Interviews on Minidisc

[bill34999]

Hi,

I am interested in doing quite a number of interviews on a digital format that can easily be upload onto a computer.

I am interested in the minidisc because a) its quality and it leaves a copy of the recording on the MD after the upload.

My questions are:

1. Is there a good/recommended model for interviews?

2. What is the best format for recording and uploading?

3. Whereis the best place to buy a minidisc player. I am in Europe and understand there are some limitations on the output signal. Also, the dollar is cheap!

Thanks

Bill

[A440]

Cheapest recorder with a mic jack: MZ-NH700. Look at http://www.minidiscaccess.com or Ebay. It's a great little workhorse, perfectly fine for interviewing or music. All Hi-MD recorders basically record with the same quality and upload the recordings to PC.

Fanciest recorder, with a lot of features you don't need: MZ-RH1. Also try US outlets.

You probably know that you'll also need a microphone: MD recorders don't have them built in.

On the MZ-NH700 (and all other Hi-MD recorders except the MZ-RH1), there are three uploadable formats: PCM, which is CD-quality and probably far more than you need for an interview; Hi-SP, just under 8 hours per 1GB disc or 140 minutes per 80-minute disc, or Hi-LP, which will give you four times as much recording time per disc. Hi-LP may well be good enough for interviews; Hi-SP definitely will be.

Choose your format, plug in the mic and push Record (which will default to Automatic Gain Control, good for interviews). Enjoy your interviewing.