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[Satummoo]

I am looking for either an MP3/Minidisc Player to record myself playing violin. I want something that will last me through my undergrad recording concerts and master-classes. It seems that minidisc in America is a technology that's never caught on so my only option is Sony. The 2 models I have found so far that are in my budget are the MZ-RH910 and the MZ-RH10. To my knowlege, these seem like the best choices since I can hook up a mic and record under high quality. As well as using the player for practicing/school, I want to change disc and listen to my CD's I have ripped on my computer (non mp3-format). Are both of these players capable of doing that? I read that some are strictly ONLY for recording. As far as user-friendly features go, do any of these models offer rechargable batteries?

Thanks

[zerodB]

All recording MD units will playback music as well. After all, how else are you going to listen to the recording you just made?

Both of the models you listed will also let you hook the unit up to the computer, and transfer your music onto minidisc. You can also (for example) transfer your violin recordings to computer for storage, or burn them to a cd later.

Just a question, what format is the music on your PC? Those units are both able to play back MP3 and ATRAC3 (Sony's format). If your music is in another format (ie WMA, OGG) you will need to convert or re-rip your music into one of these formats.

[Satummoo]

All recording MD units will playback music as well. After all, how else are you going to listen to the recording you just made?

Both of the models you listed will also let you hook the unit up to the computer, and transfer your music onto minidisc. You can also (for example) transfer your violin recordings to computer for storage, or burn them to a cd later.

Just a question, what format is the music on your PC? Those units are both able to play back MP3 and ATRAC3 (Sony's format). If your music is in another format (ie WMA, OGG) you will need to convert or re-rip your music into one of these formats.

I'm not quite sure, winamp has covered the file extensions so i'm not sure. Each file is about 40mb (CD ones) I also have Mp3's of about 5mbs. As long as either one of these units is good for what i'm doing, I think I'll proboly buy the higher model b/c I read it has more battery life and also, it looks better . For now, I have some mics that I got from radioshak, but if I remember, they were very high quality ones (definenlty over 50$). My brother bought them to use for our 4track digital recorder.

Also, upon further research, I read that the sony software is HORRIBLE. Does it have any limits on how many times you can erase and put on new files on a MD?

[A440]

The Sony software was horrible and has now been upgraded to moderately annoying. It's the only software available for transfers to and from Hi-MD.

Before SonicStage 3.2 you could only upload your recordings (from minidisc to PC) once. Now you can upload without limit. Your unit may come with a SonicStage 2.x disc. Use it for a coaster or a Christmas-tree ornament or a mirror, but don't install it--get SonicStage 3.3 here (under Downloads) and start with that.

Putting things onto the MD, erasing, etc. has always been unlimited.

If you go into My Computer/Tools/Folder Options/View you can have all file extensions revealed. This is a good idea on general principles, so you can see exactly what files you're opening. If it's 40MB per song, you probably have .wav files. 40MB per album could be anything. But reveal them and see.