andyneedham Posted March 24, 2008 Report Share Posted March 24, 2008 Hi there,Hope all is well with everyone! I just joined the forum yesterday. Like another poster I'm a total newbie. I'm in Nairobi, Kenya at the moment, will be here for three months and I'd like to get a MD recorder to do some interviews/recordings for use in a media project/possible documentary for broadcast. I looked at a recorder before I left Ireland and they were around 360 euros - I'm afraid I don't know what model that was other than it was black! Anyway, the local electrical/audio/hi-fi shop has two models in stock - again I only looked briefly and will go back again to see what the model numbers are but they're way cheaper, working out at about one third of the price. Is it possible they could be counterfeit or is that the going price here? (I checked out the MD recorder in a Sony shop in Dublin so maybe they're marked up heavily there).So basically what I'm asking for advice/help on is which model should I look for - just to make broadcast quality audio(voice) interview recordings etc. Also which kind of microphone I should get would be great to know also! And anyone who knows of a reputable Sony dealer in Nairobi would be great to hear from in case the models I checked out aren't the real deal!Anyway, judging from other posts, all the experts are online here so I'd be really grateful of any advice. Thanks in advance!Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A440 Posted March 24, 2008 Report Share Posted March 24, 2008 There are so many MD and Hi-MD recorders that you really have to be careful about what they're trying to sell you. Please go to www.minidisc.org and look through the Browser tab, which shows all the units (latest ones are first in case you want to look at the most likely ones). The best thing for you to do is note the model numbers and check back here. It is totally confusing otherwise. Here's a longer explanation for once you've rechecked model numbers. There are at least 3 kinds of minidisc units: original, NetMD and Hi-MD. Most are old and technologically outmoded, though some people here are fond of them. MD was once by far the best bang for the buck for portable recording. It may not be any more. Look in your electronics stores there for the Edirol R09, now used by many journalists, or the Zoom H2. No idea if they've reached East Africa yet. Those are easy to use--built-in mics, CD-quality recording, drag-and-drop upload, flash recording with no moving parts.By comparison, the best that MD can do is uploading through Sony software called SonicStage, which works pretty well now but is still an extra step. And SonicStage only uploads from Hi-MD--not from the vast majority of MD units. MD has other good features, including on-unit editing, and its mic preamps are a notch above the flash recorders, but it is not as convenient. If you want to upload recordings directly to your computer as digital files--instead of recording them in realtime out of the headphone jack--your choices are reduced to Hi-MD units. There are only a handful of those, only Sony makes them, and you can see them all in the Browser. Hi-MD and MD recorders are not being manufactured any more, so you are going to be limited to what you can find. Among Hi-MD, to me the best choices boil down to two: MZ-NH700, the basic workhorse, and MZ-RH1, the pride of the fleet. The MZ-RH1 is the black one you probably saw. It's Mac-compatible; MZ-NH700 is PC-only. The RH1 uploads files from old MDs, which doesn't matter to you; MZ-NH700 doesn't. But other Hi-MD models will also record and upload: MZ-NH900, MZ-NHF800, MZ-RH10, MZ-RH100, MZ-M200 (which is just the RH1 bundled with a microphone). Anything with a D in the model number is just to download music, like an iPod, and will not do realtime recording. There's an NH600, that only has a line-in jack (but no mic-in jack to power a mic), and an NH600D, which does not do realtime recording. Confusion for all.Anything else--MZ-Nxxx- units, MZ-Rxxx units (both without the H), anything by Sharp or Panasonic or Aiwa or Kenwood, will only record in compressed formats and will not upload to your computer. The compressed formats can sound good, but you'd have to re-record in realtime out of the headphone jack. Try to hear some benga and taarab music while you're there. You might even record it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superbaldguy Posted March 24, 2008 Report Share Posted March 24, 2008 You were undoubtedly looking at the RH1 or the M200. Both are identical, save the latter includes a Sony stereo T-mic. These are the last MiniDisc units left on the market, unfortunately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyneedham Posted March 30, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 hi ththanks to you both for all the great info - much appreciated. I checked out the two models but unfortunately they're the MZ R410 and the MZ NH 600 neither of which a mic input so it looks like I'll have to keep looking elsewhere...andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnyandbow Posted April 4, 2008 Report Share Posted April 4, 2008 There are so many MD and Hi-MD recorders that you really have to be careful about what they're trying to sell you. Please go to www.minidisc.org and look through the Browser tab, which shows all the units (latest ones are first in case you want to look at the most likely ones). The best thing for you to do is note the model numbers and check back here. It is totally confusing otherwise. Here's a longer explanation for once you've rechecked model numbers. There are at least 3 kinds of minidisc units: original, NetMD and Hi-MD. Most are old and technologically outmoded, though some people here are fond of them. MD was once by far the best bang for the buck for portable recording. It may not be any more. Look in your electronics stores there for the Edirol R09, now used by many journalists, or the Zoom H2. No idea if they've reached East Africa yet. Those are easy to use--built-in mics, CD-quality recording, drag-and-drop upload, flash recording with no moving parts.By comparison, the best that MD can do is uploading through Sony software called SonicStage, which works pretty well now but is still an extra step. And SonicStage only uploads from Hi-MD--not from the vast majority of MD units. MD has other good features, including on-unit editing, and its mic preamps are a notch above the flash recorders, but it is not as convenient. If you want to upload recordings directly to your computer as digital files--instead of recording them in realtime out of the headphone jack--your choices are reduced to Hi-MD units. There are only a handful of those, only Sony makes them, and you can see them all in the Browser. Hi-MD and MD recorders are not being manufactured any more, so you are going to be limited to what you can find. Among Hi-MD, to me the best choices boil down to two: MZ-NH700, the basic workhorse, and MZ-RH1, the pride of the fleet. The MZ-RH1 is the black one you probably saw. It's Mac-compatible; MZ-NH700 is PC-only. The RH1 uploads files from old MDs, which doesn't matter to you; MZ-NH700 doesn't. But other Hi-MD models will also record and upload: MZ-NH900, MZ-NHF800, MZ-RH10, MZ-RH100, MZ-M200 (which is just the RH1 bundled with a microphone). Anything with a D in the model number is just to download music, like an iPod, and will not do realtime recording. There's an NH600, that only has a line-in jack (but no mic-in jack to power a mic), and an NH600D, which does not do realtime recording. Confusion for all.Anything else--MZ-Nxxx- units, MZ-Rxxx units (both without the H), anything by Sharp or Panasonic or Aiwa or Kenwood, will only record in compressed formats and will not upload to your computer. The compressed formats can sound good, but you'd have to re-record in realtime out of the headphone jack. Try to hear some benga and taarab music while you're there. You might even record it....Hi, Im new to all this. Is there a minidisc deck that supports hi-md. I bought a MDS-JE530 but it won't record or play to hi-md. I want to transfer my lp's to my pc. I have successfully done it via a MZ-NH600 but its slow. I really want to use a deck connected to my hi-fi.Can anyone help. Thans so much. sunnyandbow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobt Posted April 4, 2008 Report Share Posted April 4, 2008 Hi, Im new to all this. Is there a minidisc deck that supports hi-md. I bought a MDS-JE530 but it won't record or play to hi-md. I want to transfer my lp's to my pc. I have successfully done it via a MZ-NH600 but its slow. I really want to use a deck connected to my hi-fi.Can anyone help. Thans so much. sunnyandbowget a USB turntable, or a turntable and preamp to your line-inBob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikami Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Hi-MD and MD recorders are not being manufactured any moreYou write well, but 'sorry'; that was simply not true!The truth isSony is still manufacturing:The MZ-RH1 (Silver&Black editions)The MZ-N920 (Silver, Blue, and Red editions)The HI-MD player models MZ-EH70 and MZ-EH50(all color/colours) are also still being manufactured as well MD/HI-MD decks and boom boxes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strungup Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 You write well, but 'sorry'; that was simply not true!The truth isSony is still manufacturing:The MZ-RH1 (Silver&Black editions)The MZ-N920 (Silver, Blue, and Red editions)The HI-MD player models MZ-EH70 and MZ-EH50(all color/colours) are also still being manufactured as well MD/HI-MD decks and boom boxes.Mikami san , do you work for Sony ? ............I also live in Japan , Yokohama , I have eijyuken . Sony isnt manufacturing , They DO have stock , a lot of unsold stock , and they are getiing rid of it little by little . But Retailers aren't putting it on the shelves . At the SONY Outlet in Shibuya , there is an NH3d NEW , with 50% off marked on it . I asked them about the RH1 , " Mo nai desu " even the SONY outlet , said they are not going to carry it . It is sad , but it is there , it is a fact . Kenwood =yesOnkyo =yespanasonic=yesSONY =no . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdarsee Posted April 19, 2008 Report Share Posted April 19, 2008 I just ordered the MZ-200 myself. This thread helped me make my decision. THANKS A440 for educating me on the various MD's!I am intently watching Guitarfxr's reveiw of the new TASCAM DR-1 and was close to purchasing that one, ( thanks Guitarfxr ). Maybe in the future, but I only have budget for one device.And...I have an old MZ-R37 that has begun to make strange noises so decided to get one of these last models as not to loose my archives and to use for upload to computer files.BEST WISHES Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laidler Posted May 6, 2008 Report Share Posted May 6, 2008 So, what does Kenwood, Onkyo, and Panasonic make in the way of HI-MD? I've seen a few Onkyo shelf stereo models, but haven't been able to get much information on them. What actually has optical outs and can be used as a component deck since no one seems to make one? (shame on Sony!!!!!) I'm tempted to someday when I've finally gotten my degree in electrical engineering to get an old standard home deck, rip out it's insides and figure out how to put the internals of a portable HI-MD unit in there to make my own home HI-MD deck, if it's even possible. Heck, I'll make it possible. (insert manic laugh here, followed by hacking cough) Anyway, any light you can shine on this bleak quagmire would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A440 Posted May 7, 2008 Report Share Posted May 7, 2008 Kenwood and Panasonic never bothered with Hi-MD. Only Onkyo. Its models are at: http://www.minidisc.org/part_Hi-MD_Onkyo.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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