Macs and MiniDisc : a guide to the options

[NuWorld]

It's been some time now since Sony released the largest shakeup of the MD format to date: NetMD. However, in all this time, Sony has still not provided support for Apple Macs with their OpenMG and SonicStage programs.
Which begs the question, of what are Mac user's options with connecting their MD Recorder to their precious Mac...

There are a number of options available, which vary dramatically it effectiveness, and cost.

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1. NetMD and Virtual PC
OpenMG and Sonic Stage are two of very few programs which have problems under Virtual PC (a pc emulator, used to run full copies of windows with an a actual window under Mac OS). Under OS X, the USB connection will be recognised, however nothing works. Same applies to running Virtual PC as a 'classic' application. Some users, have however, reported that OpenMG and SonicStage will work fully in Virtual PC, when booted into Mac OS 9.
This will work identically as NetMD is advertised, with high speed transfers, titling, and check-in / check-out rights managment

2. USB Optical connection + XMD
There are a number of connectors for sale which plug into a USB port, and have a plug for a TOSLINK Optical Cable, which are familiar to MD users. The most popular of which is the Xitel DG2.
This method records in real-time only, however sound quality is true SP, unlike NetMD, which is faked SP (really identical quality to LP2), and there is no check-in / check-out nonsense to deal with.
This option yields the highest quality recordings

Plug the DG2 into the USB port of the mac, and the optical cable from the DG2 to your MD Recorder. Using your prefered music player (ex. iTunes 4), set up a playlist of the songs you want, with 2second gaps inbetween each track (this will make the recorder automatically add track marks). Be sure to slide the system wide volume, and player volume up to full.
Hit record on the MD recorder, and play in your music player. Then just wait for the playlist to finish playing though.
I suggest turning off sound events, in the sound panel in the System Preferences, whilst recording in this manner.


Xitel DG2 Product Page

2a. G5 Optical Out
The new G5 Powermacs now sport optical in and optical outs (square plug). Using the optical out on the G5 should be the same as using the DG2 (saving you buying an extra peripheral)


XMD
Since last year, an open source development of NetMD for OS X was started. At this stage, it can only title and control playback. Song transfer is on the wishlist for now.

To title with XMD, firstly manually add tempory titles to your tracks (a simple "A" will suffice).
Plug the MD unit into the Mac via USB, load up XMD, and a list of tracks appear. Simply click on the track names to re-title, just like renaming a file.

If XMD fails to recognise a plugged in NetMD unit, Braken has posted a guide to fixing it
http://www.minidisct.com/forum/showt...threadid=13796

XMD Download (Free)


3. Analog Recording + XMD
A cheaper alterative to the optical recording, is via analog. The method is the same as the optical recording, however a miniplug to miniplug cable is used between the MD unit's line in, and the Mac's line out (if it's there) or headphone out.
Titling via XMD can again, be done the same way as before.
this method can be exhibit slightly noisy recordings, especially if through the headphone out. Also, recordings may be slightly quieter.

A slightly better quality recording can be made using the iMic. This USB accessory contains a true line in, and line out. This results in proper volume, and reduced noise, as there is less interferance from internal componants inside the Mac.

Griffin iMic Product Page

4. Burn CD > Cd Player > MD
The final option involves burning an audio CD, using you're chosen playlist to CD-R or CD-RW. Then playing the CD in a CD Walkman or deck with an optical out, and recording the 'traditional' way. Sound quality is on par with the Optical Recording method above.
Again, XMD can be used to title.

[NuWorld]

If there is anything you feel needs to be added, or corrected, or any feedback at all - feel free to PM me, and I'll address any concerns

[bemo]

Thanks for the information NuWorld - that was a nice summation (and just what I was looking for I might add). I have to say that I am stunned at the lack of Mac options considering the length of time that NetMD has been available. However, considering that SP recordings can't be made, I suppose it's not much of a loss. It looks like digital 1X recording is still in the cards for me. To be honest, I've never found it to be much of a problem to make a playlist and hit the record switch before I go out or go to bed or...

[sonyericson]

hi, say does anyone know whether i can get a optical output for my mac g3 powerbook laptop? cheers

[sonyericson]

Hi, Say where can you get a copy of this virtual pc for mac? i have a mac g3 powerbook laptop running on mac OS9. cheers.

[NuWorld]

I'm not sure how much your stores stock in NZ, so I suggest ringing you're local Apple reseller and asking them if they stock any copies. the Apple Store online would be worth checking too.

For an optical out, I'd say the Xitel DG2 as I mentioned above.
Currently, according to the Xitel website, there's only one stockist in NZ. Lucky for you, it's in Wellington!

Powerhouse Systems
53 Boulcott St Wellington
order@powerhouse.co.nz
tel 64 4 4992414

[AJUK]

How about Linux and Minidisc?

[NuWorld]

if there's a linux user here, who wants to write a guide - be my guest.

[meuerro]

I'll be soon installing linux on the laptop I use to transfer music to my netmd.
as soon as I manage to make it work somehow I'll let you all know how to do it.
and I think that the no-multi-boot-environment notice written on the box is crap. if you've got xp and mandrake running on the same machine for example, with 2 different partitions and a boot manager, linux can see there is another partition while xp due to the difference in the file format can't see the other partition.

[Déjà Vu]

on which box is that notice written ? I also think that's crap, too... =))

I'll be installing Linux on the 2nd partition in a month...