Design Your Ideal Recorder

[javertim]

Mine would most definately be Hi-Md, with quick usb upload possible.

I would retain the simple menu of my Sharp DR77, especially because it actually remembers all of my settings.

I would keep the record-start "slider" from my older Sony N707, along with the sliding "hold" button. Unlike my Sharp model which requires you to push REC + PLAY to start the recording process, I prefer the simple slidining mechanism.

I would prefer to be able to adjust my levels "on the fly," but it really doesn't matter because I generally know which levels will and will not work for my recording situations by now.

Additionally, although I have never owned a model with the feature, I would like my ideal recorder to have a slot-loading device as opposed to the clam-shell design.

Also, my ideal unit would have to be metal (I've never owned a plastic unit). And I would like the rechargable gumstick battery alog with an optional AA attachment.

Finally, if I could have all this in the size of my Sharp MT77, I would have my ideal MD recorder. Can't really think of anything else right now.

How about you?

[ozpeter]

HHB Portadrive - my ideal exists. My budget doesn't. Huh.

[MDGB2]

Hi-MD unit (portable), capable of recording all format modes (especially LP2) on a Hi-MD formatted disc via digital input without using Sonicsuck or any other software.

Digital input AND output.

Drag and drop capability for transferring music via a PC (drag and drop WAV files from a CD in explorer, with the recorder re-encoding them to Hi-SP whatever 'on the fly.' That would be sweeet....)

Ability to upload music from ANY MD format (mainly Old Skool SP) directly to a PC for storage or burning onto CD.

Lightweight, strong metal case.

AA power supply.

HD Digital amp.

A proper remote control (not connected to headphones) with LCD display (backlit) for when unit is connected up to hi-fi and out of arms reach...

Coffee machine optional....

Edited May 14, 2005 by MDGB2

[A440]

I'll second the AA form factor power supply--not outboard, and rechargeable in the unit.

I'll also second having it hold settings from the last recording session and making it easy to have Manual Volume as the default.

A mic preamp that can finally handle some bass.

Backlit display with artist's name instead of album title as you scroll, and if there's not enough room for characters, make them scroll faster at the very least.

Remote-wise, the RM-MC40ELK is almost there, but it needs a Record slider (why did Sony ever get rid of those?) and a way to distinguish buttons by feel, maybe a bumpy one, a smooth one, a triangular one, a T-shaped one (for track) etc. They ought to make their designers use one in the dark.

Finally, the complete elimination of SonicStage as a gateway and encryptor for transfers. Drag and drop of files, albums, folders and anything else, in every MD format old and new, with firmware smart enough to figure it out once they get where they're going. Compatibility with Winamp, Windows Media Player, Musicmatch, Realplayer, iTunes and other playlist software. USB 2.0 and maybe even Firewire, with MAC compatibility taken for granted, too.

Oh, and 3GB super-Hi-MDs, so you can get the whole concert in PCM without changing discs.

[Silvadragon]

I agree with Drag-Drop abilities. Faster recording times, plays ne type of econded mp3, support for mp4. Fireware updates every 3 months, Li-ion rechargeble, touch naviagtion, faster seek time *but not in HDD*, 2G Hi-MD with higher capacities that would kick a ipod mini's ass. Larger screen for the unit. Firewire or USB 2.0 connection, Mac compatibility, support for other music playing apps.

Bring back MEGABASS!