Richard BF

Today Engadget posted a rumour (from AppleInsider) that the next iPod would have direct audio input, using a built in MPEG-4 or AAC encoder. If this is true, then I’d seriously consider this the MiniDisc killer, which would be amusing considering every one of the couple of hundred MP3 players released in the last 12 months were supposedly iPod killers.

For background on MiniDisc, see this post of mine from earlier on.

What does audio input give us? Well, you can plug in a condensor microphone for starters, and do away with other personal recording devices. You could also plug in the outputs of other equipment like home electronics, handheld devices, concert mixing desks for bootlegs etc. And the beauty of iPod is that you just take it home and everything gets sucked out into iTunes, which you can then drop into an audio app of your choice, edit, mix and burn and you’re done. Using a professional boom mic, you can record high quality sound to the iPod and transfer it directly into Final Cut Pro or iMovie.

DJs are already replacing CD collections with iPods, and it won’t be long, assuming the audio input rumour is true, before we’re able to mix our own audio at any time and place we wish. Random access, digital, high quality audio, directly transferable to and from Mac and Windows, software upgradable sound quality, and a USB/Bluetooth connection. I’m sorry, but that’s a MiniDisc killer. No wonder Sony are suddenly releasing so many devices based on hacked MiniDisc technology, as they’re about to have 15 years of technology development made redundant virtually over night. A classic example of product panic. You probably won’t believe me, but I actually love Sony products, and most of my home electronics equipment is high end Sony, but aside from a period of about 4 years where it was relevant, MiniDisc is a flawed late 1980s technology that I at least won’t be sad about seeing disappear. Goodbye and good riddance.