Indigenous Language Links

Mini Disc Recorders: The Greatest Tools for Language Learning.

We have found Mini Disc recorders very useful for learning language because they offer a number of features that are unavailable on cassette or DAT recorders. Mini Discs (MDs) are recordable and track marks can be put anywhere throughout the recording, allowing you to skip immediately from place to place in the recording like on a multitrack CD. Furthermore, any section of recording between 2 track marks can be looped and listened to over and over. This allows you to really get phrases and the rhythm of the language stuck in your head. This is the real advantage of the MD format. Any phrases you want to learn, get it recorded from a native speaker, and listen to it until you’ve got it! MDs are also editable. This means useless bits can just be dumped without affecting the rest of the recording. Tracks can also be labelled making it easier to find the bits you want. Here are some recommendations for purchasing.

Mini Disc Recorders: recommendations for language work.

Model

Approx Prices ($Aus)

Recommendations and useful info

Sony MZR701

$400

It lacks only an easily accessible repeat button, however track repeat can be assessed relatively easily through the menu system. Like all Sony MD recorders track marks are easily added and removed. Track mark button is very accessible.

Sony MZN707

$550

Identical to the MZR701 except it is NET MD* capable (see note below)

Sony MZR909

$640

Best option for recording with additional functions for language work, having easily accessible repeat button on remote and not so accessible variable speed play back control. However the Track mark button is a little fiddly. Additional features include date stamp, jog dial for faster access the options, recording and edit menus etc. (look out for the up and coming MZR910 with on the fly record volume levelling- see the Sharp model below)

Sony MZN1

$710

Top of the commercial portable range. All features available in the MZR 909 but is NET MD* capable. Most energy efficient - up to 52 hours recording without changing batteries.

Sony MZB100

$720

This is the very best option for language work, its brilliant. It has been designed for business note taking purposes if you have used a note taker in the past you will find it more familiar than other models. It has large easily accessed controls including a speed control dial and separate buttons for each menu and a separate repeat button. A real luxury compare to other models. It has good surround stereo built in mics, which is a money saver and very convenient. It lacks only a manual record level control. The Auto record levelling is very good but may tend to include more background noise however this will not affect ability to hear the main voices and may be of advantage by including more of the surrounding conversation in a group setting.

Sharp MT90

$330

Good machine for recording. Its real advantage is easy on the fly manual record levelling. This means that if while some one is talking they start to talk more softly you can turn up the gain on the microphone. It also means you can cut out background noise by turning the gain down. With Sony MD recorders recording level can be set manually only before recording starts. However this Sharp machine is somewhat difficult to use for language work. It does not add and delete track marks easily. But check out some higher end sharp models they may be more user friendly in this area. If you need to control record level while recording you should consider this model, but it is really a bit frustrating for language learning.

*NET MD capable means that these records can attach to your computer by USB cable and can download audio from your computer at 5MB/second - which is much faster than real-time recording (about 32 times!). However this is ONLY for downloading to MD not for copying recorded audio from MD to computer. This feature is useful if you record or edit or archive language recording on you computer.

Microphones

Most of these MD recorders need an additional microphone. There are many options, so have a look around and see what suits you. For language learning the recording quality needs to be clear but not superb. We feel it is best for working with indigenous people that the microphones are not intrusive. Also omni-direction or multi-directional microphones are best because they pick up sounds in all directions and thus you do not miss anything (like your own questions, or interjections that other people might add which bring context).

Here are some suggestions from microphones we have used.

Microphones for MD recorders	Approx Prices ($AUS)	Recommendations and Info.
Sony ECMDS70P Stereo Mic	$120	This Microphone is small , multi directional and plugs straight into recorder, no cords. It has good clear sound but picks up voices very clearly but it also picks up the sound of the recorder at times. This means that its great for recording on the fly and language learning, but not for high quality recordings for any sort. It effectively makes any recorder into a note taker.
Sony ECMMS907 Quality compact Mic	$160	This mic is semi-directional (120°pick up angle) not the best for a large group situation. It has a cord and looks like a small hand held mic so it can be a little confronting. Produces a very high quality recording. Needs a battery.
Sony ECMF8 Desktop Mic	$20	A small dome shaped mic with cord about the size of a 50 cent piece, needs a battery it is multi-directional and great for a group setting. A good clear sound.
Sony ECMT145 Lapel Mic	$85	This mic can be clipped to clothing of the speaker to get a high quality recording. You can also use 2 mics through a mini-jack double adaptor and have yourself and the language informant wired. This is great for discussions around words and concepts. A lapel mic like this can also be used like a desktop mic but it is very sensitive to being handled. It will make horrible noises when handled or moved about. A versatile high quality option.
Sanyo	??	Also produce some very good small omni-direction mics.

Many of the products mentioned here can be viewed on the Australian Sony website www.sony.com.au