1) A mini disc is like a mini CD, but it uses perceptual coding line an mp3 - a lossy compression - a reduction in sound quality.

2) Yes.

3) Depending on your goals, I personally don't think this is the way to go.

thanks for the reply.

well, is there a recorder in this pricerange that you recommend? I was mainly interested in the Sony cause of my budget...

Tell us your recording goals.

Can't get much better for learning basics on the cheap than with a Portastudio, IMHO

For 2 channel recording there are lots of choices over a wide price range. If you are just starting out then I would recommend you stay cheap. But We DO need to know a little about what you plan to record.

Steve

My goals are creating decent if not professional quality recordings for classical acoustic piano.

My price range for the recorder itself is probably about $200.

I took a look at the Tascam Portastudios. They look very convinient but I don't know about the budget. Thanks for all the help so far to everyone.

Well, to put it in perspective, there is a reason why professional gear costs a bit. There's a certain level of quality you will not be able to crack with a $200 budget. That said, there are great deals on used gear of all varieties.

You can go either analog or digital. I dig the analog cassette Portastudios because you pick up some analog recording technique by using it, which is handy later if you ever get into a real studio.

Anyway, here's a few options, from MusiciansFriend.com:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/s=recorders/search/detail/base_pid/240340/

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/s=recorders/search/detail/base_pid/240260/

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/s=recorders/search/detail/base_pid/240834/

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/s=recorders/search/detail/base_pid/241118/

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/s=recorders/search/detail/base_pid/240987/

If you spend some time with these kits, you can get great results, and you'll learn all about mic technique, etc. If you spend some time doing this stuff, your results could even rival pro stuff.

[]

thank you very much for your help.

i am either buying one of those kits or a TASCAM CD-RW700 off eBay, so i am all set!

However, I would like you realize that my budget is $200 only for the recorder, not including mics and pres. Still, I don't have that much to spare outside of that.

Again, thanks so much for your help, I look forward to recording.

Just remember, good recordings are all about the loose nut behind the wheel! Nice, expensive gear doesn't automatically make recordings good. If you've got mics and pre's already, use what you've got with whatever recorder you choose and practice. Try to get the sound you want with a minimum of equipment. Rather than grab a knob, move the mic, etc.

It's really all about YOU and not anything to do with the gear. It's nice to have the "ringer" equipment, but even entry level stuff like cassette Portastudios (which are actually below entry level, IMHO) can achieve fantastic results. Stuff is good enough these days that it really comes down to utilization more than specs.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Dan

thanks again. i'll check in to let you know what i bought and how i'm doing.