mikio

Thanks Volta!

A440, Got it! Don't use the attenuator for transferring analog (CASS) to digital (MD). Your process was crystal clear and I've already transferred files successfully. Finally. Now I need to learn how to mark between tracks. I assume I'll get better at this process as I go along. However, thusfar, I'm lousy at it. Any hints to get better? Also, if I chose to get a preamp/battery box, where does it get hooked up in my setup? Like the attenuator it's only used in live settings. When do I use the P/B? Mikio

GM, Could you clarify playback device vs recorder? To me, both MD and CASS are playback devices AND recorders. Thanks much! Mikio

GM, I'll be the first to admit it. I was using the WRONG cable. I returned it yesterday and all is well in the transferring department. My question now is how do I level db/vol between MD and CASS recorder and VOL attenuator? The best playback is my main goal. Mikio

A440, Yes, I can use Sonar as a recorder, I have in the past. I still need a better 3.5-to-3.5 cable to test out that method however. I'm going to Fry's tomorrow and look for a Belkin cable. They're usually very expensive but very dependable. Could there by another reason why my MD is reading Din Unlock? Could it be a malfunction? How would I test that besides buying another cable? Everything else seems to be working fine. Could it be due to a poor quality cable? Mikio

Atrain, If you want to walk me thru the process, please feel free. I'd love to transfer audio directly to my soundcard, I didn't know I could, I just hope I have the right cables. If not, I'll buy it when I pick up another 3.5-to-3.5 cable, hopefully at Fry's. My soundcard is the EMU 0404, it's a pro card so I'm sure it's ready for what I need it to do, but as for me? Well, let's just say I'm beginning to feel a bit defeated. But I'm not giving up. I just wanted you all to know I appreciate the time you give me online. Thanks a load! Mikio

A440, Yes, there is sound out of my cassette via a headset thru the EAR jack. I then followed your directions and I received a Din Unlock error on my MD. This means the digital cable connection is not secure. Well, I've tried everything to make the connection as snug as possible, even trying different variations, and still nothing. I suspect I have to buy a better quality 3.5-to-3.5 cable, what do you think? If so, could you suggest a brand that is available at Fry's? Buying online is great but the down time waiting on items to arrive could take me a lifetime to figure out this MD. I could be dead by then. Just kidding. I wish this darn thing was PnP. LOL! Mikio

GreenMachine, I tried this setup as well. When the manual didn't apply to me, I thought it can't hurt trying my new cable from Radio Shack. Needless to say, it didn't work either. Now I'm really stumped. What am I doing wrong? It's probably something really stupid, right? Mikio

GreenMachine, I tried that before posting but it didn't work. My cassette recorder is a portable handheld and I presume that's where the problem lies. The manual refers to a boom box type setup and I have no way of testing that, nor do I want to. My cassette recorder has an EAR JACK and a PLUG IN POWER JACK. It might not be possible to transfer audio to my MD, you tell me. Is it? Also, I could be using the wrong cables. Remember I didn't get any with my eBay MD purchase. Mikio

A440, Again, you hit the nail on the head. I could go crazy trying to make sense of MD models, let alone keep up with their advancements, so I've decided to stick with what I have. At least for now. As for the Sony ECM-DS70P mic, it arrived on Monday and I'm going to fiddle with it some before I ask for further assistance. A hiss will definitely bother me so I will need a new mic asap. Mikio p.s. How do I transfer CASSETTE audio to my MD?

A440, You just hit the nail on the head. Let's get down to my ideal setup. Pretend I don't have an MD or a MIC. What would you advise me to get based on what you know I need it for? Of course, always taking into consideration portability. Mikio p.s. Don't worry about computer compatibility, I've got that covered.

A440, Any suggestions on where to buy the Core Sound Binaurals mics? I hope they're not too elaborate. I'm really not one to fuss with mics and cords. I'd like it to be quick and painless. The less moving about and lugging around, the better. LOL! Ok, so here's the million dollar question. Is there an ideal setup for what I want without having to upgrade every other month as technology advances? Let's face it, I'm of the mindset that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'd like 1 setup for a while. Mikio

A440, What do you think of the Church Audio preamp? Is it worth buying? Will it fix hissing issues via my mic? Will I still have to buy another one? At this point, most of what you post is mumble jumble, but please don't stop! I simply mean I'm unable to recall your advice as I research items. I enjoy your post immensely. I'm just trying to work within my capacity before I go pro with my gear. Basically, I'm testing the waters. Mikio

GreenMachine, Thanks for the link. Seems all those mics have a hissing issue. Luckily my mic came with a cord to minimize that somewhat. I'm planning to test that on Tuesday at an operatic recital. If the darn thing ever gets here! What mic would you suggest I buy to achieve the best quality recording in these 4 situations? 1. live Big Band recording 2. live Guitar & Voice recording 3. live Piano recording 4. live Voice recording Money is not an issue but compatability is. If there is a mic that works well in these sits and is unobtrusive than that's the mic for me. Feel free to advise in detail. The smaller the better. I hate lugging tons of equipment! Mikio p.s. I was unable to upload the sample recordings on the Sony mic page. Perhaps a quick 'How To' would be helpful. Thank you.

A440, I've read the link that you and Chris have left for me, but at present I don't have a mic so I can't test out my MD as of yet. However, I did purchase a stereo mic online from Mini Disco. Go to http://www.minidisco.com/ecm-ds70p.html and tell me what you think? Good choice? I liked this model for its ability to stand on its own or plug in directly to my MD without the extension cable. Hmm? Mikio

Oops -- Manual link -- sorry about that! http://www.minidisc.org/manuals/sharp/shar...user_manual.pdf

Ozpeter and A440, I have a Sharp MD-MT821. Its manual link is posted below. It does have an Optical Line In. However, no cables. Yesterday I purchased a Universal Optical cable from Radio Shack. It has a toslink and 3.5mm jacks on BOTH ends! Basically, I can flip the ends to make various connections. What I don't get is how Digital differs from Optical? Mikio

Kurisu, I read your article on how to upload audio from md to pc, and I thoroughly understand that process. However, I am not sure about the component hookup. The last paragraph reads: Another way to upload is to purchase a sound card with a DIGITAL input and a Minidisc deck or bookshelf with digital out. You can then upload digitally, albeit realtime with a toslink to miniplug digital cable, using the same methods described above. Question: I have a pro sound card, EMU 0404, will it suffice? (spec/product link http://www.zzounds.com/item--EMU8803) In the paragraph above the last paragraph, second asterik from the bottom, it reads: Start recording in whichever editor your prefer on the computer, and press play on the unit. Question: Is Sonar 4 Producer Edition or TS Audio an editor? I'm not American so I'm almost certain I'm losing something in the translation. If my appz are not capable of uploading audio files, could you name a few? My objective: To record simple melodic lines on my MD and have it come up on my PC as music notation. My process thusfar (bear in mind a classical guitar recording). 1) I load CD in CD-ROM tray on PC. 2) I select a track. 3) I open TS Audio (converter app). 4) I convert AUDIO track to WAV file. 5) I save new file. 6) I open Encore (notation app). 7) I convert new (WAV) file to MIDI. 9) I tweak tempi, meter, etc ... if need be. What do I end up with? An audio file in sheet music format. No kidding. WARNING: This process does NOT work with orchestral CDs, or any setup of the like. That is, unless you have great ears and can separate multiple lines that have converged into ONE track. Even then, I wouldn't attempt more than a Big Band setup. I've done so but I orchestrate and arrange music for a living, and that I do by hand, not by computer. You really have to be skilled in melodic and rhythmic dictation to attempt this process. SIDE NOTE: If it weren't for the advancement in technology I wouldn't be asking these questions. I'm an old timer and any help would be GREATLY appreciated! Mikio