Using quadruple speed recording, the entire works of Beethoven, the Beatles and the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band can all be squeezed on to one tiny minidisc. Unfortunately, it will sound like it's being performed in a muffled wardrobe. Use double speed recording, however, and the minidisc is your friend. Minidiscs have never caught the public's imagination as a format on which to   purchase albums. That's because we like something to get hold of, look at the pretty pictures on the cover and read the credits - particularly who played solo banjo on track 7. But as a format for recording, they remain popular amongst people who want to sit on public transport and feel slightly superior about their own digital-quality mixes. The best thing about a minidisc is that it is housed in a small plastic case. Unlike compact discs, there is no danger of anyone testing the theory that they are indestructible by spilling custard on them. VS

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