 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2003-04-30 21:26
Mark, et al.....I read the thread about using the microdisc devices for live recording. I looked up some of the brands and models and it seems like the ones mentioned are no longer in production or the model numbers were changed. My old reel to reel tape deck is engravescent --I love that word. (I last used it to record solos with my HS orch. in 1966....and the machine was no great shakes even then.)
The online electronics merchants don't discuss mic-in jacks and 0-db levels in their ads, and the "live" sales staff at my local Circuit City were no help.....They tried to sell me a digital voice recorder etc.
So.......can any of you recommend a nice microdisc recorder and mic combination that is presently commercially available?
thanks muchly.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2003-04-30 22:17
Alseg wrote:
> Mark, et al.....I read the thread about using the microdisc
> devices for live recording.
You're not gonna believe this, but ...
If you have a local Guitar Center or other major emporium that caters to mid-level - good rock bands - give them a try. You'd be surprised at how knowledgeable the people in the recording section are IRT to mikes, mixers, and mini-studio equipment. There are deep discounts available, and most will have a small studio to try out the combinations you're thinking of buying.
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2003-05-01 01:21
OK.......well I followed MCs advice and went down to the guitar store.
Now I KNOW how archaic we are.......You should see the stuff. They even have special turntables for scratch effects for DJs.
They told me to get a laptop with a special 128 sound card, Cakewalk software, a mic. and special input.......then I could MIX my tracks!
Kinda overkill for listening to my Galper scales, Rose etudes, and a little bit of Mozart. BUT I guess I could dub myself into the Philharmonic.....and add some subwoofer bass from LLCoolJ.....with max reverb, of course.
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Author: geo
Date: 2003-05-01 15:21
Hello Alseg, yes, overkill is a bit of an understatement.
In tests over here (ole' Europe) Aiwa, Sony and Sharp MD (MiniDisk) portables tend to get the best reviews. I would suggest checking your local specialist magazines for tests on currently available MD recorders in your part of the world.
If you wish to digitally transfer MDs to CD via a computer you could use the following:
An MD recorder with: a Microphone Input, a Digital Output, A PC card with a digital input (be careful, there are two types optical and electric and both should have the same, which will probably be optical), a good stereo Microphone which matches the input specifications listed for the MD recorder microphone jack you choose, (is listed in the MD manual). Of course you will also need a digital cable and a PC with a CD writer and some kind of software which probably came with the card or your CD recording software.
-> I've noticed in the advertising, some new MD recorders now appear to have USB interfaces for transferring data between the MD recorder and a PC/Notebook. This may be a good and easier option, check it out in the music press or perhaps via googel. This might cut out the need for a digital output on the MD recorder, and you would only need a USB cable and USB port on your PC/Notebook.
-> If you do not care about a bit of loss in quality, you could use an MD recorder with only an analogue (Line Out) output, and a PC card with an anologue input (most have this) to convert the signal into a digital CD format on the PC. Unfortunately, PCs often cause a lot of noise on analogue signals.
With the above methods you could still mix things on your PC to play along with the Cleveland Orchertra or the Mound City Blue Blowers if you so wish .
Btw, I use an "old" portable Sony MZ-R50 which does not have a digital output; however, I also have a good stationary MD player and CD recorder in my stereo system, which I use to digitally copy recordings made with the portable. Not really a viable option for you unless you already have such equipment? Since I work with computers all day, I prefer not using them when not needed on my time.
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Author: msloss
Date: 2003-05-01 18:02
Sony turns over their minidisc models at an alarming rate and the mic jack seems to come and go, but the good news is they have a new model (MZ-N10) that does sport a mic jack. It lists pretty pricey ($350) but I'm sure it streets for less. Almost any self-powered (battery) electret condenser mic with a 1/8" phone plug on it will fit the bill. I think Sony's MS907 is still being made, which is a pretty decent mid-side pattern single-point stereo mic.
If you are a little more toy-oriented, go back to the guitar store and check out the Korg Pandora. It is a very cool handheld recorder about the size of a minidisc recorder that uses smart media cards and can multitrack (!) up to four tracks and even has built in effects (a little reverb to "moisten" the sound never hurt). You can dump recordings into your computer over USB if you are so inclined. $300.
Or, I could sell you my old Bell 1/4" reel-to-reel. It has stereo 1/4" mic inputs, and it is a true portable with a lid and handle and everything. Just needs a few new vacuum tubes and a new head stack and you're ready to rock. It is admittedly a little hard to slip in the outside pocket of your clarinet case though...
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Author: geo
Date: 2003-05-01 18:24
I just did a quick check for portable MDs with digital line out jacks and think you may have problems finding a new MD portable with a digital output. Minidisk community forum, has a list with the following mostly older models with a digital output, (caution interational site, the same models for your area may be different!) and much more information than anyone could ever possibly want to know about MDs, (link to other info at bottom of page):
Sony MZ-1 (*very* old)
Sony MZ-2P
Sony MZ-R5ST
Denon DMP-R30
Sharp MD-M11
Aiwa AM-F1
Aiwa AMD-100
Some of these may not have a microphone input (best to check the link above)....
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2003-05-01 18:40
Sony has come out with new models recently, but the old ones are still being sold in some places. As an example I received a Woodwind Brasswind catalogue within the past couple of days that still has the Sony NZ-N707 mini disk recorder in it .
They want a couple hundred bucks plus shipping. You may find it cheaper if you look around.
Sony still lists the MS-907 microphone @ $99.99 so I'm sure you can find one for less than that somewhere.
So you could be recording mini disks for $300 or less, at locations away from your computer without lugging around 50 lbs. of gear.
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