Another Newbie with Probably The Same Old Questions <Grin

[Guest Anonymous]

Hello Everyone-

After recording everything from concerts to lectures on audio cassette tapes for the past 20-someodd years, I figure it's time to upgrade <grin>. I would most likely use the MD for music and concerts in smaller indoor venues, occasionally (1-2 times per year) outside venues and VERY rarely (once every 5 years) large venues.

I've been lurking for a few days, reading LOTS of old messages and looking at a LOT of information and reviews about MD recorders. Right now I'm looking at the Sharp MD-DR470/480/7 mainly because I like the idea of the recorder being set to tape a few seconds before I tell it to (I'm famous for missing the first second or so, because I hit "record" too late). Having to go from MD to PC to CD (my car has a CD player and I'd be listening in my car most often) in real time isn't a huge deal for me so the NetMD aspect of the 420 isn't as appealing to me as it may be for others. And yes, I've learned that MD to PC is analog, which is fine with me, as well...I'm not a "professional" audiophile and if you only heard the quality of some of the shows I've been willing to listen to (audiotaped copies of copies of copies of copies of copies), you'd know that slightly-less-than-perfect is still more than "good enough" for my needs.

So here are my questions. Forgive me if some of them are ridiculous but I'd rather be sure about everything before I buy it:

1. First one goes right to the point...Is there any reason why I SHOULDN'T get the MD-DR470/480/7?

2. Teamdigital.net has the MD-DR480H which, they say, includes a Sharp 110~240V World AC adaptor...that IS what I need so I don't blow anything up when I try to charge it here in the U.S., correct? or do I need something else, and if so, what?

3. Would you recommend Teamdigital.net or any other place where I can get the 470/480/7? Does anyone know how helpful they are (or not) if I have problems with the unit here in the States?

4. I know I also need a microphone and I'm looking for one that will have an approximate 120 degree range. I've found the Sony ECM-719 Multi-Purpose Mic at Teamdigital.net...will that suit my needs? Has anyone here have problems with it or can suggest a different one? It WOULD work with the 470/480/7, correct?

5. I read someone had suggested the iMic for the MD to PC transfer. I'm willing to get it if it will make a noticable difference in the quality of sound, or if it will make the transfer easier, since right now the plan would be to use the inputs and audio-outs of a boom box-type radio/CD player. Any recommendations for either setup?

6. Can you recommend software that will make editing and transferring as simple and foolproof as possible?

7. Is there anything else I would need, hardware or software or equipmentwise, that I would need? (excluding headphones...I'm probably going to transfer everything to CD so I'm not concerned about headphones at this time)

Sorry for the long message and I appreciate any help you can give me before I make my purchase (or rather, before my husband makes his purchase...it's a Christmas present for me <grin>). I promise to be just as helpful to newbies, once I get my new "toy," as you all have already been, and hopefully will continue to be, to me.

-Sharon-

Orlando, Florida

USA

[Guest Anonymous]

One more thing...sorry. Moreso background information, to help with my "microphone" decision.

The concerts and/or individual songs I would usually be taping would be at a jazz club with TERRIFIC acoustics. The band has a LOT of bass, but is (thanksfully) not overpoweringly loud. If I could get some of the stereo effects that their soundman delivers, that would be wonderful. if I could NOT get overpowering bass in my recordings (like when I use my audiotape recorder), that would be even better.

Hopefully the above will help you help me decide what microphone I need <G>.

Sharon

Orlando, FL

USA