Tape Trail Reel to reel, cassette and other analogue tape formats.

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Is MiniDisc the answer?

Posted by Giacomo (A) on February 17, 2006 at 02:06:00

In Reply to: Re: Advice on Portable Recorder posted by Bersani on February 16, 2006 at 18:59:56:

Thanks for your advice!

MiniDisc certainly sounds better than flash media: I cannot see why the latter should sound better, and quite aside from the higher price of the gear, a 1GB Compact Flash card is about $100, while a 1GB Hi-MD is $6.99 direct from Sony, less from Amazon etc.

I have to admit I just could not take MiniDisc portables seriously because they are so small ... I guess I'm lusting for open reel in my subconscious! But let me be more serious.

First, as any Inmate I'm naturally led to believe that there will be quality differences between different recorders. Assuming this is so even in the MiniDisc world, where do I learn what the hierarchy is? I've found the huge MiniDisc.org website, but it seems to be more about cool functions and looks than recording quality.

Second, on the non-audiophile MiniDisc websites, I've discovered that the format is crazily copy-protected. If I understand correctly, I'd only be allowed one attempt to transfer the recording to my PC, and if that goes awry I'm left with taking the signal out of a headphone out. Am I underestimating that headphone out, or does this mean that essentially I have one chance only?

Which leads me to a totally OT question---I apologize to the Tape Trail, but there's no Recording Asylum.
For basically the same amount of money as the Sony MZ-RH910 I notice I could buy a PC interface such as the Tascam US-122 (not that I have any idea if it's good, but I like the Tascam website).
I am rarely if ever without my laptop, so portability would be assured. And if I understand correctly the crappy soundcard on my laptop would be bypassed, with the outboard interface taking care of analog to digital conversion, even at 24 bit / 48 kHz.
Would this be the way to go?

Again, sorry for going so off topic, but I know nothing about recording techniques and I don't know where else to turn to. Referrals are also welcome

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