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+ | ====== Getting Started ====== | ||
+ | ===== Before we begin ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[guides: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Be aware that MiniDisc is not the same as 8cm Mini CDs, Nintendo GameCube discs, or Sony PSP UMDs (Universal Media Disc) - MiniDisc is a particular format, and is spelt " | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Background ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | MiniDisc is a retro-futuristic media format with near-CD quality. It was on the market from 1992-2013 and was most popular in Japan. | ||
+ | |||
+ | We highly recommend you read our [[faq: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Warning ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Starting to collect MD in 2024 is not always cheap or straightforward. Because the format is discontinued, | ||
+ | |||
+ | You should enjoy collecting, using, preserving, and documenting the format for this to be worth your time and money. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Collecting for aesthetics (not usage) === | ||
+ | |||
+ | This guide assumes that you want to use MiniDisc as an audio format with all the functionality it had when new. | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you are only interested in the aesthetics of the format, we recommend buying a mixed lot of used discs instead of any hardware, as discs are inexpensive and not in limited supply like hardware is. | ||
+ | |||
+ | == The Yandhi disc == | ||
+ | |||
+ | This disc is a Muji 80 MD. | ||
+ | |||
+ | We believe it was only sold in Japan, and is quite rare - both because it didn't sell as well as bigger packs of Sony, Axia, Maxell, or TDK discs; but also due to demand from collectors. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The best place to search for one is a Japanese auction service. The MiniDisc community has been asked about this disc a lot from collectors and this is the best advice we can give. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Getting equipment ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP right box 360px> | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{$equipment: | ||
+ | The [[equipment: | ||
+ | |||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== What to buy ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | **[[guides: | ||
+ | |||
+ | The best MiniDisc device available is the one you already have access to or can buy easily. We cover returning to MD below, for those who already have equipment or experience with the format. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === NetMD recorders === | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you are buying online, an obvious first MiniDisc device is a [[equipment: | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Older devices === | ||
+ | |||
+ | But older devices should not be dismissed. Older recorders that need to record via dubbing still deliver amazing sound quality and support most of MD's advanced features such as titles and moving tracks. It is better to start collecting with an available older device than wait for a particular newer model. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Check the details of a device on the respective wiki page, and [[about: | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Recorder vs player === | ||
+ | |||
+ | MD is a recordable format, but not all devices support recording. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Players with no recording functionality were more common in Japan than other markets, but were offered worldwide. Listings may call a recorder a player (see more on this below.) Players are designed to be secondary devices to play discs that you have recorded on other hardware. Be sure not to buy a player as a first device (unless you aim to only buy [[releases: | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Recommended NetMD units === | ||
+ | |||
+ | Device cost is currently rising, but unit, remote, dock [if applicable] should all be under US$100. Below is an incomplete list of popular recommended units. NetMD portables usually cost around the same as older ones without USB. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [[equipment: | ||
+ | * [[equipment: | ||
+ | * [[equipment: | ||
+ | * [[equipment: | ||
+ | * [[equipment: | ||
+ | * [[equipment: | ||
+ | * [[equipment: | ||
+ | * [[equipment: | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Units to avoid === | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [[equipment: | ||
+ | * [[equipment: | ||
+ | * [[equipment: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Where to buy it ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | There are several places to find equipment, depending on your locale. You won't find MiniDisc equipment in stores that sell new electronics, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Instead, much equipment is sold on auction sites such as [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | MiniDisc enthusiast communities such as [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Local vs import ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | The local availability of MiniDisc equipment, discs, and accessories will depend on how popular MD was in your region. Japan was by far the most popular market, and the pricing and availability reflects that. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Patience can be key in some cases. Local sellers may pop up with a great deal if you're willing to shop around and monitor sites, thrift stores, or garage sales for a few weeks. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Importing a device from another country can be worthwhile, but be mindful of shipping, processing, and customs fees. These are applicable whether using a proxy service or not. Consider these before deciding to ship/import a device or not. Since the pandemic, shipping costs from Japan have increased. | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you are buying a machine from another region, be aware of differences in mains power voltages. This will almost certainly affect decks - very few models have voltage selection switches. This will also affect portables that come with AC adaptors (" | ||
+ | |||
+ | **[[guides: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Seller listings ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Sellers may list their equipment with little or misleading information. Even a device listed as working may not have been fully tested to record correctly or may have battery corrosion. Some listings will call recorders players (or vice versa). Items listed " | ||
+ | |||
+ | Keep this in mind when purchasing equipment, as it can lead to buying second or third devices to replace bad purchases, as donor hardware, or it can result in great deals. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Lots ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Sometimes there will be sales of MD lots, including a recorder or more with discs, remotes, chargers, batteries, etc. These should be considered as it may be cheaper than individual purchases. AC adapters are very useful to have (and may be hard to find separately) while batteries will have likely failed if original. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== What else to get ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP right box 360px> | ||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | A Sony MDW80T blank disc, the only type still available new at retail. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Discs ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | MiniDisc is a recordable format, so be sure to get discs (unless you aim to only buy [[releases: | ||
+ | |||
+ | There is no audio quality difference between disc types. Some models (especially Maxell) have plastic shutter covers rather than metal, although reliability does not seem affected so far. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Collecting a number of different discs is part of the format' | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Remotes ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | It is common to keep a MiniDisc portable in a pocket or bag while controlling playback via an inline remote. Most equipment does not need a remote to function, but some do (check the wiki page for a device) and others have features that are only available via the remote (many players only have screens on the remote, but do have playback buttons on the player) | ||
+ | |||
+ | Remotes bundled with a device often work with other devices by the same manufacturer, | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Chargers and batteries ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP right box 360px> | ||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | A Panasonic SJ-MJ17 showing the Gumstick battery. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | By far the most common batteries used by MD equipment are the Gumstick and AA cells. Original Sony NH-14WM batteries or clones bundled with devices have (almost definitely) failed by now, so you will need to buy a fresh battery. | ||
+ | |||
+ | To keep devices slim, many (but not all) MD portables use an optional Sidecar to hold a AA battery (or several). These screw onto the side of the unit and allow for an alternative power method. See our [[accessories: | ||
+ | |||
+ | We have also started an article for [[accessories: | ||
+ | |||
+ | We would recommend a device that takes AA batteries to start. AA batteries are easier to find, and most North America market MD portables use AAs (check the respective wiki page for details.) | ||
+ | |||
+ | Even with new rechargeable AA batteries, a recorder may be only to record 3-6 discs per battery. Recording is much more battery-intensive than playing, and most like to plug in their recorder while writing. Keep this in mind when looking at equipment and lots. If you must use AAs to record, modern li-ion rechargeables like the Jugees available on Aliexpress will last longer due to their consistent voltage output. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Headphones ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Airpods and Galaxy Buds won't work at all with MiniDisc (unless you buy a Bluetooth adapter). You will need 3.5mm headphones or a 3.5mm aux jack to connect to a portable. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Original headphones that come in a lot or with a portable may be worth preserving but not used for listening. Modern earbuds are likely to outperform the cheap ones provided with a device. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== What is ATRAC? MDLP? NetMD? Hi-MD? ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== ATRAC ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ATRAC is the audio compression format Sony developed to use with MiniDisc. This audio compression is how a MD can hold the same amount of audio as a CD on a much smaller disc. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Because Sony could develop dedicated chips to encode and decode ATRAC audio, it could perform very well when compared to other audio compression formats of the time. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Later MiniDisc equipment improved the quality of ATRAC encoding and decoding significantly, | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== MDLP ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | MDLP (MiniDisc Long Play) is an addition to the MiniDisc format that was introduced in 2000 and allowed for 160 or 320 minutes of audio to be recorded to a standard 80 minute MD. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Sony achieved this by both using a newer compression format, ATRAC3 (not to be confused with version 3 of the original ATRAC format) and by compressing the audio further, causing reduced audio quality, especially on LP4 mode. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Audio recorded in LP mode can not be played back on [[equipment: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== NetMD ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | NetMD is the branding Sony used for MiniDisc equipment that can connect to a PC and copy audio (usually with SonicStage or Simple Burner software.) Nowadays NetMD equipment is highly recommended due to the ease of copying music with new apps ([[guides: | ||
+ | |||
+ | All NetMD equipment supports MDLP, but not all MDLP equipment supports NetMD. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Hi-MD ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | At the end of MiniDisc' | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[equipment: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Today, Hi-MD devices and discs are much more expensive than standard MD equipment, and are not a recommended buy for a beginner. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Coming back to MD ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | For many, we used MiniDisc in the '90s or '00s and are coming back to it now. This may mean that you already have a recorder and / or discs. | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you already have a device that is not NetMD, you can still [[guides: | ||
+ | |||
+ | You should still test your equipment after many years of disuse, and issues such as failed batteries will still apply. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Understanding your equipment ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Most MD equipment has many buttons and options that may be confusing, even for those with experience with other audio equipment. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Some of the most common confusing options are: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * AVLS: a volume limiter that was required in some territories | ||
+ | * Syncro rec: automatic recording when an audio signal is detected | ||
+ | * Group: add a song or series of songs into a navigatable group | ||
+ | * T mark: divide a track into two | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Testing your equipment ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | After a device has arrived, you should test it. Open the battery cover to check for corrosion. Insert a fresh battery and a disc. Even if the disc is blank, you should hear the motor spin up and the display will say that the disc is empty. If there is music already on the disc, have a listen! | ||
+ | |||
+ | Numerous users have reported a stuck laser sled on some devices. Moving and lubing this can sometimes revive seemingly dead devices. See our [[guides: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Recording to a disc ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | You should test recording to the disc. Whether via [[guides: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Erase the disc before writing. Web MiniDisc and PlatinumMD both have options for this. The manual for your equipment (or navigating the menus) will also let you erase the disc from the recorder itself. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Once you have copied audio to a disc, use your headphones to listen back and make sure it doesn' | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== What to do next ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Saving old recordings ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Whether you have uncovered your old high school mixtapes or the lot you purchased includes hours of 90s J-pop, there are discs you may want to archive before you erase them. | ||
+ | |||
+ | We have a [[guides: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Expanding your collection ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | === More equipment === | ||
+ | |||
+ | A [[equipment: | ||
+ | |||
+ | === More discs === | ||
+ | |||
+ | No MD collection would be complete with a variety of discs. Search for deals on batches of unique or interesting blanks. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Accessories === | ||
+ | |||
+ | AC adapters, [[accessories: | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Pre-recorded albums === | ||
+ | |||
+ | There have been hundreds of [[releases: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== MiniDisc community ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Contributing to the wiki === | ||
+ | |||
+ | We welcome anyone making contributions to the site and expanding what we share with other MD fans. Start by reading our [[about: | ||
+ | |||
+ | A few ways anyone can contribute: | ||
+ | * Test your NetMD recording times and add them to [[guides: | ||
+ | * Take photos and add them to the equipment page for that device | ||
+ | * Make a [[user: | ||
+ | * Add an [[about: | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Disc swaps === | ||
+ | |||
+ | The MiniDisc community hosts several disc swap events each year. Sign up on Discord and be matched with someone to send a mix disc, sometimes with a particular theme. See some of the discs swapped in previous events here. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Projects ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | There are many modern MiniDisc projects: | ||
+ | |||
+ | === 3D printing === | ||
+ | |||
+ | There are numerous ways 3D printing can help with the MD hobby. Here are a few projects that may be of interest or inspiration: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Development === | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reverse-engineering the various protocols used by MiniDisc has become more popular. There are numerous [[software: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Our Discord' | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Repairs and replacement parts === | ||
+ | |||
+ | There are some projects to produce new, replacement parts for devices that have known failures, such as gears, USB connectors, and screens. The # |