IMPORTANT: this page is retained for historical interest only and has not been updated since 2004
Using Minidisc Recorders
Beyond the Manual:
This page doesn't replace your user manual. Mostly they're quite easy to follow now anyway. In any case the Sharp/Denon range are a doddle. Plug in mic, move the HOLD button (if fitted) to OFF, insert minidisc, press REC button, adjust recording level, press PLAY and you're recording.
No, the point of this page is to give some extra advice, and what to do if you get the dreaded LOST TOC symptom
Handle with Care!
Actually they're very robust, but the golden rule is WHEN YOU STOP RECORDING KEEP IT STILL FOR A FEW SECONDS WHILE IT WRITES THE "TABLE OF CONTENTS". You'll see a message something like "TOC Edit". If you jar the recorder while it's trying to write the TOC, it may fail to do so. Then you'll find it's like a blank disc and all your careful recordings will have disappeared.
The same problem can happen due to a dodgy power supply, weak battery, dodgy minidisc etc. ALL IS NOT LOST!
Restoring a minidisc that's gone blank (lost TOC)
This is a complicated procedure. In fact there's more than one way to do it but it needs a certain amount of technical knowledge and confidence. If it's a piece for the BBC, I suggest you take it to an audio engineer. Not that they all know what to do, but point them in the direction of the wonderful Peter Townsend at BBC-GMR if necessary.
Or follow these
instructions:
www.minidisc.org/cloning_procedure.html
(Sony MDS-JE520 and similar models)
or www-public.tu-bs.de:8080/~y0001729/701/MDMS701clone/index.html
(Sharp portables)
or members.aol.com/BorusSylt/303.htm
(Sony MDS-303 etc)
Auto track-numbering:
One irritating problem with minidiscs is playing back a long interview which has been recorded on a single track. It's very time-consuming to scroll through it even in fast search mode. Sharp/Denon recorders have a neat little feature which allows you to set automatic track-marking, typically every 3 or 5 minutes (varies according to model). Check your manual for how to set up this feature, and then leave it set -- it really makes a difference back in the studio.
Alternatively, or as well, keep adding your own track idents during recordings, say at the start of each question. Again check the manual for the method, but it's usually just a matter of touching the REC button.
Record in Mono!
Unless you're using a stereo microphone, use the "mode" button to select "mono" and each minidisc will record for two and a half hours instead of one and a quarter.
BACK TO CHOOSING MINIDISC RECORDERS
© Mike Hally 2001-4
last update: 27 November 2004