Relayerx9 Posted April 21, 2003 Report Share Posted April 21, 2003 I'm currently looking for a Minidisc Player/Recorder to use in my one-man vocal act (i.e singing to backing tracks on MD). I intend to use the unit to 'master' the backing tracks in the first place (either from CD, CD+G or PC) using an Allen & Heath DP1000 digital mixer. The unit would then be used as the main playback source during the 'live' set. My main question is to do with actual playback control during set. I'd like to use a footswitch to either 'pause' or 'jump' to the next track. I know that all minidiscs usually come with a remote control of some kind but using a hand-held remote unit is not ideal for a one-man vocal show. The DP1000 uses footswitches to move through the pre-stored mix settings for each song and the implication is that this can also be used to control mini-disc playback. Is this achieved using MIDI? Are there any MD player/recorders with a MIDI interface? Has anyone used a MD in this way? (please excuse my ignorance) I have already looked at the Sony MDS E-10 but cannot determine if it can be controlled by a footswitch. Can anybody shed any light on this plase? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesdstark_ Posted April 21, 2003 Report Share Posted April 21, 2003 It just so happens I'm moving towards the same setup. I am a live electronic act, and instead of bringing all my gear I'm going to do most of the backing tracks on MD. I have an MDM-X4 4 track which is one of the only minidisc players with midi. I haven't gotten to the midi functionality at this point, but it is possible to sync it with sequencers. There are also 2 assignable footswitches. I'm unsure what options are available, I'm sure at least play/stop. One unfortunate aspect is the lack of an "autopause" feature. For instance after each track if it would autopause until you hit play again it would make life a lot easier. an MDS-E10/E12 has this option but has no midi. You can hook upfootswitches to the MDS-E10/E12. The Sony MDS-DRE1 also has an autopause feature and footswitch. It can also assign songs to 8 pads that you can just hit and it will play the corresponding song. I have mine for sale on ebay now if your interested. I switched to the MDM-X4 because it has a built in mixer which is a nice convenience, and also for the MIDI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Relayerx9 Posted May 6, 2003 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2003 :!: Basically any MD player with an 'autopause' feature can be fitted with a footswitch. When the 'autopause' mode is activated the unit goes into pause mode at the end of each track. A standard 'latching' footswitch can then be used to perform the 'play/pause' function which starts playing the next track - perfect for performing 'live'. I ended up purchasing a Sony JE-780 (£199 from Richer Sounds, UK - could have got one for £179 in silver if I'd been happy to wait for mail-order). This is an excellent unit which also includes a long-play mode which will enable me to get all of my three 45 min sets onto just one mini-disc. TR Music in Walsall, UK fitted the footswitch within a day or so for just £30 all-in. Good :wink: stuff - I expected to pay quite a bit more than this for a working solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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