3-045-473- 11(1)

MZ-R37SP2000 Sony Corporation

TM

PortableMiniDisc Recorder

Operating Instructions

2

WARNING

To prevent fire or shockhazard, do not expose theunit to rain or moisture.

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

CautionThe use of optical instruments with thisproduct will increase eye hazard.

InformationThis equipment has been tested andfound to comply with the limits for aClass B digital device, pursuant to Part 15of the FCC Rules. These limits aredesigned to provide reasonable protectionagainst harmful interference in aresidential installation. This equipmentgenerates, uses, and can radiate radiofrequency energy and, if not installed andused in accordance with the instructions,may cause harmful interference to radiocommunications. However, there is noguarantee that interference will not occurin a particular installation. If thisequipment does cause harmfulinterference to radio or televisionreception, which can be determined byturning the equipment off and on, theuser is encouraged to try to correct theinterference by one or more of thefollowing 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 towhich the receiver is connected.

— Consult the dealer or an experiencedradio/TV technician for help.

You are cautioned that any changes ormodifications not expressly approved inthis manual could void your authority tooperate this equipment.

DISPOSAL OF NICKEL METALHYDRIDE BATTERY

NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE BATTERY.DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.

You can return your unwanted nickelmetal hydride batteries to your nearestSony Service Center.Note: In some areas the disposal of nickel

metal hydride batteries inhousehold or business trash maybe prohibited.

For the Sony Service Center nearest youcall 1-800-222-SONY (United States only)

Caution: Do not handle damaged orleaking nickel metal hydridebattery.

IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BELIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT,INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES OF ANY NATURE, ORLOSSES OR EXPENSES RESULTINGFROM ANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCTOR THE USE OF ANY PRODUCT.

“MD WALKMAN” is a trademark ofSony Corporation.

Owner's RecordThe serial number is located at the rear ofthe disc compartment lid and the modelnumber is located at the top and bottom.Record the serial number in the spaceprovided below. Refer to them wheneveryou call upon your Sony dealer regardingthis product.Model No. MZ-R37SPSerial No.

3

Welcome!

Welcome to the world of the MiniDisc!Here are some of the capabilities andfeatures you'll discover with the newMiniDisc Recorder.• Recording MiniDisc Walkman with a

new, thin body design — Easy to carryin your bag.

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

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

• Digital synchro-recording — Whenrecording from a digital equipmentwith optical output, the recorderautomatically starts and pausesrecording in sync with operation on thedigital source.

• Digital AGC (Auto Gain Control) —Automatic recording level adjustmentwithout sacrificing superb digitalsound.

• Long-time recording with monauralsound — You can record up to 160minutes on a disc using monauralrecording.

4

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 ....................................... 10Recording with digital input (optical cable required) ...................... 11To start/stop recording in sync with the source player

(Synchro-recording) ...................................................................... 11Recording from a microphone ............................................................. 12Recording in monaural for double the normal recording time ...... 13Adjusting the recording level manually (Manual recording) ......... 13Checking the remaining time or the recording position .................. 14

Various ways of playback ..................................... 15

Playing tracks repeatedly ..................................................................... 15Emphasizing bass (DIGITAL MEGA BASS) ...................................... 15Protecting your hearing (AVLS) .......................................................... 16Checking the remaining time or the playing position ..................... 16Locking the controls (HOLD) .............................................................. 17Connecting to a stereo system ............................................................. 17

Editing recorded tracks ......................................... 18

Erasing tracks ......................................................................................... 18To erase a track ................................................................................ 18To erase the whole disc ................................................................... 18

Adding a track mark ............................................................................. 19Erasing a track mark ............................................................................. 20Moving recorded tracks ........................................................................ 20Labeling recordings ............................................................................... 21

5

Power sources ........................................................ 23

Charging the nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries .............. 23Using on dry batteries ........................................................................... 24

Additional information ......................................... 25

Precautions ............................................................................................. 25Troubleshooting ..................................................................................... 27System limitations ................................................................................. 29Messages ................................................................................................. 30Specifications .......................................................................................... 32What is an MD? ...................................................................................... 33Looking at the controls ......................................................................... 35

6

Make connections. (Connect securely.)

Insert a recordable MD.

1 Slide OPEN and open the lid. 2 Insert a recordable MD with the label sidefacing up, and press the lid down to close.

2

1

to LINE OUT

to (OPTICAL)LINE IN

R (red)L (white)

toDC IN 4.5V

AC power adaptor(AC-E45HG, notsupplied)

CD player,cassette recorder,etc. (source)

Line cable(RK-G129,not supplied)*

to a wall outlet

* Use the connecting cordswithout an attenuator. Toconnect to a portable CDplayer with a stereo mini-jack, use the RK-G136connecting cord (notsupplied).

Recording an MD right away!The sound will be sent from the connected equipment as analogsignal but will be recorded digitally on the disc. To record from adigital source, see “Recording with digital input” (page 11).To use the recorder on rechargeable batteries or dry batteries, see“Power sources” (pages 23, 24).

7

Record an MD.31 Press and slide REC upward.

“REC” lights up and recording starts.

2 Play the CD or tape you want torecord.

To stop recording, press p.“SAVING” or “EDIT” flashes while data ofthe recording (the track’s start and endpoints, etc.) is being recorded. Do not moveor jog the recorder or disconnect the powersource while the indication is flashing inthe display.

CD player,cassette recorder,etc. (source)

To

Pause

Record from the end of theprevious recording

Record partway through theprevious recording

Remove the MD1) 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

17).•Make sure the MD is not record-protected

(page 26).•Premastered MDs cannot be recorded over.

NoteIf the power supply is disrupted (i.e. thebattery is removed or becomes exhausted orthe AC power adaptor is disconnected)when the recorder is operating, the lid willnot open until the power is restored.

p•CHARGE

Press

P.1)

Press P again to resume recording.

END SEARCH and slide REC upward.

(, + or = to find the start pointof recording and press p to stop. Thenslide REC upward.

p and slide OPEN to open the lid.2)

z•The level of the recorded sound is adjusted

automatically.•You can monitor the sound during

recording. Connect the suppliedheadphones to PHONES/REMOTE andadjust the volume by pressing VOL +/–.This does not affect the recording level.

REC

8

Playing an MD right away!

To use the recorder on rechargeable batteries or dry batteries, see“Power sources” (pages 23, 24).

Make connections. (Connect securely.)

Insert an MD.

2 Insert an MD with the label side facingup, and press the lid down to close.

1 Slide OPEN and open the lid.

to a wall outlet

AC power adaptor(AC-E45HG, notsupplied)

to DC IN 4.5V

to PHONES/REMOTEHeadphones

(supplied)

Wear the earpadmarked R in yourright ear and the onemarked L in yourleft ear.

2

1

9

Play an MD.3

VOL +/–

p•CHARGE

(•ENTER

1 Press (.

2 Press VOL +/– to adjust thevolume.The volume will be shown in thedisplay.

To stop play, press p.

To

Pause

Find the beginning of the current track

Find the beginning of the next track

Go backwards while playing1)

Go forward while playing1)

Remove the MD1) To go backward or forward quickly without listening, press P and then keep pressing = or+.

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

If the play does not startMake sure the recorder is not locked (page17).

When using optional headphonesUse only headphones with stereo mini plugs.You cannot use headphones with microplugs.

zPlayback will switch automatically betweenstereo and monaural according to the soundsource.

Note•The sound may skip during playback when

the recorder is exposed to continuousvibration, such as while jogging.

Do this

Press P.Press P again to resume play.

Press = once.

Press + once.

Keep pressing =.

Keep pressing +.

Press p and slide OPEN to open the lid.2)

10

Two ways of connecting to a sound source

The input jack of this recorder works as both digital and analog input jacks. Connect therecorder to a CD player or a cassette recorder using either digital input or analog input. Torecord, 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

zVarious ways of recording

Connectable source

Usable cord

Signal from the source

Recorded tracknumbers

Recorded sound level

Equipment with an analog(line) output jack

Line cable (with 2 phonoplugs and a stereo-mini plug)

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

Marked automatically•after more than 2 seconds

of blank or low-levelsegment.

•when the recorder is pausedwhile recording.

You can erase unnecessarymarks after recording(“Erasing a track mark”, page20).

Adjusted automatically.Can also be adjustedmanually (“Adjusting therecording level manually”,page 13).

Equipment with an opticaldigital output jack

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

Digital

Marked (copied)automatically•at the same positions as the

source.•when the recorder is paused

while recording.You can erase unnecessarymarks after recording(“Erasing a track mark”,page 20).

Same as the source

NoteTrack 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.•when recording BS or CS programs through digital input.

Difference Input Digital input Analog (line) input

11

To start/stop recordingin sync with the sourceplayer (Synchro-recording)

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

Recording with digitalinput (optical cablerequired)

Connect to a digital source using thesupplied optical cable or POC-15B (notsupplied) to make digital recordings.Digital recording is possible even fromdigital equipment with different samplingrates, such as a DAT deck or a BS tuner,using the built-in sampling rate converter.

SYNCHRO REC (at the bottom)

Portable CDplayer, etc.

Opticalmini-plug

Opticalplug

CD player, MDplayer, digitalamplifier, etc.

to(OPTICAL)LINE IN

POC-15B(not supplied)etc.

Optical cable(supplied) etc.

CD players,etc.

continued

p•CHARGE

(OPTICAL) LINE IN jack is for bothdigital and analog inputThe recorder automatically recognizes thetype of line cable and switches to digital oranalog input.

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-skipfunction (such as ESP*).

•Digital output may be disabled on someportable CD players when the player is not runon AC power.* Electronic Shock Protection

1 Insert a recordable MD and startrecording.For recording operations, see“Recording an MD right away !”(page 6). To record from a portableCD player, set the CD player to pauseand then start recording.

12

Recording from amicrophone

Connect a stereo microphone (ECM-717,ECM-MS907, ECM-MS957, etc.; notsupplied) to the MIC (PLUG IN POWER)jack.

to MIC(PLUG INPOWER)

Stereo microphone

1 Slide SYNCHRO REC to ON.“SYNC” appears in the display.

2 Press and slide REC upward.The recorder stands by for recording.

3 Play the source sound.The recorder starts recording when itreceives the playing sound.

To stop recording, press p.

Notes•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 thestandby mode automatically. When thesound comes from the player again, therecorder resumes synchro-recording. If therecorder is kept in the standby mode for 5minutes or longer, the recorder stopsautomatically.

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

•Even when there is no recorded sound onthe sound source, there may be cases whenrecording does not pause automaticallyduring synchro-recording due to the noiselevel emitted from the sound source.

zWhen recording in monaural, follow steps 1and 2 of “Recording in monaural for doublethe normal recording time” (page 13) beforesynchro-recording.

1 Insert a recordable MD and startrecording.Press and slide REC upward.“REC” lights up and recording starts.For other operations, see “Recordingan MD right away! ” (page 6).

To stop recording, press p.

Notes•When recording sources with large sound,

adjust recording manually to preventdistortion (see “Adjusting the recordinglevel manually”, page 13).

•You cannot record through the microphonewhile an optical cable is connected to the(OPTICAL) LINE IN jack. The recorderautomatically switches input in thefollowing order; optical input, microphoneinput, and analog input.

•The microphone may pick up the operatingsound of the recorder itself. Use themicrophone away from the recorder insuch cases.

001

13

Recording in monauralfor double the normalrecording time

For longer recordings, choose to record inmonaural. The recording time becomesdouble the normal.

MODE•DELETE(at the bottom)

P•CAPS

Adjusting the recordinglevel manually(Manual recording)

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

1 While pressing P, slide and holdREC upward for more than 2seconds.“Manual” appears and the recorderstands by for recording.To return to the automatic control,while the recorder is in standbymode, slide and hold REC upwardagain for more than 2 seconds.

2 Play the source.

= +

REC P•CAPS

REC

continued

Manual

1 While pressing P, press and slideREC upward.The recorder stands by for recording.

2 Press MODE.“Mono” appears in the display, andthe recorder switches to monauralrecording.Press MODE again to record instereo.

3 Press P again to start recording.

4 Play the sound source.

To stop recording, press p.The recorder switches back to stereorecording when you record the next time.

Notes•If you record a stereo source in monaural,

the sounds from left and right will bemixed.

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

•The MDs recorded in monaural can beplayed back only with an MD player/recorder that has the monaural playingfunction.

•Sound recorded through digital input canbe monitored in stereo throughheadphones, etc.

14

Checking the remainingtime or the recordingposition

You can check the remaining time, tracknumber, etc. when recording or duringstop.

1 Press DISPLAY while recording or instop mode. Each time you press thebutton, the display changes asfollows.

B A

A

Track number

Track number

B

Elapsed time

Remaining time forrecording

While recording

DISPLAY•EDIT•INSERT

001

3 While observing the level meter inthe display, adjust the recording levelby pressing + (+) or = (–).Set the level so that it hits the 5thindicator from the left (i.e., the lengthof the lit recording level indicatorreaches the full length of therecording level guide) at maximuminput level.

NoteAdjust the recording level while therecorder is in standby mode. Youcannot adjust it while recording.

4 Press P again to start recording.

To stop recording, press p.The recording level control is switched backto automatic control when you record thenext time.

Bottom

In stop mode

A

Track number

Track name1)

Disc name1)

B

Elapsed time

Remaining time forrecording

Remaining timeafter the currentlocation

1)Appears only if the track has been labeled.

zIf you want to check the playing position ortrack name while playing, see page 16.

Recording level guide

REC19

15

Indication

none

“ ”“

““”“

Emphasizing bass(DIGITAL MEGA BASS)

Mega Bass function intensifies lowfrequency sound for richer quality audioreproduction. It affects only the soundfrom the headphones.

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 onthe recorder.

Play mode

Normal play

Mega Bass (slighteffect)

Mega Bass (strongeffect)

MEGA BASS indication

Digital MEGA BASS•AVLS

zVarious ways ofplayback

Playing tracksrepeatedly

You can play tracks repeatedly in threeways — all repeat, single repeat, andshuffle repeat.

Play mode indication

MODE•DELETE

1 Press MODE while the recorder isplaying an MD.Each time you press the button, theplay mode indication changes asfollows.

004

Indication

none(normal play)

“f”(all repeat)

“f 1”(single repeat)

“SHUF f”(shuffle repeat)

Play mode

All the tracks areplayed once.

All the tracks areplayed repeatedly.

A single track isplayed repeatedly.

All the tracks areplayed repeatedly inrandom order.

1 Press Digital MEGA BASS.Each time you press Digital MEGABASS, the Mega Bass indicationchanges as follows.

004

Bottom Bottom

16

Protecting your hearing(AVLS)

The AVLS (Automatic Volume LimiterSystem) function keeps down themaximum volume to protect your ears.

Digital MEGA BASS•AVLS

1 Keep pressing AVLS for 2 seconds orlonger.The AVLS indication lights up.When you try to turn the volume toohigh, “AVLS” appears in the display.The volume is kept to a moderatelevel.

004

A

Track number

Track name1)

Disc name1)

B

Elapsed time

Remaining time ofthe current track

Remaining timeafter the currentlocation

Checking the remainingtime or the playingposition

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

DISPLAY•EDIT•INSERT

AB

1)Appears only if the track has been labeled.

zIf you want to check the remaining time orthe recording position while recording or instop mode, see page 14.

1 Press DISPLAY while playing.Each time you press DISPLAY, thedisplay changes as follows.

001

AVLS indication

BottomBottom

17

Locking the controls(HOLD)

To prevent the buttons from beingaccidentally operated when you carry therecorder, use this function.

HOLD

Connecting to a stereosystem

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

NoteThe Mega Bass does not function or will becancelled when the LINE OUT jack isconnected with a line cable.

Portable DATrecorder

Stereosystem, etc.

to LINE IN

2 phono plugs

R(red)

L (white)

RK-G136(notsupplied)

RK-G129(notsupplied)

Stereomini-plug

to LINE OUT

1 Slide HOLD in the direction of theC to lock the controls of therecorder.

Slide HOLD in the opposite directionof the arrow to unlock the controls.

18

1 Keep pressing EDIT for 2 second orlonger while playing the track youwant to erase.“ ” “Name” flashes in thedisplay, and the recorder plays theselected track repeatedly.

2 Press = or + repeatedly until“ ” “Erase” flashes in the display.

3 Press ENTER.“Erase?” and “ENTER” appearalternately in the display.To cancel erasing, press p orCANCEL.

To erase a part of a trackAdd track marks at the beginning and theend of the part you want to erase, thenerase the part.

Erasing tracks

To erase a track

You can quickly erase a recorded track.Note that once a recording has beenerased, you cannot retrieve it. Make sureof the track you are erasing.

zEditing recorded tracksYou can edit your recordings by adding/erasing track marks or labeling tracks andMDs. Premastered MDs cannot be edited.

Notes on editing•Do not move or jog the recorder while

“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.

DISPLAY•EDIT•INSERT(at the bottom)

(•ENTER

To erase the whole disc

You can quickly erase all the tracks anddata of the MD at the same time.Note that once a recording has beenerased, you cannot retrieve it. Be sure tocheck the contents of the disc you want toerase.

(•ENTER

DISPLAY•EDIT•INSERT(at the bottom)

p•CHARGE

p•CHARGE

T MARK•CANCEL(at the bottom)

= +

= +

T MARK•CANCEL(at the bottom)

19

Adding a track mark

You can add track marks so that the partafter the new track mark is counted as anew track.The track numbers will increase asfollows.

41 2 3 4

1 While playing or pausing an MD,press T MARK on the recorder at thepoint you want to add a mark.“T. ON” appears in the display, and atrack mark is added. The tracknumber will increase by one.

To add track marks whilerecordingPress T MARK.

1 2 3 4 5

Track numbers increase

. Track marking

T MARK•CANCEL

1 Keep pressing EDIT for 2 seconds orlonger during stop. “ ” “Name”flashes in the display.

2 Press = or + repeatedly until“ ” “Erase” flashes in the display.

3 Press ENTER.“Erase?” and “ENTER” appearalternately in the display.To cancel erasing, press p orCANCEL.

4 Press ENTER again.“EDIT” flashes in the display, and allthe tracks will be erased.When erasing is complete, “BLANK”flashes in the display.

Bottom

20

Moving recorded tracks

You can change the order of the recordedtracks.

1 2 3 4

Before movingTrack A Track B Track C Track D

$Aftermoving

Track A Track C Track B Track D

1 2 3 4

Move track Cfrom the third tothe second track.

Erasing a track mark

When you record with analog (line) input,unnecessary track marks may be recordedwhere recording level is low. You canerase a track mark to combine the tracksbefore and after the track mark. The tracknumbers will change as follows.

1 2 3 44

1 2 3

Track numbers decrease

. Erase a track mark

P•CAPS

T MARK•CANCEL(at the bottom)

=

1 While playing the track with the trackmark you want to erase, press P topause.

2 Find the track mark by pressing =slightly.For example, to erase the third trackmark, find the beginning of the thirdtrack. “00:00” appears in the display.

3 Press T MARK to erase the mark.“T. OFF” appears in the display. Thetrack mark is erased and the twotracks are combined.

zWhen you erase a track mark the nameassigned to the mark are also erased.

p•CHARGE (•ENTER

DISPLAY•EDIT•INSERT(at the bottom)

= +

T MARK•CANCEL(at the bottom)

21

Labeling recordings

You can name tracks during playback,discs during stop, and both duringrecording. Each name can be as long as200 letters.For each disc, you can enter up to 1700alphanumeric letters during playback orstop, and 500 alphanumeric letters duringone recording.

Labeling a disc during stop

1 Insert a disc.To label a disc that is already in therecorder, press p to stop.

2 Keep pressing EDIT for 2 seconds orlonger.“ ” “Name” flashes in thedisplay.

T MARK•CANCEL

VOL +/–

DISPLAY•EDIT•INSERT

MODE•DELETE

p•CHARGE

P•CAPS

1 Keep pressing EDIT for 2 seconds orlonger while playing the track youwant to move.“ ” “ Name” flashes in thedisplay and the recorder plays theselected track repeatedly.

2 Press = or + repeatedly until“ ” “ Move” flashes in thedisplay.

3 Press ENTER.For example above, “003 n” and“n 003” appear alternately in thedisplay.

4 Press = or + repeatedly to selectthe destination track number.For example above, “003 n” and “n002” appear alternately in thedisplay.To cancel moving, press p orCANCEL.

5 Press ENTER.The track moves to the selecteddestination track.

(•ENTER

= +

continued

22

3 Press ENTER.The track is ready to be labeled.

4 Follow steps 4 to 6 of “Labeling a discduring stop” above.

Labeling a track or a disc duringrecording

1 Keep pressing EDIT for 2 seconds orlonger during recording.“ ” “Name” flashes in the display.

2 To label a track, press ENTER.To label a disc, press = or +repeatedly until “ ” “Name”flashes in the display, then pressENTER.

3 Follow steps 4 to 6 of “Labeling a discduring stop” above.

To cancel labeling, press CANCEL.

Available characters• Capital and small letters of the English

alphabet• Numbers 0 to 9• ! " # $ % & ( ) * . ; < = > ?

@ _ ` + – ' , / : _ (space)

To relabel recordingsFollow the steps corresponding to thelabeling method until the disc or track isready to be labeled. Enter a new characterover the one you want to change, thenkeep pressing ENTER for 2 seconds orlonger.

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.

Labeling a track during playback

1 Insert a disc and play the track youwant to label.

2 Keep pressing EDIT for 2 seconds orlonger.“ ” “Name” flashes in thedisplay.

3 Press ENTER.

4 Press = or + repeatedly to selecta letter and press ENTER to enter.The selected letter stops flashing andthe cursor moves to the next inputposition.

5 Repeat step 4 and enter all charactersof the label name.

6 Keep pressing ENTER for 2 secondsor longer.The track or disc is labeled.

Press

CAPS

VOL +/–

=/+

INSERT

DELETE

p

CANCEL

To

Switch between capitalletters, small letters, andmarks/numbers.

Move the cursor to theleft or right.

Change the letter to theone before/next one.

Insert a blank space totype in a new letter.

Delete a letter and moveback all following lettersto the left.

Cancel labeling.

Cancel labeling.

23

zPower sourcesBesides house current, you can use therecorder on:– two nickel metal hydride rechargeable

batteries NH-WMAA (not supplied)– two size AA (LR6) alkaline batteries

(not supplied)

It is preferable to use the recorder onhouse current when recording for a longtime.

Full charging of the completelydischarged rechargeable batteriestakes about 2 hours.

To cancel charging, press CHARGE.

Notes•Do not charge any other rechargeable

batteries than the optional Sony NH-WMAA nickel metal hydride rechargeablebatteries.

•Be sure to use the AC-E45HG AC poweradaptor.

•Charging time may vary depending on thebattery condition.

•When a rechargeable battery is charged forthe first time or charged after a long periodof disuse, battery life may be shorter thanusual. Repeat discharging and recharging afew times. The battery life should return tonormal.

•When the battery life of a fully chargedrechargeable battery becomes about halfthe normal life, replace it.

•When carrying the rechargeable batteries,keep them in the supplied carrying case. Itis dangerous to carry the batteries out oftheir case in your pocket or a bag togetherwith metallic objects such as key rings, asthis may cause a short circuit.

•Remove the rechargeable batteries from therecorder when they are not to be used for along time.

Charging the nickelmetal hydriderechargeable batteries

Before using the NH-WMAA nickel metalhydride rechargeable batteries (notsupplied) for the first time, charge it inthe recorder.

1 Connect the AC power adaptor.

2 Insert the rechargeable batteries intothe recorder and close the lid.

AC power adaptor (AC-E45HG, not supplied)

to a wall outlet

to DC IN 4.5V

3 Press CHARGE.“Charge” flashes, n appears in thedisplay, and charging starts.

p•CHARGE

Bottom

24

1) The battery life may be shorter due tooperating conditions and the temperatureof the location.

2) When you record, use fully chargedrechargeable batteries.

3) Recording time may differ according to thealkaline batteries.

When to replace/charge thebatteriesWhen the dry batteries or rechargeablebatteries are weak, flashing b or“LoBATT” appears in the display.Replace the dry batteries or charge therechargeable batteries.

Notes•Do not use a new dry battery mixed with

an used one. Do not mix different types ofdry batteries.

•Stop the recorder before replacing batteries.•When replacing the dry batteries, replace

both batteries with new ones.•The battery indication shows you when the

batteries should be replaced or recharged.It does not necessarily reflect the exactremaining battery power.

•The battery indication of an alkaline batterymay not accurately reflect the remainingbattery power if it has not been used for aperiod of time.

Using on dry batteries

1 Insert two size AA (LR6) dry batteries(not supplied) with correct polarity.

Using on nickel metal hydriderechargeable batteries

Be sure the rechargeable batteries arefully charged.

1 Insert two fully charged nickel metalhydride rechargeable batteries withcorrect polarity.

Bottom

Bottom

Battery life1)

Batteries

Two size AA(LR6) Sonyalkaline drybatteries (notsupplied)

Two NH-WMAA nickelmetal hydriderechargeablebatteries (notsupplied)

Playback

Approx.15.5 hours

Approx.11.5 hours

Recording2)

-----3)

Approx.8 hours

25

Precautions

On safetyDo not put any foreign objects in the DCIN 4.5 V jack.

On power sources• Use house current, nickel metal

hydride rechargeable batteries, twoLR6 (size AA) batteries.

• For use in your house: Use the AC-E45HG AC power adaptor (notsupplied). Do not use any other ACpower adaptor since it may cause therecorder to malfunction.

• The recorder is not disconnected fromthe AC power source (mains) as longas it is connected to the wall outlet,even if the recorder itself has beenturned off.

• If you are not going to use this recorderfor a long time, be sure to disconnectthe power supply (AC power adaptor,dry batteries, rechargeable batteries, orcar battery cord). To remove the ACpower adaptor from the wall outlet,grasp the adaptor plug itself; neverpull the cord.

On heat build-upHeat may build up in the recorder if it isused for an extended period of time. Inthis case, leave the recorder turned offuntil 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 anythingwhen it is being used with the ACpower adaptor. Heat build-up in therecorder may cause malfunction ordamage.

zAdditional informationOn the headphonesRoad safetyDo not use headphones while driving,cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle.It may create a traffic hazard and is illegal inmany areas. It can also be potentiallydangerous to play your recorder at highvolume while walking, especially atpedestrian crossings. You should exerciseextreme caution or discontinue use inpotentially hazardous situations.

Preventing hearing damageAvoid using headphones at high volume.Hearing experts advise against continuous,loud and extended play. If you experience aringing in your ears, reduce the volume ordiscontinue use.

Caring for othersKeep the volume at a moderate level. Thiswill allow you to hear outside sounds and tobe 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, extremetemperatures, moisture or dust.

On cleaning• Clean the recorder casing with a soft

cloth slightly moistened with water ora mild detergent solution. Do not useany type of abrasive pad, scouringpowder or solvent such as alcohol orbenzene as it may mar the finish of thecasing.

• Wipe the disc cartridge with a dry clothto remove dirt.

• Dust on the lens may prevent the unitfrom operating properly. Be sure toclose the disc compartment lid afterinserting or ejecting an MD.

Polarity ofthe plug

26

Notes on batteriesIncorrect battery usage may lead toleakage of battery fluid or burstingbatteries. 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 thebatteries.

• If a battery leak should develop,carefully and thoroughly wipe awaybattery fluid from the batterycompartment before inserting newones.

Note on mechanical noiseThe recorder gives off mechanical noisewhile operating, which is caused by thepower-saving system of the recorder andit is not a problem.

To protect a recorded MDTo record-protect an MD, slide open thetab at the side of the MD. In this position,the MD cannot be recorded. To recordagain, slide the tab back so the tab isvisible.

If you have any questions or problemsconcerning your recorder, please consultyour nearest Sony dealer. (If a troubleoccurred when the disc was in therecorder, we recommend that the disc beleft in the recorder when you consult yourSony dealer so that the cause of troublemay be better understood.)

Note on digital recordingThis recorder uses the Serial CopyManagement System, which allows onlyfirst-generation digital copies to be madefrom premastered software. You can onlymake copies from a home-recorded MDby using the analog (line out) connections.

CD player, MDplayer, etc.

Digital recording

Home-recordedMD

RecordableMD

Nodigitalrecording

Back of the MD

Record-protect

Tab

27

Troubleshooting

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

Symptom

The recorder does notwork or workspoorly.

Cause/Solution

• Audio sources may not be securely connected.b Disconnect the audio sources once and connect them again

(pages 6, 11).• The HOLD function is turned on (“HOLD” appears in the display

when you press an operation button on the recorder).b Disable HOLD by sliding the HOLD switch in the opposite

direction of the arrow (page 17).• 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 batteries or dry batteries are weak (b or

“LoBATT” flashes).b Charge the rechargeable batteries or replace the dry batteries

(pages 23, 24).• The rechargeable batteries or dry batteries have been installed

incorrectly.b Install the batteries correctly (pages 23, 24).

• You pressed a button while the disc indication was rotatingquickly.b Wait until the indication rotates slowly.

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

• The analog recording was made using a connecting cord with anattenuator.b Use a connecting cord without an attenuator (page 6).

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

• While operating, the recorder received a mechanical shock, toomuch 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 disc is damaged or does not contain proper recording orediting data.b Reinsert the disc. If this fails, rerecord.

continued

28

Symptom

No sound comesthrough theheadphones.

An MD is not playedfrom the first track.

Playback sound skips.

Sound has a lot ofstatic.

Cannot find the trackmarks.

The rechargeablebattery does not startcharging.

The lid does notopen.

Cause/Solution

• The headphones plug is not firmly connected.b Plug in the plug of the headphones firmly to PHONES/

REMOTE.• Volume is too low.b Adjust the volume by pressing VOL +/–.

• AVLS is on.b Switch AVLS off (page 16).

• 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 afterchecking 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 interferingwith 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 ACpower adaptor has been connected incorrectly.b Insert the battery correctly or connect the AC power adaptor

correctly.

• The power sources have been disconnected during recording orediting, or the batteries have been exhausted.b Set the power sources again, or replace the exhausted

batteries with new ones.

29

Symptom

“TrFULL” appearseven before the dischas reached themaximum recordingtime (60, 74 or 80minutes).

“TrFULL” appearseven before the dischas reached themaximum tracknumber or recordingtime.

Track marks cannotbe erased.The remainingrecording time doesnot increase evenafter erasingnumerous shorttracks.

The total recordedtime and theremaining time on thedisc may not total themaximum recordingtime (60, 74 or 80minutes).

The edited tracks mayexhibit sounddropout duringsearch operations.

System limitations

The recording system in your MiniDisc recorder is radically different from those used incassette 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 systemitself and not to mechanical causes.

Cause

When 254 tracks have been recorded on the disc, “TrFULL”appears regardless of the total recorded time. More than 254 trackscannot be recorded on the disc. To continue recording, eraseunnecessary tracks.

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

When the data of a track is fragmented, the track mark of afragment under 12 seconds long cannot be erased. You cannotcombine a track recorded in stereo and a track recorded inmonaural; nor can you combine a track recorded with digitalconnection and a track recorded with analog connection.Tracks of under 12 seconds in length are not counted and so erasingthem may not lead to an increase in the recording time.

Normally, recording is done in minimum units of approximately 2seconds. When recording is stopped, the last unit of recordingalways uses this unit of 2 seconds even if the actual recording isshorter. Likewise, when recording is restarted after the stop, therecorder will automatically insert a blank space amounting to 2seconds before the next recording. (This is to prevent accidentalerasing of a previous track whenever a new recording is started).Therefore, the actual recording time will decrease whenever arecording is stopped; a maximum of 6 seconds compared to thepotential recording time for each stop.

The fragmentation of data may cause sound dropout whilesearching because the tracks are played in higher speed thannormal playback.

30

Messages

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

Error message

BLANK

ERROR

FULL

SAVING

EDIT

BUSY

HiDCin

HOLD

LoBATT

MEMORY

Meaning/Remedy

• An MD with no recording on it is inserted.b Insert a recorded MD.

• The disc is damaged or does not contain proper recording orediting data.b Reinsert the disc. If this fails, rerecord.

• There is no more space to record on the disc (less than 12 secondsavailable).b Replace the disc.

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

• You tried to enter a total of more than 1700 letters for track or discnames during playback or stop.

• You tried to enter a total of more than 500 letters for track or discnames during a single recording.b Enter the characters within the limit.

• The recorder is recording information (sounds) from the memory tothe disk.b Wait until this process is completed. Do not expose the recorder

to any physical shock, nor disrupt power supply.

• The recorder 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 recorder

to physical shock, nor disrupt power supply.

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

minutes).

• Voltage of the power supply is too high.b Use the AC-E45HG (not supplied).

• The recorder is locked.b Slide HOLD against the arrow to unlock the recorder (page 17).

• Batteries are weak.b Charge the rechargeable batteries or replace the dry batteries

(pages 23, 24).

• You tried to record when there is no indication in the display, withthe recorder placed where it receives continuous vibration.b Put the recorder on a stable place, and start recording again.

31

Error message

NoCOPY

NoDISC

NO SIG

PbONLY

SAVED

SORRY

TEMP

TrFULL

TrPROT

Meaning/Remedy

• You tried to make a copy from a disc that is protected by the SerialCopy Management System. You cannot make copies from adigitally connected source which was itself recorded using digitalconnection.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 (Pb stands for“playback”.)b Insert a recordable MD.

• You tried to record or edit on a MD with the tab in the record-protect position.b Slide the tab back (page 26).

• 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 stereo and in mono, forexample).

• You tried to press Digital MEGA BASS•AVLS when the LINE OUTjack is plugged in.

• You tried to press P or T MARK during synchro-recording.

• 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 18).

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

32

Specifications

SystemAudio playing systemMiniDisc digital audio systemLaser diode propertiesMaterial: GaAlAsWavelength: λ = 780 nmEmission duration: continuousLaser output: less than 44.6 µW(This output is the value measured at adistance of 200 mm from the lens surface onthe optical pick-up block with 7 mmaperture.)Recording and playback timeMaximum 80 minutes (MDW-80, stereorecording)Maximum 160 minutes (MDW-80, monauralrecording)Revolutions400 rpm to 900 rpm (CLV)Error correctionAdvanced Cross Interleave Reed SolomonCode (ACIRC)Sampling frequency44.1 kHzSampling rate converterInput: 32 kHz/44.1 kHz/48 kHzCodingAdaptive TRansform Acoustic Coding(ATRAC)Modulation systemEFM (Eight to Fourteen Modulation)Number of channels2 stereo channels1 monaural channelFrequency response20 to 20,000 Hz ± 3 dBWow and FlutterBelow measurable limitInputsMIC (PLUG IN POWER): stereo mini-jack,0.35–1.38 mV(OPTICAL) LINE IN: stereo mini-jack withoptical (digital) in•Line in: 69–194 mV•Optical (digital) in: wave length 660 nmOutputsPHONES/REMOTE: stereo mini-jack,maximum output level 5 mW+ 5 mW, loadimpedance 16 ohmLINE OUT: stereo mini-jack, 194 mV, loadimpedance 10 kilohm or greater

GeneralPower requirementsSony AC Power Adaptor AC-E45HG (notsupplied) connected at the DC IN 4.5 V jack:120 V AC, 60 HzTwo nickel metal hydride rechargeablebatteries NH-WMAA (not supplied)Two size AA (LR6) alkaline batteries (notsupplied)Battery operation timeSee “Battery life” (page 24)DimensionsApprox. 116.8 x 18.5 x 86.1 mm (w/h/d)(4 5/8 x 3/4 x 3 1/2 in.)MassApprox. 160 g (5.6 oz) the recorder onlyApprox. 220 g (7.8 oz) incl. a recordable MD,and two NH-WMAA nickel metal hydriderechargeable batteriesSupplied accessoriesHeadphones (1)Optical cable (1)

33

Optional accessoriesAC-E45HG AC power adaptorNH-WMAA nickel metal hydriderechargeable batteriesOptical Cable

POC-15B, POC-15AB, POC-DA12SPLine Cable RK-G129, RK-G136Stereo Microphones ECM-717, ECM-MS907,ECM-MS957

Your dealer may not handle some of theabove listed accessories. Please ask thedealer for detailed information about theaccessories in your country.

US and foreign patents licensed from DolbyLaboratories Licensing Corporation.

Design and specifications are subject tochange without notice.

What is an MD?

How MiniDisc worksMiniDisc (MD) comes in two types:premastered (prerecorded) andrecordable (blank). Premastered MDs,recorded at music studios, can be playedback almost endlessly. However, theycan't be recorded on or over like cassettetapes. To record, you must use a“recordable MD”.

Premastered MDsPremastered MDs are recorded andplayed like regular CDs. A laser beamfocuses on the pits in the surface of theMD and reflects the information back tothe lens in the recorder. The recorder thendecodes the signals and plays them backas music.

Recordable MDsRecordable MDs, which use magneto-optical (MO) technology, can be recordedagain and again. The laser inside therecorder applies heat to the MD,demagnetizing the magnetic layer of theMD. The recorder then applies a magneticfield to the layer. This magnetic fieldcorresponds exactly to the audio signalsgenerated by the connected source. (Thenorth and south polarities equate todigital "1" and "0".) The demagnetizedMD adopts the polarity of the magneticfield, resulting in a recorded MD.

34

User TOC Area Music Data

How the MiniDisc got so smallThe 2.5-inch MiniDisc, encased in aplastic cartridge that looks like a 3.5-inchdiskette (see illustration above), uses anew digital audio compressiontechnology called ATRAC (AdaptiveTRansform Acoustic Coding). To storemore sound in less space, ATRAC extractsand encodes only those frequencycomponents actually audible to thehuman ear.

Quick Random AccessLike CDs, MDs offer instantaneousrandom access to the beginning of anymusic track. Premastered MDs arerecorded with location addressescorresponding to each music selection.Recordable MDs are manufactured with a“User TOC Area” to contain the order ofthe music. The TOC (Table of Contents)system is similar to the “directorymanagement system” of floppy disks. Inother words, starting and endingaddresses for all music tracks recorded onthe disc are stored in this area. This letsyou randomly access the beginning of anytrack as soon as you enter the tracknumber (AMS), as well as label thelocation with a track name as you woulda file on a diskette.

Shock-Resistant MemoryOne major drawback of optical readsystems is that they can skip or mutewhen subjected to vibration. The MDsystem resolves this problem by using abuffer memory that stores audio data.

Contains the order and start/endpoints of the music.

35

Looking at the controls

See pages in ( ) for more details.

The recorder

1 Battery compartment (23)2 MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack (12)3 REC (record) switch (7)4 Display window (14, 16)5 (OPTICAL) LINE IN jack (6, 11)6 LINE OUT jack (17)7 PHONES/REMOTE jack (8)8 HOLD switch (17)9 Digital MEGA BASS•AVLS button (at

the bottom) (15, 16)0 SYNCHRO REC (Synchronized-

recording) switch (at the bottom) (11)

!¡ P (pause)•CAPS button (7, 9, 21)!™ p (stop)•CHARGE button (7, 9, 23)!£( (play)•ENTER button (7, 9, 18)!¢ DC IN 4.5V jack!∞ OPEN switch!§ VOL (volume) +/– buttons (9, 21)!¶=/ + buttons!• END SEARCH button (7)!ª T MARK (track mark)•CANCEL

button (at the bottom) (19, 21)@º MODE•DELETE button (at the

bottom) (13, 15, 21)@¡ DISPLAY•EDIT•INSERT button (at

the bottom) (14, 16, 18, 21)

1!¡

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

!º

!™

!£

!¢

!∞

!§

!¶

!•

!ª

@º

@¡

1 Level meterShows the level of the MD beingplayed or recorded.

2 Disc indication Shows that the disc is rotating for

recording, playing or editing an MD.3 mark: AVLS indication (16)4 MONO (monaural) indication5 Battery indication (23)6 “ or mark: MEGA BASS indication

(15)

7 Time display (14, 16)Shows the elapsed time of the track orMD being recorded or played.

8 mark (18, 21, 22)

Lights up when the track informationis displayed or edited.

The display window

9 mark (19, 21, 22)

Lights up when the disc information isdisplayed or edited.

!º SYNC (Synchronized-recording)indication (11)

!¡ REMAIN/REC REMAIN (remainingtime/tracks) indication (14, 16)REMAIN lights up along with theremaining time of the track or disc, orremaining number of tracks.REC REMAIN lights up along withthe remaining time available on theMD for recording.

!™ Play mode indication (15)Shows the play mode of the MD.

!£ Character information displayDisplays the disc and track names,error messages, track numbers, etc.

!¢ REC indication (7)Lights up while recording. Flasheswhen standing by for recording.

1 9

!º 2

3

4

5

6

7

8

!¡

!™

!£

!¢

Sony Corporation Printed in Japan