Need minidisc recorder for Weddings

[BillRStudios]

I'm a videographer and I need to get a couple minidisc recorders that will allow for microphone input and be able to withstand a bit of motion if necessary (like inside grooms pocket). Any suggestions on what would be a good system to go with?

[Christopher]

Welcome, Bill.

It's not necessarily the unit that you'll have to worry about, as most newer-generation MD units have amazing shock resistance. Keeping the microphone stable will be the true test. As for recommendations, will you need to upload the recorded audio to PC, or to a mixer? What's your maximum budget? Give us a little more background onto the process.

[BillRStudios]

As far as the microphone, anything that has a lapel clip would work as long as it's a good mic. My budget would like to stay between 200-300 dollars if possible, since I will need at least two. Uploading to a pc would be a plus but not absolutely necessary since a line out would provide that capability (i already have a mixer with d/a coversion card for my computer). A line in jack would also be a plus in case I had to get a line feed from a DJ. That's pretty much all I can think of for the requirements. I also notice the minidiscs seem to come in 80 minute format. Is that for a standard, non compressed speed? And would I be able to record 5 hours of audio on one. If so is it in a format that would be readable on my computer if uploaded?

[Christopher]

Well, definitely check out thesoundprofessionals.com for all your microphone needs.

As for the 80 minute bit, this is called SP mode. It's 292kbps ATRAC3 audio, and is pretty damn transparent so I doubt you'd be able to tell the difference between it and CD quality. The other two recording modes, LP2 and LP4, are essentially lower bit-rate encoding methods to maximise density.

Here's some recommended links: http://minidisc.org/NetMD_faq.html and http://minidisc.org/mdlpfaq.html

Unit recommendation? I did some thinking and I think that a couple of these: http://www.teamdigital.net/store/customer/...26&cat=5&page=1

..would do the trick. If you're not keen on it just report back and I'll conjure something else.

[BillRStudios]

Kurisu, I checked that page out. Only one unit was listed and it was the Sharp MD_DR370H which seemed like a pretty decent 'basic' unit. Now that I have weighed the pluses and minuses of the various options,I think I would need a few more features. That unit had a line input but no mic input. I think I may like to have pc link capabilities also for downloads to the pc. I have revamped my priority list as follows:

1. Small, durable

2. Mic input (mic level)

3. Line out/out to pc

4. Line input (line level)

5. Under $300

Thanks for sending that link. I appreciate your input for helping me make this decision. Bill