Uploading Live Recordings Digitally From Older Md

[jonagold]

I’m new around here and need a little help with uploading digitally to my computer (a G5 Mac) live recordings that I’ve made on an older MD recorder (not Hi-MD). From what I’ve read so far, I will need a home MD deck that has a digital out, an optical cable, and a card with an optical in for the computer. What still isn’t clear to me is: (1) what format the digital files arrive in; or are they simply input to some audio editing software just like with analog input? And (2) are the track marks on my minidisc recordings preserved?

Thanks for your help!

[A440]

You're right: you're recording it into the computer with a software recording program.

Because SonicStage doesn't support Mac, you're basically stuck. WinNMD would turn separate MD tracks into separate files, but it's a Windows program that needs SonicStage to work. So say goodbye to those track marks.

If you want it to be as digital as possible, get a deck with optical out and a card with optical in. You'd still be recording in real time. For an analog connection, which isn't bad, just record out of the headphone jack into a Line In if your soundcard has it.

If your G5 doesn't have a line input, you can add one with the Griffin iMic, via USB.

http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic/

[dex Otaku]

The Mac part of things is sort of beside the point, since MD / MDLP format discs do not support upload from portables on any platform.

[jonagold]

Because SonicStage doesn't support Mac, you're basically stuck. WinNMD would turn separate MD tracks into separate files, but it's a Windows program that needs SonicStage to work. So say goodbye to those track marks.

←

Thanks for getting back to me.

Would WinMD/SonicStage run on an few-years-old Sony VAIO running Windows ME? That's another possiblity for me.

[A440]

It should work, but check details below.

Just to clarify one more time: WinNMD will not upload faster than realtime. That just can't be done with any MD before Hi-MD. What it will do with a NetMD recording (SP, LP2, LP4) is look (via Sonic Stage and USB) at the track information on your MD and RECORD IN REALTIME each track out of the headphone jack into a separate file.

You said you have an "older MD." You need a NetMD to do this, none of the MZ-R* models.

WinNMD costs about $20, depending on the Euro conversion, and if you do have lots of tracks edited it's a time-saver.

If you don't have trackmarks to preserve then you might as well record with Audacity or whatever sound-recording software your Mac offers.

Take a look at

http://winnmd.net/winnmd.htm

The site says it works with SonicStage 2.2, so you might email him and ask about 2.3.

It also needs Microsoft's .Net framework and DirectX 9. Hope you're on broadband, .net is a big download. (Though not as big as SonicStage.) You'll also need some hard-drive space.

For SonicStage on ME, depends on how fast the processor is, but probably yes. It is a system resources hog, so you're better off if that VAIO isn't your everyday computer.

From Sony's FAQ on SS 2.0. (not 2.3, but probably similar)

The following system environment is required in order to use the SonicStage Ver.2.0 software.

Computer IBM PC/AT or compatible

CPU Pentium II 400MHz or higher (Pentium lll 450MHz or higher is recommended)

Hard disk drive space 200MB or more (1.5GB or more is recommended)(The amount of space will vary according to the Windows version and the number of music files stored onto the hard disk.)

RAM 64MB or more (128MB or more is recommended)

Others CD drive (capable of digital playback by WDM)

Sound Board ;

USB port ( supports USB (previously called USB 1.1)) ;

Operating System: Factory installed Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 / Windows XP Media Center Edition / Windows XP Professional / Windows XP Home Edition / Windows 2000 Professional /Windows Millennium Edition / Windows 98 Second Edition

Display

High Color (16bit) or higher, 800 x 600 dots or better (1024 x 768 dots or better is recommended)

Others Internet access for web registration, EMD services and CDDB

Windows Media Player (version 7.0 or higher) installed for playing WMA files

The following systems are not supported:

* Macintosh

* OSs other than the indicated above

* Personally constructed PCs or operating systems

* An environment that is an upgrade of the original manufacturer-installed operating system

* Multi-boot environment

* Multi-monitor environment

[jonagold]

Thanks so much for your help; I'll do my research and go from there.