MD as temporary preamp

[funk_pie]

I've had a MD for about 3 years, picked it up used and it has taken a turn for the worse. Totally unreliable now. Anyway I picked up a JB3 the other day and thought maybe I could use my MD just to drive the line in on the JB3 until I can get a suitable preamp. My question is if I were to take my MS907 through the mic-in on either my Sony MZ-R70 or Sharp 702 and take the signal out of the MD via line-out/headphone to the line in on the JB, does the data get converted to ATRAC in the MD if the recorder is on pause, or does it just go through an A/D > D/A process without any ATRAC compression, or will it not do any converting at all, just boost the level (which would be best, imo)? Thanks, John

[danielbb90]

On pause? How could it convert?

It should work!

Edited March 29, 2006 by danielbb90

[funk_pie]

So no compression if the unit is not actually recording? That would make sense. Anyway, I did some experimenting last night (not really related to MD, but thought I'd share anyway): Recorded from my stereo speakers first through the Sharp702 with level near 0dB, to the JB3 at 0gain, +4gain, +8gain, and +12 gain. Then went directly to the JB3 with mic-in, and then line-in. Seems the mic-in and line-in are really the same on the JB3, with the mic-in just allowing for a gain up to +48, where line-in only let's you go up to +12. In a nut shell, the least noisiest recording came through the Sharp MD at +12 gain on the JB3. It clipped a bit, but was nice and loud. Downside is the level meter on the JB3 is horrendous. The meter didn't indicate clipping but it sure as hell was. Anyone out there know of a separate level meter? The MD meters are generally pretty good, so I'm guessing that most folks wouldn't be interested. Anyway, thanks for the input daniel!

[eupeptic]

You can easily verify if the signal coming out of minidisc is going through ATRAC compression or not by looking at a spectral graph of a file recorded with the JB3 - if the high frequencies are cut out, then it's obviously going through ATRAC processing.

The MZ-R55 I have does not do any ATRAC processing on either the line-out or headphone out signals while recording (or paused). (I've posted a couple screen shots comparing the signal from the line-out of the R55 while recording to the signal that you get when playing back a recording from a minidisc in the image/file gallery.)

And I prefer the spectral view in Cool Edit Pro 1.2 (there's less waiting for it to display the graph with this version than with later versions (CEP 2.0 and Adobe Audition 1.5 are basically the same in this regard), and IMO I just find it easier to make useful interpretations when using Cool Edit Pro's graph instead of the graphs from any other programs), but EAC also works, as does Audacity.

Also, if you aren't registered at Taper's Section you should register as they are a great source of information on the JB3 (e.g. their JB3 FAQ has info on the meters, and I found that searching for 'jb3 24db' gives you a few good discussions about its preamp(s)... (aside from the usual "Don't use it! It sucks!" ))

Edited April 1, 2006 by eupeptic

[rayzray]

i do this all all kinds of similar Digital and Analogue tricks in my studio; that is; i use MD-Decks as a "go-Between"; sometimes to convert DZ-AD etc and just other things..

i use a MDS-JE700 just as a "Volume Control; because my MXD-D40 has a "Menu' type volume setting ((((WHICH SUCKS))))!!!!.

i use a Broken down TEac CD to CD recorder in the living room to covert signals to my Yamaha MD-Deck; then to my Panasonic DVD Recorder..

i tried to map out my Studio recently and gave up; it's a nightmare; i use the old map and the "Chance Theory"!

[Sparky191]

....if the recorder is on pause, or does it just go through an A/D > D/A process without any ATRAC compression, or will it not do any converting at all, just boost the level (which would be best, imo)? Thanks, John

Would't it do the A/D > D/A process twice? On the recorder then on the deck? On Head-Fi a few people have taked about using a MD as preamp like that. I tried it just for listening and didn't think the difference in SQ was worth the effort. For listening. Maybe for recording or line volume it would be.