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Using your Yamaha MD4s, you'll be able to mix and record onto 4 separate tracks on MDD140 data minidiscs using your normal range of instruments and mics thru the onboard analog mixer.
When recording is done, it's time to mix down your 4-track works into a stereo format that's compatible with other players and playable in a common sense, like onto CDr or MP3 format.
There is no way to upload MDD140 data files off the Yamaha and onto any other format. What you need to do is render your mix oboard the MD4s, then use an RCA-to-1/8" stereo Y-cable adapter, & record on the destination device ("master recorder") from the minidisc onto the master recorder.
What you can use for "master recorder" can vary a lot. There was a stereo-only Minidisc deck, which this late in the game I'd recommend to stay away from, because it's such dated technology & specialized/not universal,...[PICTURED BELOW].
The most common thing you'd see would be to use your standard 'puter as master recorder and record thru the onboard soundcard into the "Line In" stereo jack. On the 'puter you'd need suitable recording software, such as "Audacity", which I've heard is a free download.
For mics, your most basic choice might be a Shure SM57, which is not stellar in any category, but is adequate in most uses. Otherwise, there's a host of inexpensive Audio-Technica mics that sport 1/4" plugs which would do a decent job. Others too numerous to mention. There's a whole forum devoted to mics.
Sorry, there's no USB or "easy upload" feature on the Yamaha, tho' I believe it outputs an S/Pdif signal output in stereo,... which was originally scoped to hook to DAT recorders, but would also port to the 'puter if you could find a soundcard that accepts S/Pdif input. However, this is another layer of technical difficulty that could be put off til later, and/or is not essential.
Your best route for mixdown IMO would be the simple Y-adapter cable and recording the mixdown dub to 'puter in real time. Also, a standalone CDr recorder would fit the bill as a destination "master recorder".
In the old days we used to "master" to cassette or sometimes open reel recorders,... & called it a day! Today, you generally want your tunes on a CDr, which is a universal playback medium. Record to WAV files on PC, then burn CDr's & render Mp3's from WAV format.
