122.Drum Solo
123.A capella
124.Euro−House
125.Dance Hall
14. MP3 to Minidisc.
To record MP3s from Linux to your minidisc, there are two methods: analog and digital. Each method is
dependant on the type of soundcard your Linux box has. The main difference between analog and digital
recordings is the sound quality you achieve during recording. With an analog recording you may hear some
static noise/fuzz, although some analog soundcards try to minimize this. Don't think that just because you
have an analog sound card that you are doomed, because you are not. This just means you will have to spend
a little time trying to minimize the noise by fiddling with mixer settings.
No special software is required, just a regular MP3 player for your Linux box. Basically both methods will
require a connection from your soundcard's output to your Minidic's input.
14.1 Analog Recording
If your soundcard does not have a "Digital Out" connection, you may will have to go via the analogue
recording route.
To record an MP3 from your Linux box onto your Minidisc, connect an analog chord from your sound card's
Line Out to your Minidisc's Line In input. Set your Minidisc in the recording mode as you usually would and
play the MP3. You should see the recording levels on your Minidisc rise. Upon playback, you may notice a
small or large amount of static noise, which is due to your soundcard.
To minimize the static noise during recording, keep your Minidisc's recording/volume levels within the −3dB
and 0dB range. To help clear up the noise you may hear connect up your Minidisc as described above and
turn on the Recording Mode but do not play an MP3. You should still hear the noise and this may help in
fiddling with your mixer effects.
14.2 Digital Recording
You will experience better sound quality with digital recording. Connect your optical cable (if you have to
buy one, the sizes of the MD and card port matter, usually 3.5mm but check your soundcard and Minidisc
user manual) to your sound card's Digital Out.
The cable should now be glowing on the other end − good. Now, connect the glowing end to your minidisc
Digital Input. Set your minidisc in record mode and play the mp3 from the computer.
14.3 Playlists
There is one problem when playing MP3 tracklistings: how will your Minidisc know when to set an automark
when a track jumps onto another (ie. change track numbers automatically)? The solution is this MP3 file
The Linux MP3−HOWTO
14. MP3 to Minidisc. 40
