Sony MZ-R700PC, MZ-R700DPC User Manual

3-223-666-12(1)

Portable MiniDisc
Recorder

Operating Instructions

MZ-R700/R700PC/R700DPC

©2000 Sony Corporation

WARNING

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

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

Do not install the appliance in
a confined space, such as a
bookcase or built-in cabinet.

Caution

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

Listening for many hours at
maximum volume may damage
your hearing.

CAUTION — INVISIBLE
LASER RADIATION WHEN
OPEN

AVOID EXPOSURE TO
BEAM

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.

For customers in the USA

Owner’s Record

The serial number is located at
the rear of the disc compartment
lid and the model number is
located at the top and 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.
Seria l No.

2

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.

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.

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

RECYCLING NICKEL­CADMIUM BATTERIES

Nickel-Cadmium
batteries are
recyclable. You
can help preserve
our environment
by returning your
unwanted batteries to your
nearest point for collection,
recycling or proper disposal.
Note: In some areas the
disposal of Nickel-Cadmium
batteries in household or
business trash may be
prohibited.
RBRC (Rechargeable Battery
Recycling Corporation) advises
you about spent battery
collection by the following
phone number.

Call toll free number: 1­800-822-8837 (United
States and Canada only)
Caution: Do not handle

damaged or leaking Nickel­Cadmium batteries.

3

For customers in Canada

To prevent electric shock, do not
use this polarized AC plug with
an extension cord, receptacle or
other outlet unless the blades
can be fully inserted to prevent
blade exposure.

For Customers in Australia

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

The C-Tick
mark on the

valid only for the products
marketed in Australia.

Certain countries may regulate
disposal of the battery used to
power this product.
Please consult with your local
authority.

Walk man i s

The CE mark on the
unit is valid only for
products marketed in
the European Union.

WALKMAN and are
trademarks of Sony
Corporation.

4

5

Table of contents

Looking at the controls ........................................................ 8

Getting started! ................................................................... 11

Recording an MD right away! ............................................ 14

Playing an MD right away! ................................................. 18

Various ways of recording

Two ways of connecting to a sound source ..........................................21

Recording with analog input (line cable required) ................................ 23

Recording for long times ....................................................................... 24

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

Recording without overwriting existing material ................................. 27

Recording from a microphone .............................................................. 28

Adjusting the recording level manually (Manual recording) ................ 29

Checking the remaining time or the recording position ........................ 31

Various ways of playback

Playing tracks repeatedly ...................................................................... 33

Emphasizing bass (DIGITAL MEGA BASS) ......................................35

Checking the remaining time or the playing position ...........................36

Protecting your hearing (AVLS) ........................................................... 37

Locking the controls (HOLD) ............................................................... 38

Connecting to a stereo system ............................................................... 39

Editing recorded tracks

Erasing tracks ........................................................................................ 41

Adding a track mark .............................................................................. 43

Erasing a track mark .............................................................................. 44

Moving recorded tracks ......................................................................... 45

Labeling recordings ...............................................................................47

Power sources

Battery life .............................................................................................50

.................................................................................................25

To erase a track ..............................................................................41

To erase the whole disc ................................................................. 42

6

Additional information

Precautions ............................................................................................ 51

Troubleshooting .................................................................................... 56

System limitations ................................................................................. 58

Messages ...............................................................................................60

Specifications ........................................................................................ 63

What is an MD? .................................................................................... 65

7

Looking at the controls

See pages in ( ) for more details.

The recorder

A

B
C

D
E

F
G

H

A REC MODE button (24)
B OPEN button (12)
C T MARK button (42)
D END SEARCH button (15)

(48)

E X (pause) button (15) (19)

(29) (44) (48)

F VOL +/– button (18) (48)
G DC IN 3V jack (11) (14)

(51)

H i (headphones) jack (12)

(39)

I REC (record) switch (15)

(23)

J <MENU, button (26)

(33) (42)

N (play) button (15) (18)
./> (search/AMS)

button (15) (19) (44)
x (stop)/CHARGE button
(11) (15) (18) (25)

K Display window (30)
L ENTER button (25) (33)

(41)

M Battery compartment (11)
N LINE IN (OPTICAL) jack

(14) (23)

O MIC (PLUG IN POWER)

jack (28)

P HOLD switch (12) (38)

MENU

I
J

K
L

M

N
O

P

8

The display window

AB

E

F

A Character information

G

H

display (32) (34)
Displays the disc and track
names, error messages, track
numbers, etc.

B Play mode indication (34)

Shows the play mode of the
MD.

C Time display
D Battery indication (50)

Shows approximate battery
condition.

E Mega bass indication (35)
F Level meter (30)

Shows the volume of the
MD being played or
recorded.

G Recording mode (LP2/LP4/

MONO) indication

H SYNC (synchro-recording)

indication

C

I

J

I REC indication (15)

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

J REC REMAIN/

REMAIN (remaining time/
tracks) indication (32) (36)
Lights up along with the
remaining time of the track,
the remaining time of the
MD, or the remaining
number of tracks.

K Disc indication

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

D

K

9

The remote control

A

F

B
C

D
E

A ./>/N (search/

AMS/play) •
>/. button (18) (31)
(33) (42) (48)

B x (stop) • ENTER button

(18) (31) (33) (42)

C X (pause) • CAPS button

(19) (44) (48)

D EDIT button (33) (41) (48)
E VOL +/–buttons (18) (48)

10

G

H

I

F Headphones/earphones

Can be replaced with
optional headphones/
earphones.

G HOLD switch (38)

Slide to lock the controls of
the remote control.

H T MARK button (42) (48)
I DELETE button (48)

Getting started!

Charge the rechargeable battery before using. Even if the
rechargeable battery is not charged, you can use the recorder as long
as the AC power adaptor is connected.

1

Insert the rechargeable
battery.

(Insert the rechargeable battery minus end first)

2

Charging the rechargeable
battery.

to a wall outlet

to DC IN 3V

1 Connect the supplied AC power adaptor.
2 Press CHARGE (x).

“Charging” flashes, e appears in the display, and
charging starts. When charging is completed, the battery
indication disappears.
Full charging of a completely discharged rechargeable
battery takes about 3 hours. To cancel charging, press
CHARGE (x).

3 Disconnect the supplied AC power adaptor.

CHARGE (x)

11

3

Make connections and
unlock the control.

HOLD

to i

1 Connect the supplied

headphones/earphones with
the remote control to i.

4

1

Insert an MD.

(Use a recordable MD for recording.)

Press OPEN to open the lid. 2 Insert an MD with the label

2 Slide HOLD in the opposite

direction of the arrow (.)
to unlock the controls.

side facing front, and press
the lid down to close.

12

Using on a dry battery

Insert one LR6 (size AA) alkaline dry battery (not supplied) instead
of the rechargeable battery.

Notes

• If you press CHARGE (x) immediately after charging has completed,
charging will begin again. If this happens, press CHARGE (x)

again to stop

the changing operation since the battery is already fully charged.

• Charging stops when you try to operate the recorder during charging.

• B

e sure to use the supplied AC power adaptor.

• Charging time may vary depending on the battery condition.

• When a rechargeable battery is charged for the first time or charged after a

long period of disuse, battery life may be shorter than usual. Repeat
discharging and recharging a few times. The battery life should return to
normal.

• When the battery life of a fully charged rechargeable battery becomes about
half the normal life, replace it.

• When carrying the rechargeable battery, keep it in the supplied battery
carrying case. It is dangerous to carry the battery out of the case in your
pocket or a bag together with metallic objects such as key rings, as this may
cause a short circuit.

• Remove the rechargeable battery from the recorder when it is not to be used
for a long time.

13

Recording an MD right away!

Connect to a digital source using an optical cable (supplied) to make
digital recordings. Digital recording is possible even from digital
equipment with different sampling rates, such as a DAT deck or a BS
tuner, using the built-in sampling rate converter. To record from an
analog source, see “Recording with analog input (line cable
required)” (page 23). To record from an MD, see “Note on digital
recording” (page 54).

Using the AC power adaptor (supplied) is recommended
for recording.

1

Make connections.

(Insert the cables firmly and completely
into the appropriate jacks.)

to a wall outlet

AC power adaptor
(supplied)

to DC IN 3V

∗ The supplied cable consists of one or the other of these cables.

The shape of the plugs on the supplied cable may differ,
depending on where the recorder was purchased.

CD player, MD
player, DVD
video player, etc.

Optical
plug

to LINE IN (OPTICAL)

to DIGITAL OUT
(OPTICAL)

Optical cable
(supplied)*

14

Portable CD
player, etc.

Optical
mini­plug

2

Record an MD.

END SEARCH

REC

x

1 Press and slide REC to the

right.

REC indication lights up in
the display and recording
starts.

To stop recording, press x.

After you press x, the recorder will automatically turn off after:

— about 5 minutes when using AC power adaptor.
— about 10 seconds when using batteries.

Notes

• “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.

• The lid does not open until “TOC Edit” disappears in the display.

To Press

Record from the end of the
previous recording

Record partway through the
previous recording

Pause X

1)

1)

2 Play the source you want to

record.

END SEARCH and then press and
slide REC.

N, > or . to find the start
point of recording and press x to
stop. Then press and slide REC.

2)

Press X again to resume recording.

15

To Pr ess

Remove the MD x and open the lid.3) (The lid does

not open while “TOC Edit”
flashing in the display.)

1)

By setting “REC-Posi” to “From End,” recording operations will always start
from the end of the previously recorded material (page 27).

2)

A track mark is added at the point where you press X again to resume
recording while pausing; thus the remainder of the track will be counted as a
new track.

3)

If you open the lid while “REC-Posi” is set to “From Here,” recording will
begin with the first track the next time you record. Check the point to start
recording on the display.

If the recording does not start

• Make sure the recorder is not locked (page 38).

• Make sure the MD is not record-protected (page 54).

• Premastered MDs cannot be recorded over.

For models supplied with the AC plug adaptor

If the AC power adaptor does not fit the wall outlet, use the AC plug adaptor.

Notes

• If the power supply is disrupted (i.e. the battery is removed or becomes
exhausted or the AC power adaptor is disconnected) during a recording or
editing operation, or while “TOC Edit” appears in the display, then it will not
be possible to open the lid until power is restored.

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

• When recording from a portable CD player, set the CD player to pause, and

then do the recording procedure on the recorder.

• Note the following when recording from a portable CD player:
—Some portable CD players may not be capable of digital out unless

powered by the AC power.

—Connect the AC power adaptor to the portable CD player and use it on AC

power as the power source.

—Disable any anti-skip function (such as ESP*) on the portable CD player.

∗ Electronic Shock Protection

16

z

• 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.

• The level of the recorded sound is adjusted automatically.

• You can monitor the sound during recording. Connect the supplied

headphones/earphones with remote control to i and adjust the volume by
pressing VOL +/–. This does not affect the recording level.

17

Playing an MD right away!

To use the recorder on a rechargeable battery or dry battery, see
“Power sources” (page 50).
When you operate the recorder with the supplied remote control, use
the buttons and control shown in parentheses.

1

1 Press N (flip the lever

To stop play, press x.

A long beep sounds in the headphones/earphones when you operate
on the remote control.
Playback starts from the point you last stopped playing.

After you press x, the recorder will automatically turn off after:

Play an MD.

N

x

VOL +/–

towards >/N).

A short beep sounds in the
headphones/earphones when
you operate on the remote
control.

— about 5 minutes when using AC power adaptor.
— about 10 seconds when using batteries.

>/N

2 Press VOL +/– to adjust the

volume.

The volume will be shown in
the display.

x

VOL +/–

18

To Press (Beeps in the headphones/

earphones

Find the beginning of
the current track

Find the beginning of
the next track

. once (flip the lever towards .).
(Three short beeps)

> once (flip the lever towards >/
N). (Two short beeps)

2)

)

Pause X (Continuous short beeps)

Press X again to resume play.

Go backwards while

1)

playing
Go forward while

1)

playing
Remove the MD x (a long beep) and open the lid.

1)

To go backward or forward quickly without listening, press X and hold down
. or > (flip and hold the lever towards . or >/N on the remote
control).

2)

You can turn off the beep sound (page 39).

3)

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

hold down . (flip and hold the lever
towards .).

hold down > (flip and hold the lever
towards >/N).

3)

19

G-PROTECTION function

The G-PROTECTION function has been developed to provide excellent
protection against sound skipping during many active uses. This function
provides a higher level of shock protection during playback than the traditional
one.

If the play does not start

Make sure the recorder is not locked (page 38).

z

Playback will switch automatically to match the recording mode of the
material (stereo, LP2, LP4, or monaural).

Notes

• To prevent recorder malfunction, do not use a remote control that was
supplied with another Sony portable MD model.

• Sound may skip if:

—the recorder receives stronger continuous shock than expected.
—a dirty or scratched MiniDisc is played.

20

Various 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 (optical) input or analog (line) input. To record,
see “Recording an MD right away!” (page 14) to record using digital
(optical) input, and “Recording with analog input (line cable
required)” (page 23) to record using analog (line) input.

Difference between digital (optical) and analog
(line) inputs

Difference Digital (optical) input Analog (line) input

Connectable
source

Usable cord Optical cable (with an

Signal from
the source

Equipment with a digital
(optical) output jack

optical or an optical-mini
plug) (page 14)

Digital Analog

Equipment with an
analog (line) output
jack

Line cable (with 2
phono plugs or a
stereo-mini plug)
(page 23)

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

21

Difference Digital (optical) input Analog (line) input

Recorded track
numbers

Marked (copied)
automatically

• at the same positions as
the source (when the
sound source is a CD or
an MD).

• after more than 2
seconds of blank or low­level segment (with a
sound source other than
CD or MD).

• when the recorder is

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 44).
paused during synchro­recording (the recorder
pauses automatically
when it encounters a
section with no audio
signal for 3 seconds or
more).

You can erase
unnecessary marks after
recording. (“Erasing a
track mark”, page 44).

Recorded
sound level

Same as the source.
Can also be adjusted
manually (Digital REC
level control) (“Adjusting
the recording level
manually (Manual
recording)”, page 29).

Note

Track marks may be copied incorrectly:

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

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

• when recording BS or CS programs through digital (optical) input.

Adjusted
automatically. Can
also be adjusted
manually (“Adjusting
the recording level
manually (Manual
recording)”, page 29).

22

Recording with analog input (line cable required)

The sound will sent from the connected equipment as analog signal
but will be recorded digitally on the disc.

Line cable
(RK-G129,
not supplied)*

to LINE IN
(OPTICAL)

∗ Use the connecting cords without an attenuator. To

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

L (white)

R (red)

CD player,
cassette recorder,
etc.

to LINE OUT

1 Press and slide REC to the right.

REC indication lights up in the display and recording starts.

2 Play the source you want to record.

For recording operations, see “Recording an MD right away!”
(page 14). 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.

Note

If you temporarily stop a recording operation by pressing X, a track mark will
be added at that point when you press X again to resume recording. The
recording continues from on a new track.

23

Recording for long times

Select each recording mode according to the recording time that you
want.
Stereo recording is possible at 2 times (LP2) or 4 times (LP4) the
normal recording time.
MDs recorded in monaural, LP2, or LP4 mode can be played back
only on MD players or recorders with a monaural, LP2, or LP4
playback mode.
Audio components that support the LP2 or LP4 modes are indicated
by the or logo marks.

REC MODE

REC

1 Press REC MODE repeatedly to select the desired recording

mode.
Each time you press REC MODE, the display changes as

follows.

Recording mode

1)

Display Recording time

3)

Stereo (normal) (none) Approx. 80 min.
LP2 stereo LP2 Approx. 160 min.
LP4 stereo LP4 Approx. 320 min.
Monaural

1)

For better sound quality, record in normal stereo or LP2 mode.

2)

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

3)

When using an 80-minute recordable MD

2)

MONO Approx. 160 min.

2 Press and slide REC to the right.

24

3 Play the sound source.

To stop recording, press x.

The recorder remains the previous setting of the recording mode
when you record the next time.

Notes

• It is recommended that you use the supplied AC power adaptor for long
recordings.

• If you try to play an MD recorded in LP2 or LP4 on MD players or recorders
that do not support these modes, playback will not start and “LP:” will appear
on the display.

• Sound recorded through digital (optical) input can be monitored in stereo
through headphones/earphones, etc.

• When you record in LP4 mode, momentary noise may be produced on very
rare occasions with certain sound sources. This is because of the special
digital audio compression technology that enables a recording time 4 times
longer than normal. If noise is produced, it is recommended that you record
in normal stereo or LP2 mode to obtain better sound quality.

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.

REC

<MENU,

ENTER

1 Press ENTER while the recorder is stopped.

CD players,
etc.

continued

25

2 Press <MENU, repeatedly until “SYNC REC” flashes in the

display, and then press ENTER.

SYNC REC

SYNC indicator

“SYNC” does not appear if optical cable is not connected to the
recorder.

3 Press <MENU, repeatedly until “SYNC ON” flashes in the

display, and then press ENTER.

4 Press and slide REC to the right.

The recorder stands by for recording.

5 Play the source sound.

The recorder starts recording when it receives the playing sound.

To stop recording, press x.

z

• You cannot pause manually during synchro-recording.

• When there is no sound from the player for more than 3 seconds during

synchro-recording, the recorder goes into the standby mode automatically.
When the sound comes from the player again, the recorder resumes synchro­recording. If the recorder is kept in the standby mode for 5 minutes or longer,
the recorder stops automatically.

• For longer recording, follow step 1 of “Recording for long times” (page 24)
to select the recording mode, and then do the procedure of synchro­recording.

Notes

• Do not change SYNC REC setting while recording. Recording may not be
done properly.

• Even when there is no recorded sound on the sound source, there may be
cases when recording does not pause automatically during synchro-recording
due to the noise level emitted from the sound source.

• If a silent portion is encountered for 2 seconds or more during synchro­recording from a sound source other than a CD or an MD, a new track mark
is automatically added at the point where the silent portion ends.

26

• Synchro-recording cannot be done if the connecting cord is not an optical
cable, or if the cable is connected to the MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack.

• You cannot manually change the recording mode or the recording level
during synchro-recording.

Recording without overwriting existing material

If you wish to avoid overwriting the current contents of an MD, do
the following procedure. All new material will then be recorded from
the end of the current contents.

<MENU,

ENTER

1 While the recorder is stopped, press ENTER.
2 Press <MENU, repeatedly until “REC-Posi” flashes in the

display, and then press ENTER.

3 Press <MENU, repeatedly until “From End” flashes in the

display, and then press ENTER.

To start recording from the current point

Select “From Here” in step 3.

27

Recording from a microphone

Connect a stereo microphone (ECM-717, ECM-MS907, ECM­MS957, etc.; not supplied) to the MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack.

REC

<MENU,

to MIC (PLUG IN POWER)

ENTER

Stereo
microphone

1 Insert a recordable MD and then press and slide REC to the right.

For other operations, see “Recording an MD right away!”
(page 14).

Notes

• You cannot record through the microphone while an optical cable is
connected to the LINE IN (OPTICAL) jack. The recorder automatically
switches input in the following order; optical input, microphone input, and
analog input.

• The microphone may pick up the operating sound of the recorder itself. Use
the microphone away from the recorder in such cases.

28

Adjusting the recording level manually (Manual recording)

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

Note

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

X

<MENU,

REC

ENTER

1 While holding down X, press and slide REC to the right.

The recorder stands by for recording.

2 Press ENTER, press <MENU, repeatedly until

“RecVolume” flashes in the display, and then press ENTER
again.

3 Press <MENU, repeatedly until “ManualREC” flashes in the

display, and then press ENTER.

ManualRec

To switch back to the automatic control, Press <MENU,
repeatedly until “Auto REC” flashes in the display, and then
press ENTER.

4 Play the source.

continued

29

5 While observing the level meter in the display, adjust the

recording level by pressing <MENU,.
Set the level so that the level meter reaches around (–12 dB)

mark above the display window.
If the sound is too high, lower the recording level until the level
meter just barely reaches the (OVER) mark above the display
window.

Volume decreases increases

<,

REC +

–12 dB

Recording does not start in this step.
If your source is an externally connected component, be sure to
cue the source to the beginning of the material to be recorded
before you start playback.

OVER

6 Press X again to start recording.

To stop recording, press x.

The recording level control is switched back to automatic control when you
record the next time.

Notes

• The recording level cannot be adjusted while recording is in progress. If you
want to adjust the recording level after you have started the recording, press
X to pause the recorder. Then do the procedure from step 5.

• You cannot adjust the recording level manually during synchro-recording.

30

Checking the remaining time or the recording position

You can check the remaining time, track number, etc. when recording
or during stop.
When you operate the recorder with the supplied remote control, use
the buttons and controls shown in parentheses.

<MENU,

ENTER

>/.

EDIT

ENTER

1 While the recorder is recording or stopped, press ENTER (EDIT

for 2 seconds or more), press <MENU, (flip the lever
towards > or .) repeatedly until “DISPLAY” flashes in
the display, and then press ENTER (ENTER) again.

2 Press <MENU, (flip the lever towards > or .)

repeatedly until the information you want flashes in the display.
Each time you press MENU, (flip the lever towards .), the

display changes as follows.

continued

31

Display window

A

B

On A

LapTime

The elapsed time of the current track.
r

RecRemain

1)

The remaining recordable time.
r

AllRemain

The remaining time after the current location.

1)

“REC REMAIN” begins flashing in the display when the remaining time on

the disc reaches 3 minutes or less.

2)

Appears only when the recorder is stopped.

2)

3 Press ENTER (ENTER).

The information selected in step 2 appears in A and B.
A — track number, track name3), or disc name4).
B — the information selected in step 2.

3)

Appears only when “RecRemain” is selected while the recorder is in stop

mode and the track is labeled.

4)

Appears only when “AllRemain” is selected while the recorder is in stop

mode, and the disc is labeled.

z

If you want to check the playing position or track name while playing, see
page 36.

32

Various ways of playback

When you operate the recorder with the supplied remote control, use
the buttons and controls shown in parentheses.

Playing tracks repeatedly

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

<MENU,

ENTER

>/.

EDIT

ENTER

1 While the recorder is playing or stopped, press ENTER (EDIT

for 2 seconds or more), press <MENU, (flip the lever
towards > or .) repeatedly until “PLAY MODE” flashes
in the display, and then press ENTER (ENTER) again.

2 Press <MENU, (flip the lever towards > or .)

repeatedly to select the play mode, and then press ENTER
(ENTER).

Each time you press MENU, (flip the lever towards .), the
display item indicated by A changes as follows.
Pressing ENTER (ENTER) while A is flashing causes the play
mode to change.
The new mode then appears in the window indicated by B.

continued

33

Display window

A

Shuf.Rep

B

On A/B
Normal/(none)

All the tracks are played once.
r
AllRepeat/
All the tracks are played repeatedly.
r
1 Repeat/
A single track is played repeatedly.
r
Shuf.Rep/
After the currently selected track finishes playing, the
remaining tracks are played repeatedly in random order.

34

Emphasizing bass (DIGITAL MEGA BASS)

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

<MENU,

ENTER

>/.

EDIT

ENTER

1 Press ENTER (EDIT for 2 seconds or more), press <MENU,

(flip the lever towards > or .) repeatedly until “BASS”
flashes in the display, and then press ENTER (ENTER) again.

2 Press <MENU, (flip the lever towards > or .) to

select the item, and then press ENTER (ENTER).
Each time you press MENU, (flip the lever towards .), A

and B change as follows.

Display window

A

Bass 2

B

continued

35

On A/B
BASS OFF/(none)

Normal play
r
BASS 1/
Mega Bass (moderate effect)
r
BASS 2/
Mega Bass (strong effect)

Notes

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

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

BASS

BASS

Checking the remaining time or the playing position

You can check the track name, disc name, etc. during playback.

1 While the recorder is playing, follow steps 1 and 2 of “Checking

the remaining time or the recording position” (page 31).
The display changes as follows.

On A

LapTime

The elapsed time of the current track.
r

1 Remain

The remaining time of the current track.
r

AllRemain

The remaining time after the current location.

36

2 Press ENTER (ENTER).

The display changes as follows.
The information selected in step 2 appears in A and B.

A — track number, track name
B — the information selected in step 2.

1)

Appears only when “1 Remain” is selected and the track is labeled.

2)

Appears only when “AllRemain” is selected while the recorder is in stop

mode, and the disc is labeled.

z

If you want to check the remaining time or the recording position while
recording or in stop mode, see page 31.

1)

, or disc name2).

Protecting your hearing (AVLS)

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

<MENU,

ENTER

>/.

EDIT

ENTER

1 Press ENTER (EDIT for 2 seconds or more), press <MENU,

(flip the lever towards > or .) repeatedly until “AV L S ”
flashes in the display, and then press ENTER (ENTER) again.

2 Press <MENU, (flip the lever towards > or .)

repeatedly until “AVL S O N” flashes in the display, and then
press ENTER (ENTER).

When you try to turn the volume too high, “AV L S ” flashes in the
display. The volume is kept to a moderate level.

37

To cancel AVLS

Select “AV L S O FF” in step 2.

Locking the controls (HOLD)

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

HOLD

HOLD

1 Move HOLD in the direction of the ..

To unlock the controls

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

38

Connecting to a stereo system

Connect the i jack of the recorder to the LINE IN jacks of an
amplifier or a tape recorder 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 externally connected
equipment.

RK-G136
(not supplied)

Stereo
mini-plug

Portable DAT
recorder, etc.

R (red)

to i

RK-G129
(not supplied)

When the recorder is connected to an another
audio component through the supplied remote
control.

When connecting a line cable (not supplied) to the headphones/
earphones jack of the remote control, be sure to set the “BEEP”
setting to “BEEP OFF.” This keeps the beep sound out of the
recorded signal or the output from the externally connected
equipment.

L (white)

2 phono plugs

to LINE IN

Stereo system,
etc.

1 Press ENTER, press <MENU, repeatedly until “BEEP”

flashes in the display, and then press ENTER again.

2 Press <MENU, repeatedly until “BEEP OFF” flashes in the

display, and then press ENTER.

To turn on the beep sound

Select “BEEP ON” in step 2.

39

Notes

• Even when connecting to the externally connected equipment, the Mega Bass
function is operative. If you do not want the effect of the Mega Bass function
on your recording or the output from the externally connected equipment, set
“BASS” to “BASS OFF” (page 35).

• When recording to an externally connected equipment, press VOL +
repeatedly to raise the volume level to maximum, which is optimum for
recording to an externally connected equipment. If, however, this level
produces distortion in the recording, press VOL – several times to lower the
level (to that shown in the illustration below).

VOL +

40

Editing 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 (page 54).

• If you perform an editing operation while playing, be sure not to turn the
power off until “TOC Edit” disappears in the display.

• The lid does not open until “TOC Edit” disappears in the display after
editing.

∗ TOC = Table of Contents

When you operate the recorder with the supplied remote control, use
the buttons and controls shown in parentheses.

Erasing tracks

T MARK

<MENU,

T MARK

ENTER

>/.

EDIT

ENTER

To erase a track

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

1 While playing the track you want to erase, press ENTER (EDIT

for 2 seconds or more).

continued

41

2 Press <MENU, (flip the lever towards > or .)

repeatedly until “EDIT” flashes in the display, and then press
ENTER (ENTER) again.

“ :Name” flashes in the display, and the recorder plays the
selected track repeatedly.

3 Press <MENU, (flip the lever towards > or .)

repeatedly until “ :Erase” flashes in the display, and then
press ENTER (ENTER).

“Erase OK?” and “PushENTER” appear alternately in the
display.
To cancel erasing, press T MARK (T MARK).

4 Press ENTER (ENTER) again.

The track is erased and the next track starts to play. All the tracks
after the one erased are automatically 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 (page 43).

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.

1 While the recorder is stopped, press ENTER (EDIT for 2 seconds

or more).

2 Press <MENU, (flip the lever towards > or .)

repeatedly until “EDIT” flashes in the display, and then press
ENTER (ENTER) again.

“ :Name” flashes in the display.

42

3 Press <MENU, (flip the lever towards > or .)

repeatedly until “ :Erase” flashes in the display, and then
press ENTER (ENTER).

“All Erase?” and “PushENTER” appear alternately in the
display.
To cancel erasing, press T MARK (T MARK).

4 Press ENTER (ENTER) again.

“TOC Edit” flashes in the display, and all the tracks will be
erased.
When erasing is complete, “BLANKDISC” appears in the
display.

Adding 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.

Add a track mark

1 3 42

231 4 5

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 at the point you want to add a track
mark.

43

Notes

• You cannot add track marks during synchro-recording.

• T MARK on the remote control does not function during playback.

Erasing a track mark

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.

Erase a track mark

1 3 42

1 32

Track numbers decrease

T MARK

X

.

X

T MARK

.

1 While playing the track with the track mark you want to erase,

press X 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.
“MARK” appears in the display for 2 seconds.

44

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, name assigned to the mark is also erased.

Moving recorded tracks

You can change the order of the recorded tracks.

Example

Move track C from the third to the second track.

Before moving

A C DB

A B DC

After moving

T MARK

<MENU,

EDIT

ENTER

ENTER

T MARK

>/.

1 While playing the track you want to move, press ENTER (EDIT

for 2 seconds or more).

continued

45

2 Press <MENU, (flip the lever towards > or .)

repeatedly until “EDIT” flashes in the display, and then press
ENTER (ENTER) again.

“ :Name” flashes in the display and the recorder plays the
selected track repeatedly.

3 Press <MENU, (flip the lever towards > or .)

repeatedly until “ :Move” flashes in the display, and then
press ENTER (ENTER).

For the example above, “MV 003 t 003” appears in the display.

4 Press <MENU, (flip the lever towards > or .) to

select the destination track number.
For the example above, “MV 003 t 002” appears in the display.

To cancel moving, press T MARK (T MARK).

5 Press ENTER (ENTER) again.

The track moves to the selected destination track.

46

Labeling recordings

You can name discs while the recorder is stopped, tracks while the
recorder is playing, and both while the recorder is recording. Each
name can be as long as 200 letters.
Each disc can hold up to 1700 alphanumeric letters during playback
or stop.

Available characters

• Capital and small letters of the English alphabet

• Numbers 0 to 9

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

• !

T MARK

END SEARCH

VOL +/–

VOL +/–

DELETE

T MARK

Labeling a disc during stop

<MENU,

ENTER

EDIT

CAPS

ENTER

>/.

1 Press ENTER (EDIT for 2 seconds or more), press <MENU,

(flip the lever towards > or .) repeatedly until “EDIT”
flashes in the display, and then press ENTER (ENTER) again.

“ :Name” flashes in the display.

continued

47

2 Press ENTER (ENTER).

The disc is ready to be labeled.

3 Press <MENU, (flip the lever towards > or .)

repeatedly to select a letter and press ENTER (ENTER).
The selected letter stops flashing and the cursor moves to the

next input position.

Press To

X (CAPS) Switch between capital letters, small

VOL +/– (VOL +/–) Move the cursor to the left or right.
<MENU,

(> or .)
END SEARCH/VOL +

(EDIT)
END SEARCH/VOL –

(DELETE)

T MARK (T MARK) Cancel labeling.

letters and marks / numbers.

Change the letter to the one before / next
one.

Insert a blank space to type in a new
letter pressing both buttons together.

Delete a letter and move back all
following letters to the left pressing both
buttons together.

4 Repeat step 3 and enter all characters of the label name.

To cancel labeling, press T MARK (T MARK).

5 Press ENTER (ENTER) for 2 seconds or more.

The track or disc is labeled.

Labeling a track during playback

1 Insert a disc and play the track you want to label.
2 Press ENTER (EDIT for 2 seconds or more), press <MENU,

(flip the lever towards > or .) repeatedly until “EDIT”
flashes in the display, and then press ENTER (ENTER) again.

“ :Name” flashes in the display.

3 Press ENTER (ENTER).

The track is ready to be labeled.

48

4 Follow steps 3 to 5 of “Labeling a disc during stop”.

Labeling a track or a disc during recording

1 While recording, press ENTER (EDIT for 2 seconds or more).
2 Press <MENU, (flip the lever towards > or .)

repeatedly until “EDIT” flashes in the display, and then press
ENTER (ENTER) again.

“ :Name” flashes in the display.

3 To label a track, press ENTER (ENTER) again.

To label a disc, press <MENU, (flip the lever towards >
or .) repeatedly until “ :Name” flashes in the display,
then press ENTER (ENTER).
The track or disc is ready to be labeled.

4 Follow steps 3 to 5 of “Labeling a disc during stop”.

To cancel labeling

Press T MARK (T MARK).

Notes

• When the recording is stopped while labeling a track or a disc during
recording, or when the recording moves on to the next track while labeling a
track, the input at that point is entered automatically.

• “LP:” is automatically added at the beginning of track names for tracks
recorded in LP2 or LP4 mode.

Relabeling recordings

Follow the steps corresponding to the labeling method until the disc
or track is ready to be labeled. Enter a new character over the one you
want to change, then press ENTER (ENTER) for 2 seconds or more.

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.

• The recorder cannot rewrite a disc or track name of more than 200 letters that
was created by another device.

49

Power sources

You can use the recorder on house current or as follows.
In the recorder …

— a Nickel Cadmium rechargeable battery NC-WMAA (supplied)
— an LR6 (size AA) alkaline dry battery (not supplied)

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

Battery life

1)

(Unit: approx.hours) (JEITA2))

Batteries Stereo LP2 LP4

NC-WMAA Nickel Cadmium
rechargeable battery

3)

LR6 (SG)
Sony alkaline dry battery

1)

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

2)

Measured value by the standard of JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information
Technology Industries Association).

3)

When using a 100% fully charged rechargeable battery.

4)

When using a Sony LR6 (SG) “STAMINA” alkaline dry battery (produced in
Japan).

Recording 4 6 7.5

Playback 13 14.5 18

Recording 9 13 16

4)

Playback 40 46 53

When to replace the battery

When the dry battery or rechargeable battery is weak, flashing r,
“LOW BATT,” etc. appears in the display. Replace the dry battery or
charge the rechargeable battery.
Note that the battery level indicated by the battery indication is only
approximate and varies with the recorder condition.

Note

Stop the recorder before replacing battery.

50

Additional information

Precautions

On safety

Do not put any foreign objects in the DC IN 3V jack.

On power sources

• Use house current, Nickel Cadmium rechargeable battery, LR6 (size AA)
battery, 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 battery, 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.

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.

51

On the headphones/earphones

Road safety

Do not use headphones/earphones 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/earphones 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

• When carrying or storing the MiniDisc, keep it in its case.

• Do not break open the shutter.

• Do not place the cartridge where it will be subject to light, extreme

temperatures, moisture or dust.

• Attach the supplied MD label only in the space designated for it on the disc.
Do not stick it on any other disc surface.

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.

• To obtain the best sound quality, use a dry cloth to wipe the plugs of the
headphones/earphones or the remote control. Dirty plugs may cause sound
distortion or intermittent breaks in the sound.

52

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 try to recharge dry battery.

• 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.

On the lid of the battery compartment

The lid of the battery compartment is designed to detach from the main unit
when handled with great force. To reattach the lid to the main unit, follow the
steps below:

Slots

1

2

1 Place the lid so that the

projections on the lid aligned
with the slots on the main unit.

Projections

2 Fit the projection one by one

into the slot as shown in the
illustration.

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.

53

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 or edited. To record again, slide the tab
back so the tab is visible.

Back of the MD

Ta b

Recorded materia l
is protected.

Note on digital recording

This recorder uses the Serial
Copy Management System,
which allows only first­generation digital copies to
be made from premastered
software. You can only
make copies from a home­recorded MD by using the
analog connections.

Premastered software such
as CDs or MDs.

Home­recorded
MD

Recorded material
is not protected.

Digital recording

No
digital
recording

Recordable
MD

54

If you have any questions or
problems concerning your
recorder, please consult
your nearest Sony dealer. (If
a trouble occurred when the
disc was in the recorder, we
recommend that the disc be
left in the recorder when
you consult your Sony
dealer so that the cause of
trouble may be better
understood.)

Microphone, record player, tuner, etc.
(with analog output jacks).

Analog recording

Home-recorded MD

Digital recording

Recordable
MD

No
digital
recording

Recordable
MD

55

Troubleshooting

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

The recorder does not work or works poorly.

• Audio sources may not be firmly connected.

— Disconnect the audio sources once and connect them again

(pages 14, 23).

• The HOLD function is turned on (“HOLD” appears in the display
when you press an operation button on the recorder).
— Disable HOLD by moving the HOLD switch in the opposite

direction of the arrow (pages 12, 38).

• Moisture has condensed inside the recorder.
— Take the MD out and leave the recorder in a warm place with the

lid open for several hours until the moisture evaporates.

• The rechargeable battery or dry battery is weak (r or “LOW
BATT” flashes).

— Charge the rechargeable battery or replace the dry battery

(page 50).

• The rechargeable battery or dry battery have been inserted
incorrectly.
— Insert the battery correctly (page 11).

• You pressed a button while the disc indication was rotating quickly.
— Wait until the indication rotates slowly.

• The analog recording was made using a connecting cord with an
attenuator.
— Use a connecting cord without an attenuator (page 23).

• While operating, the recorder received a mechanical shock, too
much static, abnormal power voltage caused by lightning, etc.
— 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 disc is damaged or does not contain proper recording or editing
data.

— Reinsert the disc. If this fails, rerecord.

56

“NO SIGNAL” appears in the display when recording from
a portable CD player.

• There is no digital signal from the portable CD player.

— When recording digitally from a portable CD player, use AC

power adaptor and disable the anti-skip function (such as ESP)
on the CD player (page 16).

There is no recording after a recording operation.

• The AC power adaptor was unplugged or a power outage occurred

during recording.

The lid does not open.

• The power sources have been disconnected during recording or

editing, or the battery have been exhausted.
— Set the power sources again, or replace the exhausted battery

with new ones.

No sound comes through the headphones/earphones.

• The headphones/earphones plug is not firmly connected.

— Plug in the plug of the headphones/earphones firmly to the

remote control. Plug in the plug of the remote control firmly to
i.

• Volume is too low.

— Adjust the volume by pressing VOL +/–.

Volume cannot be turned up.

• AVLS is on.

— Set AVLS to “AV LS O F F” (page 37).

An MD is not played from the first track.

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

— Press . repeatedly to go back to the beginning of the disc,

and restart playing after checking the track number in the
display.

Playback sound skips.

• The recorder is placed where it receives continuous vibration.

— Put the recorder on a stable place.

• A very short track may cause sound to skip.

Sound has a lot of static.

• Strong magnetism from a television or such device is interfering

with operation.
— Move the recorder away from the source of strong magnetism.

57

Cannot find the track marks.

• You pressed X after pressing . or >.

— Press X before or pressing . or > (page 44).

The rechargeable battery does not start charging.

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

— Insert the battery correctly or connect the AC power adaptor

correctly.

Momentary noise is heard.

• Due to the special digital audio compression technology used in
LP4 mode, momentary noise may occur on very rare occasions with
certain sound sources.

— Record in normal stereo or LP2 mode.

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 Cause

“TR FULL”
appears even
before the disc
has reached the
maximum
recording time
(60, 74, or 80
minutes).

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

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.

58

Symptom Cause

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, 74, or 80
minutes).

The edited tracks
may exhibit
sound dropout
during search
operations.

When the data of a track is fragmented, the track
mark of a fragment under 12 seconds long
(recorded in stereo), 24 seconds long (recorded
in monaural or LP2 mode), or 48 seconds long
(recorded in LP4 mode) cannot be erased. You
cannot combine a track recorded in different
recording mode, e.g., 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, 24 seconds, or 48
seconds in length are not counted and so erasing
them may not lead to an increase in the
recording time.

Normally, recording is done in minimum units
of approximately 2 seconds (in stereo), 4
seconds (in monaural or LP2 mode), or 8
seconds (in LP4 mode). When recording is
stopped, the last unit of recording always uses
this unit of 2 seconds, 4 seconds, or 8 seconds
even if the actual recording is shorter. Likewise,
when recording is restarted after the stop, the
recorder will automatically insert a blank space
amounting to 2 seconds, 4 seconds, or 8 seconds
before the next recording. (This is to prevent
accidental erasing of a previous track whenever
a new recording is started). Therefore, the actual
recording time will decrease whenever a
recording is stopped by a maximum of 6
seconds, 12 seconds, or 24 seconds.

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

59

Messages

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

BLANKDISC

• An MD with no recording on it is inserted.

DISC ERR

• The disc is damaged or does not contain proper recording or editing
data.

— Reinsert the disc. If this fails, rerecord.

DISC FULL

• There is no more space to record on the disc.

— Replace the disc.

Data Save

• The MD player is recording information (sounds) from the memory
to the disc.
— Wait until this process is completed. Do not expose the player to

any physical shock, nor disrupt power supply.

TOC Edit

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

— Wait until this process is completed. Do not expose the player to

physical shock, nor disrupt power supply.

BUSY

• You tried to operate the recorder while it was accessing the
recorded data.
— Wait until the message goes out (in rare cases, it may take 2 - 3

minutes).

NAME FULL

• You tried to enter more than 200 letters to label a single track or
disc.

• You tried to enter a total of more than 1700 letters for track or disc
names.
— Enter the characters within the limit.

60

Hi DC in

• Voltage of the power supply is too high (The supplied AC power

adaptor is not used).
— Use the supplied AC power adaptor.

HOLD

• The recorder is locked.

— Move HOLD against the arrow to unlock the recorder (pages 12,

38).

LOW BATT

• Battery is weak.

— Charge the rechargeable battery or replace the dry battery

(page 11).

MEM OVER

• You tried to record with the recorder placed where it receives

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

NO COPY

• 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.
— Use analog connection instead (page 23).

NO DISC

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

— Insert an MD.

NO SIGNAL

• The recorder could not detect digital input signals.

— Make sure that the source is connected firmly (page 14).

P/B ONLY

• You tried to record or edit on a premastered MD (P/B stands for

“playback”).
— Insert a recordable MD.

PROTECTED

• You tried to record or edit on a MD with the tab in the record-

protect position.
— Slide the tab back (page 54).

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SORRY

• You tried to erase the track mark at the beginning of the first track.

• You tried to erase a track mark to combine tracks the recorder

cannot combine (a track recorded in different recording mode, or a
track recorded through a digital connection and an analog
connection, for example).

• You tried to press X, T MARK, or REC MODE during synchro-
recording.

TEMP OVER

• Heat has built up in the recorder.

— Let the recorder cool down.

TR FULL

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

— Erase unnecessary tracks (page 41).

TrPROTECT

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

— Record or edit on other tracks.

62

Specifications

MD Recorder

Audio playing system

MiniDisc digital audio system

Laser diode properties

Material: GaAlAs MQW
Wavelength:
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.)

λ = 790 nm

Recording and playback time

When using MDW-80

Maximum 160 min. in monaural
Maximum 320 min. in stereo

Revolutions

350 rpm to 2,800 rpm (CLV)

Error correction

ACIRC (Advanced Cross Interleave
Reed Solomon Code)

Sampling frequency

44.1 kHz

Sampling rate converter

Input: 32 kHz/44.1 kHz/48 kHz

Coding

ATRAC (Adaptive TRansform
Acoustic Coding)
ATRAC3 — LP2
ATRAC3 — LP4

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,
minimum input level 0.35 mV
Line in: stereo mini-jack, minimum
input level 49 mV
Optical (Digital) in: optical (digital)
mini-jack

Outputs

i: stereo mini-jack, maximum
output level 5 mW + 5 mW, load
impedance 16 ohm

General

Power requirements

Sony AC Power Adaptor (supplied)
connected at the DC IN 3 V jack:

120 V AC, 60 Hz (U.S.A.,
Canadian and Taiwan model)
230 V AC, 50/60 Hz (Europe
continental model)
240 V AC, 50 Hz (Australian
model)
220 V AC, 50 Hz (Chinese
model)
230 - 240 V AC, 50 Hz (U.K. and
Hong Kong model)
220 V AC, 50 Hz (Argentina
model)
110/220 V AC, 60 Hz (Korean
model)
100 - 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz (Other

models)
Nickel Cadmium rechargeable
battery NC-WMAA (supplied)
LR6 (size AA) alkaline battery (not
supplied)

Battery operation time

See “Battery life” (page 50)

63

Dimensions

Approx. 81 × 28.1 × 74.4 mm (w/h/

1

d) (3

/4 × 11/8 × 3 in.) without

projections.

Mass

Approx. 116 g (4.1 oz) the recorder
only

Supplied accessories

AC power adaptor (1)
Headphones/earphones with a
remote control (1)
Optical cable (1)
NC-WMAA Nickel Cadmium
rechargeable battery (1)
Rechargeable battery carrying case
(1)
Carrying pouch/Carrying case with a
belt clip (except U.S.A. model) (1)

US and foreign patents licensed
from Dolby Laboratories.

Design and specifications are subject
to change without notice.

Optional accessories

Optical Cable

POC-15B, POC-15AB, POC-

DA12SP
Line Cable RK-G129, RK-G136
Stereo Microphones ECM-717,
ECM-MS907, ECM-MS957
Stereo Headphones* MDR-EX70LP,
MDR-G72LP, MDR-A34LP
Active Speakers SRS-Z500
Recordable MDs MDW-series

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

∗ Whether you should plug the

headphones/earphones directly
to i jack on the main unit or to a
remote control, use only
headphones/earphones with
stereo mini plugs. You cannot
use headphones/earphones with
micro plugs.

stereo mini plugs

micro plug

64

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.

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

Recordable MDs

Recordable MDs, which use
magneto-optical (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.

extracts and encodes only those
frequency components actually
audible to the human ear.

65

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

A — User TOC Area

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

B — Music Data

“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.

BA

66

This warranty is valid only in the United States

Sony Corporation Printed in Malaysia