mic record via optical & more

[flogen]

Hey,

I've used MDs a lot to record stuff for college etc., but the model that I currently own is pretty useless for what I need.

I have a Sony MZ-N510 (type-S), which doesn't have a regular 'mic in' port, just a line-in (optical) port. When I plug a mic and record there is pretty much no sounds at all.

So can I get an adaptor for a regular mic, or even a mic with an optical lead on it so I can record good quality tracks through my optical port or is it a lost cause?

Secondly, as the machine is a Net MD I can connect it to my PC. I'd like to be able to transfer tracks via USB onto my HD rather than using the manual technique of headphone - mic jack, is there software available to allow me to do this? I found a link on this forum for WinNetMD but it doesn't work.

And if I can't do the above, can I use the optical line in to transfer audio to my laptop (through an optical in on the laptop, of course)

Thanks very much for your help, I know stuff like this has probably been asked before, I'm just totally new to this!

Edited August 4, 2005 by flogen

[Bananatree]

Sadly, a "preamp" will be needed, or a mic that creates it's own energy will be needed. I forget the actual term, however I think this may be what you are looking for. The mic to optical isn't something I can see being manufactured, however a preamp is a lot like a Mic to line in.

[vocals_jure]

Theres news and bad news flogen

The only way you can get your recordings from that recorder is via the headphone output.

If you try using lower sensitivity powered electret mics mics you may be able to get usable levels, but i dont know how loud the speaker is at your lectures but it could be worth a shot.

Peace

Scott

[A440]

With the price of preamps you're better off just getting a new Hi-MD with a mic input. If you can find one, the NH700 or NHF800 is a good recorder that takes a regular AA battery, and you can upload via USB.