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Welcome to the minidisc software page, featuring my winamp titler application for usage with a Sony MZ-R700 minidisc recorder and hardware
interface. In addition I have included some mp3 audio utilities which have been useful in assisting the recording of my minidiscs.
The minidisc winamp titler utility was designed to make the process of recording mp3 audio tracks from computer to a Sony MZ-R700 mini-disc
recorder as easy, automated and accurate as possible. As the program title suggests it makes use of winamp as the mp3 player and playlist manager and the
constructed hardware interface to perform the functions of track titling and marking as mp3 audio files are played
through winamp an into the Sony MZ-R700 minidisc recorder.
The utility itself is very easy to use, here is a basic rundown of the steps to recording mp3's to mini disc using winamp titler v1.0 :-
- Load winamp, add/remove mp3 files to the playlist until you are happy with your selections. Remember to keep total time of all tracks under
the available recording length of the mini disc being used. Also if you wish to run any plugins such as crossfading/DSP/gap-removers you would most
likely wish to set them up and enable them in winamp now. Also ensure that the winamp option to scroll song title in the Windows taskbar is DISABLED
(under Preferences-Options-Display) since this title is used to be transferred to the minidisc.
- With the playlist ready to go, run the winamp titler utility. First time running the program will present a configuration screen to select LPT/timing
values which you can most likely leave at default at this time. You should then be presented with a screen similar to above, with winamp detected and
displaying the current number of audio tracks in the playlist.
- At this point you can insert a blank/semi blank minidisc into your Sony recorder and connect the hardware interface to the remote control input socket.
Also connecting the computers audio output into the minidisc recorder would be a good idea too!
Note: Keep in mind that the MZ-R700 does not work correctly when powered via the supplied plug pack - so battery power is the go here!
- When ready to begin press 'Start', a confirmation prompt will appear ensuring the interface is plugged in and blank minidisc inserted. The program will
then send a record/pause command to the minidisc recorder and count down 10 seconds to allow for the unit to initialize. Recording will then start and
winamp will commence playback.
- Two seconds into each track the titling process will begin, with the interface simulating the correct remote keypresses to input the current track name. When
the audio track ends, a track mark command will be sent and the next track will commence and the process continues.
- When the last track is reached, the minidisc recorder will be stopped, write away its updated TOC (table of contents) to minidisc and the utility will reset.
Alternatively, if you wish to end the process at the end of the current track you can tick the 'stop recording after current track' checkbox if required.
- And thats it, with any luck you should be left with precisely titled and track marked minidisc's. If you notice problems with incorrect characters/remote sending
errors you may need to increase the 'command send delay' parameter under the config menu. The default setting should be fine with most computers though.
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To complement the minidisc hardware interface construction process is this utility. It simulates the pressing of remote control buttons, allowing to
test the functionality of a hardware interface by checking resistances present on the remote control pins. Good idea to use this utility to test a constructed
interface before unleashing it on your expensive little minidisc player.
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interface tester [ CLICK HERE ] |
To use both of the above applications you will be required to download and install a copy of NTPORT. This device driver allows windows programs free
access to a computers hardware ports. This is required to allow both the winamp titler and interface tester to function correctly under Windows 2000/XP
and overcome the default protection/security imposed by the operating system. NTPORT also functions under W95/98, which means my applications can function in the best
of both worlds.
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visual basic runtime v6.0 |
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If not already installed on your machine by another application, you will need to download the visual basic runtime files for both the winamp titler
and interface tester applications - since just like NTport above, they are essential.
visual basic runtime v6.0 @ download.com [ CLICK HERE ]
A fine piece of software that needs no real introduction. Once of the most popular and stable digital audio players out there. As the name suggests, it is required
by my winamp titler utility program for mp3 playback and playlisting.
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sqrsoft crossfading plugin v1.73 |
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A very cool freeware plugin for winamp allows for the crossfading of playlist tracks resulting in radio/nightclub mix style playback. Good for recording dance music
mixes or getting gap less playback of mp3's for albums that need it.
sqrsoft crossfading plugin v1.73 website [ CLICK HERE ]
Allows for the normalization of mp3 files without the need for de/re compression, therefore no quality loss. Good for getting a consistent volume level when
recording mp3's to minidiscs, etc. as well as being able to raise the volume of those softer mp3's.
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last updated : 2002-03-19 |
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