Mini-disks and compression problems?
Mini-disks and compression problems?- special effects and filmmaking
Okay, maybe someone out there can actually explain this to me in laymen's terms. I was told by this sound guy I talked to, that using a mini-disk recorder is not a good idea, because with a mini-disk, there are problems with "compressed sound" that don't transfer well to a final product????? What?
When asked to explain a little more, he said that it was too technical, and said a DAT was a better way to go. Hmmm..
While I'm on the subject, he also told me not to consider doing video post with Adobe Premiere (as it wasn' t the best product out there..), that I should go straight out and book an editing suite for a week. Ka-ching! Ka-ching!
If someone can expand on this compression issue for mini-disk, I'd appreciate it.
Keep it Reel!
-Lil' Scorcese
LilS,
I have a Sony MiniDisk recorder I use for field work, esp. recording radio spots for clients. I plan to use it for location audio.
You're not the only one considering this. See http://www.minidisc.org/index.html for a list of links.
From what I understand, the compression algorithm used for MiniDisks results in more compressed files. That's why you can fit 74 minutes of stereo music on that little bitty disk.
Two issues: there is no timecode and getting the digital audio off the MiniDisk is a problem. I have Sony computers, one with SPDIF plug, but no software to get what's on the MiniDisk into the computer without going to miniplug-to-miniplug. You can get some digital artificating this way.
As far using Premiere, you know...I disagree. I'm cutting a doc right now with Premiere 5.1. I plan to master at a post house in Seattle. I don't have any special effects and my transitions are at a minimum.
It sounds to me like this guy is trying to sell you the more expensive stuff, or he's a techno-snob and only the top of the line stuff is good enough for him. Top of the line means pro equipment and out of the price range of most people.
Mini-Disk does use compressed sound. How much I'm not sure. I would suspect that its much the same as MP3 (it could even BE MP3, but don't quote me). The best way to find out if its good enough is to listen to a mini-disk. Does it sound good? If so, then it IS good. I don't think you would have any way to use the the digital data right off the disk, so you will have to dub it to another medium. People seem to shudder at the thought of making a dub of something if it is not a perfect digital copy of the original, but if you are dubbing to a high quality media then you won't loose that much. I did a project where the audio when down 5 generations, none of them digital. The sound did degrade, but it was still good.
As for Premiere, if it does the job you need than why spend on something more expensive?
Ohio/EricM,
Thanks for the info guys. And yes...Eric, this guy does sound like a techno-snob! I thought that too when I listened to him talk about the mini-disk. I was wondering why so many people on here would rave about something that sucked so bad. He does mostly Nagra work, and DAT. So I would imagine, to him, anything that can be used to acheive the same effect (or similar) that for a more affordable price, is a threat. Oh well.
As for the Adobe Premiere thing, I think the snob issue can be transposed on to this subject as well. He mainly uses Avid, so anything else (especially anything that just about anyone can use for editing) is also a threat (or at least can't be quite as good).
I have heard nothing but good things so far about mini-disk recorders and Premiere on here. I also have a friend who builds computer systems for a living tell me how great Premiere was. So, I'd say he more than qualified to make that assessment.
Again, thanks for shedding some light on that for me. Now...to find my charge card and get me a mini-disk recorder!!!
-Lil' Scorcese
Hey Guys,
Any recommendations for mikes to use with the mini-disk? Shotgun would probably be best. I have a Beaulieu shotgun mike, but it's mounted specifically for use on my camera. I don't beleive it's adaptable for free-hand use.
-Lil'Scorcese
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LilS., you'll have problems with a microphone.
I use a prosumer Audio Technica wireless lavelier with it because it has the proper jacks. I've used a Sennheiser ME-80 with K3 that I run through an XLR adapter for both a VX1000 and my MZ-R55. The result has been less than happy. Same with using a FP33 field mixer.
I think it has to do with the MiniDisk record in being "consumer" rated at +3 db as opposed to the mroe common Sony "pro" rating of -18 db. Or it's the other way around. I can never remember until I actually have to do it.
Check that minidisk URL---the people on that site are all crazy, but in a good way, and have put these devices through the ringer.
BTW, the K3 for my ME-80 requires batteries illegal in the US. Know a place I could contact? Vancouver would be excellent---I live just north of Seattle.
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Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
Ohio,
I'm unsure what this K3 you speak of is, but I'm sure you'll explain it. Also, if you want to point me in the right direction, I'll look around up here for said batteries. It'll give you an excuse to come up to Vancouver for a visit. Where, north of Seattle, are you at?
E-mail me at: eightfld@istar.ca
-Lil' Scorcese
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Check out Indie-Film North: http://server5.ezboard.com/bindiefilmnorth
Ohio, I must say, that the mini disc web site you suggested is amazing. I learned alot after 30 minutes of browsing and I thought I already knew alot. I'm now shopping for a mixer. Thanx!
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"I like to see things as I remember them, not as they were."
-Bill Pullman "Lost Highway"
The people on the MiniDisk site are completely out of their minds. It's great.
What kind of mixer are you looking at? I'm curious because I'm looking for one that I can use for both my VX1000 and MZ-R55. I just sold my FP33. What an incredible piece of machinery, but with the kind of movies I make, I like to keep everything small and easily handled with a crew of one---me.
I like the Beach-Tek and XLR-Pro, though I have a dual XLR to mini adapter when I first bought my VX1000---no power, very simple, but I want something that will give me a little more control. Any ideas?
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Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
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