What's the quality of Sony MZ-R900 Mini Disc recorded sample

[kvochko]

I just got Sony MZ-R900 Mini Disc from a friend. I wonder, if I use good mic, am I going to have quality audio samples? Can the quality of samples stand close to portable digital recorders'? Any of you tried it?
Thanks.

[Compyfox]

Sony MD, heh... good old times.

Actually, MDs use 44kHz with a lossy encoding format (like mp3). Dunno anymore if it was 20bit or just 16, but you clearly hear artifacts, and if you use a mic, worst case that you even record the mechanics of this device. Forget that you'll be able to plug in a condenser mic though, unless you take a preamp with you for that purpose or have an electret condenser which is battery powered.

Line signal should be okay and fairly noiseless, but like I said, lossy encoding while recording.

It's an option to record some material, but definitely NOT the best. Especially if you work with the analog input/output for copying your material. And if I remember correctly, the fibre optic connection was for "recording to the device" only, not recording it back down. Unless you have one of the desktop devices, which is not the case.

[kvochko]

Thanks Compyfox,

that helped a lot.

Cheers

[Shy]

All ATRAC versions (the format used in minidisc) sound terrible and are unsuitable for any serious work. Even if it was a good quality lossy format, it would still be unsuitable for any serious work. Lossy formats are good for end results, not anything else. You must use uncompressed or lossless if you don't want artifacts to stand out especially after doing some equalization or various kinds of processing.

[loose snare]

About 6 years ago - before I owned a laptop - I tried using a sony minidisc to record music rehearsals .... I was using Neumann/ SE electronics mics, joe meek pre/compressor etc into small desk ....... then a line out to the minidisc.

It was such a tinny, 'clattery', papery, measly, cacophony that I ended up switching to using my old tascam portastudio cassette eight track instead.

More hiss, but it sounded better.

[deleted]

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[MrM]

I've made MD recordings that have been used in many broadcasts and in classical electroacoustic concerts all over the world with no problems at all. For an unbiased assessment search for atrac at the naturerecordists forum and archives http://bioacoustics.cse.unsw.edu.au/arc ... ecordists/
I would advise posting to naturerecordists regarding microphone choice and other requirements as there are many knowledgable people there who have done a great deal of research on recording using both high and low end systems.

Yeah, I used to be active on that forum. Brings back memories

Sure MD is lossless, but it is acceptable. MD itself ain't so bad, but the preamps often are not so good in consumer models. The Portadisc for instance, remains good to excellent after all these years.

I still use MD, but if I had to buy something new, it would be solid state.

Want to hear some 'unedited' MD recordings?
http://members.home.nl/mistermouse/fieldrec.htm
Made them myselves, equipment used is listed for each recording.

Some info about your recorder:
http://www.minidisc.org/part_Sony_MZ-R900.html

[Distorted_Mastermind]

My theory is work with what you have.
Something real important for me is how much am I going to use something and can I justify spending however much money on it.
If I already have something that I don't use much and think that if I upgrade that it will get used all the time.....that usually doesn't work as planned for me.