If you require any advice or assistance regarding
your Sharp product, please visit our web-site
www.sharp.co.uk/customersupport.
Customers without Internet access may telephone
08705 274277 during office hours (or (01) 676 0648
if telephoning from Ireland).
Thank you for purchasing this SHARP product.
For the best performance, read this manual carefully.
It will guide you in operating your SHARP product.
0101
TINSE0568AWZZ
03K R HK 1
E
IM-DR580H
Important Introduction
Special Notes
NOTES FOR USERS IN THE U.K. AND
IRELAND
SERVICE INFORMATION
In the unlikely event of your equipment requiring repair, please use the supplied postage paid label to
send your unit to the Sharp repair centre or contact
the dealer or supplier from whom it was purchased.
Where this is not possible, please visit our web-site
www.sharp.co.uk/customersupport.
Customers without internet access may telephone
08705 274277 during office hours (or (01) 676 0648
if telephoning from Ireland).
Please note; all calls will be charged at local rate.
Certain replacement parts and accessories may be
-Special Notes-
obtained from our main parts distributor.
WILLOW VALE ELECTRONICS LTD.
In the unlikely event of this equipment requiring repair during the guarantee period, you will need to
provide proof of the date of purchase to the repairing
company. Please keep your invoice or receipt, which
is supplied at the time of purchase.
0121 766 5414
! Warnings
" The supplied AC adaptor contains no user serviceable
parts. Never remove covers unless qualified to do so.
It contains dangerous voltages, always remove the
mains plug from the main outlet socket before any service operation or when not in use for a long period.
" The AC adaptor supplied with the IM-DR580H must
not be used with other equipment.
" To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this
appliance to dripping or splashing liquids. No objects
filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on
the apparatus.
" Never use an AC adaptor other than the one specified.
Otherwise, problems or serious hazards may be created.
! Caution
" When recording important selections, make a prelimi-
nary test to ensure that the desired material is properly
recorded.
" SHARP is not liable for damage or loss of your record-
" At full volume, prolonged listening to a personal stereo
may damage the user's hearing. This model complies
with the law if used with the correct earphones (model
number RPHOH0021AWZZ, RPHOH0022AWZZ). If
the earphones are damaged in any way, please order
using the model number given above.
" This product is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER
PRODUCT.
" Use the Portable MiniDisc Recorder only in accor-
dance with the instructions given in this manual and
do not attempt to interfere with the interlock switch or
make any other adjustment as this may result in exposure to hazardous radiation.
Read mode: 0.8 mW Continuous
Write mode: max 12 mW 0.5S
min cycle 1.5S
Repetition
! Notes
" Recording and playback of any material may require
consent, which SHARP is unable to give. Please refer
particularly to the provisions of the Copyright Act
1956, the Dramatic and Musical Performers Protection
Act 1958, the Performers Protection Acts 1963 and
1972 and to any subsequent statutory enactments
and orders.
" This equipment complies with the requirements of
Directives 89/336/EEC and 73/23/EEC as amended
by 93/68/EEC.
" US and foreign patents licensed from Dolby Laborato-
ries.
" The letters in brackets contained in the model number
indicate the colour of the product only. Operation and
specifications are unaffected.
Audio data saved on the hard disk of a PC can be transferred to a Net MD-compatible recorder using the provided software "BeatJam".
! A Portable MD player with "Mobile 1-bit dig-
ital amplifier"
The 1-bit digital signal is sent to a constant voltage circuit
directly from a high-order modulation circuit. The
amplifier transmits and amplifies the signal, and allows
extremely natural and clear sound with little deterioration.
-Features-
Important Introduction
! "4-pole plug earphone" optimizes "Mobile
1-bit digital amplifier"
Sharp has adopted "4-pole plug" earphone that completely separate right and left sound. Enjoy the high quality sound of the "Mobile 1-bit digital amplifier".
4-pole plug for mobile
1-bit digital amplifier
Conventional 3-pole plug
L+ R+ L- R-
LR GND
! Multi-link station
Connect the multi-link station to a PC, speakers with
built-in amplifiers or other external equipment, and place
the main unit on the multi-link station. Now you can enjoy
playing, recording and editing music as well as Net MD
features.
Remote control x 1Multi-link station x 1Battery case x 1
hydride battery
(AD-NT55BT) x 1
Battery carrying case x 1Connection cable (for
-Accessories-
4-pole
plug
Important Introduction
Connection cable (for
digital recording) x 1
Notes:
" You can hear the sound only from one earphone if you use the supplied earphones with other equipment.
" Parts and equipment mentioned in this operation manual other than those detailed above are not included.
" The AC adaptor may be different from the one in the drawing.
Warn ing:
The AC adaptor supplied with the IM-DR580H must not be used with other equipment.
" Do not wear your earphones when you are crossing
streets or near traffic.
" Do not use your earphones whilst driving a
motor vehicle, it may create a traffic hazard and may be illegal. Remember to obey
all of the safety rules in your area.
" Do not play the unit at a high volume. Hearing experts
advise against extended listening at high volume levels.
" If you experience ringing in your ears, reduce the volume
or discontinue use.
" No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should
be placed on the apparatus.
" Attention should be drawn to the environmental aspects of
battery disposal.
" The apparatus is designed for use in moderate climate.
" This portable MD should only be used within the range of
0°C - 40°C.
To avoid accidental electric shock or other possible
problems, observe the precautions listed below.
" Do not disassemble or modify the unit.
" Do not drop or subject the unit to shock.
" Do not use the unit near open flames.
" Do not spill liquid on the unit.
" Do not use an external power supply, other than the 3 V
DC supplied with this unit, as it may damage the unit.
" SHARP is not responsible for damage due to improper
use. Refer all servicing to a SHARP authorised service
centre.
! Storing the unit
Avoid using or leaving the unit in the following
places.
" Places exposed to direct sunlight for many hours
(especially in cars with the doors and windows closed)
or near heaters. (The cabinet may deform, change
colour or the unit may malfunction.)
" Places exposed to excessive dust.
" Places exposed to water.
" Places where temperatures are excessively high or
low.
" Places (bathrooms) where the humidity is extremely
high.
" Places with strong magnetic fields such as near TVs
or loudspeakers.
" Places exposed to vibration.
" Places where sand can easily enter the inside of the
unit (beaches etc.).
" If the unit is used near radio tuners or TVs, noise and/
or picture interference may result. If you experience
these problems, move the unit away from such
devices.
It is not recommended to put the
portable MD into a rear pocket, as
this may damage the product when
sitting.
Using this unit near mobile phones
may cause noise pickup. If it occurs, move it away from them.
You can charge the battery, record, play or edit music
1
2
1
Do not force
the battery
cover open
too far.
Insert from
the side.
3
2
AC 110 - 240V,
AC 110 - 240V,
50/60 Hz
Fully insert.
To the
DC IN 3V
socket
50/60 Hz
To the wall socket
To the wall socket
and use Net MD features with the multi-link station.
Insert the rechargeable battery.
1
A rechargeable battery other than the AD-N55BT
cannot be charged.
Plug the AC adaptor into the wall socket, and
2
then insert the plug on the other end into the DC
IN 3V socket.
Insert a MiniDisc.
3
1 Slide the OPEN lever to release the compartment
door.
2 Insert the disc fully as indicated by the arrow, with
the label up.
3 Close the compartment door.
Playback starts automatically with a playback only
MiniDisc or a MiniDisc which is protected against accidental erasure (Auto play function, see page 70).
When the rechargeable battery is used for the first time or
when you want to use it after a long period of disuse, be sure
to charge it fully.
12
Place the main unit on the multi-link station.
1
Preparation
-Using with the Rechargeable Battery-
! The battery indicator will scroll,
and the battery will begin
charging.
! If placing the main unit with the power on or after op-
erations with the multi-link station, turn it off and hold
down the CHARGE button for 3 seconds or more.
After charging, remove the main unit from the multi-
2
link station.
! Hold the multi-link station and pull the main unit
straight out.
Scrolling
Battery indicator:
The battery indicator shows the progress of charging.
! When the indicator is off,
Charging starts
Appear
Scrolling
(repeated)
Charging complete
(in approx. 3.5 hours)
Goes out
charging is complete.
! Charging does not start if the
main unit is not set on the
multi-link station properly or
there is any dirt or foreign substance on the terminal.
! It may take approx. 30 sec-
onds for the indicator to scroll
depending on the remaining
amount of battery.
! The battery is charged up to
90% if it is completely discharged.
! The unit can be left in the
charging state after it is completed.
! Charging may take less time
depending on the remaining
amount of battery.
Top-up charging:
"Memory effect" is a loss of battery capacity in nickel metal
hydride batteries caused by a voltage drop. This product
allows top-up charging with no
battery is not fully discharged.
! This product should only be used within the range of
0°C - 40°C. The battery should be charged within the
range of 5°C - 35°C (charging is impossible below 0°C
or over 40°C).
! After the rechargeable battery is charged or used, the
main unit or multi-link station will get slightly warm.
This is normal.
! When the battery is charged for the first time or is
charged after not being used for a long period, the
operating time may be shorter than normal. The battery life will recover with normal use i.e. charging and
discharging.
! Charging stops when you press the REC, or but-
ton on the multi-link station.
! When the portable MD is turned on or operating,
the battery will not be charged.
! For information about battery life, see the battery item
in the "Specifications" on page 87.
! A rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery is the only
kind that can be used. Even if the battery is not used,
you should charge it at least once every three months
because of the special quality of this battery.
Battery replacement:
! The rechargeable battery can be charged approxi-
mately 300 times.
! When the operating time is reduced to about half the
normal amount of time, even after a full charge is performed, replace the battery with a new one (ADN55BT).
Caution:
! Use the specified battery AD-N55BT only. Do not
charge a battery (nickel-cadmium, alkaline, etc.) other
than that specified.
! Do not remove the outer cover of
the rechargeable battery. It may
cause heat generation, fire, or explosion.
! Do not dip the battery in water, do
not dispose of it in a fire, and do
not take it apart.
! If the rechargeable battery terminal is dirty, charging
may not start. In such a case, wipe off the dirt with a
dry cloth.
! Do not disassemble the battery.
! Do not short-circuit the terminals as they will become
very hot and will damage the battery.
! Do not drop or subject the battery to shock.
! Do not insert objects (metal etc.) into the battery com-
partment of this product or into the rechargeable battery.
! Carry the battery in the supplied
case. Apply the case on the
end.
! If the rechargeable battery is used in a cold environ-
ment, the operating time will be reduced.
! Do not carry the battery in your pocket or a bag
together with metal objects (keys, coins, jewelry, etc.).
The battery may short out and generate significant
amounts of heat.
The present operation condition can be kept even if other buttons are accidentally pressed in a place such as a
crowded train. (The main unit and remote control function separately.)
Record Indicator
Hold down the (HOLD) button for 2 seconds or
more.
The mode switches each time the button is pressed.
Hold on: The record indicator flashes three times.
Hold off: The record indicator flashes once.
If the battery is inserted, you can set this function
even when the power is turned off.
If a button is pressed with the hold function active,
the record indicator flashes twice.
To cancel the hold mode
Move the HOLD switch away from the safety position
(the opposite direction of the arrow).
If the hold function is active whilst the power is turned
off, the power cannot be turned on by mistake and the
battery will not be drained.
Connect other equipment to the multi-link station for recording. The connection differs according to the equipment. Recording requires a digital or analogue connection cable.
! When recording from a stereo system, do not connect
anything to the MIC IN socket on the main unit.
! This product has a built-in sampling rate converter that
automatically converts the sampling frequency of various digital equipment including the digital radios and
DAT deck (32 kHz and 48 kHz respectively) to 44.1
kHz for recording.
! For digital connections, use equipment with an appro-
Connecting to a Stereo System, PC, etc. (continued)
" Recording from PC
Speakers with
built-in amplifiers
To the
OPTICAL/LINE IN
socket
-Connecting to a Stereo System, PC, etc.-
Note:
When PC and the multi-link station are connected through input and output sockets, howling or sound deterioration may occur.
To avoid this, set the "LINE MONI" to "OFF" for analogue connections (see page 70).
For digital connections, disconnect PC from the AUDIO OUT socket on the multi-link station and set "OPT MONI" to "ON" (see
page 70).
Connecting to an optical output socket
Supplied connection cable
(for digital recording)
Connecting to an analogue output socket
3.5 mm mini plug cable without resistance
(commercially available)
3-pole
plug
When connected to speakers with built-in amplifiers
Connected to an analogue output socket
To LINE IN
Connected to an optical output socket
To MD
Set the speaker output selector switch to "LINE IN" to listen to the
sound from PC through speakers.
(The playback sound level does not affect the recording level.)
Set the speaker output selector switch to "MD" to monitor recording
through speakers.
No sound can be heard when the switch is set to "LINE IN".
Set "LINE MONI" (for analogue connections) or "OPT MONI" (for digital connections) to "ON" (see page 70). You can
listen to the sound being recorded through earphones or speakers.
Connecting to an analogue output socket
3.5 mm mini plug cable without resistance
(commercially available)
3-pole
plug
When connected to speakers with built-in amplifiers
To MD
Set the speaker output selector switch to "MD" to monitor recording
through speakers.
(For analogue connections, when the switch is set to "LINE IN", the
playback sound level does not affect the recording level. No sound
can be heard when digitally connected.)
ing the or button and
press the ENTER/-USB button.
Recording pause and track numbering
! When the stereo system is stopped, the unit will enter the
synchro recording pause mode. When playback is
resumed, the recording will be resumed.
! If a silence lasts for 3 seconds or more, recording will be
paused (pause function does not work for approximately
10 seconds after the recording starts). When the unit
receives sound again, recording automatically starts.
! A new track number is created when the recording
resumes.
IM-DR580H
3
Select "ON" by pressing the
9
or button and press the
ENTER/-USB button.
! "SYNC" will flash.
ON: Synchro recording is active.
OFF: Synchro recording is deactivated.
Begin playback on the exter-
10
nal equipment.
Recording will begin automatically.
To stop recording
Press the button.
Synchro recording is deactivated.
To use the last setting for synchro recording
Press the REC button to pause recording and press the REC
button for 2 seconds or more.
Synchro recording starts.
Flashing
LitRotating
First
track
Silence of 3 seconds
When track number setting is active
Tracks are numbered after a silence of more than 3 seconds
and at set intervals (see page 34).
(Example: the interval is 5 minutes)
First
track
5 min5 min
Numbered after 5 minutesNumbered after 5 minutes
Note:
Recording may not pause or resume at an appropriate timing
depending on the playback signal. In this case, perform
recording manually (see pages 22 - 23).
Connect a microphone to the main unit for recording.
26
To the MIC IN socket
Notes:
! When recording from a microphone with the main unit
on the multi-link station, do not connect anything to the
OPTICAL/LINE IN socket. Noise may be picked up.
! When the recording level is high, MD mechanical
Recording
operation sound may be recorded. To avoid this, keep
the sound collector of the microphone away from the
main unit. MD mechanical operation sound may be
recorded more easily if the microphone is a direct connection type.
-Recording from a Microphone-
! Keep the plug clean. Dirt may cause noise pickup.
! Insert the plug firmly. If you don't, the recording will not
be made properly.
! Use a microphone with a 3.5 mm diameter stereo mini
plug.
Stereo microphone
(commercially available)
! To use a microphone, be sure it is a plug-in-power
type microphone.
- When a plug-in-power type microphone is plugged in,
the portable MD will provide power for the microphone's
operation.
- If a different type of microphone is plugged in, it may not
operate properly or it may cause the unit to malfunction.
Use the multi-link station or the remote control for microphone recording.
" Indoor recording
If the AC adaptor can be used, keep the main unit on the
multi-link station for recording.
Connect a microphone
before placing on the
multi-link station.
Note:
Recording cannot be remotely controlled when the
main unit is placed on the multi-link station (no display is shown in the indicator).
" Outdoor recording
It is not recommended to use the AC adaptor with the
multi-link station outdoors. When outside or where it is
inconvenient to use the multi-link station with the AC
adaptor, use the remote control for recording.
Make sure the direction of the
plug and plug it in completely.
Press the button.
Synchro recording is deactivated.
To use the last setting for synchro recording
Press the REC button to pause recording and press the
REC button for 2 seconds or more.
Synchro recording starts.
Synchro recording indicator on the remote control:
You can check the recording status.
Synchro recording indicator
Lit: Recording in progress
Flashing: Paused
Notes:
! Recording may not pause or resume at an appropriate
timing depending on the playback signal from the
microphone. In this case, perform recording manually
(see pages 28 - 29).
! If the unit starts recording from low unwanted noises
too often, set the microphone input to "MIC SYNC L".
Recording pause and track numbering
The unit automatically pauses when the microphone
does not pick up any sound for 3 seconds or more.
(Pause function does not work for approximately 10 seconds after a recording starts.) When the microphone
picks up sound again, recording starts automatically.
" To prevent recorded MiniDiscs from being
erased accidentally
Slide the accidental erase prevention tab, located on the
side of the MiniDisc, in the direction indicated by the
arrow.
The MiniDisc will then be protected against accidental
erasure.
To add a recording to such a MiniDisc, slide the accidental erase prevention tab back to its original position.
" Helpful tip when attaching a label
When attaching a label to a MiniDisc cartridge, be sure to
note the following. If the label is not attached properly,
the MiniDisc may jam inside the unit and you may not be
able to remove it.
This portable MD incorporates a sampling rate converter
so that it can record from digital radios or DAT tape
recorders.
! Note for digital recording
You cannot copy a MiniDisc that you recorded from digital inputs to another MiniDisc or DAT. It is prevented by
the SCMS (Serial Copy Management System). Recording from analogue inputs is not affected.
Digital signalsDigitally recorded
MiniDisc
Recording
-Notes for Recording/Advanced Recording-
! Switching recording mode
2 times and 4 times long recording
Double or quadruple time of stereo recording is possible.
Monaural recording
In monaural, you can record twice as long as stereo
recording.
(MODE) button repeatedly to select the desired recording
mode.
Each press of the button changes
the mode.
For an 80 minute MiniDisc.
IndicationRecording mode Recording time
NoneStereoMAX. 80 min.
LP22 times long (MDLP
LP44 times long (MDLP
SP/MONOMonauralMAX. 160 min.
Display on the remote control
IndicationRecording mode
stereo)
stereo)
Stereo
2 times long (MDLP stereo)
4 times long (MDLP stereo)
Monaural
Recording mode
MAX. 160 min.
MAX. 320 min.
Notes:
FlashLight up
" Tracks recorded in 2 times long recording and 4
times long recording modes cannot be played with
the unit that does not support these modes. On
such a unit, no sound is heard. (The operation
may vary depending on the unit.)
" Tracks can be recorded in stereo recording mode, 2
times long recording mode, and 4 times long recording
mode on one MiniDisc.
" In monaural recording, the sound on the right and left
channels is mixed even if the input source is in stereo.
Although you can hear the stereo sound from the earphones, the recorded sound is monaural.
" The recording mode remains unchanged until a new
mode is selected.
3
Caution for 4 times long recording (LP4)
Special compression methods are used to achieve 4
times long recording. This may cause some noise to be
recorded occasionally. When the highest quality is
required, stereo or LP2 recording is recommended.
Recording
! About ATRAC
The ATRAC (Adaptive TRansform Acoustic Coding) system compresses the sound data into 1/5 by cutting out
the inaudible sound. Since the sound is selected based
on psychoacoustics masking, the sound quality is not
impaired. This unit is equipped with the ATRAC3 compressing system that can reduce the sound data to 1/10
or 1/20 of its original size. By employing this system, 2
times and 4 times long recordings are enabled in stereo
mode.
pressing the or button
and press the ENTER/-USB
( ) button.
OFFNo track numbers are created auto-
TIME 10minA new track number is created ev-
TIME 5minA new track number is created ev-
TIME 3minA new track number is created ev-
Notes:
" The interval between marks may vary slightly com-
pared with the actual recording time.
" Whilst recording, a change in the numbering setting is
applied immediately.
matically.
ery 10 minutes.
ery 5 minutes.
ery 3 minutes.
Auto mark indicator on the remote control:
You can check the setting for auto track numbering.
Auto mark indicator
2. In digital recording, tracks will be numbered as follows:
When recording from a CD or a MiniDisc using the digital
connection, track numbers will be created at the same
points as on the CD or MiniDisc (synchro marker function).
Playback
side
Recording
side
Notes:
" Track numbers may not be created in proper places,
depending on the source to be recorded from, such as
signals with noise.
" When recording, if a programmed playback is per-
formed by the source or playback is performed by
selecting tracks manually, the MiniDisc track numbers
may not be the same as on the source.
" In digital recording, track numbers may not be created
You can number tracks at the desired positions whilst
recording from a stereo system or microphone. This is
useful when the silence between tracks is too short for
auto track numbering.
Recording
-Advanced Recording-
Whilst recording, press the REC button at the point
where you want to create track numbers.
" The track number will be increased by one.
Numbering restriction
If you attempt to number tracks continuously within a certain time, "SORRY" (the multi-link station) or "Sorry" (the
remote control) will appear and the operation will be
interrupted. Wait a while and try again.
In that case, wait until the next operation can be
resumed.
Whilst recording or recording is paused, press the DISP/BASS button.
" Press the button again to return to the previous dis-
play.
[Operate with the remote control]
Whilst recording or recording is paused, press the DISP/BASS button.
" Each time the button is pressed, the display will
change as follows.
Remaining recording time
Elapsed timeRecording level
Notes:
" Remaining recording time varies depending on the set
recording mode.
" Remaining recording time can be checked even in the
stop mode (page 50).
! About TOC
TOC, an abbreviation of Table of Contents, contains a
listing of where tracks start on the disc as well as the
numbers and other information. This system allows a
quick search for the beginning of tracks and blank
spaces for recording. Whilst recording or editing, the
TOC indicator remains lit.
<Multi-link station>
TOC indicator
To avoid data loss whilst recording or editing (TOC indicator lights or flashes), do not:
" Subject the main unit to shock or vibration.
" Unplug the AC adaptor.
" Remove the battery.
Information is recorded in the TOC when recording is
complete or the main unit is turned off.
Notes:
If a power failure occurs during recording (with the
TOC not overwritten), the recorded data will be lost.
To avoid this, use the rechargeable battery at the
same time that replaces the AC adaptor automatically.
" Whilst the TOC indicator lights or flashes, a MiniDisc
cannot be removed. Turn off the main unit and try
again.
" You can record all the information in the TOC at once
Cancel the hold function if it is active (page 18).
3
Start playback by pressing
4
the button on the remote
control.
! After the last track is played, the main unit stops
automatically.
! This can be operated by pressing the button on
the main unit.
Press the VOL + or VOL -
5
button to adjust the volume.
! You can also use the VOL+ or VOL- button on the
main unit.
Track number
Rotating
Track
name (*)
0 - 30
To interrupt playback
During playback, press the button on the remote control.
! Press the button again to resume playback.
! About 5 minutes after playback is paused, the unit will
enter the stop mode and, 30 seconds later, turn off.
To stop playback
During playback, press the button on the main unit or
remote control.
If the unit is not operated for at least 2 minutes whilst in
the stop mode, the power will shut off automatically.
To turn off the power
Whilst in the stop mode, press the button on the main
unit or remote control.
! If you press the button on the main unit more than 2
seconds, the hold function is activated.
Notes:
! Playback starts automatically with a playback only
MiniDisc or a MiniDisc which is protected against accidental erasure (Auto play function).
! Whilst the main unit is placed on the multi-link sta-
tion, operations are impossible with the main unit
or remote control.
! The sound escaping from your earphones may annoy
people around you. In particularly crowded places
(such as on trains or buses), reduce the volume.
(*) If track names are not recorded on the MiniDisc, "NO
You can place the main unit on the multi-link
station to operate with the multi-link station.
[Operate with the remote control, main unit or multilink station]
To locate the beginning of a track:
During playback or whilst in the stop mode, press the
or button.
! To skip a number of tracks at one time, press the
or button repeatedly until the desired track number
is shown.
To fast forward or fast reverse audibly:
During playback, hold down the or button.
! Normal playback will resume when the or but-
ton is released.
! When the end of the last track is reached during fast
forward, the unit will enter the pause mode. When the
beginning of the first track is reached during fast
reverse, the unit will enter the playback mode.
To start playback with a desired track:
Whilst in the stop mode, press the or but-
1
ton.
Press the button.
2
! The selected track will be played back.
! When operating the main unit, press the button.
If you press the button on the main unit in step
1, the selected track starts playback automatically.