What Is a Mini Disk Recorder?
A mini disk recorder, more commonly known as a MiniDisc recorder, is a home or personal audio device that uses the MiniDisc format, which was developed by Sony in the 1990s as a replacement for the audio cassette.
Other People Are Reading
-
Features
-
The greatest feature of the MiniDisc format is its portability. Discs measure approximately 2.6-by-2.8 inches, and recorders are similarly small. The most recent MiniDisc standard, Hi-MD, can record up to 1.5 hours of uncompressed audio, or up to 34 hours compressed.
Uses
-
The most popular use for MiniDisc recorders is to capture musical performances. Most recorders have microphone jacks, allowing the units to be easily taken to concert venues and used to record shows.
-
History
-
The MiniDisc format was never particularly popular in the United States for home stereo usage. The first revision used audio compression in order to fit entire albums on the small discs, resulting in sound quality that was inferior to compact discs, which were gaining in popularity when MiniDisc players were first introduced in 1992.
Alternative
-
Portable digital audio recorders are the greatest competition to MiniDisc recorders. Digital recorders can utilize Flash media for virtually unlimited storage. Unfortunately, these units often retail for over $100, while MiniDisc recorders generally cost significantly less.
Fun Fact
-
Releases on MiniDisc from major bands and artists are rare. As a result, these items enjoy a thriving market among collectors. Rare releases from artists such as Radiohead and Michael Jackson can command prices of hundreds of dollars.
-
