Record settings.

[Farmpunk]

Okay, I've figured out my software issue from yesterday's initial post. I need to be recording my sound in "mono" not "stereo." There is no obvious switch on my MZM100. I go into the menu, select Record for setting and have three choices: pcm, sp, and lp(?). I assume pcm means mono and sp means stereo?

[srizvi1]

Okay, I've figured out my software issue from yesterday's initial post. I need to be recording my sound in "mono" not "stereo." There is no obvious switch on my MZM100. I go into the menu, select Record for setting and have three choices: pcm, sp, and lp(?). I assume pcm means mono and sp means stereo?

Software issue from yesterday? Was that in another thread? If so, can we maybe merge this thread and that thread together?

[A440]

All the recording modes are stereo. PCM is highest quality .wav files (equal to CD). SP is compressed but very good quality. LP is compressed, decent enough for speech.

You can get the equivalent of mono recording--same sound on both channels--by sending a mono mic through a mono-to-stereo adapter cord. The mono mic will have one ring around the plug. The stereo end of the adapter will have two rings around it, like your (stereo) headphone jack. Use a cord rather than a solid adapter to avoid strain on the mic jack.

I guess you didn't get a manual with that unit. Maybe Sony has one online .

[Farmpunk]

Thanks for the heads up on the pcm-sp-lp difference.

I do have the manual, but it says nothing specific about stereo vs mono. I bought the unit a while back and didn't use it. Now I need it to work, and I need to learn how to use it.

If I'm understanding this issue properly - big if - then I can simple record in mono by adapting the mic input? That would save me a wack of time and annoyance. Right now I have to manually switch all files from sonicstage to desktop to audacity where the file is altered, one by one, before it can be read by the audio editor I am obliged to use. Anything to eliminate these cumbersome steps would be excellent.

Thanks for the info. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions at some point.

[srizvi1]

I've never really had a reason to record in Mono - I just leave my settings on PCM. Would I ever have a reason to record in Mono?

[raintheory]

What I do for mono using Hi-MD is record it in PCM (even though the sound only comes through the left), and once I've uploaded the file and converted to WAV, use editing software to convert the stereo WAV file to a mono WAV file. File size is half of the original, same quality, and comes through both speakers.

[milomind]

Making use of an amplifier audio out, or recording a mono feed such as a guitar, bass, synth, theremin or other instrument going into an amp will require mono cabling in order to avoid stereo bleed over into the opposite channel. You will still get a stereo recording, however, on the RH1. Just delete the blank channel in editing software. I suggest using Audacity. It's free.

[Avrin]

The prototype RH1 could actually record in MONO (in legacy MD mode only - 160 minutes on a 80-minute disc). The capability was later disabled, and production units (RH1 and M200) no longer have it.