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Minidisc Tricks and Tips: Live Recording

Historical source · MiniDisc.org archive

Task
record
Direction
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Requirements: Check the original guide for model, tools, software and skill requirements before following its steps.

Limitations: Applicability and current software support have not been independently verified. Preserve and follow the original warnings.

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Preserved historical reference

Original source · Original dates and notices remain in the article. Historical advice may no longer apply.

Minidisc Tricks and Tips: Live Recording

  • Concert Preparation (Quick start recording)

    Before going to a concert or recording venue, unwrap your blanks and label them (#1, #2, etc.). Then, insert them in your recorder and write a single character disc title on each of them. This will place an initial UTOC on the discs, allowing the recorder to start faster when you insert each disc since it won't spend time repeatedly trying to read a null UTOC.

  • Power Failure-proof Recording

    David M Brancato
    I format my MiniDiscs for live recording ahead of time by recording null input audio on the entire length of the disc in however many channels I'll be using. This gives me a TOC of one 74 minute song when I begin recording my gig. If the power cuts out during the show or I forget to eject, the previously written TOC lets me play back everything that was recorded.

    Most portables handle battery exhaustion during recording gracefully by stopping and writing out the TOC while sufficient power remains to do so. However, if the battery is removed or for some other reason power is cut suddenly, the TOC data in memory will be lost.

  • Headphones as Emergency Microphones

    Mark Stringer
    February 2000
    Regular earphones can be used in a pinch as microphones. Just plug them into the microphone socket and presto, usable quality stereo recording without having to carry around your microphone!

    Ed. Notes:

    1. This arrangement is likely to work well only as a close talking microphone -- distant sounds will be fairly faint.
    2. Try to avoid twisting the headphone plug around in the microphone jack, the recorder's Plug In Power will cause substantial noise whenever the connection's contact changes resistance.

  • Cheap Stereo Microphones

    Mike Harman
    May 2000
    Radio Shack sells condenser mic capsules for $1.99 that work perfectly with my Sony portable MD recorder. All you have to do is solder the leads to a stereo cable/miniplug and you're in business, for a total cost of under $10. The sound is really amazing, very wide response and fidelity.
    Ed: Jim Coon's `T'-microphone plans use the same capsules. -eaw

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