Converting Minidisk to MP3
 

Hi all. :wavey:

I have lots of backing tracks already on minidisk and would like to put them all onto a laptop.

Just wondering which program would be the best to use to convert music from the minidisk player onto my pc? :shrug:

It's a normal type Sony minidisk player/recorder so it only has phono leads.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Re: Converting Minidisk to MP3
 

the only way as far as i know is to connect it to ur soundcard and record the files to wav before u convert to mp3

Re: Converting Minidisk to MP3
 

I was thinking that that would be the only way, but what program would be the best ? :spin:

Re: Converting Minidisk to MP3
 

I've used this method to convert from cassette to mp3. (ok I know, whats a cassette - & no it wasn't Bing Crosby;):p )

Re: Converting Minidisk to MP3
 

Cool Edit, but they have been bought out by Adobe I think and now the software cost way over the odds. I have an old copy I can let you have or you can wait for someone to recommend something equally as good. PM me if your interested.

EDIT: I have a more up to date version than this but this is good enough for what you want to do: http://www.threechords.com/hammerhea..._edit_96.shtml

Re: Converting Minidisk to MP3
 

I was going to mention using the Nero 'wave editor' app in conjunction with any of the freeware wav to mp3 converters, till I saw that. I don't do a lot of this stuff, but it looks like a really good tool for the job.:)

Gaz

<edit>that assumes a workable connection between your soundcard & the MD player - you say only phono? - doesn't it have a 3.5mm headphone jack? - that would be the one to record from, i.e. would be most compatible with the 'line in' on your soundcard?</edit>

Re: Converting Minidisk to MP3
 

You can buy a cheap 3.5mm jack to phono lead from Maplin or PC World (grr I hate the Dixons group) for under £5.

If you need something a little better you should buy a good sound card with phono connections.

Re: Converting Minidisk to MP3
 

that's what I meant - phono to 3.5mm may not work, because I would expect the output to be digital ex the phono sockets on the MD - the 3.5mm 'Line in' socket in a 'normal' soundcard expects an analogue signal?

No doubt soundcards exist that can handle a digital feed, I just wasn't sure whether the OP had one? - /me goes to check manual on creative 4.1 Digital;)

Gaz

Re: Converting Minidisk to MP3
 

All Minidiscs AFAIK offer Analogue and Digital in. The portable units generally offer Analogue out (no digital) and the HiFi seperates offer both Analogue & Digital in and out.

If you have a Minidisc with Digital Out, you would be better off using a soundcard with Digital In.

Re: Converting Minidisk to MP3
 

My Dad has transferred some of his stuff from minidisc (separate not a portable) to his PC using a phono-3.5mm jack lead, a creative SoundBlaster 128 and cooledit. Trust me, if he can do it, anyone can. :D

Re: Converting Minidisk to MP3
 

But then you get an ATRAC data feed that needs sony codecs?

Re: Converting Minidisk to MP3
 

No, you don't if you use an Optical or Coaxial digital lead.

The Minidisc converts the ATRAC data to a SPDIF (Sony Panasonic Digital Interface Format) signal, which is then converted to WAV by the soundcard and compressed to whatever format you want by the software.

Re: Converting Minidisk to MP3
 

Just to make it clear, when I referred to Digital in and Out in the above posts, I did NOT mean a USB connection. There will be either phono connection labelled digital, or a connection labelled optical. These are the digital connections I am referring to.

Re: Converting Minidisk to MP3
 

Thanks (goes hunting for the rep button) - never knew what SPDIF stood for.

Normally on a portable player they are optical out only so you will need a sound card with an optical interface.

Re: Converting Minidisk to MP3
 

Thanks for all the replies. Downloaded Cool Edit to have a play with.

Drinks all around. :beer: