Rob

OpenMG doesn't "check in" anything. It just resets a counter. It lets your computer know that you have erased one of your three allowed copies of a track that OpenMG sent to your recorder. To get your rehearsal tracks into your computer, connect the headphone output to the line input of your sound card. Play the audio on your recorder while using whatever progam you have to record to your hard drive from the sound board. Then save your money to get a decent mic.

Let's say you set your levels while tuning up. Then you start recording, but the act is a lot louder than you expected. With the Sharp you can back off the levels a few steps without interrupting the track. This sort of gain riding should be avoided if possible, but it beats risking hard clipping.

That's how I use my Sharp MD-MT831. I recommend the Sharp because it has better features for live recording. If you are in North America you will have to order one from abroad or from an unauthorized importer, as Sharp USA has stopped distributing MD. MinidiskHK currently has a deal on the MT770. Minidisco in California also sells them, if you prefer to deal with a US company; they also have a storefront in San Francisco. Don't forget to budget for a microphone and mic stand.