Sony MD Walkman MZ-R50 User Manual

3-861-298-22 (1)

Portable
MiniDisc Recorder

Operating instructions

MZ-R50

1997 by Sony Corporation

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock
hazard, do not expose the
unit to rain or moisture.

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

The built-in battery should be replaced by
qualified personnel only.

To avoid electrical shock,
do not open the cabinet.
Refer servicing to
qualified personnel only.

Caution

The use of optical instruments with this
product will increase eye hazard.

Information

For Customers in the USA

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.

2

For Customers in Australia

If the supply cord of AC power adaptor is
damaged, the AC power adaptor must be
returned to the manufacturer or his agent
for the cord to be replaced.

For the customers in the USA

DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION
BATTERY

LITHIUM ION BATTERY. DISPOSE OF
PROPERLY.

You can return your unwanted nickel
lithium ion batteries to your nearest Sony
Service Center.
Note: In some areas the disposal of
lithium ion batteries in household or
business trash may be prohibited.
For the Sony Service Center nearest you
call 1-800-222-SONY (United States only)
Caution: Do not handle damaged or
leaking lithium ion battery.

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.

Owner's Record

The serial number is located at the rear of
the disc compartment lid and the model
number is located at the bottom. Record
the serial number in the space provided
below. Refer to them whenever you call
upon your Sony dealer regarding this
product.
Model No. MZ-R50
Serial No.

"MD WALKMAN" is a trademark of Sony
Corporation.

Welcome!

Welcome to the world of the MiniDisc!
Here are some of the capabilities and
features you'll discover with the new
MiniDisc Recorder.

• Shock-resistant memory — Offsets up
to 40 seconds of optical read errors.

• Easy operation with the new remote
control — Keep the main unit in your
pocket and operate the MiniDisc player
through the shuttle dial on the remote
control; the LCD diplays track
information, playback mode as well as
battery condition.

• High-fidelity recording — Low-noise,
low-distortion, high-fidelity recording
through the optical digital input jack.

• Vertical jog dial — You can select your
desired tracks directly by simply
rotating a dial.

• Digital synchro-recording — The
recorder automatically starts and
pauses recording in sync with
operation on the connected digital
equipment.

• Sampling rate converter — This unit
enables you to record programs from
digital equipment using other
sampling rates, such as a BS tuner or
DAT deck.

• Long-time recording with monaural
sound — You can record up to 148
minutes on a disc using monaural
recording.

• Position pointer — The display shows
you the current location on the disc.

• Date and time stamp function — The
built-in clock automatically records the
date and time whenever you make a
recording.

• Title function — You can see disc and
track titles in the display while you are
playing/recording an MD.

3

Table of Contents

Recording an MD right away! .................................. 6

Playing an MD right away!....................................... 8

Various ways of recording...................................... 10

Two ways of connecting to a sound source ......................................... 10

Recording with digital input ................................................................. 11

To start/stop recording in sync with the source player (Synchro-

recording) ............................................................................................. 11

Recording from a microphone............................................................... 12

Recording in monaural for double the normal recording time ........ 13

Adjusting the recording level manually (Manual recording) ........... 13

Checking the remaining time or the recording position....................14

On the recorder .................................................................................... 14

On the remote control ......................................................................... 15

Setting the clock to stamp the recorded time ...................................... 16

Various ways of playback ....................................... 17

Selecting the track number or track name directly............................. 17

Playing tracks repeatedly ....................................................................... 17

Emphasizing bass (DIGITAL MEGA BASS) ....................................... 18

Protecting your hearing (AVLS)............................................................18

Checking the remaining time or the playing position .......................19

On the recorder .................................................................................... 19

On the remote control ......................................................................... 19

Locking the controls (HOLD) ................................................................20

Connecting to a stereo system ............................................................... 20

4

Editing recorded tracks ...........................................21

Erasing tracks ........................................................................................... 21

To erase a track .................................................................................... 21

To erase the whole disc ...................................................................... 21

Adding a track mark ............................................................................... 22

Erasing a track mark ............................................................................... 22

Moving recorded tracks..........................................................................23

Labeling recordings.................................................................................23

Power sources.......................................................... 25

Using a lithium ion rechargeable battery.............................................25

Using dry batteries .................................................................................. 26

Additional information ...........................................27

Precautions ...............................................................................................27

Troubleshooting....................................................................................... 29

System limitations ...................................................................................31

Messages ................................................................................................... 32

Specifications............................................................................................ 34

What is an MD? ....................................................................................... 35

Looking at the controls ...........................................................................37

5

Recording an MD right away!

Sound from CD players, cassettecorders, etc., will be sent
analogically, but recorded digitally, in stereo. To record from a digital
source, see “Recording with digital input” (page 11).

1

Make connections.

R (red)

CD player,
cassette recorder,
etc. (source)

to LINE OUT

to LINE IN (OPTICAL)

2

Insert a recordable MD.

1 Slide OPEN and open the lid. 2 Insert a recordable MD with the

L (white)

Line cable
(RK-G129, not supplied)*

to a wall outlet

AC power adaptor
(supplied)

*Use the connecting cords without an

attenuator. To connect to a portable

to DC IN 6V

CD player having a stereo mini-jack,
use the RK-G136 connecting cord
(not supplied).

label side facing up, and press the
lid down to close.

6

3

Record an MD.

1 Press and slide REC to the right .

p

“REC” lights up and recording starts.

2 Play the CD or tape you want to

record.

REC

CD player, cassette
recorder, etc. (source)

To

Pause

To stop recording, press p.

“Data Save“ or ”Toc Edit” flashes while data
of the recording (the track’s start and end
points, etc.) is being recorded. Do not move
or jog the recorder or disconnect the power
source while the indication is flashing in the
display.

Press

1)

P

Press P again to resume recording.

Record from the end of the
previous recording.

Record partway through the
previous recording.

END SEARCH and slide REC.

(, + or = to find the start point
of recording and press p to stop. Then
slide REC.

Remove the MD.

1)

A track mark is added at the point where you press P; thus the remainder of the track will be

counted as a new track.

2)

Once you open the lid, the point to start recording will change to the beginning of the first track.
Check the point to start recording on the display.

If the recording does not start

•Make sure the recorder is not locked (page

20).

•Make sure the MD is not record-protected
(page 28).

•Premastered MDs cannot be recorded over.

p and open the lid.

z

•The level of the recorded sound is adjusted
automatically.

•You can monitor the sound during
recording. Connect the supplied
headphones with remote control to 2/
REMOTE and adjust the volume by
pressing VOLUME +/– (VOL +/– on the
remote control). This does not affect the
recording level.

2)

7

Playing an MD right away!

To use the recorder on a rechargeable battery or dry batteries, see
“Power Sources“ (pages 25, 26).

1

Make connections.

to a wall outlet

Headphones with a
remote control
(supplied)

Wear the earpiece
marked R in your
right ear and the
one marked L in
your left ear.

2

Insert an MD.

1 Slide OPEN and open the lid.

8

to 2/REMOTE

to DC IN 6V

2 Insert an MD with the label side

facing up, and press the lid down to
close.

AC power adaptor
(supplied)

3

Play an MD.

(

p

1 Press ( (Turn the control to

(•+ on the remote control).

A short beep sounds in the headphones.

VOLUME
+/–

2 Press VOLUME (VOL on the remote

control) +/– to adjust the volume.

The volume will be shown in the display.

VOL +/–

To stop play, press p.

A long beep sounds in the headphones.

p

To

Pause

Press (Beeps in the headphones)

P (Continuous short beeps)
Press P again to resume play.

Find the beginning of the current track

= once (Turn the control to =on the
remote control)
(Three short beeps)

Find the beginning of the next track

+ once (Turn the control to (•+ on
the remote control)
(Two short beeps)

Go backwards while playing

1)

keep pressing = (Turn and hold the
control to = on the remote control)

Go forward while playing

1)

keep pressing + (Turn and hold the
control to (•+ on the remote control)

Remove the MD

1)

To go backward or forward quickly without listening, press P and keep pressing = or +.

2)

Once you open the lid, the point to start play will change to the beginning of the first track.

p and open the lid.

2)

If the play does not start

Make sure the recorder is not locked (page

20).

When using optional headphones

Use only headphones with stereo mini plugs.
You cannot use headphones with micro
plugs.

z

Playback will switch automatically between
stereo and monaural according to the sound
source.

9

zVarious ways of recording

Two ways of connecting to a sound source

The input jack of this recorder works as both digital and analog input jacks. Connect the
recorder to a CD player or a cassette recorder using either digital input or analog input. To
record, see “Recording with digital input” (page 11) to record using digital input, and
“Recording an MD right away!” (page 6) to record using analog input.

Difference between digital and analog inputs

Difference

Connectable source

Usable cord

Signal from the source

Recorded track numbers

Recorded sound level

Note

Track marks may be copied incorrectly :

•when you record from some CD players or multi disc players using digital input.

•when the source is in shuffle or program play mode while recording using digital input. In this
case, play the source in normal play mode.

Input

Digital input

Equipment with an optical
digital output jack

Digital cable (with an optical
or an optical-mini plug)

Digital

Marked (copied)
automatically

•at the same positions as the
source.

•when the recorder is
paused while recording.

Same as the source

Analog (line) input

Equipment with an analog
(line) output jack

Line cable (with 2 phono
plugs or a stereo-mini plug)

Analog
Even when a digital source
(such as a CD) is connected,
the signal sent to the recorder
is analog.

Marked automatically

•after more than 2 seconds of
blank or low-level segment.

•when the recorder is
paused while recording.

You can erase unnecessary
marks after recording
(“Erasing a track mark”,
page 22).

Adjusted automatically. Can
also be adjusted manually
(“Adjusting the recording
level manually”, page 13).

10

Recording with digital
input

This unit has a built-in sampling rate
converter so that you can record
programs from digital equipment using
other sampling rates, such as a BS tuner
or a DAT deck.

CD player, MD player,
digital amplifier, etc.

Optical
plug

to LINE IN
(OPTICAL)

POC-15B etc.
(not supplied)

POC-15AB etc.
(not supplied)

Portable CD
player, etc.

Optical
mini­plug

1 Insert a recordable MD and start

recording.
For recording operations, see
“Recording an MD right away !”
(page 6). To record from a portable
CD player, set the CD player to pause
and then start recording.

LINE IN (OPTICAL) jack is for both
digital and analog input

The recorder automatically recognizes the
type of line cable and switches to digital or
analog input.

To start/stop recording in
sync with the source player
(Synchro-recording)

You can easily make digital recordings of
a digital source on an MD.
Before synchro-recording, make
connections to the digital source with a
digital cable, and insert a recordable MD.

CD players,
etc.

SYNCHRO REC

1 Slide SYNCHRO REC to ON.

“SYNC” appears in the display.

SYNC

2 Press and slide REC to the right.

The recorder stands by for recording.

3 Play the source sound.

The recorder starts recording when it
receives the playing sound.

To stop recording, press p.

Notes

•You can make a digital recording only from an
optical type output.

•When recording from a portable CD player,
play it on AC power and disable the anti-skip
function (such as ESP*).

* Electronic Shock Protection

continued

11

z

•You cannot pause manually during
synchro-recording.

•When there is no sound from the player for
more than 3 seconds during synchro­recording, the recorder goes into the
standby mode automatically. When the
sound comes from the player again, the
recorder resumes synchro-recording. If the
recorder is kept in the standby mode for 5
minutes or longer, the recorder stops
automatically.

Notes

•Do not switch SYNCHRO REC after step 2.
Recording may not be done properly.

•When recording in monaural, follow steps 1
and 2 of “Recording in monaural for double
the normal recording time” (page 13) before
synchro-recording .

Recording from a
microphone

Connect a stereo microphone (ECM-717,
ECM-MS907, ECM-MS957, etc.; not
supplied) to the MIC (PLUG IN POWER)
jack.

Stereo microphone

to MIC
(PLUG IN
POWER)

MIC SENS (at the bottom)

1 Select the sensitivity with MIC SENS

(at the bottom of the recorder) .
Usually, set it to HIGH. When
recording loud sounds such as a live
concert, set it to LOW.

12

2 Insert a recordable MD and start

recording.
Press and slide REC to the right.
“REC” lights up and recording starts.
For other operations, see “Recording
an MD right away! ” (page 6).

Note

To record from a microphone, you must first
disconnect any digital source. If connected,
the recorder will not switch to microphone
input.

Recording in monaural
for double the normal
recording time

Adjusting the recording
level manually
(Manual recording)

For longer recordings, choose to record in
monaural. The recording time becomes
double the normal.

MODE

P

REC

1 While pressing P, press and slide

REC to the right.
The recorder stands by for recording.

2 Press MODE.

”Mono REC” appears in the display,
and the recorder switches to
monaural recording.
Press MODE again to record in
stereo.

3 Press P again to start recording.
4 Play the sound source.

To stop recording, press p.

The recorder switches back to stereo
recording when you record the next time.

When you record with an analog input,
the sound level is adjusted automatically.
If necessary, you can set the level
manually.

+

=

RECP

1 While holding down P, press and

hold REC to the right for more than 2
seconds.
“ManualREC” appears and the
recorder stands by for recording.
To return to the automatic control,
while the recorder is in standby
mode, press and hold REC to the
right again for more than 2 seconds.

Notes

•If you record a stereo source in monaural,
the sounds from left and right will be
mixed.

•You cannot record in monaural if
SYNCHRO REC is slid to ON.

•The MDs recorded in monaural can be
played back only with an MD player/
recorder that has the monaural playing
function.

2 Play the source.

continued

13

3 While observing the level meter in

the display, adjust the recording level
by pressing + (+) or = (–).
Set the level so that it hits the seventh
indicator from the bottom at
maximum input level.
.

Level meter

Volume decreases increases

Note

Adjust the recording level while the
recorder is in standby mode. You
cannot adjust it while recording.

4 Press P again to start recording.

To stop recording, press p.

The recording level control is switched back
to automatic control.

z

When you record with microphone input,
select the sensitivity with MIC SENS (page

12).

Checking the remaining
time or the recording
position

On the recorder

REC

DISPLAY

indicator

1 Press DISPLAY while recording or in

stop mode. Each time you press the
button, the display changes as
follows.

Position pointer (shows the
current location on the MD)

A

B

While recording

A

Elapsed time
Remaining time for

recording
Current time

1)

Appears only when the clock is set.

1)

B

Track number
Track number

Current date

1)

14

In stop mode

A

Elapsed time
Remaining time for

recording
Remaining time

B

Track number
Track name

Disc name

1)

1)

after the current
location

Current time

1)

Appears only if the track has been labeled.

2)

Appears only when the clock is set.

2)

Current date

2)

On the remote control

DISPLAY

1 Press DISPLAY while recording or in

stop mode. Each time you press the
button, the display changes as
follows.

In stop mode

A

Track number
Track number

Number of tracks

B

Elapsed time
Track name

Disc name

1)

1)

in the disc
—

1)

Appears only if the track has been labeled.

2)

Appears only when the clock is set.

Current time

2)

To know the recording condition

The REC indicator lights up or flashes
according to the recording condition.

Recording
condition

While recording

REC indicator

lights up
flashes according to
the loudness of the
source while
recording with a
microphone (voice

mirror)
Recording standby
Less than 3 minutes’

flashes

flashes slowly
recording time
available

A track mark has
been added

goes off

momentarily

BA

While recording

A

Track number
Track number

B

Elapsed time
Remaining time

for recording

—

1)

Appears only when the clock is set.

Current time

z

If you want to check the playing position or
track name while playing, see page 19.

1)

15

Setting the clock to
stamp the recorded
time

To stamp the date and time on the MD
when you record, you first need to set the
clock.

4 Press ( to enter the year.

The digit of the month flashes.

5 Repeat steps 3 and 4 to enter the

current month, date, hour, and
minute.
When you press ( to enter the
minute, the clock starts operating.

+

(

CLOCK SET
(at the bottom)

=

1 Connect the power source.

Use the supplied AC power adaptor.

2 Press CLOCK SET at the bottom of

the recorder.
Use a pointed object.
The digits of the year flash.

DATE

AM

If you make a mistake while
setting the clock

Press p, and set the clock again from step

2. You can skip a step by pressing (.

To display the current time

When the recorder is not operating or
while recording, press DISPLAY
repeatedly until the current time appears
in the display.

To display the time in the 24­hour system

While setting the clock, press DISPLAY.
To display the time in the 12-hour system,
press DISPLAY again.

Charging the built-in battery for the
clock

When you use the recorder for the first time
or after a long period of disuse, charge the
built-in battery. After setting the clock, leave
the recorder connected to the AC power for
about 2 hours to charge the built-in battery.
Once charged, the built-in battery should last
about a month without connecting to any of
the power sources. The recorder will
automatically charge the built-in battery while
connected to AC power, dry batteries or a
rechargeable battery.

3 Change the current year by pressing

= or +.
To change the digits rapidly, keep
pressing = or +.

16

zVarious ways of

playback

Selecting the track
number or track name
directly

You can select the desired track directly
by using the vertical jog dial.

Vertical jog dial

1 Rotate the jog dial to select a track,

and press it to play the selected track.

Rotate
to select.

When you rotate the jog dial, the
track name* appears in the display.
To play the selected track, press the
jog dial.

* If the track has not been labeled, only

the track number appears in the
display.

z

If you select a track in shuffle play mode,
shuffle play starts from the selected track.

Press
to play.

Playing tracks
repeatedly

You can play tracks repeatedly in three
ways — all repeat, single repeat, and
shuffle repeat.

MODE

PLAY
MODE

1 Press MODE (PLAY MODE on the

remote control) while the recorder is
playing an MD.
Each time you press the button, the
play mode indication changes as
follows.

Ex; Display on the main unit

1 SHUF

Play mode indication

Indication

none
(normal play)

“f”
(all repeat)

“f 1”
(single repeat)

“f

SHUF

(shuffle repeat)

Play mode

All the tracks are
played once.

All the tracks are
played repeatedly.

A single track is
played repeatedly.

All the tracks are

”

played repeatedly in
random order.

17

Emphasizing bass
(DIGITAL MEGA BASS)

Protecting your hearing
(AVLS)

Mega Bass function intensifies low
frequency sound for richer quality audio
reproduction. It affects only the sound
from the headphones.

DIGITAL MEGA BASS

1 Press DIGITAL MEGA BASS.

Each time you press DIGITAL MEGA
BASS, the Mega Bass indication
changes as follows.

Mega Bass indication

BASS

Indication

none
“BASS ”

“BASS ”

Notes

•If the sound becomes distorted when
emphasizing bass, turn down the volume.

•Mega Bass function does not affect the
sound being recorded.

•Mega Bass does not function when a line
cable is connected to the LINE OUT jack on
the recorder.

Play mode

Normal play
Mega Bass

(moderate effect)
Mega Bass (strong

effect)

The AVLS (Automatic Volume Limiter
System) function keeps down the
maximum volume to protect your ears.

AVLS

1 Set AVLS at the bottom of the

recorder to LIMIT.
When you try to turn the volume too
high, “AVLS” appears in the display.
The volume is kept to a moderate
level.

18

Checking the remaining
time or the playing
position

On the recorder

DISPLAY

On the remote control

DISPLAY

1 Press DISPLAY while playing.

Each time you press DISPLAY, the
display changes as follows.

1 Press DISPLAY while playing.

Each time you press DISPLAY, the
display changes as follows.

Position pointer (shows the
current location on the MD)

A

B

2)

B

Track number
Track name

Disc name

1)

1)

Recorded date

A

Elapsed time
Remaining time of

the current track
Remaining time

after the current
location

Recorded time

1)

Appears only if the track has been labeled.

2)

Appears only when the clock is set.

A

A

Track number
Track number
The number of

tracks in the disc

1)

Appears only if the track has been labeled.

2)

Appears only when the clock is set.

B

B

Elapsed time
Track name
Disc name

—

Recorded time

1)

1)

2)

z

If you want to check the remaining time or
the recording position while recording or in
stop mode, see page 14.

2)

19

Locking the controls
(HOLD)

Connecting to a stereo
system

To prevent the buttons from being
accidentally operated when you carry the
recorder, use this function.

HOLD

HOLD

1 Slide HOLD in the direction of the

c.
On the recorder, slide HOLD to lock
the controls of the recorder. On the
remote control, slide HOLD to lock
the controls of the remote control.

Slide HOLD in the opposite direction
of the arrow to unlock the controls.

Connect the LINE OUT jack of the
recorder to the LINE IN jacks of an
amplifier or a tape player with a line cable
(RK-G129 or RK-G136, not supplied). The
output is analog. The recorder plays the
MD digitally and sends analog signals to
the connected equipment.

Portable DAT
recorder

Stereo
mini-plug

RK-G136
(not
supplied)

to LINE OUT

Note

The Mega Bass does not function or will be
cancelled when the LINE OUT jack is
connected with a line cable.

Stereo
system, etc.

to LINE IN

R
(red)

2 phono plugs

L (white)

RK-G129
(not
supplied)

20

zEditing recorded tracks

You can edit your recordings by adding/
erasing track marks or labeling tracks and
MDs. Premastered MDs cannot be edited.

Notes on editing

•Do not move or jog the recorder while “Toc
Edit”* is flashing in the display.

•You cannot edit tracks on an MD that is
record-protected. Before editing tracks,
close the tab on the side of the MD.

*TOC = Table of Contents

Erasing tracks

To erase the whole disc

You can quickly erase all the tracks and
data of the MD at the same time.
Note that once a recording has been
erased, you cannot retrieve it. Be sure to
check the contents of the disc you want to
erase.

p

To erase a track

Note that once a recording has been
erased, you cannot retrieve it. Make sure
of the track you are erasing.

p

ERASE

1 Press ERASE while playing the track

you want to erase.
“Erase OK?” and “Push Erase”
appear in the display alternately, and
the recorder plays the selected track
repeatedly. To cancel erasing, press
p.

2 Check the track number in the

display and press ERASE again.
The track is erased from the MD and
the remaining tracks are renumbered.

To erase a part of a track

Add track marks at the beginning and the
end of the part you want to erase, then
erase the part.

ERASE

REC

1 In stop mode, keep pressing ERASE

and press and slide REC to the right.
"All Erase?" and "Push Erase" appear
in the display alternately. To cancel
erasing, press p.

2 Press ERASE again.

”Toc Edit” flashes in the display.
When erasing finishes, “BLANK
DISC” appears.

21

Adding a track mark

Erasing a track mark

You can add track marks so that the part
after the new track mark is counted as a
new track.
The track numbers will increase as
follows.

1234

12345

4

Track marking

.

Track numbers increase

T MARK

1 While playing or pausing an MD,

press T MARK on the recorder at the
point you want to mark.
“MARK ON” appears in the display,
and a track mark is added. The track
number will increase by one.

To add track marks while
recording

Press T MARK on the recorder or TRACK
MARK on the remote control.

Note

TRACK MARK on the remote control does
not function during playback.

When you record with analog (line) input,
unnecessary track marks may be recorded
where recording level is low. You can
erase a track mark to combine the tracks
before and after the track mark. The track
numbers will change as follows.

1234

.

123

Track numbers decrease

4

Erase a track mark

P

=

T MARK

1 While playing the track with the track

mark you want to erase, press P to
pause.

2 Find the track mark by pressing =

slightly.
For example, to erase the third track
mark, find the beginning of the third
track. “00:00” appears in the display.

3 Press T MARK to erase the mark.

“MARK OFF” appears in the display.
The track mark is erased and the two
tracks are combined.

z

When you erase a track mark, the date, time,
and name assigned to the mark are also
erased.

22

Moving recorded tracks

Labeling recordings

You can change the order of the recorded
tracks.

Before moving

Track A Track B Track C Track D

1234

Move track C

After
moving

Track A Track C Track B Track D

$

1234

TITLE/ENTER

from the third to
the second track.

(

p

Vertical jog dial

1 While playing the track you want to

move, keep pressing ( and press
TITLE/ENTER.
The recorder plays the selected track
repeatedly.
For the example above,
“MV003n003” appears in the
display.

2 Rotate the vertical jog dial to select

the new track position.
For the example above, rotate the jog
dial until “MV003n002” appears in
the display.
To cancel moving, press p.

3 Press TITLE/ENTER again.

Moving is completed and the
recorder plays the moved track.

z

You can also move the track by pressing the
jog dial in step 3.

You can label the MDs and tracks you
recorded with letters, numbers, and
marks. Each label can be made up of up to
200 characters, and each MD can hold up
to 1700 characters.

(

TITLE/ENTER

Vertical jog dial

=/+

p

ERASE

END SEARCH

VOLUME +/–

1 To label a track , play the track you

want to label.
To label an MD, insert the recordable
MD you want to label. If an MD is
already inserted, press p to stop.

2 Press TITLE/ENTER.

If you have selected a track in step 1
above, the recorder will play that
track repeatedly.
A cursor flashes in the display.

3 Use the vertical jog dial to select and

enter a character.

Rotate
to select.

Rotate the jog dial to select a
character, and press the jog dial to
enter the selected character. The
cursor shifts rightward and stands by
for the input of the next character.

Press
to enter.

continued

23

Press

(

=/+

END SEARCH
ERASE

p

To

Switch between capital
letters, small letters, and
marks/numbers.

Move the cursor to the
left or right.

Insert a space.
Delete a character.
Cancel labeling.

4 Repeat step 3 until you have entered

all the characters for the label.

5 Press TITLE/ENTER.

Labeling is completed.

To cancel labeling, press p.

Available characters

• Capital and small letters of the English
alphabet

• Numbers 0 to 9

• ! " # $ % & ( ) * + – . ; < = > ?
@ _ ` ' , / : _ (space)

To relabel recordings

Follow steps 1 and 2 to display the label
of the track or MD. Enter a new character
over the one you want to change, then
press TITLE/ENTER.

Notes

•You cannot relabel premastered MDs or

label MDs that have not been recorded.

•The recorder is able to display, but cannot

label using, Japanese “Katakana”
characters.

24

zPower sourceszPower sources

You can use the recorder on house current
or as follows.
In the recorder …
– a lithium ion rechargeable battery

(supplied)
With supplied battery case …
– dry batteries (not supplied)

It is preferable to use the recorder on
house current when recording for a long
time.

Using a lithium ion
rechargeable battery

Before using the supplied LIP-8 lithium
ion rechargeable battery for the first time,
charge it in the recorder.

1 Connect the supplied AC power

adaptor.

to wall outlet

AC power adaptor
(supplied)

to DC IN 6V

2 Insert the LIP-8 into the recorder and

close the lid.

Battery indication appears in the
display and charging starts.
When charging is completed, battery
indication disappears.

Charging time

80% Approx. 2 hours
100% Approx. 3 hours

(To charge a completely discharged battery)

z

You can use the recorder while charging.

Notes

•Be sure to use the supplied AC power
adaptor.

•Charging time may vary depending on the
battery condition.

25

Using dry batteries

1 Attach the supplied battery case.

2 Insert two LR6 (size AA) dry batteries

(not supplied).

Battery life

Batteries

LIP-8 lithium
ion

1)

Record­ing

Approx.
4 hours

2)

Playback

Approx.

7 hours
rechargeable
battery

Two LR6
(size AA)

-----

3)

Approx.

12 hours
Sony alkaline
dry batteries

LIP-8
+ Two LR6

-----

3)

Approx.

22 hours
(size AA)

1)

The battery life may be shorter due to
operating conditions and the temperature
of the location.

2)

When you record, use a fully charged
rechargeable battery.

3)

Recording time may differ according to the
alkaline batteries.

When to replace the batteries

When the dry batteries or rechargeable
battery are weak, flashing b or “LOW
BATT” appears in the display. Replace
the dry batteries or charge the
rechargeable battery.

26

z

Additional information

Precautions

On safety

Do not put any foreign objects in the DC
IN 6 V jack.

On power sources

• Use house current, lithium ion
rechargeable battery, two LR6 (size
AA) batteries, or car battery.

• For use in your house: Use the AC
power adaptor supplied with this
recorder. Do not use any other AC
power adaptor since it may cause the
recorder to malfunction.

Polarity of
the plug

• The recorder is not disconnected from
the AC power source (mains) as long
as it is connected to the wall outlet,
even if the recorder itself has been
turned off.

• If you are not going to use this recorder
for a long time, be sure to disconnect
the power supply (AC power adaptor,
dry batteries, rechargeable battery, or
car battery cord). To remove the AC
power adaptor from the wall outlet,
grasp the adaptor plug itself; never
pull the cord.

• For use in the car: Use the CPA-9 car
connecting pack and the DCC-E260 car
battery cord (not supplied).

On heat build-up

Heat may build up in the recorder if it is
used for an extended period of time. In
this case, leave the recorder turned off
until it cools down.

On installation

• Never use the recorder where it will be
subjected to extremes of light,
temperature, moisture or vibration.

• Never wrap the recorder in anything
when it is being used with the AC
power adaptor. Heat build-up in the
recorder may cause malfunction or
damage.

On the headphones

Road safety

Do not use headphones while driving,
cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle.
It may create a traffic hazard and is illegal in
many areas. It can also be potentially
dangerous to play your recorder at high
volume while walking, especially at
pedestrian crossings. You should exercise
extreme caution or discontinue use in
potentially hazardous situations.

Preventing hearing damage

Avoid using headphones at high volume.
Hearing experts advise against continuous,
loud and extended play. If you experience a
ringing in your ears, reduce the volume or
discontinue use.

Caring for others

Keep the volume at a moderate level. This
will allow you to hear outside sounds and to
be considerate of the people around you.

On the MiniDisc cartridge

• Do not break open the shutter.

• Do not place the cartridge where it will
be subject to light, extreme
temperatures, moisture or dust.

On cleaning

• Clean the recorder casing with a soft
cloth slightly moistened with water or
a mild detergent solution. Do not use
any type of abrasive pad, scouring
powder or solvent such as alcohol or
benzene as it may mar the finish of the
casing.

• Wipe the disc cartridge with a dry cloth
to remove dirt.

• Dust on the lens may prevent the unit
from operating properly. Be sure to
close the disc compartment lid after
inserting or ejecting an MD.

27

Notes on batteries

Incorrect battery usage may lead to
leakage of battery fluid or bursting
batteries. To prevent such accidents,
observe the following precautions:

• Install the + and – poles of the batteries
correctly.

• Do not install new and used batteries
or different kinds of batteries together.

• Do not try to recharge dry batteries.

• When the recorder is not to be used for
a long time, be sure to remove the
batteries.

• If a battery leak should develop,
carefully and thoroughly wipe away
battery fluid from the battery
compartment before inserting new
ones.

Note on mechanical noise

The recorder gives off mechanical noise
while operating, which is caused by the
power-saving system of the recorder and
it is not a problem.

To protect a recorded MD

To record-protect an MD, slide open the
tab at the side of the MD. In this position,
the MD cannot be recorded. To record
again, slide the tab back so the tab is
visible.

Note on digital recording

This recorder uses the Serial Copy
Management System, which allows only
first-generation digital copies to be made
from premastered software. You can only
make copies from a home-recorded MD
by using the analog (line out) connections.

CD player, MD
player, etc.

Digital recording

Home­recorded
MD

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

No
digital
recording

Recordable
MD

Back of the MD

28

Tab

Record-protect

Troubleshooting

Should any problem persist after you have made these checks, consult your nearest Sony
dealer.

Symptom

The recorder does not work
or works poorly.

No sound comes through
the headphones.

Cause/Solution

•Audio sources may not be securely connected.

b

Disconnect the audio sources once and connect
them again (pages 6,11).

•Moisture has condensed inside the recorder.

b

Take the MD out and leave the recorder in a
warm place for several hours until the moisture
evaporates.

•The rechargeable battery or dry batteries are weak
(b or “LOW BATT” flashes).

b

Charge the rechargeable battery or replace the
dry batteries (pages 25, 26).

•The rechargeable battery or dry batteries have been
installed incorrectly.

b

Install the batteries correctly (page 26).

•You pressed a button while the disc indication was
rotating quickly.

b

Wait until the indication rotates slowly.

•The recording volume is too low.

•When recording digitally from a portable CD player,
you did not use AC power or did not disable the
anti-skip function such as ESP (page 11).

•The analog recording was made using a connecting
cord with an attenuator.

b

Use a connecting cord without an attenuator
(page 6).

•The AC power adaptor was unplugged during
recording or a power outage occurred.

•While operating, the recorder received a mechanical
shock, too much static, abnormal power voltage
caused by lightning, etc.

b

Restart the operation as follows.

1 Disconnect all the power sources.
2 Leave the recorder for about 30 seconds.
3 Connect the power source.

•The headphones plug is not firmly connected.

b

Plug in the plug of the headphones firmly to the
remote control. Plug in the plug of the remote
control firmly to 2/REMOTE.

•Volume is too low.

b

Adjust the volume by pressing VOLUME +/–
(VOL +/– on the remote controller).

•AVLS is on.

b

Slide AVLS to NORM (page 18).

29

Symptom

An MD is not played from
the first track.

Playback sound skips.

Sound has a lot of static.

Cannot find the track
marks.

Charging the rechargeable
battery does not start.

The clock loses time or the
display flashes.
The recording date was not
stamped onto the disc.

The lid does not open.

Cause/Solution

•Disc playing stopped before it came to the last track.

b

Press = repeatedly or open and close the lid
once to go back to the beginning of the disc, and
restart playing after checking the track number in
the display.

•The recorder is placed where it receives continuous
vibration.

b

Put the recorder on a stable place.

•A very short track may cause sound to skip.

•Strong magnetism from a television or such device is
interfering with operation.

b

Move the recorder away from the source of strong
magnetism.

•You pressed P after pressing = or +.

b

Press P before pressing = or +.

•The rechargeable battery has been inserted
incorrectly or the AC power adaptor has been
connected incorrectly.

b

Insert the battery correctly or connect the AC
power adaptor correctly.

•The built-in battery for the clock is weak.

b

Connect the AC power adaptor to DC IN 6 V on
the recorder and the wall outlet to charge the
built-in battery. After charging, set the clock again
(page 16). Note that the clock normally loses
about 2 minutes per month.

•The power sources have been disconnected during
playback, or the batteries have been exhausted.

b

Set the power sources again, or replace the
exhausted batteries with new ones.

30

System limitations

The recording system in your MiniDisc recorder is radically different from those used in
cassette and DAT decks and is characterized by the limitations described below. Note,
however, that these limitations are due to the inherent nature of the MD recording system
itself and not to mechanical causes.

Symptom

“TR FULL” appears even
before the disc has reached the
maximum recording time (60 or
74 minutes).

“TR FULL” appears even
before the disc has reached the
maximum track number or
recording time.

Track marks cannot be erased.

The remaining recording time
does not increase even after
erasing numerous short tracks.

The total recorded time and the
remaining time on the disc may
not total the maximum
recording time (60 or 74
minutes).

The edited tracks may exhibit
sound dropout during search
operations.

Cause

When 254 tracks have been recorded on the disc,
“TR FULL” appears regardless of the total
recorded time. More than 254 tracks cannot be
recorded on the disc. To continue recording, erase
unnecessary tracks.

Repeated recording and erasing may cause
fragmentation and scattering of data. Although
those scattered data can be read, each fragment is
counted as a track. In this case, the number of
tracks may reach 254 and further recording is not
possible. To continue recording, erase
unnecessary tracks.

When the data of a track is fragmented, the track
mark of a fragment under 12 seconds long cannot
be erased. You cannot combine a track recorded in
stereo and a track recorded in monaural; nor can
you combine a track recorded with digital
connection and a track recorded with analog
connection.

Tracks of under 12 seconds in length are not
counted and so erasing them may not lead to an
increase in the recording time.

Recording is done in minimum units of 2 seconds
each, no matter how short the material. Even if
the last unit of recording is less than 2 seconds, it
is counted as a unit of 2 seconds. Then 2 seconds’
space is put before recording starts again to
prevent the last unit of the previous track from
being erased. The contents recorded may thus be
shorter than the maximum recording capacity.

The fragmentation of data may cause sound
dropout while searching because the tracks are
played in higher speed than normal playback.

31

Messages

If the following error messages flash in the display window, check the chart below.

Error message

BLANK DISC

DISC ERR

DISC FULL

Data Save

Toc Edit

BUSY

NAME FULL

Hi DC in

HOLD

LOW BATT

MEM OVER

Meaning/Remedy

•An MD with no recording on it is inserted.

b

Insert a recorded MD.

•The recorder cannot read the disc (it's scratched or dirty).

b

Reinsert or replace the disc.

•There is no more space to record on the disc (less than 12
seconds available).

b

Replace the disc.

•The MD player is recording information (sounds) from the
memory to the disk.

b

Wait until this process is completed. Do not expose the
player to any physical shock, nor disrupt power supply.

•The MD player is recording information (track start and end
position) from the memory to the disk.

b

Wait until this process is completed. Do not expose the
player to physical shock, nor disrupt power supply.

•You tried to operate the recorder while it was accessing the
recorded data.

b

Wait until the message goes out (in rare cases, it may take
2–3 minutes).

•You tried to enter more than 200 characters for a track or disc
name or the total characters entered in an MD is more than

1700.

b

Enter the characters within the limit.

•Voltage of the power supply is too high (The supplied AC
power adaptor or the recommended car battery cord is not
used).

b

Use the supplied AC power adaptor or the recommended
car battery cord.

•The recorder is locked.

b

Slide HOLD against the arrow to unlock the recorder
(page 20).

•Batteries are weak.

b

Charge the rechargeable battery or replace the dry
batteries (pages 25, 26).

•You tried to record when there is no indication in the display,
with the recorder placed where it receives continuous
vibration.

b

Put the recorder on a stable place, and start recording
again.

32

Error message

NO COPY

NO DISC

NO SIGNAL

P/B ONLY

PROTECTED

SORRY

TEMP OVER

TR FULL

TrPROTECT

Meaning/Remedy

•You tried to make a copy from a disc that is protected by the
Serial Copy Management System. You cannot make copies
from a digitally connected source which was itself recorded
using digital connection.

b

Use analog connection instead (page 6).

•You tried to play or record with no disc in the recorder.

b

Insert an MD.

•The recorder could not detect digital input signals.

b

Make sure that the source is connected firmly (page 11).

•You tried to record or edit on a premastered MD (P/B means
playback.)

b

Insert a recordable MD.

•You tried to record or edit on a MD with the tab in the record­protect position.

b

Slide the tab back (page 28).

•You tried to erase a track mark while playing the MD or at the
beginning of the first track.

•You tried to erase a track mark to combine tracks the recorder
cannot combine (caused by system limitation).

•Heat has built up in the recorder.

b

Let the recorder cool down.

•There is no more space for new data when you are editing the
MD.

b

Erase unnecessary tracks (page 21).

•You tried to record or edit on a track that is protected from
erasing.

b

Record or edit on other tracks.

33

Specifications

System

Audio playing system

MiniDisc digital audio system

Laser diode properties

Material: GaAlAs
Wavelength: λ = 780 nm
Emission duration: continuous
Laser output: less than 44.6 µW
(This output is the value measured at a
distance of 200 mm from the lens surface on
the optical pick-up block with 7 mm
aperture.)

Recording and playback time

Maximum 74 minutes (MDW-74, stereo
recording)
Maximum 148 minutes (MDW-74, monaural
recording)

Revolutions

400 rpm to 900 rpm (CLV)

Error correction

Advanced Cross Interleave Reed Solomon
Code (ACIRC)

Sampling frequency

44.1 kHz

Sampling rate converter

Input: 32 kHz/44.1 kHz/48 kHz

Coding

Adaptive TRansform Acoustic Coding
(ATRAC)

Modulation system

EFM (Eight to Fourteen Modulation)

Number of channels

2 stereo channels
1 monaural channel

Frequency response

20 to 20,000 Hz ± 3 dB

Wow and Flutter

Below measurable limit

Inputs

Microphone: stereo mini-jack, 0.22–0.78 mV
Line in: stereo mini-jack, 69–194 mV
Optical (Digital) in: optical (digital) mini-jack

Outputs

Headphones: stereo mini-jack, maximum
output level 5 mW+ 5 mW, load impedance
16 ohm
Line out: stereo mini-jack, 194 mV, load
impedance 10 kilohm

General

Power requirements

Sony AC Power Adaptor (supplied)
connected at the DC IN 6 V jack:

120 V AC, 60 Hz (US model)
230–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz (UK and Hong
Kong model)
240 V AC, 50/60 Hz (Australia and New

Zealand model)
Lithium ion rechargeable battery LIP-8
(supplied)
Two LR6 (size AA) alkaline batteries (not
supplied)

Battery operation time

See “Battery life” (page 26)

Dimensions

Approx. 109.5× 19.7 × 77 mm (w/h/d)

3

(4

/8 × 25/32 × 3 1/8 in.)

Mass

Approx. 190 g (6.8 oz) the recorder only
Approx. 240 g (8.5 oz) incl. a recordable MD,
and LIP-8 lithium ion rechargeable battery

Supplied accessories

AC power adaptor (1)
Headphones with a remote control (1)
LIP-8 lithium ion rechargeable battery (1)
Dry battery case (1)
Ear pads (2) (Except for U.S. model)
Carrying pouch (1)

34

Optional accessories

Lithium ion rechargeable battery LIP-8
Optical Cable

POC-151HG, POC-152HG, POC-MZ1,
POC-MZ2, POC-15B, POC-15AB, POC-

DA12SP
Line Cable RK-G129, RK-G136
Car Connecting Pack CPA-9
Car Battery Cord DCC-E260
Stereo Microphones ECM-717, ECM-MS907,
ECM-MS957
Stereo Headphones* MDR-series
Active Speakers SRS-A41, SRS-A91
Recordable MDs MDW-series
MiniDisc Carrying Case CK-MD4
MiniDisc Filing Box CK-MD10

Your dealer may not handle some of the
above listed accessories. Please ask the
dealer for detailed information about the
accessories in your country.

US and foreign patents licensed from Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

Design and specifications are subject to
change without notice.

* Whether you should plug the headphones

directly to 2/REMOTE on the main unit or
to a remote control, use only headphones
with stereo mini plugs.

stereo mini-plugs

What is an MD?

How MiniDisc works

MiniDisc (MD) comes in two types:
premastered (prerecorded) and
recordable (blank). Premastered MDs,
recorded at music studios, can be played
back almost endlessly. However, they
can't be recorded on or over like cassette
tapes. To record, you must use a
"recordable MD".

Premastered MDs

Premastered MDs are recorded and
played like regular CDs. A laser beam
focuses on the pits in the surface of the
MD and reflects the information back to
the lens in the recorder. The recorder then
decodes the signals and plays them back
as music.

Recordable MDs

Recordable MDs, which use magneto­optical (MO) technology, can be recorded
again and again. The laser inside the
recorder applies heat to the MD,
demagnetizing the magnetic layer of the
MD. The recorder then applies a magnetic
field to the layer. This magnetic field
corresponds exactly to the audio signals
generated by the connected source. (The
north and south polarities equate to
digital "1" and "0".) The demagnetized
MD adopts the polarity of the magnetic
field, resulting in a recorded MD.

35

How the MiniDisc got so small

The 2.5-inch MiniDisc, encased in a
plastic cartridge that looks like a 3.5-inch
diskette (see illustration above), uses a
new digital audio compression
technology called ATRAC (Adaptive
TRansform Acoustic Coding). To store
more sound in less space, ATRAC extracts
and encodes only those frequency
components actually audible to the
human ear.

Quick Random Access

Like CDs, MDs offer instantaneous
random access to the beginning of any
music track. Premastered MDs are
recorded with location addresses
corresponding to each music selection.
Recordable MDs are manufactured with a
“User TOC Area” to contain the order of
the music. The TOC (Table of Contents)
system is similar to the “directory
management system” of floppy disks. In
other words, starting and ending
addresses for all music tracks recorded on
the disc are stored in this area. This lets
you randomly access the beginning of any
track as soon as you enter the track
number (AMS), as well as label the
location with a track name as you would
a file on a diskette.

Shock-Resistant Memory

One major drawback of optical read
systems is that they can skip or mute
when subjected to vibration. The MD
system resolves this problem by using a
buffer memory that stores audio data.

User TOC Area

Contains the order and start/end
points of the music.

36

Music Data

Looking at the controls

See pages in ( ) for more details.

The recorder

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
!º
!¡ @∞
!™
!£
!¢

!∞
!§
!¶
!•
!ª
@º
@¡
@™
@£
@¢

@§
@¶
@•

1 Battery compartment (at the bottom)

(25)

2 MODE button (17)
3 DISPLAY button (14, 19)
4 CLOCK SET button (at the bottom)

(16)

5 MIC SENS switch (at the bottom) (12)
6 AVLS switch (at the bottom) (18)
7 DC IN 6V jack (at the rear) (6)
8 Display window (14, 19)
9 SYNCHRO REC (synchro-recording)

switch (11)

0 MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack (12)
!¡ LINE IN (OPTICAL) jack (6, 11)
!™ LINE OUT jack (20)
!£ DIGITAL MEGA BASS button (18)

!¢ 2 (headphones)/REMOTE jack (8)
!∞ REC indicator (14)
!§ Vertical jog dial (17, 23)
!¶ TITLE/ENTER button (23)
!• ( (play) button (7, 9)
!ª =/+ (search /AMS) button (7, 9)
@º p (stop) button (7, 9)
@¡ VOLUME +/– button (9)
@™ HOLD switch (20)
@£ ERASE button (21)
@¢ T MARK button (22)
@∞ END SEARCH button (7)
@§ REC (record) switch (7)
@¶ P (pause) button (7, 9)
@• OPEN button (6)

37

The display window

SYNC

1 Position pointer (14, 19)

Shows the current location on the MD.
The point under recording or playing
flashes. The recorded portion lights
up.

Current location

0% 50%

Recorded portion
Disc length

2 MONO (monaural) indication
3 Play mode indication

Shows the play mode of the MD.

4 Disc indication

Shows that the disc is rotating for
recording, playing or editing an MD.

5 SYNC (synchro-recording) indication
6 REC indication (7)

Lights up while recording. When
flashing, the recorder is in record
standby mode.

100%

AM
PM

MONO

BASS

1 SHUF

DATE REMAIN

REC

7 Level meter

Shows the volume of the MD being
played or recorded.

8 AM/PM indication (16)

Lights up along with the time
indication in the 12-hour system.

9 Mega bass indication (18)
0 Battery indication (25)

Shows battery condition.

!¡ REMAIN (remaining time/tracks)

indication (14, 19)
Lights up along with the remaining
time of the track, the remaining time
of the MD, or the remaining number
of tracks.

!™ REC DATE (recorded/current date)

indication
Lights up along with the date and
time the MD was recorded. When only
“DATE” lights up, the current date
and time are displayed.

!£ Time display (14, 19)

Shows the recorded time, current time,
elapsed time of the track or MD being
recorded or played.

!¢ Character information display (14, 19)

Displays the disc and track names,
date, error messages, track numbers,
etc.

38

The headphones with a remote
control

1

US model other models

2

3
4
5
6

7

8
9

1 Headphones

Can be replaced with optional

headphones.

2 Stereo mini-plug
3 p (stop) button (7,9)
4 Control (9)

To play, turn to (•+ during stop.

Turn to (•+ during play to search
the beginning of the succeeding track;
hold in this position to fast-forward.
Turn to = during play to search the
beginning of the preceeding track;
hold in this position to rewind.

5 HOLD switch (20)

Slide to lock the controls of the remote
control.

6 P (pause) button (7,9)
7 PLAY MODE button (17)
8 DISPLAY button (15, 19)
9 VOL (volume) +/– buttons (9)
!º TRACK MARK button (22)
!¡ Display window (15, 19)

For customers in the United States

Unfold the supplied headphones as
shown in the illustration below.

39

Sony Corporation Printed in Japan