From: Steve Fosdick
To: VOCALIST <vocalist>
Subject: Re: Mini Disc Recorders
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

On Fri, Jan 21, 2000 at 11:16:25AM -0500, Todd A. Moore wrote:

> Has anyone purchased a mini disc recorder lately? What are the latest
> and best models? Were you pleased with it? How much?

> I want to take the advise of many of my fellow listers, and my teacher
> and record all my singing. So, he suggested that I get a mini disc
> recorder. I just want to get the best for my money.

First of all I have to say that the sound quality of mini-disc is
not as good as CD, despite some claims to the contrary. Mini-disc
employs a lossy compression scheme called ATRAC which doesn't bother
recording quiet freqeuncies that are close to another louder
frequency on the basis that the ear can't tell the difference. In
practice some things sound very slightly "thinner" after having been
compressed in this way and there can also be other occasional
distortions introduced.

That said the quality on mini-disc is close to CD quality and very
much better than casstte tape. The recorders are smaller than a
typical cassette recorder so ideal for portable recording.

Knowing the above I have recently bought a Sony MZ-R55 for UKP 180
and so far I am very pleased with it. Sound quality is good, the unit
is small and compact and battery life seems good too.

I've also seen a sharp model that is slightly cheaper (here it's
UKP 140) but a bit more bulky. I think Aiwa do them too though
I haven't heard any of theirs.

If you haven't already got a microphone then you'll need one of them
too and your choice of microphone will probably make more difference
to the quality of the final recording than the choice of mini-disc
recorder.

The mic I ended up with is an Audio Technica AT825 which is a single
point stereo mic with a good flat frequency response and a clear
natural sound. Where I live these can be had for UKP 380. For this
model you also need a converter lead because the mic is balanced output
and the mini-disc recorder is likely to be un-balanced in. A competent
audion shop should be able to sell you one.

There is also a cheaper model in the Audio Technica range that I didn't
listen too and a much cheaper Sony (UKP 90) which has a rather thin,
unnatural sound (which is consistent with a frequency response that
has its lower 3Db point at 100Hz).

No doubt their are other options too, especially if you are prepared
to go for something more elaborate. Also if you are happy with mono
recordings or are prepared to take the time to set up a pair of
microphones for stereo recording each time then your choice of decent
microphones will be much wider.

> Also, what do mini discs go for anyway?

Here, anything between UKP 0.99 and UKP 3.99 each depending on
manufacturer, pack size and where you buy.

Hope this helps a bit.