MiniDisc Recorders Recommendations

Aug 17, 2004 at 7:32 PM Post #2 of 13
Unfortunately, Sony is the only company that currently distributes MD equipment "officially" in the USA. And in terms of current Sony MD recorders, you'll have to spend at least $250 on a unit (the HiMD MZ-NHF800, to be exact) just to be able to record from sources other than a computer, let alone a microphone. Cheaper models can only "record" from a Windows-based computer.
 
Aug 18, 2004 at 2:45 AM Post #3 of 13
why is it that they can only record from a windows based computer



i use a mac


can you give me links for more info?

and why only sony?

don't sharp and panasonic make stuff as well?
 
Aug 18, 2004 at 2:54 AM Post #4 of 13
Quote:

Originally Posted by intlplby
why is it that they can only record from a windows based computer



i use a mac


can you give me links for more info?

and why only sony?

don't sharp and panasonic make stuff as well?


First off, there is no NetMD software which is at all compatible with any operating system other than Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE.

Second, those under-$250 Sony units can only record from a Windows-based computer, not only due to their software and drivers, but also due to the fact that the USB input is the only input jack on those units (there are no line/optical-in or mic-in jacks at all whatsoever on those lower-end Sonys).

Third, I included only the one brand that is officially imported into the USA. Sharp used to officially import MD units into the USA - but not any more. In fact, Sharp may no longer be distributing consumer electronics at all in the USA - only microwave ovens and household items. Panasonic has NEVER officially distributed their MD units into the USA. And all that is because MD never became popular in North America like it did in Asia and Europe.
 
Aug 18, 2004 at 3:12 AM Post #6 of 13
Yes, they are all japanese only models, but they are all operated through an english menu according to my knowledge. Only the higher end sony Hi-MDs use a japanese menu (which can be switched to english).
 
Aug 18, 2004 at 3:12 AM Post #7 of 13
Those Sharps and Panasonics sold through AudioCubes are really Japanese home-market units, intended for sale within Japan itself. Thus, the instruction manual will be mainly in Japanese. AudioCubes really bypasses the "official" distributors to bring in items which the official US distributors never bring in.

This complicates matters in several ways: First, if an AC adaptor is included, it will be a unit that fits the Japanese 100V sockets, not the American 120V sockets. Thus, you will have to purchase the correct AC adapter (likely from AudioCubes itself, since the official US distributors will not support non-US-market stuff). Second, if your import requires warranty service, you will (in most cases) have to deal directly with AudioCubes itself (since authorized US service centers will not even touch non-US-market items unless you've originally purchased the item while traveling as a tourist in Japan itself).
 
Aug 18, 2004 at 5:06 AM Post #8 of 13
ok... assuming i could go with either a japanese unit or american unit and have no issues with the warranty and i have a power solution for using it in the US


what do you recommend i get.... what should i look for..... what units will work with that microphone and what units would work well with macs?
 
Aug 18, 2004 at 5:18 AM Post #9 of 13
I would get a japanese unit in that case for japanese text support as well as some special symbols (most models but not all) and the greatly enhanced selection of models. You should be able to determine if a unit can record from a mic from its descriptions as there are too many to list every single one that have that capability. Most can, there are just a few that cannot. NO current MD recorders can download from a mac as there is no software for that.

Edit: I am not sure but I think that mic should work with any MD recorder with a mic in (someone correct me if I'm wrong).
 
Aug 18, 2004 at 2:57 PM Post #10 of 13
Have you looked to second hand mds? There are some nice MDs that can be bought second hand and should do the job you want.
If you are needing to record in the field you should consider a MD recorder that has a mic in. That way (from what I understand) you can plug in your mic instead of using the line in and using a mic amp to amp the signal into the line in
 
Aug 18, 2004 at 4:02 PM Post #11 of 13
Quote:

Originally Posted by Bibi123
Edit: I am not sure but I think that mic should work with any MD recorder with a mic in (someone correct me if I'm wrong).


Yes the mic would work with any MD recorder with a mic-in jack, which is what the plug-in power reference is all about. Plug-in power feeds the required voltage to these kinds of mic.
 
Aug 18, 2004 at 6:30 PM Post #12 of 13
If you're looking for something to record with, depending on your budget look into an MZ-NH700 or 900, or look for used.


Personally, I like the Sharp MD's for Mic recording. Although Sony offer a feature that the Sharps didn't until recently (auto gain control, which is useful for quick recordings) and they do offer a (less flexible) manual record level control, if you are looking to get more professional sounding results from a decent mic, the Sharps are more usable. The MD-MT888(770 elsewhere) was one of my all-time favourites and you should be able to pick it up used for a reasonable amount. There's people probably unloading the 1-bit MD-only models such as the DR7 for a reasonable amount now as well.


Bear in mind however that with an MD-only machine, you'll struggle to get those recordings in anywhere near optimal condition into any other format without major investment (i.e. a deck). And with a Hi-MD, working with a Mac you're pretty much stuffed as far as upload capability (which is limited on the PC's anyway) is concerned.
 
Aug 20, 2004 at 2:21 AM Post #13 of 13
from what i have read you can't upload from MD to the comp


what other affordable hi-fi field recording options are there?

flash/solid state recorders? hard drive based recorders?


i don't want to pay more than 250 or so, but i want high quality sound
 
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