Hey,
I've been thinking about getting a minidisc player to do field
recordings
and the like. Could anyone give me the scoop on what I should be
looking
for, pros and cons, etc
http://www.minidisco.com/minispecs/sharpmdmt877xb.html
I myself haven't tried the Sonys, but I picked up this Sharp a few months
ago and it is a miraculous little machine. Definitely on the expensive side
($275 or so) but I think it's worth it, especially if you pisk up one of the
good stereo mics from that same website.
Pluses- adjustable mic input level. So if you're like me a you record many
of the concerts you attend, you can easily avoid oversaturation.
SP/LP2/LP4- turn an 80 minute minidisc in 160 minutes or 360 minutes stereo.
I've tried the LP2 setting for bootlegging and it sounds great. I've tried
the LP4 setting for transferring cds to minidisc and it too sounds great.
Also on this machine, there is an adjustable digital input level (!) for
transferring cds.
It also has a USB port for input to your 'puter.
It comes with a rechargebale battery, which I think will only last for a
couple hours by itself, but it also has an removable single AA cartridge
which will last for half a day or so.
If you're lanning on doing field recordings, get (or make) a windscreen. I
was recording an afternoon stroll on the Venice Beach boardwalk the other
day and the wind noise was overwhelming.
I've recorded many recent shows here in LA (multiple Babyland, V Snares, the
Cranes) all of which sound really amazing.