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By Afra <afra at prongs.org>
To record MP3s from Linux to your minidisc, there are two methods: analog
and digital. Each method is dependant on the type of soundcard your Linux
box has. The main difference between analog and digital recordings is the
sound quality you achieve during recording.
With an analog recording you may hear some static noise/fuzz, although
some analog soundcards try to minimize this. Don't think that just
because you have an analog sound card that you are doomed, because you are
not. This just means you will have to spend a little time trying to
minimize the noise by fiddling with mixer settings.
No special software is required, just a regular MP3 player for your Linux
box. Basically both methods will require a connection from your
soundcard's output to your Minidic's input.
If your soundcard does not have a "Digital Out" connection, you may will
have to go via the analogue recording route.
To record an MP3 from your Linux box onto your Minidisc, connect an analog
chord from your sound card's Line Out to your Minidisc's Line In input.
Set your Minidisc in the recording mode as you usually would and play the
MP3. You should see the recording levels on your Minidisc rise. Upon
playback, you may notice a small or large amount of static noise, which is
due to your soundcard.
To minimize the static noise during recording, keep your Minidisc's
recording/volume levels within the -3dB and 0dB range.
To help clear up the noise you may hear connect up your Minidisc as
described above and turn on the Recording Mode but do not play an
MP3. You should still hear the noise and this may help in fiddling with
your mixer effects.
You will experience better sound quality with digital recording. Connect
your optical cable (if you have to buy one, the sizes of the MD and card
port matter, usually 3.5mm but check your soundcard and Minidisc user
manual) to your sound card's Digital Out.
The cable should now be glowing on the other end - good. Now, connect the
glowing end to your minidisc Digital Input. Set your minidisc in record
mode and play the mp3 from the computer.
There is one problem when playing MP3 tracklistings: how will your
Minidisc know when to set an automark when a track jumps onto another
(ie. change track numbers automatically)? The solution is this MP3 file
which you can download at
http://www.prongs.org/minidisc/2sec.zip.
You may use this file, which is an MP3 file containing 2 seconds of
silence, to insert before each MP3 on your playlist, so the MD will know
when to automark.
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