P3D Multi-track mini disks

["Jim Harp" <matmail2@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> So I have
>> been playing around transferring "sound bites" from tapes into the computer
>> and storing them as music "wav" files.  These can be then manipulated,
>> edited, etc.  These sound bites accompany specific slides.  When I am ready
>> for a slide presentation, I can write these sound bites into a CD, in any
>> order that I want.  This costs almost nothing with $1 per blank CD/R.
>
>That's a method I considered for the projection system I'm putting together,
>and would be perfect if I'd be satisfied with mono-sound (which I'm not).
>I need one sound track for the dissolver's program which with a CD leaves
>only one sound-sound track left.

Mini disk is a great format for live presentations - IMHO one of the most
robust data storage formats ever created.  Although the mini-disk's fidelity
is slightly lower than CD, it is much easier to edit (usually no computer
needed) and can be re-written over and over again.  You might want to
explore the various 4-track Mini-Disc "Porta-studios" available from musical
instrument or pro audio dealers.  These are updated versions of the reel to
reel multi-track recorders musicians use for personal recording studios. 
With four tracks you could record a control track for your dissolver, a
stereo sound program and still have one track left over, perhaps for
surround sound effects or other automation.   Models include the Tascam 564
and the Yamaha MD4S, priced around $700.   I believe you can get up to 37
minutes of continous 4 track audio on one mini-disk.  Jim Harp