Subject:Mini disc problems

Posted by: Bryan59

Date:12/26/2001 7:11:01 PM

I'm trying to take recorded material from a mini disc recorder and make a CD. The problem is that I open the editing program and plug the mini disc into the USB port. The computer doesn't seem to recognize that the mini disc player is there. The mini disc player doesn't play through the speakers on the computer. I can't edit anything till I figure out how to get the material on to the computer. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Bryan

Subject:RE: Mini disc problems

Reply by: Engineer

Date:12/27/2001 2:12:19 AM

Hi
First of all you have the MD plugged into the wrong connection. Take it out of the USB connection and put the MD output into the line in of the card. Now you should see some info on the input VU meter when the MD is is playing.

Bill Woolford

Subject:RE: Mini disc problems

Reply by: pup

Date:12/27/2001 8:03:29 AM

Bill,

Sorry to butt-in, but I've been uploading Mini-Disc to Sound Forge 5.0 for a while now, and I can't get a good recording level the way you described -- it's way too low. Everything is cranked wide open (line level input, output from Mini-Disc, etc.) I still do it this way 'cause I don't know what else to do. Any suggestions? I even tried to upload it through the mic input (not good!)

As it is now, I have to peak normalize everything to get a groovy level. Doesn't seem right.

- pup

Subject:RE: Mini disc problems

Reply by: Engineer

Date:12/27/2001 4:53:21 PM

Hi Pup
I have never come across a MD that put out so little a level on its output. At work I have the use of several MD's all within specs. They are all sony's. Have a look within the manual for the level, then take it back to a servicecentre.

You could also try a line amp, this will lift up the level so that SF can handle it.

Bill Woolford.

Subject:RE: Mini disc problems

Reply by: Bryan59

Date:12/27/2001 9:18:16 PM

I discovered that you were absolutely correct about the connection to the PC. I connected with line out from the MD to Line in on the computer. The sound is good through the speakers, but when I record it with the editor the sound is not nearly as good. How do I improve the sound quality?

Thanks,
Bryan

Subject:RE: Mini disc problems

Reply by: rraud

Date:12/27/2001 10:42:48 PM

What kind of minidisc do you have? Most portables have no digital out.
When using the MDs line-out and your sound card's line-in run the record levels hot WITHOUT exeeding "0" fs on the record level meter.
Use a high sampling rate of at least 44.1k and at least 16 bits.

Subject:RE: Mini disc problems

Reply by: Bryan59

Date:12/28/2001 11:21:32 AM

I have been using the audio out on the MD and the line in on the computer. I experimented with the sampling rate at 44k and 32 bit. Now I don't know about running it hot, I don't know what you mean. The problem is , now, that what I hear through the speakers is of considerably better quality than what gets recorded. So play back with the editor doesn't sound all that good. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Bryan

Subject:RE: Mini disc problems

Reply by: rraud

Date:12/29/2001 11:22:12 AM

Pro term hot: high recording, playback or tape levels.. loud. (Which reminds me....Quick recording engineers joke: client ask's "what does the PFL on that button stand for". Response: " Pretty Fuck'in Loud". I always tell clients and visitors that.
In any case set your recording levels high w/o exeeding "0". Use 16 bit or... 24 bit if available.
How many sound cards do you have? It's possible you are recording on one, and playing back on another. Check this out by going to the Sound Forge menu: select the proper sound card for record and playback. Also check your computers record/playback parameters: doubleclick volume icon go to: select adjust volume for: recording or playback, select and adjust the proper inputs & outputs. ie: Mic/Line/CD/Wave ect. What kind of Minidisc?
Can you be a little more specific on : dosen't sound all that good"

Subject:RE: Mini disc problems

Reply by: Bryan59

Date:12/29/2001 12:15:43 PM

The mini disc player is a Sony MD walkman MZ-r37. I'm working on a laptop so I doubt there is more than one sound card. The sound is very tinny, like a transistor radio, oops, you may not even remember those. Heehee The sound is quite good when I just play it through the speakers. Recorded it just isn't clear. I'll work on the levels and see what that does.

Thanks,
Bryan