Using mini-disk player

- HUGE Warning!·! the minidisc adaptor runs ONLY on 120 Volts.

- Interestingly, when using the power supply it charges the internal rechargeable battery, and if the power goes off, the machine automatically continues by using the battery. No click, nothing noticeable.

- Take out the battery when not in use for some hours (otherwise it discharges itself).

RECORDING

- Please, please keep a record of disc/track info: dates, locations, topics if possible...

- Use a new disc daily. Or check there's reasonable record time left. (press the "Disp" button to view time remaining)

- Use only the heavy duty rechargeable batteries because they last much longer than the regular batteries, and use the power adapter whenever possible, it charges the battery at the same time.

- Ensure microphone is on, and set to the first setting (90 degrees) for most things.

-Use in "Mono" mode, in this way, in this way will ger 150 minutes recording time. Select mono by Pressing the red Record button. While it is paused press once the "Mode" button.. A small mono sign is then visitble.

- Test the recording level before starting it. Ensure especially that it won't be too high (otherwise distortion comes). Record level = 27 if on the floor or table and pointing to Srila Maharaj. But record level = 7 if in a kirttan or on the microphone stand. Do not change recording level while recording is in progress, otherwise it gives nasty jumps and misses bits.

-If using the "Shure" headbank microphone set Record level 27, though it does pick up background sound. Also it gives better quality if use a mono to stereo jack, otherwise one track is hiss which comes onto the final recording. If not using mono to stereo jack, then record in stereo. Transfer to Mac in stereo, and delete the silent, hissing, track.

-If batteries run out while recording, you lose everything since you last 'saved' the recorded material. The player 'saves' whenever it is shut down. Alternatively, press 'stop' once to stop recording, then again to 'save' the sound (it comes up with a little message saying it's writing the TOC).

-If it comes to the end of a tape, it automatically stops recording, but the recording is not lost.

- If will not use the machine for some time, remove the battery from the disc player. It drains even when not in use.

- Ensure to turn microphone OFF after using otherwise its battery will wear out.

- Microphone. Changing the battery: remove the foam cover. Unscrewing the dark grey end where the wire comes in. Then gently pull the top section with the "Sony" label on it, from the long base. (It takes AA battery.)

- Microphone. Premanidhi's old unidirectional: Takes the miniature alkaline battery L1142 VINNIC.

TRANSFERRING THE DATA TO COMPUTER OR CD

Can record directly in SoundJam by going to Tools/Record from Sound Input. If u need to change the actual quality of the file you're recording, then do that by going to Window/Converter and clicking on "Configure".

Or for first generation, editable good AIFF files:

- Use the programme "Sound Edit 16".

- In Edit/Preferences: set to 16 bit 22,050 Khz. Mono. Autogain off. File type: Audio IFF. No compression. Make sure you've got some disc space.

- Connect minidisc player direct to sound input jack of the PowerBook. Output volume in this case = 20. (If using via the line out of the office "Pankaj" stereo system in Nabadwip office, then the minidisc volume = 13.)

- Turn off the beep on minidisc: hold "mode" for 3 seconds, then use >> and "mode" buttons to turn off beep. (See page 38 of instruction manual so as to turn off the beep.)

- Once recording has begun, use the "Hold" switch on the back of the machine so buttons aren't touched accidentally.

Index of In-House office tips And YES, feedback from users is welcome.