Sony ICD-MX20DR9, ICD-MX20VTP Operating Instruction

IC Recorder

Operating Instructions

Owner’s Record

The model number is located at the rear and the serial number is located inside the battery
compartment. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers
whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. ICD-MX20 Serial No.

ICD-MX20

2005 Sony Corporation Printed in China

For the customers in the USA

INFORMATION

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 installation. 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 interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, 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.

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not
expressly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.

For “Memory Stick”

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

If you have any questions about this product, you may
call: Sony Customer Information Services Center 1-800­222-7669 or http://www.sony.com/

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY
Model: ICD-MX20
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego,

Telephone Number: 858-942-2230
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

Notice for users

Program © 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Sony
Corporation

Documentation ©2005 Sony Corporation

All rights reserved. This manual or the software
described herein, in whole or in part, may not be
reproduced, translated or reduced to any machine
readable form without prior written approval from Sony
Corporation.

IN NO EVENT SHALL SONY CORPORATION BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL
OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON TORT,
CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL, THE
SOFTWARE OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN OR THE USE THEREOF.

Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any
modification to this manual or the information contained
herein at any time without notice.

The software described herein may also be governed by
the terms of a separate user license agreement.

• This software is for Windows and cannot be used for
Macintosh.

• The supplied connecting cable is for the IC recorders
ICD-MX20. You cannot connect other IC recorders.

Information

IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR
ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE,
OR LOSSES OR EXPENSES RESULTING FROM
ANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT OR THE USE OF ANY
PRODUCT.

Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic
Equipment (Applicable in the European
Union and other European countries with
separate collection systems)

otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of
this product. The recycling of materials will help to
conserve natural resources. For more detailed
information about recycling of this product, please
contact your local Civic Office, your household waste
disposal service or the shop where you purchased the
product.

The validity of the CE marking is restricted to only those
countries where it is legally enforced, mainly in the
countries EEA (European Economic Area).

Notice for the customers in the countries
applying EU Directives

The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1­7-1 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. The Authorized
Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony
Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfi nger Strasse 61, 70327
Stuttgart, Germany. For any service or guarantee matters
please refer to the addresses given in separate service or
guarantee documents.

CA 92127 U.S.A.

This symbol on the product
or on its packaging indicates
that this product shall not be
treated as household waste.
Instead it shall be handed
over to the applicable
collection point for the
recycling of electrical and
electronic equipment. By
ensuring this product is
disposed of correctly, you
will help prevent potential
negative consequences for
the environment and human
health, which could

Troubleshooting

Before taking the unit for repair, check the following
sections. Should any problem persist after you have made
these checks, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

The unit does not operate.

• The batteries have been inserted with incorrect
polarity.

• The batteries are weak.

• The buttons are locked with the HOLD switch. (If you
press any button, “HOLD” will appear for 3 seconds.)

The “Memory Stick” is not recognized. The
number of folders automatically created in the
“Memory Stick” is less than 5.

• Since the “Memory Stick” contains image data or other
files, the memory required for creating initial folders is
insufficient. Use the Windows Explorer or other tool to
delete unnecessary files or use “Format” menu of the
unit to format the “Memory Stick”.

No sound comes from the speaker.

• The headphones are plugged in.

• The volume is turned down completely.

Sound comes from the speaker even when the
headphones are plugged in.

• If you plug in the headphones not securely during
playback, the sound may come from the speaker.
Unplug the headphones and then insert them securely.

The OPR indicator does not light.

• The “LED” in the menu is set to “OFF”. Display the
menu and set the “LED” to “ON”.

You cannot start recording.

• The memory is full. Erase some of the messages. Or
use the Digital Voice Editor to save the IC recorder
messages to the hard disk of your PC. You can also use
the “Memory Stick” with sufficient capacity.

• The write-protect switch on the inserted “Memory
Stick” is set to “LOCK” .

• 999 messages have already been recorded in the
selected folder. Select another folder or erase some of
the messages.

You cannot erase a message.

• The message or the folder containing the message is
set to “Read-only“ in the computer. Display the
message or the folder using Windows Explorer and
remove the check for “Read-only“ under “Properties“.

• The write-protect switch on the inserted “Memory
Stick” is set to “LOCK” .

You cannot add a recording or an overwrite
recording to the previously recorded message.

• The remaining memory is too short. The overwritten
part will be deleted after the overwriting part finishes
recording. Therefore, you can only overwrite within
the remaining recording time.

• At a factory setting, “Add/Over” (additional/
overwrite recording) is set to “OFF”. Display the menu
and set the “Add/Over” to “Add REC” or
“Overwrite” .

Recording is interrupted.

• The advanced VOR (Voice Operated Recording)
function is activated. Set “VOR” in the menu to “OFF”.

Recording is interrupted (when recording from
an external device).

• If you use an audio connecting cable without a resistor
to connect the sound source to the IC recorder, sound
may be recorded interrupted. Make sure to use a
resistance audio connecting cable.

Noise is heard.

• An object, such as your finger, etc., accidentally
rubbed or scratched the unit during recording so that
noise was recorded.

• The unit was placed near an AC power source, a
fluorescent lamp or a mobile phone during recording
or playback.

• Plug of the connected microphone was dirty when
recording. Clean the plug.

• Headphones plug is dirty. Clean the plug.

Recording level is low.

• “Mic Sense” (microphone sensitivity) is set to “Low”.
Display the menu and set “Mic Sense” to “High”.

• If it is difficult to hear small sound of a recorded
message, slide the VOICE UP switch to “ON”.
Playback sound may become more audible.

Playback speed is too fast or too slow.

• The playback speed is adjusted in the “DPC” in the
menu. Slide the DPC switch to “OFF” or display the
“DPC” in the menu and adjust the playback speed.

“--Y--M--D” or “--:--” is displayed.

• You have not set the clock. Display the “Date&Time”
in the menu and set the clock.

“--Y--M--D” or “--:--” is displayed as the
recorded date.

• The date and time of recording will not be displayed if
you recorded the message when the clock was not set.
Display the “Date&Time” in the menu and set the
clock.

There are fewer menu items in the menu
mode.

• There are some menu items which are not displayed
while the set is in recording or playback mode.

A character in a folder or message name is
displayed as “s“.

• The unit cannot support and display some characters
which are entered using the supplied “Digital Voice
Editor“ software.

Messages are not sorted in order of the
number of priority marks in a folder.

• Unless you sort messages using the supplied “Digital
Voice Editor“ software, messages are displayed in the
unit in the same way as specified in the computer. Sort
again in the order of the number of priority marks in
the computer using the supplied “Digital Voice
Editor“ software.

The remaining time displayed in the display
window is shorter than that displayed in the
supplied “Digital Voice Editor“ software.

• The unit requires a certain amount of memory for
system operation. That amount is subtracted from the
remaining time, which is the reason for the difference.

The battery life is short.

• The battery life mentioned in “

is based on playback through internal

Batteries”
speaker with the medium volume level (using Sony
alkaline batteries LR03(SG)). The battery life may
shorten depending on the operation of the unit.

“ACCESS” display does not disappear.

• If the unit is required to process excessive amount of
data, “ACCESS“ may be displayed for an extended
period of time. This is not a malfunction of the unit.
Wait until the message disappears.

The unit does not operate correctly.

• Take out the batteries and insert them again with
correct polarity.

You cannot connect the unit to the PC.

• Refer to the “Digital Voice Editor 2” operating
instructions.

Please note that recorded messages may be erased during
service or repair work.

Step 1: Installing the

BGetting started

Step 1: Installing the Batteries

1 Slide and open the battery

compartment lid.

2 Insert two LR03 (size AAA)

alkaline batteries with correct
polarity, and close the lid.

Make sure to insert batteries
into the unit from the - end first.

When you insert batteries for the
first time, or when you insert
batteries after the unit has been
without batteries for a certain
period of time, “Set Date&Time”
appears. Please refer “Step 2:
Setting the Clock” to set the date
and time.

If the battery compartment lid is
accidentally detached, attach it as
illustrated.

Replacing the batteries

The battery indicator on the display window shows the battery condition:

: Replace both of the two batteries with new ones.

: “Replace Batteries” appears and the unit will stop operation.

Battery life* (Using Sony alkaline batteries LR03 (SG))

Recording mode: ST STLP SP LP

In recording: 8 hr. 9 hr. 30 min. 9 hr. 30 min. 10 hr. 30 min.

In playback: 8 hr. 9 hr. 9 hr. 9 hr.

* In continuous recording/playback
* In approximate hours and minutes
* When playing back through the internal speaker with the medium volume level
* The battery life may shorten depending on the operation of the unit.

Using on house current

Connect the AC power adaptor (not
supplied) to the DC IN 3V jack of the
unit and to the wall outlet. Do not use
any other AC power adaptor.

(hr.: hours/min.: minutes)

To DC IN 3V jack

AC power adaptor
(not supplied)

Polarity of the plug

Notes on batteries

• Do not use manganese batteries for
this unit.

• Do not charge dry batteries.

• When you are not going to use the
unit for an extended period of time,
remove the batteries to prevent
damage from battery leakage and
corrosion.

When you insert the batteries
for the first time after
purchasing (initializing the
memory)

“ACCESS” appears in the display
window and the internal memory is
initialized automatically to create 5
folders (FOLDER01 to FOLDER05).

Notes while “ACCESS” appears

• The unit is accessing data while
“ACCESS“ appears in the display
window or the OPR indicator lights
or flashes in red or orange. While
accessing, do not remove the
batteries or AC adaptor (not
supplied). Doing so may damage
the data.

• If the unit is required to process
excessive amount of data,
“ACCESS“ may be displayed for an
extended period of time. This is not
a malfunction of the unit. Wait until
the message disappears.

Step 2: Setting the Clock

You need to set the clock to use the alarm function or record the date and time.
When you insert batteries for the first time, or when you insert batteries after
the unit has been without batteries for a certain period of time, “Set
Date&Time” appears. Set the date and time as follows:

Press the control key upward, downward, leftward, or
rightward (v/V/b/B) to select an item, and then press
down the center (Nx) to decide on the item.

In this manual, these operations are described as follows:

Press v (.).

Press B (

Press b (MENU).

Press Nx.

Press V (>).

;).

1 Press v/V to select the digits for the year.

v: to decrease the number
V: to increase the number

2 Press Nx.

The month digits will flash.

3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 to set the month, day,

hour, and then minutes in sequence.

To select a previous or next item

Press b for the previous item or B for the next
item.

Note

If you do not press Nx for more than one minute,
the clock setting mode is cancelled and the window
will return to normal display.

4 Press xSTOP to return to the normal

display.

BBasic Operations

Note on setting the clock

Set the clock while the set is in the
stop mode.

To display the clock setting
window and current time

You can display the clock setting
window to set the date and time or
check the current time:

1Press b (MENU) to display the

menu.

2Press v/V to select (Preferences)

and then press Nx.

3Press v/V to select “Date&Time”.

The current time is displayed in the
right bottom of the display
window.

4To set the clock, press Nx to

display the “Date&Time” window
and follow the steps 1 through 4 of
the “Step 2: Setting the Clock”.

Tip

This unit does not have a power on/
off switch. The display is shown at all
times.

Recording Messages

You can record the maximum of 999 messages in each folder of the initially 5 folders

Recording Messages

(FOLDER01 to FOLDER05). In all the folders of the built-in memory, you can record
the maximum of 1,012 messages.
Since a newly recorded message is automatically added behind the last recorded
message, you can start recording quickly without searching for the end of the last
recording.

e.g. Message 1 Message 2 Blank space

Newly recorded message

1
2

* You can display a long folder name by

2 Press v or V to select the folder in which you

3Press Nx.

3

Built-in microphone

OPR indicator**

(lights in red during recording.)

* The display selected with the “Display” in the menu appears.
**When the “LED” in the menu is set to “OFF”, the OPR indicator turns off.

Select the recording mode.

For how to select the recording mode, see “Operating the Menu”.

Select the folder.

1 Press B ( ).

The folders in the built-in memory are
displayed.

Built-in memory
drive (

)

scrolling the cursor.

wish to record messages.

Start recording.

1 Press zXREC/PAUSE during the stop

mode.

You do not need to keep pressing
zXREC/PAUSE while recording.

Current message number/

Folder icon

2 Speak to the built-in microphone.

Number of messages in
the selected folder

Remaining memory indication

Microphone sensitivity

Icon and name* of
the selected folder

Remaining
memory
indication

Counter display*

Recording mode

To Do this

stop recording Press xSTOP.

pause recording* Press zXREC/PAUSE.

release pause and Press zXREC/PAUSE.
resume recording Recording resumes from that point.

listen to the current Press xSTOP to stop recording, then press Nx.
recording

review the current Press Nx during recording.
recording instantly

review during recording Keep pressing v (.) during recording or

* About one hour after you pause recording, recording pause is automatically

released and the unit goes into the stop mode.

The unit stops at the beginning of the current
recording. If you do not change the folder after you
stop recording, the next time you record you will
record in the same folder.

During recording pause, the OPR indicator flashes in
red and “REC Pause” flashes in the display window.

recording pause.
Recording stops and you can search backwards
while listening to fast playback sound. After you
release the key, playback starts from that point.
You can add an overwrite recording from that point.

Maximum recording time*
(built-in memory)

The maximum recording time of all
the folders is as follows. You can
record messages for the maximum
recording time in a single folder.

Recording modes**

ST Approx. 1 hr. 25 min.

STLP Approx. 2 hr. 45 min.

SP Approx. 4 hr. 20 min.

LP Approx. 11 hr. 45 min.
(hr.: hours/min.: minutes)
* In continuous recording
**Recording modes:

ST: Standard play stereo recording
mode/STLP: Long play stereo
recording mode /SP: Standard play
monaural recording mode/LP:
Long play monaural recording
mode

The maximum number of the
folders when each folder
contains one message

You can create the maximum of 340
folders each in the built-in memory
and the “Memory Stick”.

Notes before recording

• To record in better sound quality,
select the ST or STLP mode.

•

Before making a long recording, be
sure to check the battery indicator.

• The maximum recording time and
the number of messages you can
make varies depending on the
conditions of use.

• To avoid replacing batteries during
long time recording, use the AC
power adaptor (not supplied).

• You cannot record through the
built-in microphone if you connect
an external microphone to the m
(microphone) connector.

Expanding the memory

You can expand the memory by
inserting a “Memory Stick Duo” or
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” into the
MEMORY STICK slot. (See the
reverse side.)

Switching the drives

You can use both the built-in memory
and the “Memory Stick” by switching
drives as follows:

1Press B ( ) to display the folders

in the current drive.

2Press b.
3Press v or V to select the “Memory

Stick” drive (
memory drive (

“Memory Stick” drive ( )

4 Press Nx.

The folders of the selected drive are
displayed, where you can select one
by pressing v or V.
(If you keep pressing v or V , the
display switches to the folders of
another drive.)

Starting recording
automatically in response to
the sound — Advanced VOR
function

Set “VOR” in the menu to “ON”.

Notes on recording

• While the OPR indicator flashes or
lights in red or orange, do not
remove the batteries or the AC
adaptor (not supplied). Doing so
may damage the data.

• Noise may be recorded if an object,
such as your finger, etc.,
accidentally rubs or scratches the
unit during recording.

) or the built-in

).

Playing Back Messages

When playing back a previously recorded message, start from Step 1. When
playing back a message you have just finished recording, start from Step 2-2.

1

2

Select the folder.

Follow the step 2 in “Recording Messages”.

Select the message and start
playback.

i (headphones) jack

OPR indicator**

(lights in green
during playback.)

The unit plays all the messages in a folder continuously and stops at the
beginning of the last message in the folder. (You change the “Play Mode” in the
menu so that the unit plays a message and then stop at the beginning of the next
message .)

To Do this

stop at the current position Press Nx or xSTOP.

go back to the beginning Press v once.*
of the current message

skip to the next message Press V once.*
go back to previous Press v or V repeatedly.

messages/skip to succeeding (During stop mode, keep the key
messages pressed to skip the messages

* These operations are for when “Easy Search” in the menu is set to “OFF”.

1 Press v or V to display the desired message

number.

v: for previous message number
V: for next message number

2 Press Nx.

Selected message number/Number of
messages in the selected folder

3 Adjust the volume with VOLUME +/– .

To resume playback from that point,
press Nx again.

continuously.)

Playback slider

Displays the current
playback position.

Counter display*

Recorded date and time
of the message

* The display selected with the

“Display” in the menu
appears.

**When the “LED” in the menu

is set to “OFF”, the OPR
indicator turns off.

Searching forward/backward
during playback (Cue/Review)

• To search forward (cue): Keep V

pressed during playback and
release the key at the point you
wish to resume playback.

• To search backward (review):

Keep v pressed during playback
and release the key at the point you
wish to resume playback.

If you keep V or v pressed, the unit
starts to search at higher speed.
During cue/review, the counter will
be displayed, regardless of the
display mode setting.

1 When playback or fast playback

is done to the end of the last
message

• When fast playback is done to the
end of the last message, “Message
End” flashes for 5 seconds. (You
cannot hear the playback sound.)

• If you keep v pressed while
“Message End” is flashing, the
messages are played back rapidly,
and normal playback will start at
the point you release the key.

• When “Message End” stops
flashing and the OPR indicator goes
off, the unit will stop at the
beginning of the last message.

• If the last message is long and you
wish to start playback at a later part
of the message, keep V pressed to
play back the message to the end
and then press v while “Message
End” is flashing to go back to the
desired point.

• For messages other than the last
one, go to the beginning of the next
message and play backward to the
desired point.

Listening in better sound
quality

You can enjoy better sound quality as
follows:

• To listen from headphones: Connect
the stereo headphones (supplied or
not supplied) to the i
(headphones) jack. The built-in
speaker will be automatically
disconnected.

•To listen from an external speaker:
Connect an active or passive
speaker (not supplied) to the i
(headphones) jack.

Operating the Menu

During stop, playback or recording, you can use the menu to change the
operation modes in playback and recording, display mode, or other settings.
Display the menu and change the settings as follows:

To Do this

1 enter the menu mode. Press b (MENU).
2 select the desired menu ( / / / ). Press v/V and press Nx.
3 select the desired menu item. Press v/V and press Nx.

go back to the previous step. Press v/V to select “

4 select the setting item. Press v/V and press Nx.
5 exit the menu mode. Press xSTOP.

If you do not press the key or button for one minute, the menu mode is automatically
cancelled and the window will return to normal display.

Nx. ( If “
press b. )

” does not appear,

” and press

Menu items Settings (*: Initial setting)

Record/play menu

REC Mode You can set the recording mode (bit rate):

Mic Sense You can set the microphone sensitivity.

VOR You can activate or disable the VOR (Voice Operated Recording) function for

Add/Over You can enable or disable the adding or overwrite recording mode:

DPC You can set the playback speed:

Easy Search You can activate or disable the easy search function:

Play Mode You can set the playback mode when you press Nx:

ST*: You can record with high-quality stereo sound. (48 kbps)
STLP: You can record with stereo sound for longer time. (24 kbps)
SP: You can record with better sound (monaural sound). (16 kbps)
LP: You can record for longer time (monaural sound). (8 kbps)
Note: When the DIRECTNL switch is set to “ON”, a message will be recorded in
monaural even in the “ST” or “STLP” recording mode.

High*: To record at meetings or in a quiet and/or spacious place.
Low: To record dictation or in a noisy place.

eliminating recording from soundless period.:

ON: Recording starts when the unit detects sound and “VOR” is displayed.

OFF*: The VOR function is disabled. Normal recording operation is selected.
Note: VOR function is affected by the sound around you. Set the “Mic Sense” according
to the recording conditions. If recording is not satisfactory after you have changed the
microphone sensitivity, or for important recording, set the “VOR” to “OFF”.

OFF*: You cannot add a recording to avoid erasing a message by accidental

Add REC: You can adds a recording to a previously recorded message during playback.
Overwrite:

OFF*: Messages will be played back at normal speed.
ON: You can adjust the speed of the playback between twice the normal speed

ON: You can go back for approx. 3 seconds by pressing v (.), or advance for

OFF*: You can go back or forward the messages by pressing v/V (./>).

Cont Play*: The unit plays back all messages in a folder continuously.
One MSG: The unit plays back one message and then stops at the beginning of the next

Repeat: The unit plays back a message repeatedly until you press Nx or xSTOP.

Recording pauses when no sound is heard and “VOR Pause” is displayed.

operation.

You can adds an overwrite recording to a previously recorded message
during playback.

(+100%) and half the normal speed (–50%)

approx. 10 seconds by pressing V (>).

message

“Repeat MSG” and “

“ will be displayed.

Erase menu

Erase a MSG You can erase the currently selected message.

Erase AllMSG You can erase all the messages in the selected folder.

Erase Folder You can erase the selected folder and the messages contained in the folder.

Format You can format a ”Memory Stick”. (See the reverse side.)

(See the reverse side.)

(See the reverse side.)

(See the reverse side.)

Edit menu

Priority You can add priority marks (v) to the currently selected message.

Move MSG You can move the currently selected message to the desired folder.

Alarm You can set the alarm to the currently selected message.

Add Folder You can add a new folder to the end of the current drive.

Edit Folder You can change the icon and name of the currently selected folder.

Usually the recorded messages are lined up in the order of recording.
(None*/v/vv/vvv) (See the reverse side.)

(See the reverse side.)

(See the reverse side.)

(See the reverse side.)

(See the reverse side.)

Preferences menu

Display You can change the display mode on the display window.

Date&Time You can set the clock manually or automatically:

Beep You can turn on or off the beep.

LED You can turn on or off the OPR (operation) indicator during operation.

Backlight You can turn on or off the backlight on the display window during operation.

List View You can select the list view or one message view in the stop mode.

**Displays whether you can change the setting in each operation mode (Stop: stop mode/Play: playback mode/Rec: recording mode):

“OK” shows the setting can be changed and “–” shows the setting cannot be changed.

Elapse: Displays the elapsed playback/recording time of one message (counter).
Remain: Displays the remaining time indication.
Name: Displays the message name (title) if it is specified with the supplied Digital

Voice Editor software.

Automatic: If the unit is connected to a PC while the supplied Digital Voice Editor is

operating, the clock is automatically set according to the PC internal clock.

Manual*: Displays the window to set the clock manually (05Y1M1D*).

(See “Step 2: Setting the Clock”.)

ON*: A beep will sound to indicate that operation has been accepted.
OFF: No beep sound will be heard except for the alarm.

ON*: The OPR indicator lights or flashes during operations such as recording or

playback.

OFF: The OPR indicator turns off even during operation. (Even if you set the LED

to “OFF”, the indicator lights when the unit is connected to the PC.)

ON*: The backlight on the display window lights during operation.
OFF: The backlight on the display window turns off during operation.

ON: List of the messages is displayed in the stop mode.
OFF*: A message is displayed in the stop mode.

How the display changes in
the menu mode

Entering the
menu mode (1)

v

Selecting the
item in the
desired menu
(2, 3)

v

Selecting the
setting item
(4)

Stop/Play/Rec**

OK/–/–

OK/–/OK

OK/–/OK

OK/–/–

OK/OK/–

OK/OK/–

OK/OK/–

OK/OK/–

OK/–/–

OK/–/–

OK/–/–

OK/OK/–

OK/OK/–

OK/–/–

OK/–/–

OK/–/–

OK/OK/OK

OK/–/–

OK/OK/OK

OK/–/OK

OK/OK/OK

OK/OK/–

Index to Parts and Controls

Identifying the front and rear panels of the unit

1 Built-in monaural/stereo microphone

(directional/all-directional)

You can set the directivity with the DIRECTNL
switch 2, and sensitivity with the “Mic Sense” in
the menu.

2

DIRECTNL (directional) ON (MONO)/OFF switch

Slide the switch to set the directivity of the built-in
microphone 1 as follows:
ON (MONO): To record a sound centering on a

specific direction in monaural. Use this position
when you record a sound at a conference/
meeting or in a spacious place etc.

OFF: To record a sound not centering on a specific

direction (all-directional recording).

Notes

• The DIRECTNL switch is set to “ON”, sound is
recorded in monaural even if you select ST or STLP
mode.

• In the ST and STLP mode, sound is recorded in higher
quality sound thanks to their higher bit rates even in
the monaural recording.

3 Display window

For the details, see “Using the display window”
below.

4 OPR (operation) indicator

The indicator lights in red during recording or in
green during playback. It flashes in red during
recording pause. During accessing the data, it lights
or flashes in red or orange. You can turn off the
indicator with the “LED” in the menu.

5 Control key

b (MENU)/B ( : folder)v(.: review)/V(>: fast
forward)/Nx (play/stop•enter)

6 zXREC (record) /PAUSE button

Press here to start and pause recording.

7 xSTOP button

Press here to stop operation.

8 Speaker

Sound is heard when no headphones or active
speaker are connected.

9 MEMORY STICK slot

Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” or “Memory Stick
PRO Duo” here.

0 USB connector

Use the USB cable to connect a PC here.

qa VOLUME (volume) +/– button

Adjust the playback sound with the button.

qs DIVIDE button

Press to divide a message during playback.

qd A-B (repeat) button

Press to specify the beginning and ending points of
the portion to be played back repeatedly.

Using the display window

One message view List view (in stop mode)

1 Folder icon

Displays the icon of the current folder. You can
change the icon with the “Edit Folder” in the menu.

2 Priority marks

Displays the priority marks specified with the
“Priority” with the menu. You can renumber the
messages in the order of their priority.

3 Selected message number /Total number of

the messages in the selected folder

4 Alarm indicator

Appears when the alarm is set for a message.

5 Playback slider

Displays the current playback position.

6 Counter (Elapsed time)/Remaining time /

Message name indication

The display mode selected with the “Display” in the
menu appears:
Elapse: Displays the elapsed

playback/recording time
of one message (counter).

Remain: Displays the

remaining time of the
message in the playback
mode, and the
remaining recordable time
in the stop and recording
modes.

Name: Displays the message

name (title) if it is specified
with the supplied Digital
Voice Editor. (Some
characters that are not
compatible with the unit
may not be displayed.)

7 Recorded date and time indication

Recorded year, month, day, hours, and minutes of
the current message are displayed.

8 Repeat play indicator

Appears when “Repeat” (one message repeat
playback mode) is selected with the “Play Mode”
in the menu.

9 Remaining memory indicator

Displays the remaining memory:

• During recording, the indicator decreases one by

one.

• When the remaining recording time reaches 5

minutes, the indicator flashes.

• When the remaining time

reaches 1 minute, the
remaining time
indication 6 will flash
regardless of the display
mode.

Remaining memory time

• When the memory is full, recording automatically

stops and “Memory Full” will be displayed with
an alarm sound. To continue recording, first erase
some of the messages.

Notes

• If data other than sound data is saved, the remaining
memory time is displayed excluding the data. You can
check the remaining memory by selecting “Remain” in
the “Display” menu.

• When you set the “Beep” in the menu to “OFF”, an
alarm sound (beep) does not sound.

0 Recording mode indication

Displays the current recording mode specified with
the “REC Mode” in the menu:

• ST: Standard play stereo recording mode

• STLP: Long play stereo recording mode

• SP: Standard play monaural recording mode

• LP: Long play monaural recording mode

qa VOR (Voice Operated Recording) indicator

Appears when the “VOR” in the menu is set to
“ON” and the voice operated recording is activated.

qf HOLD switch

To prevent accidental operation, slide this switch to
“ON”. “HOLD” will appear for 3 seconds, indicating
that all the functions of the buttons are locked.
When the HOLD function is activated during stop,
all the display will be turned off after “HOLD” is
displayed.

To cancel the HOLD function

Slide the HOLD switch to “OFF”.

1 Tip

Even if the HOLD function is activated, you can stop the
alarm playback. To stop the alarm or playback, press
xSTOP. (You cannot stop usual playback.)

qg i (headphones) jack

To monitor the recording from the built-in
microphone, connect headphones supplied or not
supplied here. You can adjust the volume with
VOLUME +/– qa, but the recording level is fixed.

Note

If you turn up the volume excessively or place the
headphones near the microphone while monitoring
recording, the microphone may pick up the sound from
the headphones, causing acoustic feedback (howling
sound).

qh m (microphone) jack (PLUG IN POWER)

You can connect an external microphone here. When
an external microphone is connected, the built-in
microphone is automatically cut off.

qj DPC ON/OFF switch

You can play back a message at a higher or lower
speed as follows:
ON: “Fast Play” or “Slow

Play” will be displayed
and a message is played
back at the speed specified
with the “DPC” in the
menu (between twice the
normal speed (+100%) and
half the normal speed (–
50%)).

OFF: A message is played back at the normal speed.

qk VOICE UP (Digital Voice Up) ON/OFF switch

You can make the playback sound well-balanced and
more audible by enabling the Digital Voice Up
function as follows:
ON: Digital Voice Up function is activated. Inaudible

low-level part of a recorded message is amplified
so that the overall recording is adjusted to its
optimum level.

OFF: A message is played back without Digital Voice

Up function.

Note

Depending on the area you purchased the unit, the
Digital Voice Up switch name shown on the unit may
differ.

ql Slit for a handstrap

You can attach a handstrap (not supplied) here.

w; Battery compartment /DC IN 3V jack

Open the compartment lid and insert two LR03 (size
AAA) alkaline batteries.

qs Microphone sensitivity indication

Displays the current microphone sensitivity
specified with the “Mic Sense” in the menu:

•H (High): To record at a meeting or in a quiet/
spacious place.

•L (Low): To record for dictation or in a noisy
place.

qd Drive indication

Displays the current drive:

: Built-in memory drive

: “Memory Stick” drive

qf Remaining battery indicator

Displays the remaining battery volume. When the
AC power adaptor (not supplied) is connected, the
indicator does not appear.

qg Folder name indication

Displays the name of the current folder. You can
change the icon with the “Edit Folder” in the menu.

qh Messages list

Displays the list of the three messages in the current
folder when “List View” in the menu is set to “ON”.
The number and recorded date/time of each
message is displayed. You can scroll the messages
with v/V.

qj Scroll bar

Displays the current location of the displayed
messages among the whole messages in the current
folder.

Note

The effect of the back light of the display window may be
reduced in a bright location.

Switching the one message view and the
list view

You can choose how the messages will be displayed on
the stop mode between list view and one message view as
follows:

1 Press b (MENU).

The menu window is displayed.

2 Press v/V to select (Preferences) and then

press Nx.

The Preferences menu is
displayed.

3 Press v/V to select “List

View”.

4 Press Nx.

The “List View” setting
window is displayed.

5 Press v/V to select

“ON” (list view) or
“OFF” (one message
view) and then press
Nx.

The setting will be
changed.

6 Press xSTOP to return to the normal display.

If the slot/connector lid is
accidentally detached,
attach it as illustrated.

BVarious Ways of Recording

Adding a Recording to a
Previously Recorded Message

You can add a recording to the message being played
back.

Notes

• At a factory setting, you cannot add a recording not to erase
the message by accidental operation. To add or overwrite a
recording, set the “Add/Over” in the menu to “Add REC”
or “Overwrite”.

• The added or overwritten portion of a message will be
recorded in the same recording mode (ST, STLP, SP or LP)
as the original message, regardless of the current recording
mode setting.

• You cannot add or overwrite a recording if the remaining
memory is not long enough. For more information, see
“Troubleshooting“ .

When “Add REC” is selected in the menu

The added recording will be placed after the current
message and counted as a part of the message.

During
playback of
Message 3

After adding
a recording

When “Overwrite” is selected in the menu

You can add an overwrite recording after the selected
point in a recorded message. The part of the message
after the selected point is deleted.

The starting point of an overwrite recording

Message 3

Message 3

Added overwrite recording in Message 3

Message 3

Message 3

Message 4

Message 4

Message 4

Added recording

Message 4

The deleted part
of Message 3

1 During playback, press

zXREC/PAUSE briefly.

The “Add REC?” or
“Overwrite?” will appear
and the unit stops in the
recording stand-by mode.

2 While the “Add REC?” or

“Overwrite?” appears,
press zXREC/PAUSE
again.

The OPR indicator will turn
in red. An add or overwrite
recording starts.

3 Press xSTOP to stop the recording.

Recording with an External
Microphone or Other Equipment

Recording with an external microphone

Connect an external microphone to the m (microphone)
jack.
When you connect an external microphone, the built-in
microphone is automatically cut off. When a plug in
power type microphone is connected, power is
automatically supplied to the microphone from the IC
recorder.

External Stereo
microphone (not
supplied)

1 Recommended types of microphones

You can use the ECM-CS10 Sony electret condenser
microphone (not supplied).

mini-plug
(stereo)

To the m
(microphone) jack

Recording from other equipment

To record sound of other equipment with the IC recorder,
connect the m (microphone) jack of the IC recorder to the
earphone jack of other equipment (tape recorder etc.) by
using a resistance audio connecting cable.
Before you start recording, set the microphone sensitivity
by setting the “Mic Sense” in the menu to “High”.

Note

If you use an audio connecting cable without a resistor, sound
may be recorded interrupted. Make sure to use a resistance
audio connecting cable.

Recording with other equipment

To record the sound of the IC recorder with other
equipment, connect the i (headphones) jack of the IC
recorder to the audio or line input connector (stereo mini­plug) of other equipment.

To the audio or line
input connector (stereo
minijack)

Tape recorder, etc.

Notes

• Make sure that the plugs are connected securely.

• We recommend you make a trial recording to check the
connections and volume control.

• When connecting equipment other than Sony’s, refer to the
instruction manual of the equipment.

Audio
connecting
cable with
attenuator
(not supplied)

To the i (headphones)
jack

BVarious Ways of Playback

Locating quickly the point you
wish to start playback (Easy
Search)

You can quickly locate the point you wish to start
playback by pressing v (.)/V (>) repeatedly
during playback. This function is useful when locating a
desired point in a long recording.
Set “Easy Search” in the menu as follows:
ON: You can go back for approx. 3 seconds by pressing

v (.), or advance for approx. 10 seconds by
pressing V (>).

OFF*:You can go back or forward the messages by

pressing v/V (./>).

Playing back a message
repeatedly — Repeat Play

Repeating a message

Set “Play Mode” in the menu
to “Repeat” and press Nx.
The “ ” and “Repeat MSG”
will be displayed and the
selected message will be
played back repeatedly.

To resume normal playback

Set “Play Mode” in the menu to “One MSG” or “Cont Play”.

Playing back the specified section
repeatedly — A-B Repeat

While playing back a message, you can set the start (A)
and end (B) points for a section you wish to play
repeatedly.

1 During playback, press

A-B (repeat) briefly.

The starting point (A) of the
section you wish to play
repeatedly is set. “A-B B?”
appears.

2 During playback, press

A-B (repeat) briefly
again.

The finishing point (B) of the
section is set.
“A-B Repeat” is displayed
and the specified section is
played back repeatedly.

To resume normal playback

Press Nx.

To stop A-B Repeat playback

Press xSTOP.

Notes

• You cannot set A-B Repeat for a section that overlaps two or
more messages.

• If you do not set the finishing point (B), the finishing point
is automatically set at the end (or the beginning) of the
message.

Playing Back a Message at a
Desired Time with an Alarm

You can sound an alarm and start playback of a selected
message at a desired time. You can have the message
played back at a specified date, once every week, or the
same time everyday.
You can also sound the alarm without playing back a
message.

Note

When the clock is not set or no messages are recorded, you
cannot set the alarm.

1 Display the message you

want to set the alarm.

2 Enter the alarm setting

mode.

1 Press b (MENU), and

2 Press v/V to select

3 Press v/V to select

4 Press Nx.

(Edit) by

select
pressing v/V, and then
press Nx.

“Alarm” and press Nx.

The alarm setting mode
will be displayed.

“ON”.

If “ON” has already been
selected, follow the next
step.

The window to set the
alarm date will be
displayed.

3 Set the alarm date.

To play back on a desired
date

1 Press Nx while “DATE”

is selected.

The year digits will be
selected.

2 Press v or V to select

the year digits and press
Nx.

The month digits will be
selected.

3 Set the month and day

in sequences.

To play back once a week

Press v or V to select the
day of the week, and
press Nx.

To play back at the same
time every day

Press v or V to select
“DAILY”, and press Nx.

4 Set the alarm time.

1 Press v or V to select

the hour digits and press
Nx.

The minute digits will
flash.

2 Press v or V to select

the minute digits and
press Nx.

Note

You cannot set the alarm at a
previously set date and time
on another message in the
built-in memory or “Memory
Stick”.

5 Select the alarm playback.

Press v or V to select the
alarm sound either from
“Beep&Play” (for starting
playback after the alarm) or
“Beep” (for only the alarm).

6 Press Nx.

The alarm setting is completed.

7 Press xSTOP to exit the

menu mode.

“,” is displayed when the
message having an alarm
setting is displayed in one
message view.

When the alarm time comes

The alarm will sound for about 10 seconds and the
selected message will be played back. (If you have
selected “Beep“, only the alarm will sound.)
When the playback ends, the unit will stop automatically
at the beginning of that message. To listen to the same
message again, press Nx.

To stop alarm

Press xSTOP while the alarm sound is heard. You can
stop even when the HOLD function is activated.

To cancel the alarm setting or change the alarm
time

Select “OFF” in the steps 3-2, and then press Nx.

Notes

• If the alarm time comes while another message is being
played back with an alarm, the playback stops and the new
message will be played back.

• If the alarm time comes during recording, alarm will sound
for 10 seconds after the recording is finished and playback
begins. “,” will flash when the alarm time comes.

• If more than one alarm time comes during recording, only
the first message will be played back.

• When the alarm time comes when the unit is in the menu
mode, alarm will sound and the menu mode will be
cancelled.

• If you erase the message you set the alarm to play back, the
alarm setting will be cancelled.

• If you divide a message with the playback alarm, playback
will stop at the point you divided a message.

• You can adjust the playback volume with VOLUME +/–.

• If the alarm time comes during erasing, alarm will sound for
10 seconds after the erasing is finished and playback begins.

• Alarm setting will not be cancelled after the alarm playback
finishes. To cancel alarm setting, set “Alarm” to “OFF”.

BEditing Messages

Erasing Messages

Note

Once a recording has been erased, you cannot retrieve it.

Erasing messages one by one

You can erase unnecessary messages one by one.
When a message is erased, the remaining messages will
advance and be renumbered so that there will be no
space between messages.

Before erasing

Message 1 Message 2 Message 3 Message 4 Message 5

Message 1 Message 2 Message 3 Message 4

After erasing

Erase Message 3

Remaining messages are
renumbered.

1 Display the message you

want to erase.

2 Press b (MENU), and

select
pressing v/V, and then
press Nx.

The cursor moves to the
Erase menu.

(Erase) by

3 Press v/V to select “Erase

a MSG” and press Nx.

The window for erasing a
message is displayed.

4 Press v/V to select

“Execute” and press Nx.

The confirmation window is
displayed.

5 Press v/V to select “Yes”

and press Nx.

The message is erased.

6 Press xSTOP to return to

the normal display.

The remaining messages will
be renumbered. (For
example, if you erase
Message 3, Message 4 will be
renumbered as Message 3.
When erasing is completed,
the unit will stop at the
beginning of the following
message.)

To cancel erasing

Press xSTOP before step 5.

To erase a message partially

First divide the message and then follow the steps on this
section to erase the message.

Erasing all messages in a folder

You can erase all recorded messages in a folder.

1 Display the folder or a message in the folder

that you want to erase.

2 Press b (MENU), and

select (Erase) by
pressing v/V, and then
press Nx.

The cursor moves to the
Erase menu.

3 Press v/V to select “Erase

AllMSG” and press Nx.

The window for erasing all
the messages in a folder is
displayed.

4 Press v/V to select

“Execute” and press Nx.

The confirmation window is
displayed.

5 Press v/V to select “Yes”

and press Nx.

All the recorded messages
contained in the folder are
erased. The folder itself will
not be erased.

6 Press xSTOP to exit the menu mode.

To cancel erasing

Press xSTOP before step 4.

Note

If a folder contains a lot of messages, it may take long to erase
all the messages.

Dividing a Message

You can divide a message during recording or playback,
so that the message is divided into two and the new
message number is added to the divided message. By
dividing a message, you can easily find the point you
want to play back when you make a long recording such
as a meeting.
You can divide messages until the total number of
messages in the folder becomes 999.

Notes

• Due to the recording system of an IC recorder, you may not
be able to divide a message in some cases. For the details,
see “Troubleshooting”.

• If you divide a message with priority mark(s), priority
mark(s) will be added to both parts of the divided message.

• The recorded date and time (the starting date and time of
recording) of the divided messages are identical to the
original message.

• If you divide a named message, the both parts of the
divided messages will have the same message name.

• If you divide a message with an alarm setting, the alarm
setting remains only with the former message divided.

• If you divide a message to which the bookmark is set with
the supplied Digital Voice Editor, the bookmark is erased
from the divided messages.

While recording or playing back a message, press
DIVIDE at the point you want to divide.

• When you press DIVIDE during recording:

The new message number is
added at the point you pressed
the button, and “New MSG
REC“ appears for 3 seconds.
The message will be divided
into two; however, the
messages will be recorded
without a break.

Recording continues

Message 1 Message 2

1 Tip

You can divide a message during recording pause.

• When you press DIVIDE during playback:

The message is divided into two
at the point you pressed the
button, and “Dividing“ appears
for 3 seconds. The message
numbers of the following
messages will increase by one.

Message 1

Message 1 Message 2 Message 3

To play the divided message

Press v or V to display the message number as the
divided messages each have message numbers.

A message is divided.

Message 3

Message 2 Message 3

A message is divided.

Message 4

The message numbers increase.

Moving Messages to a Different
Folder — Move Function

You can move the recorded messages to another folder.
When you move a message to another folder, the one in
the previous folder will be erased.

Example: Moving Message 3 in FOLDER01 to FOLDER03

1 Display the message you

want to move.

2 Press b (MENU), and

select (Edit) by pressing
v/V, and then press Nx.

The cursor moves to the Edit
menu.

3 Press v/V to select “Move

MSG” and press Nx.

The window for selecting the
destination folder is
displayed.

4 Press v/V to select the

folder to which you want
to move the message to
and press Nx.

The window for moving the
message is displayed. The
message is played back from
the beginning.

5 Press v/V to select “Yes”

and press Nx.

The message is moved to the
destination folder. Messages
are sorted in order of the
recorded date and time.

6 Press xSTOP to exit the

menu mode.

Note

You cannot move a message to the
other drive.

Adding Priority Mark(s)
— Priority Mark Function

Usually the recorded messages are lined up in the order
of recording.
By adding priority mark(s) (v) to important messages,
you can renumber the messages in the order of their
priority. There are four levels, “vvv” (the most
important), “vv”, “v”, and “None” (no priority mark).
You can add priority marks both in the stop mode and in
the playback mode.

1 Display the message you

want to mark.

2 Press b (MENU), and

select
v/V, and then press Nx.

The cursor moves to the Edit
menu.

(Edit) by pressing

3 Press v/V to select

“Priority” and press Nx.

The window for setting
priority marks is displayed.

4 Press v/V to select the

number of the priority
marks with which you
want to mark.

5 Press Nx.

The setting is finished.

6 Press xSTOP to exit the menu mode.

The messages will be renumbered.

Messages with priority
mark(s)

Messages are sorted in order of

e.g. When there are
3 messages in a
folder

the number of priority mark(s)
(v) in a folder. Messages
without a priority mark are
moved behind the messages
with priority mark(s).

1 Tip

If there are over 2 messages with the
same number of priority marks in a
folder, these messages are sorted by
the recorded date and time. (The
oldest one comes first.)

Note

You can also add priority mark(s)
using the supplied “Digital Voice
Editor“ software. But messages are
not sorted in order of the number of
the priority marks unless you sorted
by the number of priority marks
using the software.

Message 1

Message 2

Message 3

BHandling Folders

Adding / Deleting Folders

By default setting, there are 5 folders: “FOLDER01“
through “FOLDER05“. You can add folders as you like.
You can also delete unnecessary folders.

Note

The maximum number of folders you can add varies
depending on the using conditions. “Folder Full“ is displayed
in the display window when you cannot add any folder
because of the system limitations of the IC recorder.

Adding a folder

1 Press b (MENU), and

select (Edit) by
pressing v/V, and then
press Nx.

The cursor moves to the Edit
menu.

2 Press v/V to select “Add

Folder” and press Nx.

The window for creating a
new folder is displayed.

3 Press v/V to select

“Execute” and press Nx.

A new folder is added to the
end of the current drive.

4 Press xSTOP to exit the

menu mode.

About added folder names

The new folder is labeled automatically with the icon
“

” and double figures or letter like “FOLDER04“ or
“FOLDERAB“. If there is a missing number or letter
among the folder names, the new one is labeled using the
missing number or letters automatically.
You can change the folder icon and name as you like.

Erasing a folder

1 Display the folder you want to delete.

Note

Once a folder has been erased, you cannot retrieve it.
When erasing a folder that contains recorded messages,
please check the contents.

2 Press b (MENU), and

select (Erase) by
pressing v/V, and then
press Nx.

The cursor moves to the
Erase menu.

3 Press v/V to select “Erase

Folder” and press Nx.

The window for erasing the
folder is displayed.

4 Press v/V to select

“Execute” and press Nx.

The confirmation window is
displayed.

5 Press v/V to select “Yes”

and press Nx.

The folder is erased.

6 Press xSTOP to return to

the normal display.

To cancel erasing

Press xSTOP before step 4.

Notes

• You cannot delete the last folder left in a drive.

• After deleting a folder, the name of the remaining folders

are not changed. If “FOLDER03” is erased, for example, the
name of “FOLDER04” will remain the same.

• If the folder contains recorded message, “Messages in folder

will be erased” will be displayed. If you do, the folder and
the contained messages are erased.

Editing an Icon and Name of a
Folder

You can label an icon or name of a folder yourself.

1 Registered templates of folder icons and names

Folder icons and names registered as templates are associated
with each other. When you select a folder icon or name, the
folder name associated with the folder icon, or the folder icon
associated with the folder name is automatically selected.
When you re-select or edit the identical folder icon and name,
they will no longer be associated. Some icons have no
associated names.

Schedule, Meeting, Memo, Bz Trip,

Lecture, Training, Speech, Action,

Personal, Idea, Shopping, Music, Travel,

Lesson, Message, Expense, Research,

Exhibition, Report, Sports, Date, Party,

Lang.Lesson, Interview, , , , , , , ,

, , , , , , ,

Changing a folder icon

Folders have been automatically attached with the folder
icon “

”. You can select the desired folder icon from the

templates.

1 Display the folder you want to change the

folder icon.

2 Press b (MENU), and

select
pressing v/V, and then
press Nx.

The cursor moves to the Edit
menu.

(Edit) by

3 Press v/V to select “Edit

Folder” and press Nx.

The window for editing a
folder is displayed.

4 Press v/V to select “Icon”

and press Nx.

The window for selecting a
folder icon is displayed.

5 Press v/V/b/B to select a

folder icon.

The cursor moves to the
direction you press the key
(v/V/b/B).
When you keep pressing v/
V, you can scroll the pages.

6 Press Nx.

The setting is finished.

7 Press xSTOP to exit the

menu mode.

The folder is labeled with the
selected icon and its
associated name.

Note

Depending on the folder icon you choose, there is no
associated name. If you edit folder icons and names, folder
icons and names will not be associated.

Changing a folder name

Folders have been labeled automatically with double
figures or letter like “FOLDER04“ or “FOLDERAB“, but
you can label folders as you like by using template
names.

1 Display the folder you want to change the

name.

2 Press b (MENU), and

select
pressing v/V, and then
press Nx.

The cursor moves to the Edit
menu.

(Edit) by

3 Press v/V to select “Edit

Folder” and press Nx.

The window for editing a
folder is displayed.

4 Press v/V to select

“Name” and press Nx.

The window for selecting a
folder name is displayed.

5 Press v/V to select a

folder name and press
Nx.

6 Press xSTOP to exit the

menu mode.

The folder is labeled with the
selected name and its
associated icon.

Note

You can also label a folder using the supplied “Digital Voice
Editor“ software. For the details, see the help of the Digital
Voice Editor. Some characters that the unit does not support
will not be displayed properly.

In the list view

B Expanding the Memory with the

“Memory Stick”

Inserting the “Memory Stick”

You can expand the memory by inserting the “Memory
Stick Duo” or “Memory Stick PRO Duo” into the
MEMORY STICK slot.

Notes

• Do not insert or remove the “Memory Stick” while a
message of the built-in memory is recorded or played back.
Doing so may cause malfunction of the unit.

• Make sure to insert the “Memory Stick“ firmly.

• Do not insert a “Memory Stick“ in a different direction. It
may cause malfunction of the unit.

When you insert the “Memory Stick” for the first
time (initializing the memory)

“ACCESS” appears in the display window.
If you insert a “Memory Stick“ for the first time after
purchasing or one with no data, 5 folders (FOLDER01 to
FOLDER05) will be made in the “Memory Stick“
automatically.

Notes while “ACCESS” appears

• The unit is accessing data while “ACCESS“ appears in the
display window or the OPR indicator lights or flashes in red
or orange. While accessing, do not remove the “Memory
Stick”, the batteries or AC adaptor (not supplied). Doing so
may damage the data.

• If the unit is required to process excessive amount of data,
“ACCESS“ may be displayed for an extended period of
time. This is not a malfunction of the unit. Wait until the
message disappears.

Removing the “Memory Stick”

Make sure that “ACCESS“ disappears, and the unit is in
the stop mode. Then push the “Memory Stick” into the
unit. When it pops out, remove it from the slot as shown
below.

Maximum recording time and number of
messages* (in a “Memory Stick”)

ST** STLP** SP** LP**

32MB 1 h. 25 m. 2 h. 45 m. 4 h. 20 m. 11 h. 45 m.

64MB 2 h. 50 m. 5 h. 35 m. 8 h. 50 m. 23 h. 35 m.

128MB 5 h. 50 m. 11 h. 10 m. 17 h. 45 m. 47 h. 25 m.

256MB 11 h. 10 m. 21 h. 35 m. 34 h. 10 m. 91 h. 10 m.

512MB 22 h. 5 m. 42 h. 35 m. 67 h. 25 m. 179 h. 45 m.

1GB 44 h. 55 m. 86 h. 25 m. 136 h. 50 m. 364 h. 55 m.

2GB 92 h. 10 m. 177 h. 25 m. 280 h. 50 m. 749 h. 5 m.
(h.: hours/m.: minutes)
* In continuous recording/playback
* In approximate hours and minutes
* The maximum number of messages in a folder is 999. When

there are 5 folders in the “Memory Stick”, you can record
up to 1,012 messages .

**Recording modes:

ST: Standard play stereo recording mode/STLP: Long play
stereo recording mode/SP: Standard play monaural
recording mode/LP: Long play monaural recording mode

Note

When you use the “Memory Stick”, the battery life may be
shortened.

The above table shows the recording time when you use the
“Memory Stick“ for use with ICD-MX20 only and by the
initial setting with 5 folders. The maximum recording time
and number of messages may differ depending on the using
conditions. The maximum recording time of a “Memory Stick
Duo” varies depending of the media type.

Using the “Memory Stick” (not supplied)
with the unit

When you purchase “Memory Stick”, make sure that
you select “Memory Stick” with a logo

Even with either of the logos, however, some
“Memory Stick” cannot be used with the unit. For
details, see the Sony product information “Memory
Stick” web site.

or a logo .

About the “Memory Stick”

What is “Memory Stick”?

“Memory Stick” is small, light-weighted, and next­generation IC storage media with a larger capacity than a
floppy disc. You can use the “Memory Stick” to exchange
data among “Memory Stick” compatible devices. In
addition, you can use the “Memory Stick” as a removable
external storage device to save your data.
In a “Memory Stick”, you can save image data from other
device in addition to the sound files of the IC recorder.

Sizes of “Memory Stick”

There are two sizes of “Memory Stick”: regular size
“Memory Stick” and compact size “Memory Stick Duo”.
With a Duo adaptor, you can use “Memory Stick Duo”
on a device supporting regular size “Memory Stick”. For
ICD-MX20, use a “Memory Stick Duo” or “Memory Stick
PRO Duo” (compact size “Memory Stick Duo”).

Types of “Memory Stick”

Following types of “Memory Stick” are available for versatile
purposes. “Memory Stick Duo” and “Memory Stick PRO
Duo” are the only media supported by ICD-MX20.

• “Memory Stick PRO” : “Memory Stick PRO” employs

the “MagicGate” copyright protection technology and
can be used only with “Memory Stick PRO” compliant
devices.

• “Memory Stick-R”: Data stored in “Memory Stick-R”

cannot be overwritten. It can be used on “Memory
Stick-R” compatible devices. You cannot store data
with “MagicGate” copyright protection technology.

• “Memory Stick”: “Memory Stick” can store all types

of data except for the one that requires the
“MagicGate” copyright protection technology.

• “Memory Stick” (MagicGate/High-Speed Transfer
Compatible): “Memory Stick” (MagicGate/High­Speed Transfer Compatible) employs “MagicGate”
copyright protection technology and supports high­speed data transfer. It can be used with all the
“Memory Stick”-compatible devices. (Data transfer
speed depends on the “Memory Stick”-compatible
device.)

• “MagicGate Memory Stick” : “MagicGate Memory
Stick ” employs the “MagicGate” copyright protection
technology.

• “Memory Stick-ROM”: “Memory Stick-ROM” is the
read-only “Memory Stick” storing the data. You
cannot save or delete its data.

What is “MagicGate”?

“MagicGate” is a copyright protection technology for
“MagicGate Memory Stick” and compliant products. The unit
does not support the “MagicGate” standards and cannot read
or write the data subject to the “MagicGate” copyright
protection.

Notes on use

• When you slide the write-protect switch to the write
protect position, you cannot record, edit, or delete
the data. (Some types of “Memory Stick Duo” are not
equipped with write-protect switch.)

Connector

Write-protect
switch

• Avoid removing the “Memory Stick” from the unit
while the unit is reading or writing data.

• Data may be damaged in such occasions:

– While the unit is reading or writing data, the

– The “Memory Stick” is used in a location subject to

• We recommend that you save backup of the important
data.

Place the label here.

“Memory Stick” is removed or the batteries are
removed. Or the AC power adaptor (not supplied)
is removed.

electrostatic or electronic noises.

Notes on formatting (initializing)

“Memory Stick” is shipped with a FAT format as the
standard format. To format “Memory Stick”, use devices
conformable with the “Memory Stick”. When you format
“Memory Stick”, always perform the procedures in
“Formatting the Memory”.

Note

We cannot guarantee operations if the “Memory Stick” is
formatted on your PC

About the minimum recording unit

When recording a message in the “Memory Stick”, the
relevant information of the message, the number of
folders, or others is recorded in addition to the message
itself. As the number of messages or folders increase, the
remaining memory reduces accordingly.
To record a message or add a folder, you need the time of
the minimum recording unit. Although the actual
recording time of a message may be less than that of the
minimum recording unit, the time of the message is
counted as a minimum recording unit.
If the remaining recording time of the inserted “Memory
Stick“ is less than that of the minimum recording unit,
you cannot add a message or a folder in the “Memory
Stick“.

The minimum recording unit in each recording
mode

ST 8 seconds

STLP 8 seconds

SP 8 seconds

LP 22 seconds

B Other Operations

Formatting the Memory

You can format the built-in memory and a “Memory Stick
Duo“ or “Memory Stick PRO Duo” inserted in the
MEMORY STICK slot. Formatting will delete all the data
recorded in the memory including images and other data.
Before formatting, check the data in the memory.

Tip

Because a commercially available “Memory Stick“ has already
been formatted at the factory, you do not need to format a
“Memory Stick“ before the first use.

1 Press b (MENU), and

select (Erase) by
pressing v/V, and then
press Nx.

The cursor moves to the
Erase menu.

2 Press v/V to select

“Format” and press Nx.

The window for selecting the
memory to be formatted is
displayed.

Note

When the “Memory Stick” is
not inserted, this window does
not appear. Skip to step 4.

3 Press v/V to select the

media (“Built-In” or
“Memory Stick”) that you
want to format and press
Nx.

The window for executing
format is displayed.

4 Press v/V to select

“Execute” and press Nx.

The confirmation window is
displayed.

5 Press v/V to select “Yes”

and press Nx.

Formatting of the selected
media starts.

6 Press xSTOP to return to the normal display.

After formatting, 5 folders (FOLDER01 to
FOLDER05) are automatically made in the memory
in the same way when you insert batteries for the
first time after purchasing.

To cancel formatting

Select “Cancel” in step 4 or “NO“ in step 5.

Note

You cannot format when the write-protect switch on the
“Memory Stick“ is set to “LOCK”.

Using the ”Digital Voice Editor“
Software

By connecting the IC recorder to your computer, you can
use the “Digital Voice Editor” software to do the
following:

• Saving the IC recorder messages on your computer’s
hard disk.

• Transferring the PC messages back to the IC recorder.

• Playing or editing the messages on your computer.

• Sending a voice e-mail message using MAPI e-mail
software.

• Transcribing your IC recorder message using Dragon
NaturallySpeaking
supplied).

For the details, see the supplied “Digital Voice Editor 2”
software operating instructions.

Connection

Use the USB connecting cable supplied to connect the
USB connectors of the IC recorder and your computer.

IC Recorder

When the unit is connected to the PC, “PC Connect”
appears on the display window and you can recognize
the IC recorder with your PC.

Tip

When you connect the unit to your PC, the built-in memory is
recognized as an IC recorder and the “Memory Stick” is
recognized as a removable disk. You can use Windows
Explorer to display the data stored in the built-in memory or
“Memory Stick”. When playing, editing, or saving a message,
however, please make sure to use the supplied Digital Voice
Editor.

To set the clock of the unit automatically

Set “Date&Time” in the menu to “Automatic” and
connect the unit to the PC after the Digital Voice Editor is
started. The clock of the unit is automatically set
according to the internal clock of your PC.

®

speech-recognition software (not

To USB connector

To USB
connector

USB connecting cable
(supplied)

PC

System requirements

Your computer and system software must meet the
following minimum requirements.

• IBM PC/AT or compatible
– CPU: 266MHz Pentium
– RAM: 64MB or more
– Hard disk space: 70MB or more depending on the

size and number of sound files you store
– CD-ROM drive
– USB port
– Sound board: Sound Blaster 16 compatible
– Display: High color (16 bits) or more and 800 x 480

dots or more

• OS: Microsoft
2005/Windows
Windows
Professional/Windows
Windows
Edition/Windows
installation (You cannot use this software with
Windows

Notes

• You cannot use the software with a Macintosh machine.

•A handmade computer, a computer whose operating

system is installed or upgraded by the user, or a computer
with multi-boot operating environment are not supported.

®

Windows® XP Media Center Edition

®

XP Media Center Edition 2004/

®

XP Media Center Edition/Windows® XP

®

2000 Professional/Windows® Millennium

®

98, Windows® 95 or Windows® NT.)

®

II processor or higher

®

XP Home Edition/

®

98 Second Edition standard

B Other Information

Precautions

On power

• Operate the unit only on 3 V DC. Use two LR03 (size
AAA) alkaline batteries.

On safety

• Do not operate the unit while driving, cycling or
operating any motorized vehicle.

On handling

• Do not leave the unit in a location near heat sources, or
in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust or
mechanical shock.

• Should any solid object or liquid fall into the unit,
remove the batteries and have the unit checked by
qualified personnel before operating it any further.

On noise

• Noise may be heard when the unit is placed near an
AC power source, a fluorescent lamp or a mobile
phone during recording or playback.

• Noise may be recorded when an object, such as your
finger, etc., rubs or scratches the unit during recording.

On maintenance

• To clean the exterior, use a soft cloth slightly
moistened in water. Do not use alcohol, benzine or
thinner.

If you place a magnetic card near the speaker of the
unit, the card may be affected by the magnet of the
speaker and may become unusable. Please keep a
magnetic card away from the unit.

If you have any questions or problems concerning your
unit, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Backup recommendations

To avoid potential risk of data loss caused by
accidental operation or malfunction of the IC
recorder, we recommend that you save a backup copy
of your recorded messages on a tape recorder or to a
computer, etc.

On system limitations of the IC
recorder

There are some system limitations of the unit. Troubles as
mentioned below are not malfunctions of the unit.

You cannot record messages up to the
maximum recording time.

• If you record messages in a mixture of ST, STLP, SP
and LP modes, the recordable time varies from the
maximum ST mode recording time to the maximum
LP mode recording time.

• There may be other formatted data (for example,
images) in the memory.

• Since you need the minimum recording unit to record
a message even shorter than the minimum recording
unit, the actual total recording time may become
shorter than the maximum recording time of the IC
recorder.

• The maximum recording time varies depending on the
number of folders or messages.

• No more recording can be made when 999 messages
each have been recorded in a folder.

• Due to the limitation of the IC recording system
mentioned above, the sum of the total recorded time in
the counter (elapsed time) and the remaining time
becomes shorter than the maximum recording time of
the IC recorder.

You cannot divide a message.

• You cannot divide a message in a folder which has 999
messages.

• If you divide messages frequently, the unit may
become unable to divide a message.

If an Error Message is displayed

If the following error messages are displayed, do the
remedies described here.
Should any problem persist after you have made these
checks, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Alarm already set for the same time.

• You set the alarm to play back a message at the date
and time previously set on another message. Change
the alarm setting.

Battery Low

• Batteries are weak. Replace batteries with new ones.
When the remaining batteries are short, you cannot
erase a message or format the memory.

Data not supported

• The file is not supported by the unit, or the file itself is
corrupted.

File not supported

• The unit does not support the file type of the selected
message. You cannot play back or edit the file.

Folder/File is protected.

• Messages have been set to “Read-only“ in the
computer. You cannot edit or erase “Read-only”
messages and folders. Remove the check for “Read­only“ under “Properties“ of files.

Maximum Folders

• Because there are already the maximum number of
folders in the selected drive, you cannot add a folder.
Delete some unnecessary folders. Or switch to the
drive with sufficient memory space.

Maximum Messages: Folder Full

• Because there are already 999 messages in the selected
folder, you cannot add a message. Erase some
messages before adding or dividing a message.

Memory Full

• The remaining memory of the built-in memory or the
“Memory Stick” is too small. Erase some messages
before recording.

Memory Stick Error

• Insert the “Memory Stick“ again. After inserting, if this
message is displayed again, the inserted “Memory
Stick“ may be out of order.

Memory Stick is locked.

• The write-protect switch on the inserted “Memory
Stick” is set to “LOCK“. You cannot record, edit or
format in this condition. Slide the switch to the
writable position.

No Folder/Message

• The selected folder does not have any messages. Or,
the selected drive does not have any folders. Without
messages or folders, you cannot set the alarm or do
other operations.

Only one folder remains.

• You cannot erase the last folder remained in the drive.

Past date and time.

• You set the alarm at the past date and time. Set the
alarm at an appropriate date and time.

Please format with the unit.

• You cannot use the “Memory Stick” formatted with
other devices . Use the “Format” in the menu to format
the “Memory Stick”.

Power Supply Problem

• An AC power adaptor that is not compatible with the
IC recorder is connected. Make sure to use the AC
power adaptor for the unit (not supplied). Or insert
the batteries.

Replace Batteries

• Batteries are weak. Replace batteries with new ones.

Read-only Memory Stick

• The “Memory Stick” has been set to “Read-only“. You
cannot edit or erase messages of a “Read-only“
“Memory Stick”. Release the “Read-only” setting.

System Error

• The IC recorder failed in memory access because the
memory is corrupted or a system error occurred.

Specifications

Recording media

Recording time

Frequency range

Speaker approx. 2.8 cm (1
Power output

Input/Output

Playback speed control (DPC)

Power requirements

Dimensions (w/h/d) (not including projecting parts and

Mass (including batteries)

Supplied accessories

Optional accessories

Your dealer may not handle some of the above listed
optional accessories. Please ask the dealer for detailed
information.

Design and specifications are subject to change without
notice.

Trademarks

• “Memory Stick” and are trademarks of Sony

• “MagicGate Memory Stick“ is the trademark of Sony

• “Memory Stick Duo” and

• “Memory Stick PRO Duo” and

• IBM and PC/AT are registered trademarks of

• Microsoft, Windows and Outlook are trademarks of

• Apple and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple

• Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

• NaturallySpeaking, Dragon Systems are trademarks

• All other trademarks and registered trademarks are

The “Digital Voice Editor” uses software modules as
shown below:
Microsoft
©2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Built-in flash memory 32MB/“Memory Stick
Duo”, Stereo/Monaural recording

• ST: 1 hours 25 minutes

•STLP: Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes

•SP: Approx. 4 hours 20 minutes

•LP: Approx. 11 hours 45 minutes

• ST: 60 Hz - 13,500 Hz

•STLP: 60 Hz - 7,000 Hz

•SP: 60 Hz - 7,000 Hz

•LP: 60 Hz - 3,500 Hz

350 mW

• Microphone jack (minijack, stereo)
– input for plug in power, minimum input

level 0.6 mV, 3 kilohms or lower
impedance microphone

• Headphones jack (minijack, stereo)
– output for 8 - 300 ohms headphones

• USB connector

• “Memory Stick Duo” slot

• DC IN 3V jack

+100% to -50%

Two LR03 (size AAA) alkaline batteries: 3 V
DC

controls)

36.6 × 107.5 × 16.9 mm (1

96 g (3.4 oz)

Operating instructions (For the IC recorder
(1)/For the application software (1))
Stereo headphones (1) (excluding Europe)
USB connecting cable (1)
Application Software (CD-ROM) (1)
LR03 (size AAA) alkaline batteries (2)
Carrying pouch (1)
Dragon NaturallySpeaking® Preferred
(Version 8.0) CD-ROM(1) supplied only with
ICD-MX20VTP sold in the USA

Active speaker SRS-T88, SRS-T80/Electret
condenser microphone ECM-CS10, ECM-TL1/
Audio connecting cable RK-G134HG, RK­G135HG, RK-G136HG, RK-G139HG
(excluding Europe)/AC power adaptor AC­E30HG (excluding the models for Korea, the
People’s Republic of China, Australia, and
New Zealand),/“Memory Stick Duo” MSH­M32N (32 MB), MSH-M64N (64 MB), MSH­M128N (128 MB)/“Memory Stick PRO Duo”
MSX-M256S (256 MB), MSX-M1GST (1 GB)/
High Speed “Memory Stick PRO Duo” MSX­M256N (256 MB), MSX-M512N (512 MB), MSX­M1GN (1 GB), MSX-M2GN (2 GB) /PC Card
Adaptor for Memory Stick MSAC-PC3

Corporation.

Corporation.

trademarks of Sony Corporation.

are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

International Business Machines Corporation.

Microsoft Corporation, registered in the USA and
other countries.
Copyright ©1995 Microsoft Corporation.
All rights reserved.
Portion Copyright ©1995 Microsoft Corporation

Computer Inc., registered in the USA and other
countries.

owned by ScanSoft, Inc. and are registered in the
United States and/or other countries.

trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders. Furthermore, “™” and “
mentioned in each case in this manual.

®

DirectX

1

/8 in.) dia.

1

/2 × 4 1/4 × 11/

are

®

” are not

®

in.)

16