MiniDisc to itunes

Sadly, you'll have to play it all in to a recording app one track at a time, then export as an aiff file (or similar) then import to iTunes.

There really isn't an easier way to do this, as there doesn't appear to be a mechanism for "ripping" a minidisc in the same way a CD can be ripped.

Minidisc is just an audio source as far as a Mac is concerned.

You'll need a stereo input cable of some description, what Mac are you using?

You could probably use Garageband if you have it, and simply record each track in then bounce directly to iTunes. GB will record directly from the stereo input of my PowerBook, and will do the same from most Macs.

Otherwise, I's suggest you track down BIAS Peak or one of the freeware stereo recorders. Check on VersionTracker.

Check out OSXaudio.com for a very in-depth audio forum.

theposse said:

So i need to get an audio to USB cable and then get a recording app.Can you suggest one please.
Thanks for the advice.
Scottie

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I use Sound Studio -- very satisfactory.

You may find you have it already -- look in Applications>Utilities. Otherwise, try their website.

Also, which minidisc player are you using? I know my portable has an optical i/o -> USB audio - that would be preferred, because you can maintain digital quality with no D/A and then A/D conversions.

-rand()

I actually wouldn't go that route. It's going to be a painstakingly long and irritating process. If you already own the CD, why not just rip them again? You're going to get a way better quality rip than if you do an analog recording off a MD.

I know this isn't exactly kosher, but if you already have the license to the music, there's nothing morally wrong with using P2P software to get what's already yours. I left my CDs back at home in Canada, and just downloaded them instead of having them shipped over here. Your discretion.

plasticparadox said:

I actually wouldn't go that route. It's going to be a painstakingly long and irritating process. If you already own the CD, why not just rip them again? You're going to get a way better quality rip than if you do an analog recording off a MD.

I know this isn't exactly kosher, but if you already have the license to the music, there's nothing morally wrong with using P2P software to get what's already yours. I left my CDs back at home in Canada, and just downloaded them instead of having them shipped over here. Your discretion.

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I don't think he actually has the CD's, otherwise I think re-ripping is the obvious route.

He clearly has a large collection of legitimate recordings of birdsong... or town council meetings.... or his auntie playing her accordian...

Cos he wouldn't have any recordings he didn't own would he? No, that would be illegal wouldn't it...?

Yes...

theposse said:

I use a sony and it does have an optical output but my mac doesn't have an optical input.
So what do I do!!!!

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Get a 1/8" stereo minijack to minijack cable, plug it in to your Mac's audio input and use Sound Studio or GB or whatever to record it.

Unless you have access to an interface of some description that is.

Can the optical in of a Powermac be used for this? I ask because I have a few minidiscs of music I'd like to transfer and I have a G5 on the way in a few weeks. Could I take the optical out of the MD and into the PM, then record the songs?

barrettd said:

Can the optical in of a Powermac be used for this? I ask because I have a few minidiscs of music I'd like to transfer and I have a G5 on the way in a few weeks. Could I take the optical out of the MD and into the PM, then record the songs?

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you certainly can! i've been doing this with my md/PMG5 to transfer all my jpop into itunes. however, you need a recorder to do this...i purchased Audio Companion (check it on version tracker) to do this. it's been worth the approx. $30 i paid for it because it splits all the different tracks into individual AIFF files, which i then import into itunes. there are other apps that split tracks as well.

i think this will also work with non-optical in setups, too, because Audio Companion simply bases its split tracks function on some sound level input, which should be similar for both optical and analog inputs. i've tried using sound studio (since it was free) but it doesn't have the split tracks feature, which is a pain.

PM me if you have specific questions.

barrettd said:

Can the optical in of a Powermac be used for this? I ask because I have a few minidiscs of music I'd like to transfer and I have a G5 on the way in a few weeks. Could I take the optical out of the MD and into the PM, then record the songs?

Click to expand...

As long as you have the correct cable, yes you can, the optical input appears as a source in the audio input esction of the Sound control panel, once that's selected you should be able to record digitally into a number of apps.

unfortunately you'd be better off transferring it through a PC, then to a Mac via network, external drive, whatever... recording each one in really time is not a project i would want to take on.

EDIT: What a minute... did you just say you have a sony (computer)? If you do it will be much easier to transfer them through the Sony to the Mac.

*****
i've wanted a minidisc recorder for quite sometime now, but there is no Mac support. The seem really cool, but unfortunately it never caught on in the US ( ... or fortunate for Apple). If only the iPod would record AIFF...


peace.