Need portable recording minidisc recommendations please!!!

[Big Smooth]

Hi,

I'm new to this board. For the last 3 years I've been contemplating buying a portable MD recorder/player and have explored both Sharp and Sony models. Well, now I'm actually planning on buying one within the next month or so and would like some suggestions/information from all you 'seasoned' vets of MDs. Here is what I am looking for:

1)ability to record mp3s off the internet

2)ability to make quality field recordings(nature, trains, etc)

3)ability to make quality live recordings of concerts(mic level control would be a necessity)

My favorite music is experimental, ambient techno, idm, jazz, and some folk.

I welcome any information or suggestions on what models would meet my needs. My budget is no more than $250 us. Thanks!

Mark

[Mystyler]

I'd suggest the Sharp IM-MT880/899, but that might be too pricy. If that is above $250US, the check out the Sony MZ-N707 - that should be around the $250US mark?

[darK (aka Tharaka)]

1)ability to record mp3s off the internet

2)ability to make quality field recordings(nature, trains, etc)

3)ability to make quality live recordings of concerts(mic level control would be a necessity)

1. Any recorder would be good for that

2. Something from the Sharp range... (they have quiet motors) NetMD wouldn't be really useful here....

3. i'm not really sure about this one... most likely one with variable microphone sensitivity would be good...

[MDMusicMan]

For your 'qaulity live recordings' any of the newer portables will do. I've used the sony MZ-R700 for the last 2 1/2 years, and it has worked amazingly. It has also held up nice: no scratches, and is still in perfect working condition. For any live recording, you'll ideally want to use the '2-track out' rca connections on the mixing board and run them into the line-in on your MD unit. If you have to, a good stereo mic that can withstand the high decibal levels will do (but the sound quality will suffer). All of the newer units have mic-sensitivity (if they have a mic input), however you should check to make sure there is a built in limiter of some kind to preventing digital distortion (a very unpleasant sound).

[me]

An N707 costs about US$200, I think. It's a good unit, although a bit bulky.. All MD's have the option to control the record level, i'm not sure which can adjust the mic sensitivity, I know the high end Sony's can, but they're closer to $300.

[Leland]

For recording mp3's off the internet, NetMD does that very well, giving you extrememly fast recording speed.

[Bazirker]

Buy an MZ-N707, period. It has NetMD, meaning you can "download" tracks from your computer to your player. It has a mic-in for field recordings and it has mic levels. You can find one for between $200US and $250US.

As a side note...WHY THE HELL DO PEOPLE SAY THE MZ-N707 IS BULKY???? If you think it is bulky, you must have never even heard of a MZ-R50 or for that matter a cd player. OK, it's bulky in comparison to $350 recorders, but I don't think $100 is worth getting rid of the extra 5 mL of volume on the cheaper player.

[AV Freak]

If you are going to be toting this thing over the river and through the woods to collect sounds, you might want it look into a unit with a metal casing. I have an Aiwa AM-F70 that has been whalloped at least six times hard enough to dent the cabinet. It still performs without flaw. It also has a backlit screen and remote, perfect for recording at night.

[me]

As a side note...WHY THE HELL DO PEOPLE SAY THE MZ-N707 IS BULKY????  If you think it is bulky, you must have never even heard of a MZ-R50 or for that matter a cd player.

The N707 is at least double the thickness of my R37.. To me, that equals bulky. Fat. HUGE! The R37 has it's batteries in a logical place, on the side of the unit.. Trust me, i've used an N707, and prefer my R37 totally.. The N707 kept getting stuck in my pocket, and felt a bit cheaper than the R37, too.. The R37 is pocket shaped, the N707 is closer to being rock shaped. I'd prefer carrying a pocket shaped device in my pocket than a rock shaped device.

I'd say it's the other way round even.. N707 owners mustn't have used the R50 for a day.

My reasoning for them changing the shape of the unit is to make sure people aren't dissuaded by the front size of the unit, even though thinner is more important than length. Meh. my opinion..