jmsla

Oops, sorry for the mistake. -red faced-

Ha! I don't deserve the accolade. You missed my first line of text; "And this : much better pictures of the business parts of the Xitel MD-Port from an archived blog site circa 2001 or so." Yes, they look professional because they are. That is what is inside the Xitel device that converts usb audio to optical. I am hoping I can figure out a way to attach that bit of circuitry to the USB input circuit board of my Alesis M1 Active USB speakers. I want to capture the audio away from the computer for reasons I mentioned in earlier posts. I thought you guy would find the guts of this thing interesting. The text that goes with the photos is from archived the blog site, not from me. I just have to open one of the powered speakers and take a look at the USB input circuit board. I know I've seen it before, there isn't much to it but, the question is whether I can grab the input signal before it is converted to analogue and send it through the Xitel for conversion to optical. And keep my computer's Windows 10 OS from detecting it's presence.

And this : much better pictures of the business parts of the Xitel MD-Port from an archived blog site circa 2001 or so. The DG2's more complex. It's got three major integrated circuits. Interestingly, one of them's another UDA1321. (A Phillips integrated circuit that converts digital to analogue) There's also a Cirrus CS8405A 96kHz Digital Audio Interface. This critter takes raw digital audio input and squirts out an S/PDIF signal. Besides that, there's a square Xitel "XA3IC1-1" chip, whose purpose, no doubt, is to tie the other two together. I originally thought the UDA1321 might still be doing its D-to-A trick here, but it actually has digital as well as analogue output; in the DG2, only the digital output's used. It turns USB into a bitstream, and the Cirrus chip turns the bitstream into S/PDIF. S/PDIF data is the same whether it's delivered via an optical or an electrical cable; in this case, the output's optical. The underside of the DG2 circuit board has a couple of whoops-a-daisy wire links, but they're neat and tidy enough.

I should have added this as well if anyone is interested : https://support.audacityteam.org/basics/recording-desktop-audio

Sorry for the long delay replying; when it rains it pours; things got hectic for a for weeks. Anyway, I've learned that others also have problems with their Xitel MD-Port on Windows 10 and 11 machines. Something to do with some specific generic Plug And Play drivers that aren't always present on may machines. Mine apparently must have these driver files because the device does work at times, just not reliably. And i assume my active monitors with USB input must rely on the same generic drivers. In fact when the MD-Port device is interfacing successfully with the computer , the computer identifies it as a playback device like an additional speaker. (?) But, all that may be moot now as I have also learned that anyone can now record any sound that plays on their computer, from any source, with Audacity and , very easily. That is even better because I end up with a tailor made audio track just waiting to be named and saved to a folder. Then import the track into Sonic Stage or similar program and transfer to minidisc. No additional components and hook ups; just open the audio editing program Audacity, one or two clicks to put it in a 'loopback' capture mode and click record. It will record for as long as you wish. i am still intrigued by the idea of adding optical out to the USB input board in one of my powered speakers. In that I have four of these Xitel MD-Port units, I can easily remove a circuit board and see if it's possible to wire it to the monitor's USB input board. If I just knew how to read a schematic it might be easier. If I should somehow succeed I will report here. Thanks for all the input. There is a picture of the Xitel MD-Port and its insides in the Minidisc Community Portal in the Gear tab ,MiniDisc Accessories Browser at USB Audio Adapters, near the bottom of the page.

Hello sfbp, The Xitel Digital PCLink MD-Port I have is basically the same thing but without the need for software or drivers, other than the generic usb drivers that are part of all operating systems. At one time Sony included the Xitel with certain minidisc recorders. It worked flawlessly for me until Windows 10. I think XP did see it as an external sound card or similar. Windows 10 however, when not rejecting it, randomly calls it Speakers or USB audio CODEC or by it's model name MD-Port DG2. Truly vexing is that the behavior is not consistent. Any yes, I often want to record to a minidisc something that's playing on-line like a radio station program, Live from Carnegie Hall or such or a lecture or music lesson that's on line, etc. (not a fan of on-line streaming services so, not that.) I don't want to have to reinvent the wheel every time and more often than not have it fail, which is what my Windows 10 experience is. I just want to have a working toslink at the ready to plug into my minidisc and hit 'record'. I am familiar with many of the various computer / digital workstation interface gadgets that might also happen to have optical out. The problem is with the Windows operating system. I've reasoned that since my audio monitors are taking in a digital feed, why not try to add an optical output there at a point before the signal is converted to analog. For me it would be a perfect workaround for a wonky, unpredictable computer operating system; if it can be done. That is my query.

Thanks for the reply. First I'll mention that I spoke soon saying that my Win 10 computer was now recognizing my usb to toslink device, the Xitel Digital PC Link . Again, the computer won't recognize it as a plug and play. My old XP computer never had an issue with this device and still doesn't but, it's not on line anymore. I can try something like that Behringer but, but it will come with a bundle of software and I suspect I'll have the similar problems getting it all to work with the Win 10 operating system. This is why I want to get the audio conversion to toslink a further step away from the computer so that it won't have to recognize anything except the speakers. I should probably be grateful for that. I have even tried using the same usb cable connection that goes to the speaker for the Xitel, as I would at time with the XP computer, but Windows 10 just tells me that my speaker isn't connected. They are both plug and play audio output devices. ?? It's maddening. Anyway, I'll continue to try to figure out something that doesn't quire hours of reading fix-it forums, restarting my computer 3 times and logging on as Administrator just to record something playing online to a minidisc.

Hello kgallen, I have some active (self-powered) Alessis desk-top audio monitors the have USB input to receive digital audio from a computer's USB ports. The idea being to have the monitor speaker's superior DAC, versus the computer sound card, do the the conversion to analogue for the cleanest signal to the the internal amp and actual speakers. (The monitors do have analogue inputs as well.) Am I only dreaming to imagine adding an optical-out to the monitor's internal USB module? The idea of having an optical out port right there at the monitor speaker, along with the audio to the speakers or headphones is tantalizing. Having an 'always working' optical-out right there at the speaker, to send to a minidisc recorder, and still have the audio at the speakers is my desired goal. Even if the audio signal can't go to both an optical converter and the speakers simultaneously, I'd still be very happy. I have, ..Eureka! .., only recently gotten my Windows 10 computer to finally and reliably recognize my Xitel MD-Port DG2 usb to optical converter as the plug-and-play output device that ti is. It's been a long and frustrating effort and I'm not convinced that the wonky Windows operating system won't start rejecting it again. Plus, there is still a lot of fussing with the sound settings in Windows 10 in order to direct the audio to the Xitel and not the speakers. (There is a way to get audio out through both a USB port and one of the mini TRS ports, but that adds even more risky fussing around.) I am not conversant in electronics lingo however, I notice you commented about your boards working on any portable minidsc unit because they all have 'optical protocol' built in but, it also seems you are saying that is really necessary. (?) What do you think about the possibility of achieving my monitor speaker dream? If you saw the speaker's USB module and PCB board, and amplifier board, could you make an educated guess? I have several pair of Alessis M1 Active 320 USB speakers and a few pair of the larger 520 USB monitors so, experimenting on one or two of the powered speakers is no big deal. I would not even have qualms about removing the USB module from one pair to add onto another speaker if that were necessary to make it work. Any comments will be gratefully received and appreciated. ____________ These Alessis speakers are inexpensive on the used market and I'll routinely buy up the cheapest ones I spot for backup and to scatter around my environment.

I thought you guys would think the battery prices were wildly excessive for aftermarket. I went for the 2 I got because I was willing to pay for 'perceived' vetting of the quality. I see gum-stick batteries on eBay or Amazon for $9 and change. Am I correct then to assume those are likely trash?

Yes, I've been checking in on the site too and he's added some recorders and players among other additions. As for my order, it arrived several days ahead of the estimated. Hong Kong Post managed to get the package half way around the globe and to the US Post Office branch in my NYC neighborhood with out a hitch.* Everything I ordered was in perfect shape; MDGadgetry's packaging was excellent. All the items immediately appeared to be high quality. I ordered the tiny dock replacement for my NH 1; an adaptor cord to convert 5V from a wall socket adaptor to 3V with the appropriate, very skinny, Sony barrel plug on the 3V side; and 2 batteries - a gum-stick replacement and the flat one that powers my RH-1, an LIP-4WM replacement. I haven't had time yet to fully play with all my new accessory toys. So far, the small dock is working perfectly, and the batteries fully charged quickly, they came partially charged, and are both working perfectly. The gun-stick has a tiny port to accept a charging cable! Nice. I will order from Gerry again. ____________ *And yet United Parcel Service, in the same period, couldn't get an expedited Next Day Air letter to me from Texas without loosing it for a week and a half. I'm struggling with which is the more, or least, remarkable achievement. ?? For certainly, it wasn't a Slow Boat From China nor a cowboy on horseback from the Lone Star State. I

Possibly of interest, 3 messages I've received from MDGadgetry: I only accept paypal for now as I am it is so much work setting up credit card paypal. Am sure things will improve as the site is getting popular. Gerry And, upon asking about certain MiniDisc models I'm interested in acquiring: Hii James I have all the said units. Actually, I have 700+ portables (still buying). I will upload some units to the website soon ... Gerry Also, my order, made about 5 hours ago, has already been processed, ready to ship out as per an Order Status Change message correcting from Monday shipping. All good so far on communication and responsiveness.

True, and this didn't go unnoticed. However, I am relying on an age old bit of wisdom that advises: One picture is worth a thousand typos and some lost translation between East and West. My dock replacement Adapter will be shipped out Monday and if it should happen not to fit my MZ-NH1, this forum will be the 2nd to know. The 1st will be Gerry. As far as the ersatz MiniDisc model goes; if there isn't an NH10, perhaps there should be! _________________________________________ P.S. I was just informed of the following: (and I've only been a forum member, starting with minidisc.org, for ... 25+ years) 🙂 Congratulations! You've increased your rank to Rookie! 4 minutes ago

True, and this didn't go unnoticed. However, I am relying on an age old bit of wisdom that advises: One picture is worth a thousand typos and some lost translation between East and West. My dock replacement Adapter will be shipped out Monday and if it should happen not to fit my MZ-NH1, this forum will be the 2nd to know. The 1st will be Gerry. As far as the ersatz MiniDisc model goes; if there isn't an NH10, perhaps there should be!

Hi Vincent, I just inquired with the guy BearBoy mentions regarding an adapter plug that substitutes for the cradle and the original USB cable for attaching the NH1 to a computer. His name is Gerry and he now has a website. https://mdgadgetry.com/ (thanks to BearBoy for informing the community about this site; see BB's post of July 4, '24) Did you get one of those adapters by chance. If so, are you satisfied with it? link to the accessory adapter: https://mdgadgetry.com/products/Sony-MZ-N10-Adapter-p675099857 If you haven't gotten one you might be interested in what I learned from inquiring. Here is Gerry's reply to me: Hi James Thank you for your email. The adapter charges via usb-C, it has built in voltage regulator and it will bring voltage from a 5V usb-C to the necessary 6V for this player. Alternatively, if you have a 6V wall charger, you can also use it with this adapter as it has charging port for that too. As far as data transfer goes, it has a switch on it to toggle between charging mode and data transfer mode. I hope this answers your questions. Regards, MDGadgetry So, 2 input ports and a toggle switch! With this you wouldn't need the cradle at all, the NH-1 it will be freed from the cradle for general use; recording and playback powered by the 6V wall plug. I hope this is helpful, I plan to order one of these adapters and other accessories and will report my experience and on the items i get. Best, -ja NYC

Hi BearBoy, Good spotting in finding this site, thanks for passing it along. I just sent them a question about one of the products and I plan on buying a few items. Best, -ja

Hi kgallen, Thank you for your reply. It's good to know now that the digital (optical) output isn't getting ATRAC treatment. It also never occurred to even try putting the deck in 'record' without a disk inserted; it works exactly as you described. I am sending the analog signal from my turntable into the 520 and straight out to the optical input on my RH-1. This set-up is really just a matter of convenience because the turntable and the JE-520 are sitting next to each other. I'm sure there are better ways I can make digital copies, (sans mp3), of my LPs but, this is the line of least resistance for the moment. Thanks again for the info. and operation help; good news to me. Best, James

Greetings. I have a JE-520 deck that records using ATRAC 4.5. I want to use this deck simply as a pass-through device to convert an analog signal coming in to a digital out signal I know I can accomplish this by putting a disc in the deck then hitting record and pause which will activate the all the inputs and outputs. My question, however, is whether the digital signal out will be in ATRAC 4 or just a straight analog to digital conversion in that the deck is not actually recording. Any thoughts out there are appreciated. JMSLA (James)

Hi All, One of my LIP-4WM batteries has become swollen; bloated like a gum-stick blow-fish. Clearly it can no longer be used and is likely a danger to even keep as a paperweight. Does anyone have advice on what I can do, or avoid doing, to prevent this from happening to any more of my diminishing supply of LIP-4WM batteries? A few others are just beginning to show a tiny bit of swelling. None of these batteries are of the 'after-market' variety. And, does anyone know what happens inside the battery to cause this condition? Any advice and insights are greatly appreciated. Thank you, -ja

I'm still running XP with no problems at all and Sonic Sstage works like a dream; including Simple Burner which I use quite often. I simply refused to be frightened by Microsoft into giving up XP. I't's possibly one of their best operating systems; simple and robust. And I do continue to get monthly updates from Microsoft. Wouldn't it also be possible to have a stand alone computer; one not connected to the internet, that runs on XP to use Sonic Stage without any glitches? Of course 'Grace Note' and such would not be available but, a small incovienence.

Yes, it is true as AVITWeb says; there is an option in the 'transfer settings' to instruct SS to delete the converted files after transfer. However, i'ts still always a good practice to take a look in that default folder or follow that file path because, in my experience, the deletion doesn't always happen --- for reasons that remain a mystery to me. {I guess computer programs sometime ignore instructions and do want they want to do just to defy the humans.} Don't forget about clearing your Recycle Bin either, if you do have to perform a manual deletion. My two cents. Happy Transferring, -ja

Hi Roflol, I would like to buy your 600 as a backup if it's still available. I'll pay your asking price, which I think is very fair if not outright generous. I own a 600 which I've had for several years. Despite it's entery level status and plactic case, is a tough workhorse and can make excelent recordings. The higher end, metal case 900 models I have become plagued with operational problems. Please PM me. -James / jmsla

No problem. it's very good that the disc was new because sometimes remnants of prior recordings that were 'erased' and recorded over can pop up in spots like, for example, the silent space between the recover tracks. // When I reuse a disc for an important recording, I have a procedure to completely purge the disc of prior recordings so that it starts as essentially a new disc. I think the 'disc error' message you get occasionally is just an anomaly, especially since it mostly reads 'blank disc'. I think that simple 'blank disc' message is encouraging. And, I don't think it matters what brand of machine was used to record the disc - SP is SP as far as I know. It is curious how the disc got erased. Since this disc was so important, I can't imagine that your client put it in a player / recorder and mistakenly went through the menu to 'erase all tracks', or mistakenly formatted the disc. It might be helpful to ask the owner of the disc if he/she remembers how that happened. I hope it wasn't a situation where a malfunctioning machine somehow mangled or scrambled the TOC - if such a thing is possible. You would probably be getting more 'disc error' messages if that were the case. I'm just guessing here. You know where to find me if you want to get in contact. Good Luck, James

Greetings AudioArtist, If this is a straight forward matter of the tracks having been mistakenly erased, leaving what appears to be a blank disc, I have the necessary equipment to write a new TOC to the disc and would be glad to perform that procedure. Understand, however, that I am making no promises just now as there is a lot I don't know about this disc. For example: You mention ..."the issue of an erased TOC". Did you mean to say erased 'tracks' or literally and erased TOC; because I've never heard of a disc completing missing a TOC and I'm not sure this such a condition is possible. I ask because I want to be perfectly clear about what is wrong with this disc. Also: Can you find out exactly how the music on the disc came to be "erased"? // Was the disc new when it was originally recorded or was it a reused disc? // In what mode had the disc been recorded: SP, LP2 or LP4? // Is it a 74 minute disc or an 80 minute disc? // Is the disc damaged in any way, such as having a missing or malfunctioning shutter door or a warped case? // Does the internal disc spin smoothly inside the case? I have a MZ-G750 that I modified for TOC cloning and I have a MDS-J520 Deck. I typically use the portable because the procedure is much simpler with fewer steps. I'm in the States - you can PM me if you wish. Best, -ja

Thank you all for your insights. I don't exactly understand some, well most, of the technical aspects and jargon discussed but, I now am assured that my .wav files are not being fundamentally altered in some way. I also now understand why some players on my computer don't display the track titles of commercial CDs I have uploaded as .wav files. A player would need to be connected to some CD catalogue database because the .wav files don't include that information. // Another mystery sent packing. Thanks again for the illumination. Best, James A.

Ah-ha, so if I understand 'metadata' in this context; that step that SS displays as 'converting' is all the information about each track, such as name, date it was created, etc., being encoded. is that correct? Thank you. I was thinking that maybe I was failing to apply some Importing feature in a menu somewhere. -ja