To: "Majordomo Vocalist MAIL (E-mail)"
Subject: RE: OFF: minidisc transfers
Date sent: Fri, 14 Jan 2000 11:41:37 +0100
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

Hello Jenni,

I have done this several times with no problems.
However, quality depends a lot on your hardware.
You need at least a good quality soundcard.

I use a Sony MZR35 Minidisc recorder and connect
it to the Soundblaster Live! on my PC using the normal
analogue input.

I have 2 software packages which I use: Soundforge
and Cool Edit 96. Both can do the job.

Some tips:

- Mute ALL other sound inputs you have except the one
for the MD.
- Use ofcourse 16 bit,44.1Khz stereo sampling

You say that there are clicks whenever the sound is loud.
Check the recording straight from the MD by connecting it
to an audio system. MD is a digital medium and like any
digital recording medium it cannot handle "oversteering".

To give you an idea of what I mean: if you would record
on a normal (analogue) cassettedeck and the signal goes "into the red"
on the VU meter, the only effect is that the sound may be a little
distorted. On a digital medium (like MD or DAT), you are
immeditaly punished with clicks and pops which are very audible.
I will spare you the tech details about how and why, but check
your original MD recording first. The problem may not be the PC.
Just remember: when making a life recording with an MD, prevent
the VU meter from reaching "full scale". Keep down the recording level.
I always keep it between 40%-50%. It is much easier to amplify
the signal using software once the recording is transferred onto
your PC.

BTW, there is a minidisc listserver on the internet:
check http://www.minidisc.org

The MD-List is full of people who do this kind of stuff.

Regards,

Matt Houben
Maastricht, the Netherlands
e-mail: matt.houben-at-eurocontrol.be