MiniDisc Processing

This page outlines NYPL’s recommended workflow for migrating MiniDiscs (MD and Hi-MD) using Web MiniDisc Pro and the Sony MZ-RH1 recorder. The process ensures bit-accurate extraction of original ATRAC/PCM audio data along with metadata, aligned with AMI digitization specifications.

Table of contents

  1. 1. Overview of the MiniDisc Format
  2. 2. Hardware and Software Requirements
    1. Recommended Setup
  3. 3. Connecting the MiniDisc Recorder
  4. 4. Downloading Tracks and Metadata
    1. Download Individual Tracks
    2. Export Track Metadata
  5. 5. Folder Organization and Processing
  6. 6. Summary of MiniDisc Extraction Process

1. Overview of the MiniDisc Format

MiniDisc (MD) is a magneto-optical disc format introduced by Sony in 1992, supporting both compressed and, in later models, uncompressed audio. There are two general categories:

  • MD (Standard): Uses ATRAC1/ATRAC3 lossy compression
  • Hi-MD: Supports ATRAC3plus and uncompressed Linear PCM (WAV)

Audio is written non-contiguously, often with multiple fragments per track, making file-based extraction (rather than real-time playback) crucial for preservation.

For more background, refer to the MiniDisc Wiki which offers extensive technical detail, format comparisons, and software recommendations.

2. Hardware and Software Requirements

  • Recorder: Sony MZ-RH1 (required for Hi-MD and native ATRAC extraction)
  • Cable: USB-A to USB-Micro cable (direct connection preferred)
  • Computer: macOS (Intel preferred); tested on macOS Sonoma 14.7.6
  • Browser: Chromium-based (e.g., Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge)
  • App: Web MiniDisc Pro

⚠️ Note: Connection stability varies between devices and OS versions. Avoid USB hubs or converters when possible.

3. Connecting the MiniDisc Recorder

  1. Power on the MZ-RH1 and insert the MiniDisc.
  2. Connect the device directly to your Mac via USB.
  3. Launch a Chromium browser and go to: https://web.minidisc.wiki
  4. Click the Connect button.
  5. Select the MZ-RH1 from the device list.
  6. If successful, you’ll see:
    • Model name of the recorder
    • List of tracks with duration, encoding mode, and bitrate

4. Downloading Tracks and Metadata

Download Individual Tracks

  1. Highlight each track one at a time — the selection turns pink.
  2. Click Download (not Download and Convert).
  3. Files are downloaded as .aea (ATRAC audio) to your Downloads folder.

Export Track Metadata

Before ejecting the disc:

  1. Click the three-dot menu (top-right corner of the Web MiniDisc interface).
  2. Select Export Songtitles to CSV.
  3. A CSV file will be downloaded with the following headers:
INDEX,GROUP RANGE,GROUP NAME,GROUP FULL WIDTH NAME,NAME,FULL WIDTH NAME,ALBUM,ARTIST,DURATION,ENCODING,BITRATE

5. Folder Organization and Processing

  1. Create a folder named using the six-digit SPEC AMI ID.
  2. Move the .aea files and the .csv metadata file into this folder.

Your directory should look like this:

PrimaryID
├── division_PrimaryID_v01f01t01.aea
├── division_PrimaryID_v01f01t02.aea
└── division_PrimaryID_v01f01_pm.csv
  1. Run the cd_processing.py script.

This will:

  • Rename .aea files per NYPL’s filenaming convention
  • Create corresponding FLAC edit masters
  • Package files into the correct bag structure

6. Summary of MiniDisc Extraction Process

Step Tool / Action Notes
Hardware Sony MZ-RH1 Required for native data extraction
Software Web MiniDisc Pro (browser) Free, open-source tool for MD access
Track Download .aea files Retains ATRAC/PCM streams exactly as recorded
Metadata Export CSV file Functions similarly to a cue sheet
Directory Naming Manual Must match SPEC AMI ID
Post-Processing cd_processing.py Renames, transcodes, and bags per AMI spec

This workflow supports reliable, non-real-time extraction of MiniDisc audio with full track segmentation and metadata preservation. It is designed to support NYPL’s long-term preservation goals while remaining adaptable to future MD formats and transfer tools.