recording setup and questions

[daeyel]

I run a minidisc set-up as follows
My mic is a Sony ECMDS70P Digital Recording Microphone, running off a Sony Minidisc MZ-N707
Using Memorex MD 80 minidiscs

Is this going to be an acceptable set-up?
Are there any changes anyone would suggest?

I use this setup due to ease of entry, and because many dont realize they can record. I am reading that minidisc isnt much liked due to sound loss, but as I am recording stereo that isnt an issue?

Biggest issue is: Is there a recommended way to remove the music to .WAV or other format? Am running demo goldwave via line-out to computer mic jack. Any secrets to secure best sound policy?

Daeyel

[Brian Skalinder]

Is this going to be an acceptable set-up?

If you are happy with the results, it's an acceptable set-up.  

Are there any changes anyone would suggest?

You may get boatloads of answers on this one.  What matters is what you and your ears like.  Listen to other gear and figure out what you like better (or worse) about it compared to your own gear.

I am reading that minidisc isnt much liked due to sound loss, but as I am recording stereo that isnt an issue?

The primary issue people have with MD is the compression/data loss.  To many, this compression/data loss is audible and unacceptable (unless it's the sole source).  Recording in stereo does not diminish the compression/data loss, it's still an issue.  Again, if you're happy with MD, stick with it.  

Biggest issue is: Is there a recommended way to remove the music to .WAV or other format? Am running demo goldwave via line-out to computer mic jack. Any secrets to secure best sound policy?

After you have the recording on MD, best way to transfer to WAV is digitally from MD to your PC.

Daeyel

[daeyel]

Thanks for reply.  I should add that  I am deaf (77% loss in each ear) so I tend to listen at full volume (headphones). My ears are DEFINITELY not tuned to hear much in the way of imperfection. Bearing this in mind, and that my knowledge of sound transfers is less than zero, how do I tell digital cables from any other? I still would like optimal sound quality for archival purposes.

God, I sound like a moron, don't I? LOL

Least I got 'scuses

Daeyel

[Brian Skalinder]

how do I tell digital cables from any other?

Digital transfers involve more than just digital cables.  The output device (in your case MD) must be capable of providing a digital signal.  Likewise, the input device (your PC) must be capable of receiving a digital signal.  There are multiple formats available for digital input and output.  The most common digital input and output for MD is optical (though some output coax).

If your MD even has a digital output, it's probably optical.  If your soundcard has digital in/output, it may be optical, coax, or both.  But I'm guessing if you're running into the mic-in on your PC, it's the built-in mic-in and there is no digital input available unless you buy a new/additional soundcard.

Your best bet is to check the MD and soundcard documentation.  

God, I sound like a moron, don't I? LOL

Not at all, just a newbie!  

[1st set only]

what you are doing is fine and its the best way to get into taping. I had the same setup for a long while and was pleased. later on after you get the hang of everything you might want to move onto better/other gear.

[super-phat-al]

in most cases with portable MDs it doesn't let you transfer VIA USB, and there is no spdif out, so you need to run a 1/8th" male>male cable from the headphone/line out>the line in/mic in on the sound card.  I would recommend using the line in over the mic in.  Sound quality will be better.  If you don't have a line in i think its worth throwing down a couple bucks to get a cheap PCI soundcard with a line in jack.  Thats a great rig to start of with.

[super-phat-al]

Also dont use Memorex MDs.  I used to run MD and they would just stop working right in the middle of a recording.  I would go lay down some extra dough on some Sonys.  Im pretty sure i have heard some other people complain about the Memorex MDs before.

[Swampy]

Did you really have trouble with the Memorex??? Im on my third box of them now and have yet to have a problem...

[super-phat-al]

yes i has a serious problem with Memorex.  I taped a couple shows and they would stop right in the middle of a show.  Lake Trout fr example.  I went to go pee and it just stopped without warning.  Battery was fine.  Also i did some recordings with my MD with my band the sound would be prefect, but it would randomly skip in the song.  Then i tried some Sony discs and never had the problem again.  Maybe it was just my pack, but that was enough for me not to buy Memorex again.  But i run a D-8 now, so i dont really deal with MD anymore.  I think its a great way to start though.  Just dont run it on LP2 or LP4.  then you really start to hear it.  The best MD recording i have ever heard was Maktub by Bluz666.  That rocks.  Check it out in kickdown central if it is still up.

[sexymexi]

me too, memorex have only given me problems...  i mean, its great to have them there just in case you run out.. but i use sony colors.  havnt' had problems with em, unless your juggle the deck around then well your gonna have gaps in sound.  if your really gettin into MD taping, then check out www.minidisco.com   they have everything there you'd ever need for MD's from regular recorders to pro recorders..  also check out www.minidisc.org   all kinds of resources for MD tapers, also some interesting stuff on HD recorders check it out if you wanna upgrade to that, or a DAT good luck

[Styx Cover Band]

Also dont use Memorex MDs.  I used to run MD and they would just stop working right in the middle of a recording.  I would go lay down some extra dough on some Sonys.  Im pretty sure i have heard some other people complain about the Memorex MDs before.

I've had some memorex discs work and many not work. Needless to say the times they don't work they leave big gaps of silence in the tape and I won't ever use them again

[cpclark]

i ran MD for about 8 months and can tell you the difference between that and dat/pc is enormous, i could tell a really huge difference, and the compression, although not as bad as mp3 is still lossy, but a good newbie rig and a great way to start to learn taping

[blu666z]

yes i has a serious problem with Memorex.  I taped a couple shows and they would stop right in the middle of a show.  Lake Trout fr example.  I went to go pee and it just stopped without warning.  Battery was fine.  Also i did some recordings with my MD with my band the sound would be prefect, but it would randomly skip in the song.  Then i tried some Sony discs and never had the problem again.  Maybe it was just my pack, but that was enough for me not to buy Memorex again.  But i run a D-8 now, so i dont really deal with MD anymore.  I think its a great way to start though.  Just dont run it on LP2 or LP4.  then you really start to hear it.  The best MD recording i have ever heard was Maktub by Bluz666.  That rocks.  Check it out in kickdown central if it is still up.

Its was DAT.

-Kevin

[olyrc]

For a great MD sourced show, check Kevin's 2/18/03 moe.:

http://webdev.archive.org/audio/etree-details-db.php?id=4335