Minidisc For Movie Audio

[shadowsandsaints]

I am going to be making a movie and am considering using minidisc for the audio. My one concern is the movement sensitivity while recording. What is everyones experience with this? Am I going to have to keep it absolutely still, or is it possible to walk with the minidisc recorder without problems? I have also looked at harddrive mp3 recorders, but they are a little more expensive and from what I have read the quality probably isnt going to be as good as a minidisc recorder. Also, any recommendations? While Hi-MD would be a plus it is not necessary.

[dex Otaku]

I have used MD for syncing to video in the past and it works very well for non-timecode equipment.

Generally speaking, you can walk around with a recorder in your pocket [i do this regularly] without having to worry too much. They [also generally] won't stand for running, or if you have a really jolting walk perhaps, but if you're used to walking to shoot video or film with a hand- or shoulder-held camera, you likely know how not to jolt the equipment you're carrying.

I'm going to be giving a workshop this summer to the local film community on how to do ad-hoc sound for film [i.e. with consumer or prosumer non-timecode equipment]. I'm looking forward to it.

btw, if you want absolute shock-resistance, flash-based recorders are the way to go. Do a search on the board here, you'll find a few threads about Edirol and Marantz equipment that is generally more expensive than MD or HiMD, but have advantages of their own - and in the case of the Marantz, is basically pro equipment in the sub-$1000 range.

[shadowsandsaints]

Thanks a lot for the info.

[zerodB]

A Hi-MD would be a plus for your needs - you can then upload the sound digitally to your PC for later editing. In addition, if you're picky about sound quality, you can use the Hi-MD to record in linear PCM, rather than in compressed ATRAC. However, if you record at higher bitrates, you need to be increasily careful that you don't bump the unit, as the anti-shock buffer holds less legnth of time at higher bitrates.

I know this pointer sounds simple, but it's amazing how many people disregard it - keep the mics away from the unit as they may pick up operational noise from the recorder.

Edited May 5, 2005 by zerodB