What's the best way to transfer Minidisc to computer?

[808st8]

Hi,

Newbie question on Minidisc recordings. What's the best way to dump a recording off minidisc into say ProTools or other Audio software? For example, go analog- use two DI boxes to get the signal up to line level, do I even have to do that? Then go out the MD with a stereo Y cable into two DI boxes, 2-channels, pan L/R on mixer, then play/record into the computer, or should I, if possible, use the Digital Cable, and go into a mixer with a Digital input, do they have that typically or is it sort of a limited application? Like a Yamaha 02R? The main question, is one method better than the other as far as getting the best possible stereo recording archived? I'd ofcourse love to get a nice portable DAT someday, but for now I'm trying to best use my Sony MD. I realize it's a compressed digital format. I have a show on MD I want to get into ProTools, and am curious what will yield the best results in audio fidelity. Digital to digital? No one seems to know around the studio I attend for school. Someone has to know out there. Thank You for your wisdom, knowledge.

-808st8
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Why do actors blink when they play dead!?

[Brenton]

Digital to digital. Why convert inbetween when you don't need to especially when dealing with cheap converters.

I do this quite often with my portable MD. Optical out into digi 001 optical in.

[808st8]

Thanks Brenton! I figured it was the Digital route, just wanted some agreement out there. I'll see if the 02R has an optical input, hope so. On another note, before I start another thread, do you know anything about exactly what Atrac3 is, and how it's similar or not similar to MP3? I know it's different, but what's exactly taken out of the audio by Atrac compression? How close is it to CD quality, or DAT quality?

Thanks Again,

Cheers!

808st8

[Brenton]

Sorry, don't know anything about it, never bothered to find out. I don't use the MD for anything important, I often get interviews on MD from a client who wants to release on CD.

[808st8]

Yeah, MD is fine for interviews, speakers, etc. Works great. I know from other uses how it sounds for field recording and so on, just curious what's happenin' to the recorded material once it's inside the little box. Maybe I'll post a thread, or maybe I should just layaway a DAT :- ). I love using found sounds for Sound Design and my music. So does the rest of the audio world. Cool.

Cheers

808st8

[jajjguy]

The MD data compression makes use of "psychoacoustics" to delete stuff that it thinks we won't really hear or notice anyway. In my experience it works pretty well, and it compares very favorably to other consumer grade media (but not professional). But you can tell the difference. I find it simplifies the higher frequencies. You still get good clarity and sharpness, no hiss or anything, but you get less detail.

For me the bottom line is: use MD for convenience only, and only when necessary, but if it's all you've got it'll do.

[808st8]

Thanks for the breakdown on Minidisc sound quality. I agree with everything you said, and the highs really do have less detail. Oh, I found out something kinda silly in regards to my questions on how best to transfer MD recordings to a computer - The Optical jack is an input only on my model, duh. Shoulda read the microprint on the MD player. I guess my MD is consumer, good point. I have the MZ-N707. Higher end MD player/recorders have an optical out, like Pro Decks. I could just rent one. Learn something new every day.

Thanks,

808st8_______________________________