KJ_Palmer

As far as I know, mono records both left and right signals to only one of the 2 available channels usually set aside for SP recordings. It's only data space on the actual MD, so there's no additional compression relative to SP, and in playback both left and right outputs are sent the same one track information. It's all decoded by the MD software. Slightly non-techy, but I'm pretty sure that's what goes on.

Uploading and data file transfer to and from PC will be standard on all HiMD portables. Uploading will be available for recording made via mic-in and line-in. It remains to be seen whether optical recordings will be allowed to uploaded, but probably not. Only the high-end portables will use LiIon batteries, all others use good old AA. Have a look at these Hi-MD units.

Why not use the DC adaptor in instead of the external battery slot? You should be able to get a ready-made battery box from an electrical supplier and the adaptor would be standard. I know you can get these things from Maplin Electronics in the UK, they even do nice little boxes to keep things tidy. The MD-MT180 uses 4.5V DC in (I think) , so three Alkalines should power it for a good long time I should think. Anyway, just a suggestion...

Unless I'm greatly mistaken here, you can't record digitally from any current portable MD - only analogue. You can't send a digital signal from your portable to your hi-fi, you can only get an analogue (line) signal from your loine/headphine out. Only some decks have digital outputs, and even then you might be thwarted by SCMS copy control restrictions. What you need is stereo line cable and then you can record in analogue. Hopefully your hi-fi has a line/aux-in - usually found on the back. Get a suitable cable from an audio store - either an RCA/minijack or minijack/minijack lead depending on the type of aux/line in. If your portable has a line out mode, use that, or set the volume to max and bass/EQ off. Start recording on your hi-fi, play your portable. You'll need to make your own tracks marks, unless your hi-fi has a sync record mode.

At present, only mid to high-end decks or bookshelf systems allow this, such as the MDS-JB980. Portables do not have this function, even the high-end ones.

Your N910 certainly has better potential recording abilities than your JE510, but would be slightly more susceptible to vibration than the deck, which, as you rightly say would be somewhat "sturdier". I'd say stick with recording digitally with your N910 but keep it nice and stable. Your deck will actually play back the N910's recordings better than it's own, though there won't be a huge difference either way.

Possibly only from Sony directly, though musical instrument shops generally have microphone accesories. The round holders don't seem to fit, as the 907 is a funny shape, but I have a springclip type mount (and a small stand) which does the job nicely.

I have the Sharp MD-MT80, and use it for recording my own violin lessons/practices. Like most Sharp MD recorders it is very good for microphone recording, better in that respect than most Sony recorders. It's also very simple to use. The MT80 is a little bit outdated now (but still good), and does not have the MDLP (long play) function of the newer recorders. The Sharp MT88 or MT290 are later models of similar quality, and still fairly inexpensive. I also use the Sony MZ-B10, which is even easier to use (much like a cassette recorder), and has a built in speaker and microphone. I use the Sony ECM-MS907 and the Vivanco EM239 condenser microphones for recording with very good results. Where abouts are you in the UK? If you can get to London, there are many places on Tottenham Court Road that sell these and other microphones. Otherwise most audio retailers should be able to supply you with one. You need a "plug in power" type microphone, which is a standard type.

The better decks (eg. JB980) have these features. Can't say I ever use it, though I'm sure it might be nice for some people as you say. Bit too niche-y for the average portable user I'd say.

Are you sure the recorder is maintained in a steady state throughout the show? Any jolts, shakes or bumps will cause the laser head to misalign slightly, causing skips or even erasing other sectors on the disc. On the whole try to keep movement to a minimum whilst recording. The R50 is also quite an old model, later recorders might be better equipped to handle movement, but it will always be a factor. Maybe the softer show phenomenon is due to a more relaxed crowd environment...

You can adjust the contrast on the N10 - in Menu - Options - Contrast. Not sure if you can turn the display off with this (you can on some machines), but maybe you've set the contrast to 0 accidentally, in which case you should be able to set it back.

Nope, 'fraid not - no MDLP on the JE330 either. It's the same generation as the JE530 (hence the '30' suffix), only lower spec. I can recommend the JB980 from the newer stable of decks. It can perform TOC cloning (apparently, though I've never tried it), and is mid to near high-end in terms of sound and features. Otherwise the JE780 would be a fine alternative. If you can get hold of the previous generation's JB940 or JE770, these decks should also serve you well.

TOC cloning is possible on this deck - according to this description. Its an old-ish deck (circa 1999), so I don't know if you can even buy it new, but I believe it's a very solid recorder and you satisfy most of your needs. Being pre-2000 it doesn't have MDLP, so you can only playback the pseudo-SP recordings from your netMD. Some DVD recordings have SCMS copyright built in, so you may not be able to digitally record all your DVDs (but this applies to any deck or portable recorder). Not sure if it's worth 150 euro (especially second-hand), I'd personally be tempted to pay a bit more go for a new and more recent deck, but it's a fine deck all the same, though slightly 'retro'.

Yes, all 'standard' ATRAC modes are backwards compatible (ie. stereo and mono). The only thing that won't play are the long-play modes, MDLP2 or 4, but you don't have to worry about that.

Hi kren, the B10 was released in Feb 2003, the B100 in Oct 2001. See here: B10 and here: B100. (I've got both units by the way ). The B10 is actually a bit lower spec than the B100 (hence the price) but has more modern features: ATRAC Type S and digital pitch control. The B100 has the older fashioned speed control (ie. pitch rises/lowers with speed). Both are excellent units though.

You just need a standard stereo extension lead with the correct jacks (probably female and male at either end). Any decent audio or musical instrument shop be able to sell you one or knock you one up to that length. For the best quality you should have gold-plated connectors and oxygen free copper cable. There will be a slight theoretical deterioration in the signal, but it will be negligable at that distance, so don't worry.

Have you looked at the Sony MZ-B10 (http://www.minidisc.org/part_Sony_MZ-B10.html)? This is the newer "business" model (and much cheaper than the B100) and should include all the features your husband wants. I still see plenty of B10's and B100's in the shops in the shops in London, and you can order both models from MyMinidisc (http://www.my-minidisc.de/index.php?langua...disc.de/nav.php) if you're in Europe (they may ship elsewhere).

Yes, it's a shame. There are maybe ' better' MD boards now (this one of course and, ahem... T-board :roll: ). I'll miss Minidiscussion (if it doesn't come back up), as it was my first discussion forum, but I think the site owner has scarpered and it's been in freefall for years,

If live recording is your main interest, then a Sharp model with a mic input should certainly be top of your list. Recent Sonys don't really cut the mustard with live recording as well as Sharps. The cheapest new model is, I believe the MD-MT290. Not the prettiest, as with most Sharp low-enders, but gets the job done.

Yes, same here. I think Minidiscussion is a dead duck now, RIP.

Of the units in the Richer Sounds sale, I'd recommend the Sharps, either the MD-MT170 or MD-MT88H. Both have very good headphone outputs, the MT170 is slightly newer, but lacks a microphone input (the MT88H has one though). I have both these units from previous Richer sales, and can attest that they're both excellent.

I've got both units, and they're both great (you can't beat that 10mW x 2 output 8) ). I'd say the MT270 wins slightly because of its ability to set bass and treble, whereas the MT180 only has bass boost. It should be fine to use rechargeable batteries in the MT270, it just might not be able to charge them, but of course it's fine to do that externally.

I think an amp would the the way to go with the N710, if you don't mind a bit of extra bulk. I use a Boosteroo from Sound Professionals with my Sony PCDP and I think it's actually very good. OK, I know its not the best amp in the world, but its cheap ($24 + shipping), it's very clear, it's slim, there's no hiss, and can go very loud ( much louder I'd say than my Sharp 10mW x2 MDs). And considering my D-EJ2000 only has 0.5mW x 2, the N710 should go ballistic!

If your stereo has a line out or aux out sockets, you can record using an analogue cable. If you're careful you won't be able to tell the difference from optical. Even a headphone out would be OK if you play it without EQ.

Anything that produces a strong magnetic and/or electric field would create a hum in a mic, and get worse the nearer you stand to it. It's basically feedback with the mic trying to record itself slightly out of phase. Something like a loudspeaker or TV set would give that effect. Is there anything like that in your "bad" room?. Also, don't forget your body acts as a conductor and may pick up ambient electric fields which get relayed to your mic. If you wear insulating shoes and/or gloves this should alleviate the problem.