Hi-MD for sonogram analysis (1 Viewer)

Dear Forum members,

Are the Hi-MD recorders adequate for scientific sonogram analysis? I am studying song birds in the tropical forest, therefore portability is an issue. I am overwhelmed by the diverse SONY Hi-MD products. Could someone share some experience? Any suggestion is deeply appreciated.

Hi,
If you want to record and listen or play the songs you have recorded then I guess most of the Hi-MD recoders would do. If you want to study the sonograms in detail then only the Hi-MD MZ-RH1 is of sufficient quality. This is the last recorder in the Hi-MD line, and it is the only one that produces files in the uncompressed PCM format. In practice PCM is identical to WAV format. All other Hi-MD recorders use ATRAC lossy compression, which destroys parts of the signal. You should double check if the Hi-MD is really servicable before you get one. It may not be any more.

If you get a Hi-MD note also that the mic should have its own battery (power source) and a 3.5mm stereo jack. A XLR connector does not fit directly to a Hi-MD.

Harry

HarryJ said:

Hi,
If you want to study the sonograms in detail then only the Hi-MD MZ-RH1 is of sufficient quality.....and it is the only one that produces files in the uncompressed PCM format.

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Not true.

I also use a Sony MZNH900 and this, and other Sony recorders record in uncompressed linear PCM. I also have the MZRH1 though have only used this to archive my older recordings straight to computer.

For what it's worth, I have recorded in ATRAC mono and produced perfectly readable sonograms where the calls are no different in structure except for less overall bandwidth resolution.

Hi-MD with mic and PCM

bombycilla said:

I also use a Sony MZNH900 and this, and other Sony recorders record in uncompressed linear PCM.

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Dear Bombycilla,

Thanks for correcting me on this. As this questions seems to pop up every now and then, I have did some further background checking. In principle all the minidisks that can use Hi-MDs have also PCM. At least the following models can record PCM and have a mic input. They seem OK in these respects MZ-RH1, MZ-M100, MZ-RH10, MZ-M10, MZ-RH910, MZ-NH1, MZ-NH900, MZ-NHF800, MZ-NH700. Make sure to read carefully the specifications of the recorder before you get one.

regards
HarryJ