'd drag my analog Sony D5 out anyday before I use an MD...

Really - I'm not trolling for -Ts!!!!

huhuhu     +t for that

[wbrisette]

I have a couple other questions, though.
1. What format is the audio recorded as with a DAT? (.wav?)
2. How easy is it to go from DAT --> computer (then to CD)?

1) .wav is a file format used on the computer, DAT has no files to speak of, it's all linear... it's tape (as the name implies). 

2) Depends on your computer software. Unless you can automatically download the files from the MD, then there is no advantage one way or the other. It's time consuming (which is why people are going to the JB3 and the likes), but not that hard to transfer DAT to the computer, then to a CD.

While quite old, most of the information is still correct. http://www.solorb.com/dat-heads/FAQ

Wayne

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

Again, I'd encourage you to consider a Jukebox 3 over the MD.  In addition to the difference in sound quality, the JB3 will allow you to run continuously though a long set.  If you get the MD, you have to swap media mid set, which adds a whole other hassle in the field.  With the JB3, you don't have to worry about timing the flips.  You can patch that thing and walk away until the set break.  This benefits you as well as the taper out of whom you patch.  If your budget is $200, the JGB is the best bang for the buck.