Sharp MT99 vs Sony MZR909... ?

[WayneSim]

Hello everyone.

I'm new here and want to know which is a better MD recorder for on location recording. I will be using a Rode NT3 or NT4 mic. And will be recording anything from low level forest ambience to high level explosions and gun fire. (for game sound FX)

It's either a Sharp MT99 or Sony MZR909. Both seem quite simular. Please dont mention other models (Although you can for arguement sake). Becasue I can get either of these models very cheap though friends.

I dont care about playing music. All I can about is recording at the highest quailty. I will then be recording all sounds though the line/headphone out on the MD, onto the PC though either a DBX 586 preamp or a line in on my soundcard.

What would you choose and why?

Thanks,

Wayne

[Christopher]

Would both of these units come with all accessories? I just looked at the specs for both units and I would probably swing with the R909. Even though Sharp is known for their recording ability with portable MD recorders, the Sony would probably be the clear winner in this case.

[WayneSim]

Thanks kurisu for your fast reply.

Yes, both come with all the standard accessories (charger, batteries, earphones, etc..)

If you dont mind, can you elaborate on why you would go the MZR909? I thought Sharps had better mic pre's? Although I'm not sure how good the ouput of the MT99 is... I would appericate if you could tell more on why the MZR909 would beat the MT99. I'm all ears. And you dont have to spare the technical data or terms. I want to know everything.

I did read in detail both manuals. But I couldn't really work out a clear winner? Both to me seems pretty good. I was thinking to go with the Sharp MT99 becasue I've only ever heard good things about Sharp and recording. But I really dont know. The Sony does also seem pretty darn good. I'm confused.

Thanks,

Wayne

[jadeclaw]

The Sony R909 has a Line-Out-mode, giving a completely linear frequency response. Important, when playing back into a soundcard.

That's, why I would take the R909.

[WayneSim]

Thanks for your help guys.

Yeah, I see your point jadeclaw. Thanks for pointing that out. However the thing that confuses me, is that on page 48 of the sharp MT99 manual it make a reference to "headphone" out and "LINE" out. See the box at the bottom right. http://www.minidisc.org/manuals/sharp/mdmt...t99ca_en_fr.pdf

Well as it has turned out I bought both. I'm a bit annoyed at myself because I kind I said I would buy each one. The Sharp MT99 was actually a lot cheaper so I jumped at it. But the thing was I actually kind of made a deal for the Sony MRZ909. Either way, I quess I will sell one of them off. What would be the market value for each of these?

Thanks,

Wayne

[jadeclaw]

Thanks for your help guys.

Yeah, I see your point jadeclaw. Thanks for pointing that out. However the thing that confuses me, is that on page 48 of the sharp MT99 manual it make a reference to "headphone" out and "LINE" out. See the box at the bottom right.  http://www.minidisc.org/manuals/sharp/mdmt...t99ca_en_fr.pdf

That mentioning of Line-out is only to state the maximum voltage available, when connecting the unit to a home stereo.

The Line-Mode of the R909 has the purpose of completely defeating the MegaBass. I've had the R500 and even with Bass=Off, there was still a dynamic Bass-boost active.

However, Sharp recommends to turn up the volume to maximum, I suggest to do comparison, if that defeats the Superbass in addition to switching it off. Then decide on Soundquality.

Well as it has turned out I bought both.

Congrats...

Either way, I quess I will sell one of them off. What would be the market value for each of these?     

Thanks,

Wayne

Hmm, check ebay, I say.

I've seen one R909 on Ebay Germany for 102 Euros with still two days to go...

So 150 bucks should be adequate.

Did I say, that the R909 is the more valuable one?....

[WayneSim]

Thanks again jadeclaw for responding.

I might do a comparison between them. Although I think I'm sold on the 909, thanks to the help of you guys.

"Sharp recommends to turn up the volume to maximum" This comment by Sharp really says something about the output... i.e, It's only made for headphones, which is bad!

Thanks,

Wayne