Pioneer MJ-D508 User Manual
MINIDISC RECORDER
MJ-d508
Operating Instructions
D
DDann
DIE
IMPORTANT
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the
product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
[FOR EUROPEAN MODEL]
CAUTION
This product contains a laser diode of higher class
than 1. To ensure continued safety, do not remove any
covers or attempt to gain access to the inside of the
product.
Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
The following caution label appears on your unit.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SER
VICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTION
DO NOT OPEN
A
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended
to alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
The cut-off plug should be disposed of and must not be
IMPORTANT
FOR USE IN THE UNITED
KINGDOM
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in
accordance with the following code :
If the plug provided is unsuitable for your socket
outlets, the plug must be cut off and a suitable plug
fitted.
Blue : Neutral
Brown : Live
This product is for general household purposes. Any failure due
to use for other than household purposes (such as longterm use
for buisiness purposes in a restaurant or use in a car or ship) and
which requires repair will be charged for even during warranty
period.
inserted into any 13 amp socket as this can result in electric
shock. The plug or adaptor or the distribution panel should
be provided with 5 amp fuse. As the colours of the wires in
the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with
coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug,
proceed as follows :
The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the
terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured black.
The wire which is coloured brown must be connected
to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured
red.
U.S. and foreign patents licenced from
Dolby Laborotories Licencing Corporation.
CAUTION:This product satisfies FCC regulations when
shielded cables and connectors are used to connectthe unit to
other equipment. To prevent electromagnetic interference
with electric appliances such as radios and televisions, use
shielded cables and connectors for connections.
Do not connect either wire to the earth terminal of a
three pin plug.
NOTE
After replacing or changing a fuse, the fuse cover in the
plug must be replaced with a fuse cover which corre
sponds to the colour of the insert in the base of the plug
or the word that is embossed on the base of the plug, and
the appliance must not be used without a fuse cover. If
lost replacement fuse covers can be obtained from:
your dealer.
Only 5 A fuses approved by B.S.I. or A.S.T.A to B.S.
1362 should be used.
WARNING : TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
[For U.S. model]
The serial number forthis equipment is located on the rear panel.
Please write this serial number on your enclosed warranty card
and keep it in a secure area. This is for your security.
This product complies with the Low Voltage Directive (73/
23/EEC), EMC Directives (89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC) and CE
Marking Directive (93/68/EEC).
<PRB1285>
CAUTION
• Use of controls or adjustnnents or perfornnance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous
radiation exposure.
• The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard.
Information to User
Alteration or modifications carried out without appropriate authorization may invalidate the user's right to operate the equipment.
INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT [For U.K. model]
Recording and playback of copyrighted material may require consent. See the Copyright Act 1956 and the Performers'
Protection Acts 1958 and 1972.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ INSTRUCTIONS — Ali the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the product is
operated.
RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS — The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future reference.
HEED WARNINGS — All warnings on the product and
in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS — All operating and use
instructions should be followed.
CLEANING — Unplug this product from the wall outlet
before cleaning. The product should be cleaned only
with a polishing cloth ora soft dry cloth. Never clean
with furniture wax, benzine, insecticides or other
volatile liquids since they may corrode the cabinet.
ATTACHMENTS — Do not use attachments not
recommended by the product manufactureras they
may cause hazards.
WATER AND MOISTURE — Do not use this product
near water — for example, near a bathtub, wash
bowl, kitchensink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement;
or near a swimming pool; and the like.
ACCESSORIES — Do not place this product on an
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The
product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or
adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only
with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with
the product. Any mounting of the product should
follow the manufacturer's instructions, and should
use a mounting accessory recommended by the
manufacturer.
CART — A product and cart combination should be
moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and
uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart
combination to overturn.
VENTILATION — Slots and openings in the cabinet are
provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable
operation of the product and to protect it from
overheating, and these openings must not be
blocked or covered. The openings should never be
blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug,
or other similar surface. This product should not be
placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or
rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the
manufacturer's instructions have been adhered to.
POWER SOURCES — This product should be operated
only from the type of power source indicated on the
marking label. If you are not sure of the type of
power supply to your home, consult your product
dealer or local power company.
LOCATION - The appliance should be installed in
a stable location.
NONUSE PERIODS - The power cord of the ap
pliance should be unplugged from the outlet
when left un-used for a long period of time.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION
• If this product is equipped with a polarized alternating
current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than
the other), it will fit into the outlet only one way. This
is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug
should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to
replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the
safety purpose of the polarized plug.
• If this product is equipped with a three-wire
grounding type plug, a plug having a third (grounding)
pin, it will onlyfit into a grounding type power outlet.
This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the
plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to
replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the
safety purpose of the grounding type plug.
POWER-CORD PROTECTION — Power-supply cords
should be routed, so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to cords at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the product.
OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING — If an outside
antenna or cable system is connected to the product,
be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so
as to provide some protection against voltage surges
andbuilt-upstaticcharges. Article 81 Oof the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA70, provides information
with regard to proper grounding of the mast and
supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire
to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit,
connection to grounding electrodes, and
requirements for the grounding electrode. See Figure
A.
LIGHTNING — For added protection for this product
during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended
and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from
the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable
system. This will prevent damage to the product
due to lightning and power-line surges.
POWER LINES — An outside antenna system should
not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines
or other electric light or power circuits, or where it
can fall into such power lines or circuits. When
installing an outside antenna system, extreme care
should be taken to keep from touching such power
lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.
OVERLOADING — Do not overload wall outlets,
extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles
as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
Fig. A
OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY — Never push objects of
any kind into this product through openings as they
may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out
parts that could result in a fire or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
SERVICING — Do not attempt to service this product
yourself as opening or removing covers may expose
you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all
servicing to qualified service personnel.
DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE — Unplug this product
from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified
service personnel under the following conditions:
• When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
• If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into
the product.
• If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
• If the product does not operate normally by following
the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls
that are covered by the operating instructions as an
improper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a
qualified technician to restore the product to its
normal operation.
• If the product has been dropped or damaged in any
way.
• When the product exhibits a distinct change in
performance — this indicates a need for service.
REPLACEMENT PARTS — When replacement parts
are required, be sure the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or
have the same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric
shock, or other hazards.
SAFETY CHECK — Upon completion of any service or
repairs to this product, ask the service technician to
perform safety checks to determine that the product
is in proper operating condition.
WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING — The product should
not be mounted to a wall or ceiling.
HEAT — The product should be situated away from heat
sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other products (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.
ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H)
NEC — NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installa
tion. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interfer
ence will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television recep
tion, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
<PRB1285>
Features of the MJ-D508 MD Recorder
Sound quality and flexibility
Minidisc technology delivers sound quality connparable to that of compact disc,
and adds recording and editing capabilities that make it far more flexible and easy
to use than either CD-R (compact disc recordable) or DAT (digital audio tape).
Because the discs themselves are small and are housed in a protective cartridge,
MD is also an ideal format for music on the move. Use the MJ-D508 to make high
quality digital recordings from other components in your stereo system which you
can then use with your portable or-car MD player wherever you go.
_____
_____
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Advanced Parameter Processing
To fit over an hour of high quality stereo audio on such a small disc, MD uses a
much more compact digital coding system than CD—there's around 80% less
digital data on an MD than on a CD. The basic technology that makes this possible
is called Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding (ATRAC for short), and is present in
all MD players and recorders. Advanced Parameter Processing is a Pioneer
technology that further improves the sound quality of MD by providing extremely
precise control over the ATRAC process.
Digital recording levels control
The MJ-D508 gives you more control over digital recording levels than most other
digital recorders, allowing you to raise or lower the level as appropriate. This can
be especially useful for equalizing the average recording levels when making 'mix
discs' compiled from various sources.
Digital Noise Reduction
Pioneer's Digital Noise Reduction (dnr) technology reduces audible noise both on
playback and recording. This means that you can use it to make better sounding
recordings from sources such as analog cassette tapes, and use it on existing
MDs that were recorded from noisy sources.
РАС function
You can use the high quality digital/analog converter (DAC) in the MJ-D508 to
improve the sound quality of other components in your audio system—analog
and digital. Use it together with the Digital Noise Reduction feature for cleaner
playback of records and analog cassette tapes, or use it to improve the sound of
other digital components by taking advantage of the latest in DAC technology.
<PRB1285>
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_____
Advanced editing
The MJ-D508's editing features are quick and intuitive to use, yet extraordinarily
powerful with precise control. Moving individual tracks, re-ordering the whole
disc, combining and dividing tracks into new tracks, erasing tracks or sections of
tracks, naming and copying disc and track names can all be achieved with just a
few button presses. And if you make a mistake, you can always undo last edit
operation—even if you just accidently erased the whole disc.
Recovery recording
If you've ever just missed the beginning of something because you didn't get to
the record start button in time, you'll appreciate the recovery recording feature.
This lets you start recording from six seconds before you hit the record start
button. When recording, or in record-standby mode, the recorder stores the last
six seconds of audio passing through the unit, so when you choose recovery
recording, the recorder simply records those last six seconds to the disc in
addition to the material coming afterwards.
Before You Start
Connecting Up
What's What
Playing Discs (the basics)
Making a Recording (the basics)
Playing Discs (beyond the basics)
Making a Recording (beyond the basics)
Editing a Disc
Using the DAC
Checking What's in the Box
Hints on Installation..........................
About Minidiscs.................................
Connecting Up for Digital Playback and Recording .
Connecting Up for Analog Playback and Recording
Front Panel
Display
Remote Control
Switching On for the First Time..
Choosing a Track to Play
Skipping Tracks..........................................
Skipping Time
Fast-Forwarding/Reversing
Displaying Disc Information
Reducing Noise during Playback
Recording Using a Digital Input
Recording Using the Analog Inputs .
Reducing Noise during Recording ...
Starting a Recording Automatically .
Playing Things Again ....................................
Playing Tracks at Random
Programming the Track Order
Playing Non-Stop Music................................
Fading Out and Fading In
Searching for a Track
Scanning a Long-play Disc
Using a Timer for Future Playback.
Fading in Using a Timer................................
Setting the Digital Recording Level
Recording Over Unwanted Material
Recovering Lost Time.............................................................
Automatically Numbering Tracks
Manually Numbering Tracks during Recording .
Recording Extra-Long Material..............................................
Recording Fade Ins and Fade Outs
Using a Timer for Future Recording .....................................
Introduction.............................................................
Naming a Disc........................................................
Naming a Track......................................................
Copying Track Names to Other Tracks
Dividing a Track into Two......................................
Combining Two Tracks into One..........................
Moving Tracks on a Disc.......................................
Reordering Tracks on a Disc
Erasing a Whole Disc
Erasing individual Tracks
Erasing a Section of a Track
Undoing a Mistake
Writing the UTOC...................................................
Using the DAC.
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Additional Information
Understanding Error Messages.
Troubleshooting
Specifications............................................
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44
45
46
<PRB1285>
Thank you for buying this Pioneer product. Before starting to set up your new minidisc
recorder, please check that you've received the following supplied
accessories in the box:
® Two sets of stereo audio cords for connecting the recorder to your amplifier.
@ An optical digital cord for connection to another digital component. (Not supplied
in the U.S.)
@ Remote Control unit.
® Two 'AA size lEC R6P batteries for use with the remote control (see below for
how to load them).
® AC power cord (multi-voltage models only).
® Plug adaptor (multi-voltage models only).
Also included in the box is your warranty card (European and US models only).
Using this manual
This manual is for the MJ-D508 Minidisc Recorder. It is split into two broad sections,
the first covering set up, and the second, operation. Set up, which starts here, covers
all aspects of getting your new minidisc recorder up and running with the rest of your
stereo system. If this is the first time you've used minidiscs, we recommend reading
the About Minidiscs section starting on the following page before using the recorder for
the first time.
In the second section of the manual, starting on page 12, you'll learn how to use every
feature of the MJ-D508, from basic playback to advanced disc editing. The final part of
the manual provides reference information on error messages you might encounter
during use, a troubleshooting page, and technical specifications.
Line voltage selector
dial set to 240V
____
Putting the batteries in the remote control
Turn over the remote control, then press and slide the battery compartment cover off.
Put in the batteries supplied, taking care to match the plus and minus ends of
each battery with the markings inside the compartment.
Slide the cover back on, and your remote is ready for use.
CAUTION!
Incorrect use of batteries can result in hazards such as leakage and bursting. Please
observe the following:
❖ Don't mix new and old batteries together
❖ Don't use different kinds of battery together—although they may look similar,
different batteries may have different voltages.
❖ Make sure that the plus and minus ends of each battery match the indications in
the battery compartment.
❖ Remove batteries from equipment that isn't to be used for a month or more.
Rear panel line voltage selector dial
Multi-voltage models are provided with a dial to match the unit to the local voltage.
Always check that this selector is set properly before plugging the power cord into the
wall outlet. To set the voltage dial:
® Disconnect the power cord.
@ Use a small-sized screwdriver.
@ Insert a screwdriver into the groove on the voltage selector, and adjust so that the
voltage marking on the dial aligns with the volts marking on the rear panel.
Note: U.S. and European models are not provided with this dial.
Mains voltages in Saudi Arabia are 127V and 220V only.
<PRB1285>
Hints on Installation
We want you to enjoy using the MJ-D508 for years to conne, so please bear in nnind the following points when choosing a
suitable location for it:
DO..
Use in a wejhventilated room.
Place on a solid, flat, level surface, such as a table, shelf
or stereo rack.
Avoiding condensation
problems
Condensation may form inside the recorder
if it is brought into a warm room from
outside, or if the temperature of the room
rises quickly. Although the condensation
won't damage the recorder, it may tempo
rarily impair its performance. For this reason
you should leave it to adjust to the warmer
temperature for about an hour before
switching on and using.
PONT.
❖ Use in a place exposed to high temperatures or
humidity, including near radiators and other heat
generating appliances.
❖ Place on a window sill or other place where the
recorder will be exposed to direct sunlight.
❖ Use in an excessively dusty or damp environment.
❖ Place directly on top of an amplifier, or other component
in your stereo system that becomes hot in use.
❖ Use near a television or monitor as you may experience
interference—especially if the television uses an indoor
antenna.
❖ Use in a kitchen or.other room where the recorder may
be exposed to smoke or steam.
❖ Place on an unstable surface, or one that is not large
enough to support all four of the unit's feet.
About Minidiscs
Minidisc, or MD as it's usually called, is an extremely flexible and convenient format on which you can both playback and record
high-quality digital audio. Because it's a disc, MD has many of the advantages of compact disc—you can jump directly to any
track on the disc, program the playing order, instantly skip over tracks you don't want to play or back to tracks you want to play
again, and so on. The really great thing about MD though is the flexibility it offers when recording. Things that were impossible
using analog cassette tape, such as reordering tracks, programming track names, and deleting sections or tracks without
leaving any gaps are all easily achieved if you're using MD. Minidiscs have other advantages over cassette tape; the recorder
automatically finds the next blank space to record on, and can tell you how much room there is left on a disc before you start
recording. When you delete something fromothe disc, the time available for recording is automatically updated.
If this is the first time you've used MD, please take a few minutes to read through this section of the manual. It gives
information on how to handle the discs properly, the different kinds of disc available, and some basic MD characteristics.
____
Different kinds of MD available
All MDs carry this mark:
Do not use any disc which
does not have this mark.
There are both recordable and non-recordable (playbackonly) MDs. Commercially available music on MD generally
comes on discs which are playback only. The diagrams
below show the differences between the two types.
Playback-only MD
Disc has
shutter
, on one
side only.
□□□□□
OiE
□
Recordable MD
Disc
label
Disc has
^ shutters
on both
sides.
Handling MDs
The actual disc that contains the audio is quite delicate
and so is protected against dust, fingerprints and so on
by an outer cartridge. Don't force open the disc shutters
to expose the disc, and never touch the disc itself. Also,
do not attempt to disassemble the disc cartridge,
if the disc cartridge becomes dirty or stained, wipe clean
with a soft, dry cloth.
Shutter
Disc
Cartridge
<PRB1285>
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Storing and labeling MDs
When you're not playing a nninidisc, put the disc cartridge
back in the case for storage. Avoid storing or leaving discs
in very hot or humid areas, such as in a car in summer.
Also avoid leaving discs in direct sunlight, or in places
where sand or grit might get into the disc cartridge.
Recordable MDs come with self-adhesive labels to stick on
the disc cartridge to tell you what's recorded on the disc.
Always stick the label in the area provided, avoiding the
disc shutter and the edges of the disc.
If the disc label starts to peel off at the corners, remove
the label and replace it with a fresh one—don't simply
stick another label on top of the old one.
Protecting an MD against
____
accidental erasure
Once you've recorded a disc, it's a good idea to protect
it against accidental erasure by sliding the tab on the
side of the disc to the open position.
Compact discs have a sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz,
which happens to be the same as MDs. This means you
shouldn't run into problems making digital recordings of
CDs or other MDs (although see Copying restrictions
below for exceptions to this).
Other digital sources you may come across (DAT, digital
satellite and dvd) often use different sampling rates—
specifically, 32kHz and 48kHz. The MJ-D508 can handle
these too, and, at the time of writing, these are by far the
most common sampling rates around. There is, however,
a trend towards higher sampling rates. Some DVD discs
and DAT tapes are recorded at 96kHz. The MJ-D508
cannot handle this rate, and you'll have to record via the
analog terminals of the DVD or DAT recorder to the analog
inputs of the MJ-D508.
____
Copying restrictions
You may run into problems making digital copies of some
sources, even when the sampling rate is compatible.
Some DVD discs disable the DVD player's digital output to
prevent illegal digital copying (you can still record via the
analog outputs though).
Another restriction on digital copying comes from some
thing called SCMS, which stands for Serial Copy Manage
ment System. This stops you making multiple-generation
digital recordings and is aimed at preventing illegal digital
copying of copyright material. The number of generations
that SCMS will let you make depends on the source.
If you want to erase or re-record the disc, simply slide
the tab back to the closed position before loading the
disc into the recorder.
Analog and digital recording
Whatever you record onto an MD is stored on the disc as
digital data (in other words, numbers). This is what we
mean when we say that MD is a digital format. However,
what you feed into the MJ-D508 to record can be either
analog (such as the output from a turntable or a tuner), or
digital (such as the direct digital output from a CD player,
or another MD recorder).
If you record an analog signal, the recorder has to first
change it into a digital form before writing it onto the disc.
If you're recording from another digital format, like a CD, it
makes sense to just record the digital data directly. This is
usually not a problem, but there are a couple of points to
bear in mind.
All digital audio has something called a 'sampling rate',
which is measured in kHz (kilohertz). The quality of the
final sound depends to a large extent on this: the higher
the better.
CD MD
Digital connection Digital connection
MD
Digital audio from CD, DVD or DAT can be copied
digitally for one generation only.
\ \ I / \ \ /
I Satellite 1I md md | md |
Digital connection Digital connection Digital connection
Audio from digital satellite can usually be copied
digitally for two generations. (Sometimes just one
generation is possible.)
]
Any source[==j> | MD
Analog
connection
Digital connection Digital connection
MD
J MD ~|
A recording made from any source via analog inputs can be digitally copied once only.
<PRB1285>
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About the Table of Contents
When you load any kind of nninidisc into the recorder, the
first thing it does is read a section of the disc called the
Table of Contents, or
book tells the reader what each chapter is about and
where to find it in the book, the TOC tells the recorder
where the tracks are on the disc, the name and length of
each track, the name of the disc, and so on. in the couple
of seconds it takes to read all this, the recorder's display
shows the message TOC Reading.
Since you can change what's on a recordable MD, the
Table of Contents is rewritable, and so is called the User
Table of Contents, or UTOC for short. If you have a
recordable disc loaded in the recorder and hit eject, the
recorder automatically updates the UTOC before giving you
____
About MD System Limitations
The sophisticated playback, editing and recording features
available to you with MD are possible because of the way
in which the sound data is stored on the disc together
with the system of TOCs and UTOCs described above.
There are times however when you might encounter odd
TOC. Just as the contents page of a
the disc back. Alternatively, you can have the recorder
update the UTOC at any time using the UTOC write
function. In both cases, the message UTOC Writing
appears in the display during the UTOC updating process.
The UTOC is vital for the recorder to be able to play a disc
correctly. Until you hit eject or perform a UTOC write
command, the recorder stores all the current session's
recording and editing information in its memory. If there's a
power failure or you accidently switch the recorder off
before it's had a chance to write the UTOC there's a danger
that all that disc information will be lost. To prevent this,
switch the recorder back on as soon as possible and eject
the disc, if you leave the unit off for a week or more, the
information stored in the memory will be permanently lost
and the recordings/edits on that disc lost.
side-effects of the way the system works. These are not
malfunctions, but limitations of the system. Below is a list
of symptoms you may run across depending on the way
you record or edit discs.
Symptom
The recorder shows the message
TOC full even though there are fewer
than 255 tracks on the disc (the
maximum possible).
The recorder shows the message Disc
full before you've reached the maxi
mum recording time of the disc.
The amount of recording time available
doesn't increase after erasing some
short tracks.
The total recorded time, plus the
recording time remaining, appears to be
less than the length of the disc.
The recorder won't allow you to
combine two tracks into one during
editing.
The sound is interrupted during fast
forward or reverse.
MD System Limitation
Although when you listen to a disc it appears that each track sits end to end in an
unbroken sequence, the actual audio information may be scattered all over the disc in
different places. The more times you record and edit things on a disc, the more
scattered the information becomes. Usually, this doesn't affect the user; the recorder
keeps track of everything using the UTOC. However, because the recorder needs to
know where every little gap is on the disc (and counts each one as a track, although
you don't see it), the UTOC eventually fills up, and the recorder won't let you record
anything else on that disc. Erasing a complete track, or the entire disc cures the
problem.
If a disc is scratched or damaged in some way, that part of the disc becomes auto
matically unavailable for recording. In this case, the recorder shows the reduced
recording time available.
If you erase a track which is less than 12 seconds long, the recorder can't add that
time to the available recording time.
Recording time on a disc is divided into two second blocks—^the smallest 'unit' of a
minidisc. Although a piece of audio data may be shorter than this, it still takes up two
seconds on the disc, and the remainder is 'lost' (until the whole block is erased). As
the number of these partially used blocks builds up, you might notice that the total
disc length appears to shorten. (See also the note about damaged discs above.)
There are two situations where you can't use the combine edit feature:
❖ When one of the tracks was recorded using the digital input, and the other using
the analog input.
❖ When one track was recorded in long-play mono mode, and the other in normal
stereo mode.
As we mentioned above, the more re-recording and editing you do on a disc, the
more scattered the audio information on the disc becomes. During fast forward or
reverse this may show up as interrupted sound.
<PRB1285>
Connecting Up for Digital Playback & Recording
Jf you want to use the DAC function please make the connections on this page and the following page as well (for an
explanation of the DAC function see p. 42).
<PRB1285>
____
Before you start...
There are various ways to integrate the MJ-D508 into
your stereo system, depending on what other equipment
you have and what you want to do. The diagrams on this
and the following page show possible connections with
various other components. Before you start connecting
your system, make sure that all the components are
switched off and disconnected from the wall outlet.
____
About optical and coaxial jacks
The MJ-D508 has both optical and coaxial jacks for digital
input (from a CD player or another MD recorder, for
example). This is for convenience only; there's no differ
ence at all in the sound quality, but since some equipment
has only one type of connector—and you can only
connect like with like—having both on this recorder can
be an advantage. If your other component also has both,
connect whichever is more convenient.
If you're using the coaxial-type digital input you'll need a
lead with an RCA/phono plug at each end (the same type
of connector as the audio cables supplied).
To use the optical jack, first pull out
the dust cap. Keep it for futur^use.
The optical lead (supplied, except in
the US) will only go in one way, so
match up the jack and the plug
before inserting.
Take care not to bend optical cable
around sharp corners when installing
as this can damage the cable. When storing optical cable,
coil loosely.
Connecting to an amplifier
____
with a digital input
The most basic connection is an output to your amplifier
or receiver so that you can hear the disc your playing. If
you own an amplifier/receiver with a PCM-compatible
optical digital input (check your amplifier/receiver's
instruction manual if you're unsure about this), you can
connect it to the digital output of this unit., However,
there may be no advantage in doing this over using the
analog connections shown opposite—use your ears to
judge which sounds better.
____
Other uses for the digital output
If you have another digital recorder, such as a CD-R or DAT
deck, you might want to use this unit as a digital source. In
this case, connect the optical digital output of the MJ-
D508 to an optical digital input of your other digital
recorder.
i^P
____
Using the digital inputs
To make direct digital recordings on the MJ-D508 you'll
need to connect the digital output of a source (like a CD
player or another MD recorder) to a digital input on this
unit. To make recordings from analog sources (like a
turntable or analog cassette deck) it's usually easiest to
connect this recorder to your amplifier/receiver's tape
inputs and outputs—see below for more on this.
Connecting Up.
Before you start, make sure that all the components are
switched off and disconnected from the wall outlet.
Next, connect this unit to your amplifier/receiver using the
two sets of supplied audio leads—one set for playback,
the other for recording. On the rear panel of your amp find
an unused set of inputs/outputs for a tape/MD recorder
(check the instruction manual that came with your amp if
you're unsure about which terminals to use).
Supplied
audio leads
& Recording
Using this set up you can make recordings from any other
component connected to the amplifier, via the analog
inputs of this unit.
Even if you connected this unit to your amplifier/receiver
using the optical digital out (see previous page), it may be
convenient to also connect it using the analog terminals.
This will allow you to make recordings from MD to analog
cassette tape, for example.
component
Amplifier
Pioneer S out
Note: Rear panel shown is that of US model; others may
look slightly different. In particular, models for some other
regions do not have Pioneer^ connectors.
Connecting Other Pioneer
Components (except Europe)
If you are using a Pioneer amplifier or receiver that has this
feature, you can control this unit with the multi-remote
controller that came with your amplifier/receiver. The
advantage of this is that you can use a single remote control
to operate several components. Check the instruction
manual that came with your amplifier or receiver for more
information on using its remote as a multi-controller.
Use a commercially available cord with a mono mini-plug
at either end to connect the CONTROL out terminal of the
amplifier/receiver to the CONTROL in terminal of this unit. If
you have more components using the same system you
can just daisy chain them together, making sure the
CONTROL OUT
the CONTROL IN of another.
Make sure that at least one set of analog terminals is
connected to the amplifier when using H control cords.
of one component is always connected to
<PRB1285>
Front Panel
m POWER ON/OFF
Switches power to the unit on and off.
[2] TIMER (REC/OFF/PLAY) (p.26,31)
Switches the timer mode between timer-controlled
recording, timer-controlled playback, and timer off.
a INPUT SELECTOR (p.19,20,42)
Switches between the analog, optical digital and
coaxial digital inputs.
H] DACMODE (pp.42-43)
Press to switch on/off the DAC function.
[5] MD loading slot
[3 EJECTS
Press to eject a disc from the recorder.
[7] REC/PLAY MODE (p.24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30)
Press to access various record and playback options.
3 EDIT/NO.
Press to access various editing features.
3 NAME (pp.32-33)
Press to enter and exit the disc/track naming process.
3 DIGITAL REC LEVEL /
Multifunction control used to set the digital recording
level (p.27), skip time/tracks (pp.16-17), choose
between different menu options, and select charac
ters in disc/track naming mode (pp.32-33). Push to
confirm selections.
[1 ANALOG REC LEVEL (p.20)
Use to set the recording level when the analog inputs
are used.
3 DIGITAL NR (p.18, 21, 42)
Press to switch digital noise reduction on/off during
playback or recording.
01 A-B(p.22,39)
Use to set a start point and an end point to mark a
section of the disc for editing or repeat play.
0 NAME CLIP (p.34)
Press to copy the current disc or track name to the
recorder's memory.
0 DISPLAY/CHARA
Press to switch between display modes (elapsed
time, time remaining, etc.) (p.l8), and between upper
and lower-case characters in disc/track naming mode
(pp.32-33).
01 Remote control sensor
Picks up the infrared signals from the remote control
unit.
0 Display (p.13)
01 ◄◄ and ►► (p.17)
Press and hold for fast-reverse and fast-forward
playback.
0 ► (p.15)
Press to start playback, (or recording)
a SYNCHRO REC (p.21)
Press to enter synchronous recording mode: recording
starts when the recorder senses an input signal.
3 II
Press to pause playback or recording.
Press to stop playback or recording.
• (pp.19-20)
Press to put the recorder into record-pause mode.
PHONES jack
Phones LEVEL
Use to raise or lower the headphone volume level.
<PRB1285>
Display
DISC>
Indicates that the character display ([E) is showing
disc information (e.g. disc name).
[2] MONO (p.30)
Lights in long-play recording/playback mode,
d] A.MARK (p.29)
Lights when automatic track numbering is on.
H S.CUT (p.28)
Indicates that the space cut function is active,
d Character display
Displays recorder functions, disc/track names or disc
times, depending on the mode of the recorder.
d SYNCHRO {p.2D
Lights when sync recording mode is on.
d REHEARSAL (p.35,39)
Lights when auditioning the effects of an edit.
d TOTAL (p.18)
Lights to show that the current time displayed is how
far the recorder is into the disc,
d REMAIN (p.18)
Lights to show that the current time displayed is how
much time is left on the disc.
01 Track number display
Track numbers light to show how many tracks are on
the disc.
Indicates that the disc has more than 25 tracks.
OH REPEAT >1 (p.22)
Lights when the recorder is in repeat play mode.
01 FADER (p.24,30)
Lights when the recorder is in fade play mode.
0 MEDLEY (p.24)
Lights when the recorder is in medley play mode.
[d RDM (p.22)
Lights when the recorder is in random play mode.
TIMESKIP (p.17)
Lights when the recorder is in time-skip mode.
PGM (p.23)
Lights when the recorder is in program play mode.
A-B (p.22, 39)
Indicates that a section of disc has been marked.
REC (p.19-21)
Lights during record mode.
►
Lights during playback.
II
Lights when playback/recording is paused.
COAXIAL (p.19)
Lights when recording from the coaxial digital input.
OPTICAL (p.19)
Lights when recording from the optical digital input.
ANALOG (p.20)
Lights when recording from the analog inputs.
(p.27)D.VOL
Lights when the digital volume control is active.
DNR
(p.18, 21,42)
Indicates that Digital Noise Reduction is on.
I TOC I (p.9,19)
Indicates that there is TOC information in the
recorder's memory that hasn't been written to the
disc yet. When this display is lit don't turn the power
of the unit off or this information will be lost.
TIME >
Indicates that the character display (E) is showing
time information (e.g. elapsed time of track).
TRACK>
Indicates that the character display {E) is showing
track information (e.g. track name).
RECORDING LEVEL
Shows the recording level of a disc.
<PRB1285>
Press to access various editing features.
[2] NAME (p.32,33)
Press to enter and exit the disc/track naming process,
a NAME CLIP (p.34)
Press to copy the current disc or track name to the
recorder's memory.
S +10 (p.16,23)
Use to select track numbers greater than 10.
0 FADER (p.24,30)
Press to fade in or out during playback, or to record a
fade in or out during recording.
[6] SYNCHRO REC (p.21)
Press to enter synchronous recording mode: recording
starts when the recorder senses an input signal.
0 «REC (p.19,20)
Press to put the recorder into record-pause mode.
E A-B (p.22,39)
Use to set a start point and an end point to mark a
section of the disc for editing or repeat play.
E REPEAT (p.22)
Press to set the repeat mode (repeat disc, track, or
segment).
M RANDOM (p.22)
Press to play tracks in a random order.
E PROGRAM (p.23)
Press to start programming the track playback order.
E CHECK (p.23)
Press to check the programmed track order.
E CLEAR (p.23)
Press to clear the last programmed track number.
E Number / letter buttons (p.16, 32, 33)
Use to jump directly to track numbers in playback
mode, select track numbers in edit mode, and select
letters in disc/track naming mode.
E MARK, 10/0 (p.16,23)
Use for 0 or 10 when selecting track numbers.
E >10 (p.16,23)
Press to select track numbers over 10.
E DISP/CHARA
Press to switch between display modes (elapsed
time, time remaining, etc.) (p.18), and between upper
and lower-case characters in disc/track naming mode
(p.32, 33).
B Playback control (p.15-16) / ENTER
► Play
■ Stop
Skip back to last track
►►I Skip forward to next track
Confirm playback, recording and editing
ENTER
options.
E II
Press to pause playback or recording,
a TIME SKIP (p.17)
Press to change the skip track buttons to skip time.
a CURSOR, ◄◄ / ►► (p.17, 32, 33)
Press to move cursor in disc or track naming mode, or
fast forward/reverse through a disc in playback mode.
a HI-LITE (p.25)
Press to search for a track based on a short sample of
each track.
a MEDLEY (p.24)
Press to switch medley mode on/off. Tracks play end-toend with each track fading out before the next one starts.
<PRB1285>
After a short time the recorder shows the message No Disc to tell you
it's waiting for you to insert a disc—don't try and load a disc until you
see this message.
Load an MD.
Gently push the MD into the slot in the direction indicated on the disc
cartridge. The recorder pulls the md into the
recorder automatically.
The first thing the recorder does is read the table
of contents (TOC) to see what's on the disc. If
you've just loaded a blank MD, the recorder
displays the message Blank disc; press ^ EJECT
to eject the disc.
If the MD has a disc name recorded on it, the recorder displays the
name.
Press ► (play button) to start playback.
The recorder finds the first track on the disc and starts playing.
If you've loaded a prerecorded disc, the recorder displays the track name
of each track as it plays. Track names longer than 12 characters scroll
across the display.
If you're playing a home-recorded disc, the recorder will display the track
names if they're there, otherwise it simply says No Name.
Use these controls for other basic operation;
Q] Press
II
(pause button) to stop playback temporarily.
(Press ► (play button) or ll again to resume playback.)
[2] Press ■ (stop button) to halt playback completely. (If you press ►
now, playback starts again from the beginning of the disc.)
@] Press ^ EJECT to get the disc out of the recorder.
<PRB1285>
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