I can testify to the quality of the Marantz recorder having done Rob Perk's course and used one in my previous job. However, that was some time ago and prior to the existence of professional quality minidisc recorders. I would be interested in the views of those on this list as to whether in a digital age we should still be using analogue recording equipment? Digital recordings can be archived on a server (with the subsequent ease of upgrade path (although admittedly this will require large disc capacity). Analogue recordings will need to be kept on audio tape (with future upgrade problems) or digitised (in which case,why not record them digitally in the first place?). I raise this question because already the use of audio cassettes can be seen to be in sharp decline. No doubt the same fate awaits minidisc recorders/players (witness the decline of the CD-ROM which has already begun). However, by using standard digital audio file formats it should be possible to keep ahead of changes in hardware for the time being at least. I cannot claim any expertise in oral history or any knowledge of the current state of play, but I would be interested in people's reactions to these thoughts. Best wishes, Matthew *****NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESSES***** Dr Matthew Stiff Head of Standards mda 19 Riverside Road Oxford OX2 0HT Tel: +44 (0)1865 200561 Fax: +44 (0)1865 200561 (by arrangement) email: [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask] URL www.mda.org.uk ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rosalind Collier" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2001 8:15 PM Subject: Second World War etc We are planning a 2 World War small exhibition, Rye's War (E.Sussex) for next year. We will be doing a lot of educational stuff with it (many of us are ex teachers!! See various articles about the usefulness or not of ex teachers) but we are also being encouraged to record oral history of local people. I am getting confused about the right sort of recording equipment to use. I understand a Marantz is the best, but I have seen what seems to be the right one at £300 odd, and been quoted £1700 (with VAT). Any ideas? All help very gratefully received. Rosalind Collier Rye Castle Museum