| LearnJazzPiano.com archives: Minidisc Recorders | |
| kennycasek -- 04/05/2005, 19:09:06 -- #12506 | |
| I always use a cassete tape recorder to record my gigs, now I want to change to minidisc. Any suggestions of a good and not too expensive minidisc recorder?? | |
| LarryC -- 04/06/2005, 11:41:48 -- #12523 | |
| I got a used Sony on ebay for about $120. Much better than cassette but make sure you find one with a line input. I think the ones now you see in stores are basically players with only a USB port, not recorders. Mine makes great recordings when getting a line from a mixing board, but using a stand alone mic is another story. My recording level reverts back to a default level which is at the right level for line level recording. But for mic recording, I have to reset the levels everytime I stop the recording, and with limited buttons for an iterface, it's frustrating to drill down the various levels where you set the levels. There may be easier ones to use for more money. I'm referring to the portable ones that are the size of a disc. If you're looking at rack mount or deck versions, I would think the recording process and level settings are similar to cassette decks (i.e. easy, one touch). We no longer use a board with our band so I no longer have a need for it. Larry | |
| Scot -- 04/06/2005, 13:37:54 -- #12527 | |
| I have a Sony MD707 and have had nothing b ut problems with it. I wish I had bought one of the Aiwa MD recorders. As Larry said, make sure you get one with multiple recording options- line in and mic in are very important. If possible, find one that will allow you to take what you recording and digitally transfer it to your computer. SOny only allows real-time transfer, even if you are recording your own material. Sony sucks. | |
| Mike -- 04/06/2005, 16:20:06 -- #12533 | |
| why get a mini disc player for recording especially when digital recorders have become so affordable? I am no expert I am the first to admit but my take on this is: mini disc players are just that... "Players" never meant to be "live" recorders. I have a Korg PXR4 digital recording studio... It is right in the name... Meant to be used as a recording studio... the size of a conventional walkman... sells for about 350 dollars. I can record gigs... go home dump the data to my computer, burn it to a CD and have CDs of the performance for the next night if I want. Why fool with little disc players? Mine is not even the best portable digital recorder. I have friends that have ones that are superior and not much more moola. | |
| savage -- 04/06/2005, 17:38:31 -- #12534 | |
| I use an "Iriver H120" Mp3 player to record my rehearsals and gigs. It has a 20GB hard drive and you can record in uncompressed wav format. I can recommend it. | |
| Scot -- 04/06/2005, 17:45:00 -- #12536 | |
| Mike, is there any strange compression with your digital recorder? That really sounds like the way to go. Back when MD first came out, the digital recorders weren't quite up to the task yet, but... Would you record yourself on your Korg and actually master it into a real CD? Is the sound quality high enough? | |
| Mike -- 04/06/2005, 20:02:22 -- #12542 | |
| I have not got high enough quality to actually get recording I would sell, but then again, i have come close and i have not ever tried a better quality microphone than a sm 58 yet nor have i tried sending the recordings to a Studio to doctor them up. They are definitly high enough quality to use for demo recordings and I have used them that way. I have friends that have bought other digital recorders for more in the 600-700 dollar range who get good enough quality to record to sell CDs, but i do not know the brand names on these. By real CD I assume you mean for sale. No but then again normally I use the Korg just for my own reference purposes... I walk into the gig, get a cup of coffee, throw the korg on top of the piano and hit record and start playing. (using the onboard mic) just doing this the quality is so high the quality is close to for sale quaility but no it is not there. Then again what I would be willing to sell is many steps higher in quality. But is it good enough quality to send as demos.. good enough to listen to as a clear recording of my own playing.... most definitly. | |
| alhaynes -- 04/07/2005, 08:55:06 -- #12554 | |
| I record directly into my powerbook. I use the built-in line-in jack for line level recording, or use an M-Audio mobile pre USB for microphones. The audio is right there on the computer, ready for whatever processing is necessary. I presently have only a pair of SM58 microphones - they are ok, not as good a pair of condensers - but I spent my mic allowance on a software piano ! | |
| Lord Jimbo -- 04/07/2005, 10:52:45 -- #12558 | |
| Mini Discs arn't too bad at all provided, like the guys said above, that it has multiple recording options and is also LP compatable. Things like the iRiver are becoming much more popular due to the sheer size of their hard drive and it fits in your pocket. PLus its Literally just a 'drag and drop' system to put your recording on to your PC/Laptop whatever. If you dont want to shell out the money for an iRiver a Mini Disc will do. All the media students in my college use them for live interviews and recordings so they arnt that bad. | |
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