Mystyler

I'd suggest the EX70s, "passive" noise cancelling, and durable. If you want all your MP3s the same volume, try normalising them with something like CoolEdit before transferring them to MD via NetMD. Normalise to 98%.

My old PCDP came with a 4.5V adapter - but even if some Sonys did come with 6V, the plug would be much to big, if mine is anything to go by. The only diff if is in the adapter itself, due to different world power systems. All the adapters would supply 6VDC, 500mAh to the unit, but the input AC can vary from 100VAC to 250VAC, and from 50Hz to 60Hz. You could easily buy the Jap spec N10, and a RadioShack adapter for it. BTW, if you guys think that you are the last to get cool electronics, come to Australia.

Xoni, the N505 lacks a mic jack, IIRC. You are trying to record via the line-in jack? To do this, you'll need a battery box for your microphone (to provide it with power) and then connect it to the line-in. Models that feature a mic jack supply power to the microphone, enabling you to record directly from the mic to MD with minimal fuss.

Ken, I'm assuming you are in the US? If you're not, the N707 comes with an LCD remote, instead of the stick remote with no display, unlike the R700. I also believe that the N707 features an adjustable equiliser, while the N700 doesn't.

o, if you record in mono, you'll get exactly that. :wink: If you record from a mono source in stereo, you'll get a hard left. But recording in mono from a mono or stereo source will give one channel, equally spread L/R. For microphones, try www.soundprofessionals.com

The recording head could also be out of alignment...

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the sync rec option is available under one of the menus on the unit. To enable rec-pause, slide the record slider across, and press pause at the same time - although I don't think this is an option under sync rec - it does it for you.

It's quite possible Baziker - I haven't used a Sony for live recording for a while, and the memory gets sketchy...thanks for clearing it up.

I'd suggest the Sharp IM-MT880/899, but that might be too pricy. If that is above $250US, the check out the Sony MZ-N707 - that should be around the $250US mark?

I had the problem when my laser was bung - not for 5 minutes though, but it did take much longer than usual. You could try cleaning the laser first - get a cotton bud (q-tip) and some isoproply alcohol and use that to clean the laser. Leave to dry a few minutes, and then try it out. Worked on other's MDs, and worked on my PCDP.

I could also recommend the MT190 - Sharps "top" budget model, and does almost everything the MT770 could. Should be alot cheaper than the MT770, and should also be available (in small numbers, though) in North America - it has been reported to be seen there on a number of occasions.

http://www.minidisct.com/forum/showthread....=&threadid=2496 This is the only way at the moment. :? Once recorded, you cannot change the recording mode.

o, Just to expand on what Bazirker posted, in mono mode, you get double the disc time - like LP mode 2 (LP2) but only one channel. LP4 quadruples the recording time, but it is really best suited to voice recording. (Although, there are die-hard LP4 fans out there! ) I'll go ahead and recommend some Sharps - generally acknowledged as the best for live recording: The MD-MT190: Cheap, yet a very decent unit with all the features you'd need (except if you wish NetMD). MD-MT200: Same as the MT190, but with "Dolby Headphone", and will set you back about $40-$50 more than the MT190. MD-MT770/888: The MT770 and MT888 are the same thing, except the MT770 is the Japanese version. Was Sharp's top unit, until the new MD-DR7 (the DR7 is due to be released in Japan on the 10/12/02). The MT770/888 has the best remote found on a recorder to date, and it the only unit to feature a record button on the remote. No NetMD. IM-MT880/889: Again, two model numbers for the same unit. The MT880/899 is the same as the MT770/888 except with NetMD. Sharp is generally considered the best brand for live performances, as it gives you sync recording on all inputs, including mic. It also allows you complete control over input levels: newer Sonys have now included this feature, but it is not as well implemented on Sony models: to adjust the input levels on Sonys, you must pause recording then alter levels IIRC, while Sharps let you adjust the levels "on-the-fly", without pausing recording.

The Streetstyles would only seem louder if they have a higher sensitivity then the 'phones you were previously using - nothing to do with the inline volume control.

Medic, MDs (especially Sonys) have pitifully low outputs, so that they can get 200+ hours of battery life. :roll: If I were you, I'd stay away from Street Styles - good for screetching, and that's it. For working out, maybe some Aiwa VX-100s or Sony EX70s would be the way to go.

OK Gary, this is the best I can do: To "mark" a point where the sentence you want to be repeated starts, play the disc until that particular point is reached, then stop the playback. Next, go into the menu system and choose "sentence", then "memory". This will mark the point you have chosen. The remote should display, "memory..." then, "complete". If now hit play, the dics will start playing from the point you stopped it, but if you hit play/stop on the remote again, the unit will search back to the point you have chosen, and play from that point again. :shock: Confusing? To clear the memory, hold down the play/stop button for about 2 secs - the unit should beep, and stop playing. Then go back into the menu system, choose "sentence" again, and then search for "clear". When you choose "clear", the unit should go back to normal operation. It's not much, but it's a start.

Hi Gary - I have an HX400, and can get the sentence repeat function to work somewhat completely - I haven't really used the feature for a while, so I'll go away and fiddle with it to jog my memory, then post back here. 8)

Rezn8, there are a few people working on Mac software for NetMD at the moment - http://forums.minidisc.org/viewtopic.php?t=22 - this is the closest they've got at this stage. Sony totally ignored Mac users - shame really, because so many Mac users have bought into NetMD...

They don't know what "analogue" is.

I say treat your MD as if it is a hunk on metal - if it breaks within the first year, it is poorly made, but you've got your warranty. If it breaks in your second year, it is slightly dodgy. If it lasts after that, it's paid for itself 10x over. I don't go chucking any of my MDs around on purpose - they just have a lot of accidental falls, etc - to be expected, IMO. So far, my 20 month old MR200 is rockin' on, and my HX400 hasn't missed a beat. BTW, that Li-ion cell in the E/N10 is only 340mAh...

I've seen that Odyssey thing - nice but MD is much better. No HDD to crash! I recorded a thunderstorm two weeks ago with a very cheap (freebie, actually) mic, and the results were superb. 8)

Think of SP recording as "CD quality", and that doesn't mean "64kpbs .wma CD quality". Many cannot tell the difference between CD and MD. However, the long play modes (MDLP) sacrifice quality for quantity. LP2 is almost SP, and the best trade off quality/quantity. LP4 on the other is not as good - some people love it, but it is best suited to voice recordings, although, some people swear by LP4 CD dubs for long trips. Sony units are have more of a learning curve to use, rather than a Panasonic/Sharp, but you're set if you can read the manual - people who have never used MD can take to their new unit like a pro after a few days. If you end up buying a Jap N10, the majority of the manual will be in Japanese.

I'd even recommend a cheap sound card with optical out - it would be cheaper than a USB--->optical converter. And there is nothing wrong with soundcard analog out--->MD either. The cheapest way, and you can still get great results.

I got MD because it is the perfect replacement for both tape an CD. Plus, they are a hell of a lot better than anything MP3 - exception iPod. But it don't record, and it is HDD based. Removable media all the way.

Nah, I think it is about time MD.org had a forum - there is so much info here and the addition of a forum was a long time coming, IMO. It's a good thing too. And yes, I'm sane.