Tech: iMac and mini-discs

Subject: Tech: iMac and mini-discs
From: Virginia Blankenhorn
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 11:50 AM

Can anybody tell me whether it's possible to connect a mini-disc recorder to an iMac? I would love to transfer my own field recordings to the computer so I can horse around with them, pick the best ones for posterity, etc.

The iMac is operating iTunes 4 on OS X. The mini-disc recorder I own is Sony model MZ-R37SP.

Any help from the technologically enabled would be greatly appreciated.

Virginia

Subject: RE: Tech: iMac and mini-discs
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 12:26 PM

I'd suggest you ask here

http://www.minidisct.com/forum/index.php?s=

Looking for the "technologically enabled" here is kinda like barking up the wrong tree...

Heh

Subject: RE: Tech: iMac and mini-discs
From: Virginia Blankenhorn
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 01:43 PM

Thanks, Clinton -- this is a help. But I'm sure there are at least SOME techies in the mudcattery...

Va.

Subject: RE: Tech: iMac and mini-discs
From: GUEST,Ron Olesko
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 01:56 PM

Virginia,

There are very few MiniDisc portable recorders that have audio "out" connections.   The idea for the portable is to enable the user to record songs "in" to the recorder so that the user will be able to play tunes on the portable unit.

There are some models being made with digital outputs, but they are largely professional models used by reporters.

One way around it is to purchase a deck unit that can hook into your stereo and/or computer. Sony's deck units have digital outputs.

Ron

Subject: RE: Tech: iMac and mini-discs
From: NicoleC
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 02:23 PM

True, but you can take a line level analog out from the "headphone" jack. (It's just an output; ignore the label.) The quality will largely depend upon the digital to analog conversion quality on your sound card.

I think Amos uses a Mac with a mini disc; maybe he'll chime in on his experience with it.

Subject: RE: Tech: iMac and mini-discs
From: GUEST,Ron Olesko
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 02:30 PM

Yes, you can get a level out of the headphone jack, but it is not very good quality.

Subject: RE: Tech: iMac and mini-discs
From: NicoleC
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 02:35 PM

Ron, I get excellent quality from mine (a Sony 707), but I run it through the digital to analog converter on my stereo reciever and then output analog to my computer. Much better that direct into the computer.

Subject: RE: Tech: iMac and mini-discs
From: GUEST,Ron Olesko
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 02:43 PM

The converter probably helps.   Usually the output on a headphone line is too hot. If you aren't concerned with the loss that you will get going back to analog, then you are okay.

Ron