Klarinet Archive - Posting 000364.txt from 2000/02

From: "Benjamin Maas" <benmaas@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Minidisc Recorders
Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2000 19:39:01 -0500

> Ben,
> I wouldn't trust the track editing on the Minidisc (too many
> things to go wrong, and in my research prior to buying the 55 -
> they do!). However, it's got the digital output that'll feed into
> the digital input on my PC and I can do the editing there.

Neither would I. That's what I have my PC for... I have thought about
getting one simply so I can interface with the students I work with...

>
> The lower end models use older ATAK compression algorithms which
> are noisy. The more expensive (non-portable) models use an even
> better ATAK compression algorithm.

The compression in the early MD recorders made cassette sound good. If I
buy one, I will get a studio quality, rack-mount one most likely.

> We'll see how the transport stands up - it's awfully small. The
> main problem I've heard about the 55 is its propensity to jam
> (not open up) sometimes. It's a non-trivial thing to fix too.

That is the problem with the small Sony DATs. They are simply too small.
Think about the size of the head on your VCR. It is twice the size of
portable DAT machines (entire thing, not just the head). DATs run on the
same spinning drum head idea as a VCR. Obviously, a small head will be more
prone to breakage.

> I plan on using my Minidisc mostly for interviews (some planned
> this week) and "ad-hoc" live music recording. The size & weight,
> along with sound quality sold me on it. The sound quality I'd say
> is equivalent to a well-adjusted cassette player using Dolby &
> CrO2 tapes - distiguishable from a good CD or LP, but very listenable.
>
> Mark C.

Yeah, but it won't have the wow and flutter of a cassette, it is cleaner and
has better frequency response. I think MD is a big step up in sound from
the cassette.

--Ben

Benjamin Maas
Freelance Clarinetist and Recording Engineer
Los Angeles, CA
benmaas@-----.com
http://www.fifthcircle.com

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