Interesting. The only thing I don't like about MD is that you can't just click and drag the files from the MD to your computer like you can with an MP3 recorder.
-William In a message dated 8/27/2004 10:36:37 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I bought one of the original minidisc recorders when they were first out. It makes startlingly good recordings. It's so good that I use it for comparing the sound of various horns in my collection. If I velcro the mic to the back of my wrist and wear a jacket, I can record most any concert undetected. Having a really good microphone is key to the whole system. I spent as much on the mic as I did for the recorder. These days there are inexpensive copies of some of the best mics ever made. I'm sure there are listers who can advise you what is appropriate in a high quality stereo microphone that is fairly directional and will make use of the capabilities of a good digital recorder. The one problem with my old machine is that it is a bit power hungry, and spare batteries are quite expensive. I believe newer machines are more energy efficient, so make that a consideration when you buy. I bought a hundred foot spool of miniature speaker cord at Radio Shack and made an extension cord I can carry in my pocket. If I can't run the cord to my recording location, I at least keep the spare battery on a charger hidden away someplace. For authorized recordings, I have a sixteen foot golf ball retriever that doesn't bother anyone's view, but gets the mic clear of any audience noise. With this setup I get recordings of professional quality. The key thing to remember is that electronics sophistication has become so inexpensive that for not much more than a dictophone you can have miniature state of the art technology. You only have to find someone knowledgeable, probably right here on the list, who follows the pricing competition. Interestingly, one of the key features you'll need is automatic gain control, AGC, to adjust recording levels to the loudness of what you're recording. You may find better quality in this feature in digital voice recorders. The AGC in my Sony minidisc is phenomenal. I once left it recording in an upstairs bedroom. When I played it back it had perfectly recorded birds in a tree hundreds of feet away. If you take the time to seek out the right equipment you'll be enjoying this equipment for years. _______________________________________________ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
