Minidisc novice

[Guest Anonymous]

I like to record radio programmes (they're usually music documentaries that last about an hour) and have been using 120 minute cassette tapes up to now (which are not generally recommended!!). I've never used minidisc before and wondered if they would be good for this. If the recorder has a timer facility that would be brilliant (but I could use a separate timer if needs be). Can anyone recomend a suitable recorder? I might also use it to record my own songs on.

[KJ_Palmer]

Portable recorders wouldn't really be suitable for timed recordings, a deck would be better.

Most Sony full-size MD decks can use an external timer, except the lowest end decks (beginning with 4 or lower eg. MDS-JE480). I use the MDS-JB980 for timed radio recordings. It beats tape any day for sound, editing and durability. I suggest the MDS-JE780 would be a good mid-range deck for your needs, or the 980 if you can afford it.

There are also a number of mini and micro systems which can do timed recordings from their built in radios, which is handy, but usually only allow one program a time.

[Guest Anonymous]

Do either of these models have a built in timer & is it possible to set them to record more than one programme if you're going away?

[KJ_Palmer]

Both the JB980 and the JE780 have an external timer facility for recording (the 480 does not). You need to buy a timer (from any electrical store) for about £10 or whatever. They typically have 4-8 program settings.

Some mini systems have a built in timer, but they only usually let you record one program, so the external timer thing is better in my opinion.