Inputs/Outputs
Special Features
PC Use

This is a small, PC tower width component which comes with IBM compatible software and an adapter making it ideal for connection to a PC.  For more information on it's use with a computer please see the "PC Use" section below. Note, of course, that it can be used without a computer in the same way as all home minidisc recorders. The manual warns that the unit must be used in a horizontal position, it can not be installed vertically nor should a PC be placed on top of the unit.

Inputs/Outputs

Front panel:   

• Headphone output: Stereo minijack (the level is variable using the supplied remote)

Rear panel:

• Stereo RCA input and output jacks (analog)
• 2 Toslink (optical digital) inputs with a plastic cover
• 1 Toslink (optical digital) output with a plastic cover
• Two Control A1 II mono minijacks (this allows this unit to recognize compatible Sony 300CD changers)

Special Features

Copy protection: The player employs the SCMS copy protection system.

Shock protection: There is a memory buffer that will hold up to 10 seconds of music

Display in play : Displays the remaining time / track name / elapsed track time.

Recording level control: Record level can be set for both Analog and Digital recording

CD-Text Copying: When used with a Sony CD Player with Control A1 or A1II track names are automatically copied during CD Synchro recording.

Display in Stop : Displays total time or (recorded time) / (unrecorded time) /Disc name

Track erase: You can erase a single track , all tracks or any portion of a track (A-B erase)

Recording: You can record in stereo or mono. Mono gives you twice the  recording time per MD.

Smart Space: This replaces long silent spaces with a 3 second blank. This feature can be turned off.

Auto Space: Replaces blanks of over 30 seconds with a three second blank and pauses the recording.

Time machine recording: The last 6 seconds of data is stored in a buffer so you can start recording 6 seconds before you actually engage record function.

Music synch: This feature allows you to synchro-record with any audio equipment.

Synchro buttons and CD buttons on remote: These buttons will allow you to synchro-record with a Sony CD player.

Undo: Allows you to cancel the last edit and restores the MD to the way it was prior to edit.

Automatic conversion of digital sampling rates: Allows you to convert 32 and 48kHz to the 44.1 kHz sampling rate of MD, so you can record from a DBS receiver with digital out or DAT/DCC.

Auto Pause: The recorder will pause after each track.

Sleep function: Remote only, allows you to set a 60 minute sleep timer after which unit will turn off.

Front panel: The minidisk is loaded into a slot mechanism. The front panel buttons are inset into the edges of the unit.

PC Use

In order to connect the player to a computer, the computer must satisfy the following requirements:

• Must be IBM compatible
• Must have at least 16 MB of memory (32 or more recommended)
• Must have a display of at least VGA (640 x 480) with 65,536 or more colors
• Must have 20MB or more of available hard disk space
• CD-ROM Drive
• Must have an available serial port (unless it is a nine pin port it will require an optional adapter which is not included)
• Must use Windows 95 or 98 - Windows NT, Windows 3.1, or any non-Windows operating system will not work.

Connections:  Connecting this unit to a computer involves:

• connecting the supplied Control A-1II cord to the unit then connecting the cord to the Control A-1 input on the supplied adapter.
• connecting the nine-pin female RS-232C jack on the adapter to an RS-232C jack on the computer. If the computer has an older style RS-232C non nine-pin port, an adapter (not supplied) can be purchased from a computer accessories store. 

If you want to use the CD functions included with the supplied software, a Sony CD player with Control A-1 or A-1II will also be needed. Only one CD player can be used at a time , the CD player must be set to command mode 1 and  the CD player must be connected to this unit using a Control A-1 or A-1II cable (not supplied). Note that when using a compatible (control A1II) 300 disc CD changer all 300 discs can be recognized.  When using a control A-1 changer up to 200 discs can be recognized.

You can also connect your computers CD-ROM drive to this unit by using the supplied stereo minijack to RCA cord and connecting it to your sound card's analog output and to this unit's RCA analog input.

MD Editor software on CD ROM 2(V1.00E): The supplied software provides the following features:

• On screen controls: You can play an MD using on screen controls. You can play, pause, use AMS, audible search and direct track selection.
• Recorded MD Editing: You can enter track and disc names using the computer's keyboard, including the ability to enter all data first and assign them all at one time. You can move, divide, combine and erase tracks (A-B erase, track erase or entire MD erase).
• MD Label Printing: Labels can be printed from the on-screen display using  a printer. Images from various formats can also be printed out onto the label. Note that besides minidisk the Label Maker program included with this unit allows you to create labels for floppy disks, 8mm video, CD-R, DV, Memory Stick, MiniDV, VHS and cassette.
• Recording: You can record from a compatible CD Player to this unit. You can also record an audio CD from your computer's CD ROM drive to this unit. To record, you simply drag the tracks on the onscreen display to a record list, either one at a time or all the tracks at once.  A warning appears if the tracks won't fit onto the MD.
• CD Naming: When using a compatible CD player, you can assign Disc names and track names to CDs, which are input using the computer keyboard. You can also display CD-Text information on the display.