Technology Just Amazes Me!

[FJRocket]

I was asking on the other board how to record MP3's. I was able to finally figure that out, with help and encouragement. My MP3 player finally got here. Yes, I scored it from WalMart online. The ZEN 1GB player is the size of a zippo, even with the AAA battery and built in FM radio. I'll have to load in some music and see how it sounds, but I haven't even started and I'm amazed by this liitle bit of technology.

When recording music, I have the choice of anywhere from 32 up to 198 (I think) kb (I think ... I'm on a different computer...). Does it make any difference in the quality of the sound if you record at a lower setting? This thing is going to suppliment my XM radio on LD rides on the FJR. I figured I might be able to get by with lower quality, more quantity? What say ye of experience in such matters?

 

[lawinter]

The CD-Ripper software I use lets me choose the bit rate for my mp-3's. It defaults at 256kbs and that is what i use and my 1 gig stores about 100 songs give or take. I must admit I can not tell a difference between 128 kbs or 256 kbs. Of course 128 kbs will give you more songs. Some audiophiles will swear there is a difference but when your listening thru e-buds ??

I guess the best thing is to spear a mint and see what works for you.

The software I use is called smart CD ripper that I downloaded on-line.

It works great

good luck with the new player

Larry

 

[twowheelnut]

You'll find that the ear piece quality will affect sound quality. Please note that the Creative supplied ear pieces work very well. Unfortunately, you can't slip your helmet on with them in place. I had to get the $50 Koss' ear buds to get a decent level of sound.

I have to say that the tunes I have ripped off of CD's seem to have little difference between recording speeds/rates. Course, I'm about to order the Softline mixer which will prolly change things again...

I've gone for quantity v. quality so I get the widest selection of music.

 

[FJRocket]

Ok, I have the thing set up and loaded 5 cd's into it! ALREADY! Took about 15 minutes. Rip software came with it. USB direct in. Recorded at 128. Sounds GREAT!!!!!

TWN, I think I CAN fit these phones under my helmet, but the sure aren't as comfortable as.... my radioshack in the ear foam earphones. But they do sound VERY nice. I pumped up the base on the on board equalizer a bit.

Man, what a neat little gizmo! If my XM dies, I may not even replace it!

 

[Thug]

I have the Zen 5gig version very nice indeed.

 

[twowheelnut]

TWN, I think I CAN fit these phones under my helmet, but the sure aren't as comfortable as.... my radioshack in the ear foam earphones. But they do sound VERY nice. I pumped up the base on the on board equalizer a bit.

I found a slight imbalance to my Koss set yesterday so I pulled out the Creatives and tried for like 30 minutes to get my RF1000 on without the ear pieces falling out. I even got the old duct tape out and taped them in place like racers do. No luck.

If you get them to work with your helmet, let me know...

 

[FJRocket]

I have a big head with smallish flat ears. And there's some room there in my HJC Symax. Between my wonky mellon and the cavernous helmet I have room. Those phones aren't comfortable, though, and won't get much workout from me. The buds supplied with the unit sure sound nice, though.

I thought the 5 gig had moving parts so I opted out. Perhaps I was wrong, but this little gem is awesome! Too bad it's pouring down rain here, otherwise I'd be out on my scooter checking it out.

Sitting here listening to XM online... Reading... posting.... trying to catch up with that guy who was flaunting his centennial credentials....

 

[Jetmaker737]

I have the Zen 5gig version very nice indeed.

I just got that one for my wife's birthday. So far she seems to like it. I bought it because it's reputed better sound quality than ipod, has FM tuner, and was cheaper (not hyped).

 

[antvq]

I grabbed a Rio Sport 128 MB player from buy.com a few months ago for dirt cheap. Reason? It's takes an SD card up to 1 GB. Grabbed the 1 GB card from a special Best Buy was running. Total outlay was under $125. For that I have a player (with built in FM tuner) that now holds 1.128 GB of music. I rip all my music at 128 kb since I can't tell the difference with the helmet on and the wind noise anyway.

 

[PapaUtah]

I have the Creative Zen Xtra 30GB. A little overkill. So far I have 280 albums and a little over 1900 tracks on it. I have used less than 10GB for that much music. Sound is awesome. On my Venture I run it into the tape deck via a cassette adapter. On the FJR I use the Sony Fontopia Ear Buds. They are amazing little things and fit easily under my helmet.

Best part is that the Creative 30GB was $40 cheaper than a 5GB iPod. Replaceable battery with 13 hours of life. Charge at nite and run all day. MP3 format versus the inferior AAC iTunes format for downloaded music. Larger avaliable library. Just wish it had that cool wheel on the front though. Maybe the new slide version will cause me to upgrade...hmmmm.

 

[GalaxyBlue]

I have a 20 gigger and love it! It does have a HD in there, But i have not had any problems yet

 

[Howardrg]

Has anyone thought of installing speakers IN the helmet itself. I tried to get a bluetooth celphone receiver to work through the supplied earpieces. Could not keep them in place and opted for speakers. They are from an old set of wireless headphones. work like a bomb. Scares the living shit out of you when the phone rings.

If anyone is intrested will take and post some photos.

Howard

 

[Tomnap]

I have a Creative MuVo 4 gig no moving parts, about the size of a 4 pack of AA batteries, rechargeable LI batt. schweeet. A great back-up for the XM. I had a set of earphone speakers made at the MPLS bike show, they work great, and don't interfere with the helmet, also have Starcom, I can plug into.

Tom

 

[Thug]

Howardrg that was funny!

Sure send pics I want to put a set in my Rf1000 Shoei Diabolic