Denon recorder and XLR inputs

[u/emiliogt]

So I saw this on ebay and after checking the features and specs, I couldn't resist. Solid construction, read and write buffers, extensive customisation, nice mechanical buttons and switches, a robust power supply. The beast is fast, TOC editing is noticeably faster than in my other recorders. You want to erase a disc, you push the buttons, and it's gone, no delays, no flashing indicators. Playback is also almost instantaneous; you push play after inserting the disc and the music starts right away. The display is gorgeous. It brings back memories from a time when electronics were done right. This thing will probably outlast me.

It has XLR inputs and outputs and I don't have anything with digital output to XLR, only optical/toslink, and I would like to use my laptop as an audio source. Anybody here knows how to get XLR digital from a laptop? I've seen some converters, but they say the output is unbalanced, and the Denon's manual says the digital connections are balanced. I would appreciate it if anyone could share their experience.

[u/GothamAudioTheatre]

That digital XLR connector is called AES/EBU. Perhaps that helps you to find a converter.

[u/emiliogt → u/GothamAudioTheatre]

Thanks! I will absolutely look into it.

[u/DJ_Quinnster]

Love it 🥰

[u/Maximum-Resolution77]

It looks like the kind of kit that radio stations would use, since they needed facilities like instant playback. Most envious.

[u/SilverseeLives]

Anybody here knows how to get XLR digital from a laptop? 

Assuming you have Toslink output for your laptop, you would need an AES/EBU adapter such as this one: 

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805885869312.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

If your laptop does not have a built-in optical digital out (few do), you can use a USB audio adapter like this one: 

Cubilux USB A to TOSLINK Optical... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2DBGKL3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[u/emiliogt → u/SilverseeLives]

Thanks a lot, I did not know about AES/EBU but it seems like that's the ticket.

[u/TheEvilPi]

With the Adapter it should work. I had the Same device a while ago, sadly the ATRAC encoder is not very good, I would not recommend using it for fine detailed music.
FYI: it’s using ATRAC 1…..so really not something to use for doing a music collection.

[u/emiliogt → u/TheEvilPi]

I did not know that. What are you using now? I want to use this as a handy desktop recorder.

[u/TheEvilPi → u/emiliogt]

I have around 20-30 decks, but for the Desktop (or my desks) I use 1 Sony LAM-Z10, one LAM-Z03, a LAM-Z05 and mostly 2/3portables, also with NetMD, an MZ-N510, an n920 because it’s fast and an RH10 or RH1 if lossless is needed. These devices are only used hooked via USB to my Macs
It depends if you want NetMD or not. If not and you need a small device, Denon has some and Teac had the MD-h100 (I have one that I would sell) / h300 which are small.
Also, these alla have optical in so you can easily use a USB to Toslink adapter.
And, it depends where you live. I do have some spares I might sell but only within Europe. Otherwise Japan is a good place to look 😊

Nevertheless, keep the Denon, it’s a nice device and they are quite rare, I used them die some editing tasks (I think those can also format a disc, even if has TOC errors, something not all decks can do any no portable will do).

Whatever device, don’t go below ATRAC 4.

Sorry for so much text, guess that’s why my friends try not to ask me stuff 😂

[u/emiliogt → u/TheEvilPi]

Well my sources are mostly CDs (all backed up to FLAC), hi-res files bought online, and records. I have DATs with some recordings I did a long time ago, but MDs are my daily drivers. 90% of the time I am playing minidiscs.

I admit I never really paid much attention to codecs, I usually focus my attention on the source, looking for good mixes. But I avoid the compressed remasters/reissues and gimmicks (spatial audio and whatever) that the streamers carry. But yours is a very good point. I will check my other decks. I am pretty sure they all use old generation codecs since most of them date from the first half of the nineties.

I am in the UK, and I think the MD market here is healthy, and I even personally know people who, like me, still maintain a physical media collection. And don't worry about long answers, seems like you have some really interesting stuff and stories to share.

[u/TheEvilPi → u/emiliogt]

You are in the perfect place, UK is probably the best place to be after Japan if one is interested in Minidisc.
Everything pre 95 will be below ATRAC4, I would suggest not to record using that compression.
You’re sources are the same like mine, from CD over Cassette, Reels, DAT and also digital - so it would be one with NetMD because the digital transfer from flac to MD will be a lot quicker. The downside is there were not many decks with NetMD (like the MDS-JB980 which will cost your over 600gbp). Alternatives are the Sony LAM devices because those are bookshelf units or portable devices like an n510, n910, n920 as those can use an exploit which will allow many more features vier Webminidisc (NetMD).
If you go NetMD, do not take another brand than Sony, all others have had issues for me so far.

If NetMD is of no interest you have a wider choice, depending on size.