Need advice and help doing some digital recording.

[thinkmd]

Hi.

I'm trying to do some on-site digital recording. I'll be starting with some friends playing guitar and possibly singing. (I've already gotten a Dean Markley humbucker pickup and have done a test recording. It sounds "okay.")

I purchased a Sony NetMD MZ-N707 (it has a MIC. input) at a good price, thinking that I'd be able to digitally transfer my audio from the MD to the PC. After scanning many websites and FAQ's, it appears that a digital transfer is NOT possible, or certainly not anywhere near as easy as I had first anticipated. I'm still within the grace period for getting my money back on the N707.

It looks to me that I need to get a MiniDisc deck with a digital (preferrably optical) output jack, to be able to digitally transfer audio from MD to PC.

But, now I'm seriously doubting that this approach really makes sense. That is, I don't think I should I be spending more money on a MD deck, if, for the same amount of money, I could get a portable or reasonably portable CD recorder? It doesn't bother me too much to carry around a few pieces of gear (CD recorder, preamp, cables, etc.)--I'm more concerned about dumping too much money into something that I already know will sound like "ATRAC," especially if there is a higher-quality way to go. Know what I mean?

I am making phone calls today to see whom in my area has some of the gear that I'm looking for, but since I don't know have lots of experience with what gear is good, I would be MOST appreciative if someone (anyone!) could please provide some feedback on any or all of these questions:

1. Who makes a good portable CD recorder? (If you know them, please provide model numbers.)

2. Who makes a good CD recorder deck (like you would put in your entertainment center, along with your TV, stereo, etc.)?

3. What portable CD recorder or CD recorder deck would have a MIC. input? Do any have a MIC. input or do they all have LINE in's?

4. What CD recorders (portable and deck) have digital in's?

5. What CD recorders (portable and deck) have digital out's? (Please distinguish between optical and Coaxial, if you know.)

6. Incidentally, I'm not into MP3's. Would .wav files be the way to save my audio? Is there a better, higher-quality file format?

If you do respond to this posting, please indicate if you've used such-and-such a piece of gear. (Thanks.)

Please keep in mind that I don't mind carrying around a CD recorder deck. My first choice, however, would be a smaller, portable CD recorder, preferrably set up with MIC. and/or LINE in's.

Thanks VERY much in advance!! (I posted this to a few forums here only for the sake of getting more users to read this.)

[BJ]

I realise you want more people to see your post, but I'm only answering the one in "Non-Sony MD Gear".

Don't give up on MD just yet.