Minidisc Players/Recorders

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 5:04 pm

I'm looking into getting a minidisc to record myself with. I know I've seen some of you mention in the past that you have minidiscs. What type (brand and model) would you recommend, and why? (Ease of use? High quality sound reproduction? Price? etc...) Thanks for your help in advance! I look forward to hearing your opinions!

sags_3 · Post by **sags_3** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 6:24 pm

I have the Sony MZ- N710 which is a really good one with amazing sound quality when paired up with a sony microphone. The only thing with the older minidisc players is that you cannot directly transfer from disc to computer, you have to play the music through the player into the line-in and record using audio software.

The newer ones which are much more costly allows you to transfer through USB, it might be worth the extra money for that little less hassle!

vandoren · Post by **vandoren** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:53 am

Consider also, a Digital Recorder such as the Korg D4 - a four track solid state recorder.

Phineas · Post by **Phineas** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 10:30 am

How much are you looking to spend? For the price of a minidisc recorder, there are quite a few options that have a lot more capability.

Check these out.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=241151
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=242060
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=240344

These are just a few. I have owned the BR600, and the MR8. The BR600 has an excellent built in Microphone, with effects. It is also very easy to use.

I can make other recommendations, but I need to know what you have in mind.

Phineas

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 6:12 pm

I don't have a set budget yet, but I'd like to spend less than $350 if possible. I was just going to ask what the advantages or disadvantages of a solid state recorder might be. I'm not set on having a minidisc, so I'm certainly open to other alternatives. I don't really need anything too fancy, just enough to let me hear (accurately) what I sound like, and maybe make an audition CD or the like at some point. With those details, what would you suggest?

vandoren · Post by **vandoren** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 2:29 am

flutepicc06 wrote:I don't have a set budget yet, but I'd like to spend less than $350 if possible. I was just going to ask what the advantages or disadvantages of a solid state recorder might be. I'm not set on having a minidisc, so I'm certainly open to other alternatives. I don't really need anything too fancy, just enough to let me hear (accurately) what I sound like, and maybe make an audition CD or the like at some point. With those details, what would you suggest?

I have the Korg D4 which is 4 track. This would allow you to record a passage and add tracks of accompaniement such as yourself on the flute or keyboard. The info is stored on a Compact Flash card. You can add sound effects (?) also. There are no mechanical parts and it is possible to do all sorts of editing. By connecting to a PC you can produce MP3 files. The D4 is a bit of overkill here and is not as complicated to use as it looks. It is primarily aimed at guitar but that is not a real problem either.

sags_3 · Post by **sags_3** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 4:39 am

Does the Korg D4 have a microphone port? It has a built in microphone but say you wanted to use a professional microphone for a really good quality recording.

Phineas · Post by **Phineas** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 7:30 am

I would pick the the BR600 because it has an excelent built in stereo microphone. The only thing you have to do is set the effect(Off) select a recording channel, and hit record. I am sure the Korg is very similar.

The MR8 is even easier to use. The kit comes with a mic, that is why I put it on the list. All of these units use similar compact flash.

The only down side to these units are the lack of phantom power, so you cannot use condensors unless you use and external power source. IMHO for what you are going to use these units for, the built in mic will be more than enough. All of these units allow you to use whatever Dynamic mic you wish.

Here are some dynamic mics that are very popular.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=270102
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=270101

Most lower priced microphones are copies of these.

Phineas

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 7:38 am

If you want to get a separate microphone, a rather good one I have found is an omni-directional microphone sold by radio shack . It sells for about $30, and was designed for recording instruments and conferance room situations. But, you have to buy an adapter for it to fit the smaller plug in.

vandoren · Post by **vandoren** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 9:30 am

sags_3 wrote:Does the Korg D4 have a microphone port? It has a built in microphone but say you wanted to use a professional microphone for a really good quality recording.

Yes it has a port - an XLR balanced port in fact. The inbuilt mic is very good.

The D4 is available in UK for £139 inc delivery from MusicKing.

sags_3 · Post by **sags_3** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 10:03 am

Looks interesting. For now am going to stick to using minidisc for non important recordings out and about and my laptop with a sony microphone recording directly into Adobe Audition for more important recordings... you cant go wrong there apart from mobility!

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 10:54 am

That is how I do recordings of any sort. I take my laptop into the practice room, hook up my microphone and use my Mixcraft studio audio software. They turn out rather nice.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 4:41 pm

Thank you guys for all your suggestions! I'll look into the various devices you've mentioned and see what I think suits me best. If you have any other good ideas, please let me know!