3-239-099-41(1)
Portable
MiniDisc Recorder
Operating Instructions
“WALKMAN” is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation to
represent Headphone Stereo products.
trademark of Sony Corporation.
is a
MZ-S1
© 2003 Sony Corporation
— Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
Declaration of Conformity
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in
this manual could void your authority to
operate this equipment.
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: MZ-S1
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics
Inc.
Address: 680 Kinderkamack Road,
Oradell, NJ 07649 USA
Telephone No.: 201-930-6972
SONY MZ-S1
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
Tested To Comply
With FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
The validity of the CE marking is
restricted to only those countries where it
is legally enforced, mainly in the
countries EEA (European Economic
Area).
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
• SonicStage, OpenMG and the OpenMG
logo, MagicGate, Net MD and the Net
MD logo are trademarks of Sony
Corporation.
• Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT and
Windows Media are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and /or
other countries.
• IBM and PC/AT are registered
trademarks of International Business
Machines Corporation.
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:
• Macintosh is a trademark of Apple
Computer, Inc. in the United States and/
or other countries.
• MMX and Pentium are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation.
— 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.
• All other trademarks and registered
trademarks are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.
• ™ and ® marks are omitted in this
manual.
3
Notice for users
On the supplied software
• Copyright laws prohibit reproducing the
software or the manual accompanying it
in whole or in part, or renting the
software without the permission of the
copyright holder.
• In no event will SONY be liable for any
financial damage, or loss of profits,
including claims made by third parties,
arising out of the use of the software
supplied with this recorder.
• In the event a problem occurs with this
software as a result of defective
manufacturing, SONY will replace it.
However, SONY bears no other
responsibility.
• The software provided with this
recorder cannot be used with equipment
other than that which is so designated.
• Please note that, due to continued efforts
to improve quality, the software
specifications may be changed without
notice.
• Operation of this recorder with software
other than that provided is not covered
by the warranty.
Program © 2001, 2002 Sony Corporation
Documentation © 2003 Sony Corporation
4
5
Table of contents
Recorder Operations
When you do not want “LP:” added automatically at the
6
Adding a track mark ............................................................................. 43
Erasing a track mark ............................................................................ 43
Precautions ........................................................................................... 49
Troubleshooting ................................................................................... 54
Messages .............................................................................................. 62
Specifications ....................................................................................... 64
7
Software Operation
Transferring audio data from your computer to the
Listening to an MD ...............................................................................83
computer ..........................................................................83
Listening to an MD with the Net MD disconnected from the
8
For users with OpenMG Jukebox, SonicStage, or SonicStage
For Windows Millennium Edition/Windows 98 Second Edition
Troubleshooting ................................................................................... 92
Glossary ............................................................................................. 100
9
Before using this product
This manual explains the recorder operations and the installation and basic use of the
supplied SonicStage software. For details on the various operations, refer to the pages
indicated below.
When using the recorder
Recorder Operation (pages 11 to 66)
3-255-343-11(1)
an ordinary MiniDisc Walkman.
Portable
MiniDisc Recorder
Operating Instructions
page 13
Recorder Operation ___________________
page 83
Software Operation _____________________
Additional information (page 49)
This section shows the troubles you may find while using the
recorder, and their solutions.
ìWALKMANî is
a
registered trademark of Sony Corporation to
represent Headphone Stereo products.
trademark of Sony Corporation.
is
a
MZ-S1
©2003 Sony Corporation
When using the Net MD (the recorder) connected to your
computer
SonicStage software. Refer to these pages for details.
Other information (page 86)
This section shows the troubles you may find while using the SonicStage software, and
their solutions. It also has the list of frequently asked questions and answers.
SonicStage Ver. 1.5 Help
This is an online help that you can view on your computer
screen.
Refer to online help for details on the use of the software. To
Notes on the “Software Operation” section
• The displayed items in the illustrations that appear in this section may differ from the actual items
displayed by the software.
• Explanations in this section assume familiarity with basic Windows operations. For details on the use
of your computer and the operating system, please refer to the respective manuals.
• Explanations in this section cover general Net MD products. For this reason, some explanations (and
some illustrations) may not be applicable to your Net MD. Please refer to the operating instructions of
your Net MD as well.
10
Rear of the recorder
1
4
5
2
3
6
7
or
A Hand strap attachment point
B HOLD switch
G 5 way thumb control key
Push the key in any of the four
directions or press down the x button
for various operations.
N* (play)
C X (pause) button
D Buckle
./> (search/AMS)
x (stop)
VOL +*/–
E Battery compartment lid
F OPEN switch
*There is a tactile dot above N and to
the right of VOL +.
Using the hand strap
While jogging, use the supplied hand strap.
Put your hand between the recorder and the strap, and then hold the recorder as the
illustrations below:
13
The display window of the recorder
H
A
B
C D E
F
G
.
L P 2 4
Digital MEGA BASS
I
J
K
L
M
N
A MONO (monaural) indication
B LP mode indication
H REC indication
Lights up while recording. When
flashing, the recorder is in record
standby mode.
C Mega bass indication
D Disc indication
I Battery indication
Shows that the disc is rotating for
recording, playing or editing an MD.
Shows approximate battery condition.
J Time display
E Level meter
K Disc name/track name indication
Lights up when labeling a disc or a
track.
Shows the volume of the MD being
played or recorded.
F REC REMAIN/REMAIN (remaining
time/tracks) indication
L Group indication
Lights up when group mode is on.
Lights up along with the remaining
time of the track, the remaining time
of the MD, or the remaining number
of tracks.
M Character information display
Displays the disc and track names,
error messages, track numbers, etc.
G SYNC (synchro-recording) indication
N Play mode indication
Shows play mode of the MD.
14
Getting started!
1
Insert an alkaline dry battery.
Close the lid and the
buckle.
Lift up the buckle and the
battery compartment lid to
open.
Insert an LR6 (SG) alkaline
dry battery minus end first.
Using on a house
current
To a wall
outlet
Connect the AC power adaptor.
It is preferable to use the
recorder on house current when
recording for a long time.
AC power
adaptor
To DC IN 3V
Battery life
(Unit: Approx. hours)
LR6 (SG) alkaline dry battery
Recording
Normal
LP2
13
LP4
9
16
Playback
40
49
54
continued
15
Recording an MD right away!
(Synchro-recording)
This section explains the basic procedure for making digital
recordings using an optical cable connected to a CD player, Digital
TV or other digital equipment. (For further information, see “System
limitations” (page 52)) During synchro-recording, the recorder starts
and stops recording in sync with the sound source. Track marks are
added wherever they appear in the sound source. It is recommended to
use the AC power adaptor when recording.
1
Insert an MD.
(Use a recordable MD for recording)
Before you open the MD disc lid, open the buckle first.
1 Slide the OPEN switch to the direction
of the arrow shown in the illustration
below.
2 Insert an MD with the label side facing
front, and press the lid down to close.
Make sure to check the record-
protect tab is closed.
continued
17
3 Close the buckle.
2
Make connections. (Insert the cables
firmly and completely into the appropriate jacks)
CD player, MD
player, DVD
video player, etc.
Portable CD
player, etc.
to a wall
outlet
to a digital (Optical) out jack
AC power adaptor
Optical plug
Optical mini-plug
Optical cable
POC-15B*,
etc.
to LINE IN (OPTICAL)
to DC IN 3V
18
3
Record an MD.
1 While the recorder is stopped, press
MENU.
REC
Menu items appear in the display.
Control key
(x/N/./
2 Press . or > repeatedly until
“ SYNC-R” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
>)
X
END
SEARCH
3 Press . or > repeatedly until
“ ON” flashes in the display, and then
press ENTER.
4 Press N while pressing REC.
MENU/ENTER
The recorder pauses and stands by for
recording.
5 Play the source you want to record.
The recorder starts recording
automatically when it receives the
playing sound.
To stop recording, press x.
After you press x to stop, the recorder will automatically turn off in about 10 seconds (when using the
dry battery) or about 3 minutes (when using the AC power adaptor).
To cancel synchro-recording
Note
If you record on a previously recorded disc, the recorder is factory set to overwrite the
entire contents of the disc. If you want the recording to start after the existing contents,
To
Press
Record from the end of the
current contents1)
If “R-Posi” (the record-starting position setting) is set to
“FrHere”, press END SEARCH, and then press N
while pressing REC.1)
If “R-Posi” is set to “Fr End”, press N while pressing
REC.
Record over partway through N, ., or > to find the start point of recording and
the previous recording1)
Pause
press x to stop. Then press N while pressing REC.
X2).
Press X again to resume recording.
Remove the MD
x, and open the lid.3) (The lid does not open while
“Edit” is flashing in the display.)
19
1) If “R-Posi” is set to “Fr End”, recording operations will always start from the end of the previously
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 “R-Posi” is set to “FrHere”, recording will begin from the top of the disc the
next time you record. Check the point to start recording on the display.
If the recording does not start
• Premastered MDs cannot be recorded over.
• The lid does not open until “Edit” disappears
in the display.
About the DSP TYPE-R for ATRAC
“TYPE-R” is a high-level Sony specification
used in the Digital Signal Processor (DSP),
which is the heart of the MiniDisc sound. This
technology gives the MiniDisc recorder twice
the signal processing capability as previous
MiniDisc Walkman models, producing a sound
quality close to that of MiniDisc decks. This
unit supports the “TYPE-R” function only
during recording or playback in normal stereo
(or monaural) mode. It does not support this
function in MDLP mode, or during the
checking out of audio data from the computer
in normal stereo (or monaural) mode using
SonicStage.
• 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
“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 when the AC power
adaptor is disconnected. If this is the case,
connect the AC power adaptor to the
portable CD player and use it on AC power
as the power source.
—On some portable CD players, optical
output may not be possible when using an
anti-skip function (e.g., ESP* or G-
PROTECTION). If this is the case, turn off
the anti-skip function.
Notes
• The pause function cannot be turned on or off
manually during synchro-recording. Press x
to stop recording.
• Do not change SYNC-R 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
approximately 2 seconds during synchro-
recording 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.
∗ Electronic Shock Protection
z
• 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
synchro-recording. If the recorder is kept in
the standby mode for 5 minutes or longer, the
recorder stops automatically.
• You cannot change the recording mode during
recording.
• “Saving” or “Edit” flashes while data of the
recording (the track’s start and end points,
etc.) is being recorded. Do not move the
recorder or disconnect the power source while
the indication is flashing in the display.
20
time recording (MDLP)” (page 26) to select
the recording mode, and then start the
procedure of synchro-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.
• The recording level is adjusted automatically.
To adjust the level manually, see “Adjusting
• You can monitor the sound during recording.
Connect the headphones/earphones to i and
adjust the volume by pressing VOL +/–. This
does not affect the recording level.
21
2
Play an MD.
2 Press VOL +/– to adjust the volume.
Control key
(VOL +/–/
The volume will be shown in the
display.
N/x)
To stop play, press x.
A long beep sounds in the headphones/
earphones.
After you press x on the recorder to stop, the
recorder will automatically turn off in about 10
seconds (when using the dry battery) or about 3
minutes (when using the AC power adaptor).
Playback starts from the point you last stopped
playing. To start playback from the beginning
of the first track, press and hold N for 2
seconds or more on the recorder.
1 Press N.
A short beep sounds in the headphones/
earphones.
To
Press
Find the beginning of the current track or ..
a previous track1)
Press . repeatedly until the beginning of
the desired track.
Find the beginning of the next track2)
Go backwards while playing
Go forward while playing
Pause
> once.
Press and hold ..
Press and hold > .
X.
Press X again to resume play.
Remove the MD
x, and open the lid.3)
1) If you press . twice continuously while playing the first track of the disc, the recorder goes to the
beginning of the last track on the disc.
2) If you press > during the last track of the disc, the recorder goes to the beginning of the first track
on the disc.
3) Once you open the lid, the point to start play will change to the beginning of the first track.
If the play does not start
47).
Note
The playback sound may skip if:
• the recorder receives stronger continuous
shock.
Suppressing the skips of the sound
(G-PROTECTION)
The G-PROTECTION function was developed
to provide a higher level of shock resistance
than that of existing players.
• a dirty or scratched MiniDisc is played.
z
• The playback mode will switch automatically
(stereo, LP2 stereo, LP4 stereo, or monaural).
• To play only the tracks in a certain group, see
23
Various ways of recording
Note on digital and analog recording (Digital input
and analog input)
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! (Synchro-recording)” (page 17)
to record using digital (optical) input, and “Recording in analog (Analog Recording)”
(page 25) to record using analog (line) input.
Difference between digital (optical) and analog (line) inputs
Difference Digital (optical) input
Analog (line) input
Connectable Equipment with a digital (optical)
Equipment with an analog (line)
output jack (Cassette deck, radio,
record player, etc.)
source
output jack (CD player, DVD player,
etc.)
Usable cord Optical cable (with an optical or an
optical-mini plug) (page 18)
Line cable (with 2 phono plugs
or a stereo-mini plug) (page 25)
Signal from Digital
the source
Analog
Even when a digital source (such
as a CD) is connected, the signal
sent to the recorder is analog.
Track
Marked (copied) automatically
• at the same positions as the source
(when the sound source is a CD or an
MD).
Marked automatically
• after more than 2 seconds of
segment.
marks1)
• after more than 2 seconds of blank
(page 66) or low-level segment (with
a sound source other than a CD or an
MD).
• when the recorder is paused
while recording.
• when the recorder is paused (3
seconds of no sound is encountered
while synchro-recording)
Recorded
sound level
Same as the source.
Adjusted automatically. Can also
Can also be adjusted manually (Digital
REC level control) (“Adjusting the
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 programs with audio that is digitally broadcast (e.g., digital TV) are recorded through the digital
(optical) input.
24
1 Press N while pressing REC.
Recording in analog
(Analog Recording)
REC indication lights up in the
display and recording starts.
2 Play the source you want to record.
The sound will be input from the
connected equipment as an analog signal,
but recorded digitally to the disc.
To connect to a sound source, an optional
line cable is required. When connecting
the cable, make sure to insert the
connectors firmly.
For other recording operations, see
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.
CD player,
cassette recorder,
etc.
Notes
• 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 a
new track.
to LINE OUT jacks, etc
• When the jacks (DC IN 3V, USB connecting
jack, LINE IN (OPTICAL) jack, i jack) are
not in use, cover them with rubber caps.
L
R (red)
(white)
Line cable*
REC
to LINE IN (OPTICAL)
∗ Use the connecting cords without an
attenuator. To connect to a portable
CD player with a stereo mini-jack,
use the RK-G136 connecting cord.
For more information on connecting
cords, see (“Optional accessories”,
25
Recording Display
mode1)
Recording
time3)
Long-time recording
(MDLP)
LP4 stereo
LP4
Approx.320
min.
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
(stereo) recording time. Monaural
recording at 2 times normal recording
time is also possible.
MDs recorded in monaural, LP2, or
LP4 mode can be played back only
on MD players or recorders with
monaural, LP2, or LP4 playback
mode.
Monaural2) MONO
Approx.160
min.
1) For better sound quality, record in normal
stereo (SP) or LP2 stereo mode.
2) If you record a stereo source in monaural, the
sound from left and right will be mixed.
3) When using an 80-minute recordable MD
4 Press N while pressing REC.
5 Play the sound source.
REC
Control key
(VOL +/–/
To stop recording, press x.
The recorder remains at the previous
setting of the recording mode when you
record the next time.
./>/N)
When you do not want “LP:”
added automatically at the
beginning of a track
When “LP:” is added to the beginning of a
track, “LP:” is displayed whenever an
attempt is made to play or edit the disc on
a unit that does not support MDLP mode.
This display lets you know that playback
or editing of the track is not possible on
the machine being used. The recorder is
factory set to add “LP:” at the start of
each track.
MENU/ENTER
1 While the recorder is stopped, press
2 MPrEesNsU.. or > repeatedly until
“R-MODE” flashes in the display,
and then press ENTER.
3 Press . or > repeatedly to
select the desired recording mode,
and then press ENTER.
1 While the recorder is stopped, press
2 MPrEesNsU.. or > repeatedly until
“OPTION” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
Each time you press . or >, the
display changes as follows:
Recording Display
mode1)
Recording
time3)
3 Press . or > repeatedly until
“LPStmp” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
SP stereo
SP
Approx. 80
min.
LP2 stereo
LP2
Approx.160
min.
26
4 Press . or > repeatedly until
“OFF” flashes in the display, and then
press ENTER.
Recording tracks using
the group function
If you want “LP:” added, select “ON”
in this step, and then press ENTER.
(Group Mode Recording)
What is the group function
(Group Mode)?
It is a function that allows you to separate
tracks on a disc into different groups for
playback, recording and editing.
Note
“LP:” is added to tracks checked-out in LP
stereo from your computer regardless of the
“LP Stamp” setting. If you want to delete
“LP:”, do the procedure “Relabeling
When group mode is OFF.
Disc
z
• Audio components that support the LP2 stereo
or LP4 stereo modes are indicated by the
or
logo marks.
• If you set the recorder so that “LP:” is not
added at the beginning of the track, you will
be able to enter longer track names by using
the full length of the text string “Relabeling
Track number
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
• You can achieve high sound quality and rich
tones when recording in SP stereo (or
monaural) thanks to the newly developed DSP
TYPE-R for ATRAC (Adaptive TRansform
When group mode is ON.
Disc
Notes
Group 1
Group 2
Track
Group 3
Track
• It is recommended that you use the AC power
adaptor for long recordings.
Track
• During monaural recording of a stereo sound
source connected through the digital (optical)
input jack, you can still monitor the recorded
sound in stereo by using headphones or
earphones connected to the i jack.
• 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 of 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.
number
number number
1 2 3 1 2 1 2 3 4
It is convenient for managing multiple CD
albums recorded in MDLP (LP2 stereo/
LP4 stereo) mode onto a single MD. You
can create a maximum of 99 groups on a
disc.
27
How is group information
recorded?
When recording in group mode, the group
information is written to the disc name
recording area.
REC
END SEARCH
Control key
(./>/N)
This information consists of text strings
that are written as shown in the following
example.
GROUP
Disc name recording area
Example
1
2
3
To activate group mode
(Group Mode Recording)
1 Disc name: “ Favorites”
2 Group name for tracks 1 to 5: “Rock”
To record tracks in group mode, you must
first turn group mode on before the start
of recording.
3 Group name for tracks 6 to 9: “Pops”
Therefore, the above character string is
displayed in its entirety as the disc name
if you load an MD recorded in group
mode into a system that does not support
group mode, or if you try to edit the
contents of a disc on this recorder with
group mode turned off.
1 Press GROUP for 2 seconds or more.
“
” and “GP ON” light up and
group mode turns on.
To cancel group mode, press GROUP
for 2 seconds or more again.
It is possible to change the
character string by doing
“Relabeling recordings” procedure
in the “Labeling/relabeling
recordings” (page 37). Note that if
you rewrite this character string by
mistake, you may be unable to use
the group function of that MD.
Recording a track into a new
group
• Turn group mode on.
1 Press END SEARCH while the
• The group function setting is stored even if
you eject the MD or turn off the recorder.
• In group mode, the recorder treats all tracks
without group settings as belonging to the last
group on the disc. The last group is indicated
in the display window on the recorder as
“GP --”. Within a group, the tracks appear in
their order on the disc, not their order within
the group.
2 rPerceossrdNer iswshtoilpepperde.ssing REC.
Notes
3 Play the source sound.
To stop recording
Press x. The material that was recorded
up until x was pressed is entered as a new
group.
28
Recording a track into an
existing group
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. The recorder is factory
set to record over existing material.
• Turn group mode on.
• Insert a disc with group settings.
1 Press GROUP.
“
” flashes in the display and you
can select a group directly (Group
repeatedly until the group you want
the track to belong to appears.
Control key
(./>)
3 Press N while pressing REC.
4 Play the source sound.
The newly recorded track is added
after the current contents.
Notes
MENU/ENTER
• Even if “R-Posi” is set to “FrHere”, newly
recorded tracks are inserted after the existing
tracks in the specified group without
1 While the recorder is stopped, press
2 MPrEesNsU.. or > until “OPTION”
recording over the current contents.
• Group skip mode turns off automatically in
flashes in the display, and then press
3 EPrNeTssE.R. or > repeatedly until
z
To add a track that is playing to a group, stop
playing the track first, and then do the
procedure from step 3.
“R-Posi” flashes in the display, and
4 tPhreenssp.ress EoNr T>ER.repeatedly until
“Fr End” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
To start recording from the
current point
z
To temporarily record without recording over
the current contents, press END SEARCH
before the start of recording. The recording will
begin after the last track, even if “R-Posi” is set
to “FrHere” (factory setting). The remaining
recordable time on the disc will appear in the
display when you press END SEARCH.
29
Notes
To cancel Auto Time Mark
Select “OFF”, and then press ENTER in
• The setting will remain even after the power is
turned off.
• If you start recording while the recorder is in
play-pause mode, the recording will begin
from the point at which it is paused even when
the “R-Posi” is set to “Fr End”.
Using Auto Time Mark to add
track marks while recording
When the elapsed recording time
exceeds the time interval for Auto
Time Mark:
The recorder adds track marks at the point
you set the time interval and from that
point the recorder adds a track mark
whenever the time interval has elapsed.
Adding track marks
automatically (Auto
Time Mark)
Use this feature to add track marks
automatically at specified intervals when
recording through the analog input
connector.
Example: Eight minutes of recording has
been completed when the Auto Time
Mark time interval is set to 5 minutes.
A track mark will be added at the 8-
minute point (after the start of recording)
and after each 5-minute interval
thereafter.
Control key
(./>)
When the time interval set for Auto
Time Mark exceeds the elapsed
recording time:
The recorder adds a track mark when the
set Auto Time Mark time interval has
elapsed.
MENU/ENTER
Example: Three minutes of recording has
been completed when the Auto Time
Mark time interval is set to 5 minutes.
A track mark will be added at the 5-
minute point (after the start of recording)
and after each 5-minute interval
thereafter.
1 While the recorder is recording or in
2 rPerceosrsd.ing paours>e, prersespeMatEeNdlUy.until
“TimeMk” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
3 Press . or > repeatedly until
the desired time interval flashes in the
display, and then press ENTER.
z
“T” appears before the track display on the
recorder for track marks added by Auto Time
Mark.
Select one of the following intervals:
Display
OFF
Time
Notes
—
• Automatic track marking by Auto Time Mark
starts when you add a normal track mark to
the disc (i.e., by pressing T MARK or X,
etc.).
• The setting will be lost when the recording is
stopped.
5 min
Approx. 5 min.
Approx. 10 min.
Approx. 15 min.
10 min
15 min
30
6 While observing the level meter in the
display, adjust the recording level by
pressing . or >.
Adjusting the recording
level manually (Manual
Recording)
When you record, the sound level is
adjusted automatically. If necessary, you
can set the recording level manually
during both analog and digital recording.
Set the level so that the maximum
input lights up the fifth segment on
the level meter. If the sixth segment
lights up, lower the level by pressing
..
fifth segment
REC
Control key
(./>/N)
X
REC15
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.
MENU/ENTER
7 Press X again to start recording.
1 Press REC while pressing X.
To switch back to automatic
2 TPrheessreMcoErNdeUr .stands by for recording.
level control
3 Press . or > repeatedly until
“RecVol” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
Notes
• If you press x during recording operation, the
recorder will revert to automatic recording
level adjustment mode the next time you start
a recording operation.
• To set the recording level manually during
synchro-recording, do the procedure below.
4 Press . or > repeatedly until
“Manual” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
and select “ON” in the synchro-recording
Manual
Recording starts automatically whenever the
source sound is played.
• You cannot switch from “Auto” to “Manual”
(or vice-versa) during recording.
5 Play the source.
31
Display window on the recorder
Checking the remaining
recordable time
You can check the remaining time, track
number, etc. when recording or during
stop. Group-related items appear only
when a track with group settings is played
and then stopped.
A
B
On B
LapTim
The elapsed time of the current
track.
Control key
(./>)
r
RecRem
The remaining recordable time.
r
GP Rem
The remaining time after the current
track in a group.
MENU/ENTER
r
AllRem
The remaining time after the current
location.
1 While the recorder is recording or
2 sPtroepspse.d, preosrs>MENrUep.eatedly until
“DISP” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER again.
Note
Items may not be selectable depending on
group mode’s on/off status or the recorder’s
operating status.
3 Press . or > repeatedly until
the information you want flashes in
the display.
4 Press ENTER.
The information selected in step 3
appears in A and B.
Each time you press >, the display
changes as follows:
A — track number, track name,
group name, or disc name.
B — the information selected in step
Note
Items may appear differently depending on
group mode’s on/off status, the recorder’s
operating status, or the recorder settings.
z
If you want to check the playing position or
32
Various ways of playback
z
• You can also change play modes (repeat play,
Using the group
or shuffle play) in the selected group. After
the procedures here, follow the steps of
• In group mode, pressing > on the recorder
during the last track of the group moves
playback to the first track of the group, and
pressing . twice continuously on the
recorder or the remote control during the first
track of the group moves playback to the last
track of the group.
function (Group Mode)
The recorder can operate various
playback with a disc which has group
settings. For more information on group
mode, see “Recording tracks using the
Control key
(./>)
To turn off the group function
Press GROUP for 2 seconds or more
again.
GROUP
Note
In group mode, the recorder treats all tracks
without group settings as belonging to the last
group on the disc. The last group is indicated in
the display window on the recorder as
“GP --”. Within a group, the tracks appear in
their order on the disc, not their order within the
group.
ENTER
Listening to tracks in a
specific group (Group Mode
Playback)
Selecting and playing groups
(Group Skip Mode)
Operations are possible regardless of
whether group mode is on or off.
However, playback on the recorder will
differ, depending on whether group mode
is on or off.
• When group mode is on:
Playback starts from the first track of the
selected group and ends with the last
track in the group.
• When group mode is off:
Playback starts from the first track of the
selected group and ends with the last
track in the disc.
• Insert a disc with group settings.
1 Start playback.
2 Press GROUP for 2 seconds or more.
“
” and “GP ON” light up in the
display and the group mode turns on.
Playback stops at the end of the last
track in the selected group.
For details on selecting another
group, see “Selecting and playing
33
Changing play modes
You can select from various play modes
such as repeat play (AllRep), single repeat
(1 Rep), and shuffle repeat (Shuf.R).
When group mode is off:
Disc
Track number
Control key
(./>)
1 2 3 5 6 7 8
4
Skip
Skip
Skip
When group mode is on:
Disc
MENU/ENTER
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Track
number
Track
number
Track
number
1 While the recorder is playing, press
2 MPrEesNsU.. or > repeatedly until
“P-MODE” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER again.
1 2 3 1 2 1 2
Skip
Skip
Skip
3 Press . or > repeatedly to
select play mode, and then press
ENTER.
• Insert a disc with group settings.
1 Press GROUP.
Display window on the recorder
“
” flashes in the display and
A
2 Wgroituhpins b5esceocmonedsse,lpecretasbsl.e. or >
repeatedly to select your desired
group, and then press ENTER.
Shuf.R
B
When you press >, B changes.
When you press ENTER, A appears.
The recorder starts playing from the
first track in the group.
Note
If no operation is performed within 5 seconds
and you will not be able to perform step 2
repeat from the beginning of the procedure.
34
On B/A
Normal/(none)
All the tracks are played once.
2 Press . or > to select the item,
and then press ENTER.
Each time you press >, A and B
change as follows:
r
AllRep/
Display window
A
All the tracks are played repeatedly.
r
Digital MEGA BASS
1 Rep/
1
A single track is played repeatedly.
r
Shuf.R/Shuf
After the currently selected track
finishes playing, the remaining
tracks are played repeatedly in
random order.
BASS 2
B
On B/A
OFF/(none)
Normal play
z
r
You can specify play mode for a selected group
when group mode is on. To activate group
mode, see “Selecting and playing groups
BASS 1/
Mega Bass (moderate effect)
r
BASS 2/
Mega Bass (strong effect)
Emphasizing bass
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.
(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.
Control key
(./>)
MENU/ENTER
1 Press MENU, press . or >
repeatedly until “BASS” flashes in
the display, and then press ENTER
again.
35
Display window on the
recorder
Checking the remaining
time or the playing
position
You can check the track name, disc name,
etc. during playback. Group-related items
appear only when a track with group
settings is played.
A
B
On B
Control key
(./>)
LapTim
The elapsed time of the current
track.
r
1 Rem
The remaining time of the current
track.
r
GP Rem
MENU/ENTER
The remaining time after the current
location in the group.
1 While the recorder is playing, press
r
2 MPrEesNsU.. or > repeatedly until
“DISP” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER again.
AllRem
The remaining time after the current
location.
4 Press ENTER (ENTER).
The display changes as follows:
The information selected in step 3
appears in A and B.
3 Press . or > repeatedly until
the information you want flashes in
the display.
A — the information selected in step
B — track number, track name,
group name, or disc name.
Each time you press >, the display
changes as follows:
Note
Items may appear differently or may not be
selectable, depending on the group mode’s on/
off status or the recorder’s operating status.
z
If you want to check the remaining time or the
recording position while recording or in stop
mode, see page 32.
36
Editing recorded tracks
Notes
You can edit your recordings by adding/
erasing track marks or labeling tracks and
• “FULL” appears when you try to enter more
than 1,700 characters on a disc. Enter a shorter
name for the track, group, or disc, or set the
“LPStmp” setting to “OFF” when recording in
MDLP mode so that “LP:” is not be added at
• When labeling a disc which has been recorded
using the group function, make sure group
mode is on in order to prevent the group
management information from being
MDs. Premastered MDs cannot be edited.
• You cannot edit tracks on an MD that is
record-protected. Before editing tracks, close
• If you perform an editing operation while
playing, be sure not to turn the power off until
“Edit” disappears in the display.
• Do not move the recorder while “Edit”* is
flashing in the display.
• The lid will not open until “Edit” disappears
in the display after editing.
overwritten by mistake.
• If you enter the symbol “//” between the
characters in disc names such as “abc//def”,
you may be unable to use the group function.
• When group mode is on, editing can be
performed only for the tracks registered into
the selected group.
END SEARCH
Control key
VOL +/–
(./>/x)
Labeling/relabeling
recordings
X
You can name tracks, groups and discs
using the recorder’s character palette.
GROUP/
CANCEL
Available characters
• Capital and small letters of the English
alphabet
• Numbers 0 to 9
MENU/ENTER
• ! " # $ % & ( ) * . ; < = > ?
@ _ ` + – ' , / : _ (space)
Numbers of characters you
can input
Track, group, or disc name: Approx. 200
each
Numbers of characters you
can input in a disc
Numbers/marks: Approx. 1,700
37
The buttons used for character input
and their functions are listed below:
Labeling recordings
Functions
Operations
1 Insert a disc and do the following
operations:
To select a
character
Press VOL + or
VOL –.
To label a track
Start playing or recording a track you
want to label, and label the track
while playing or recording
operations.
To enter a letter
To enter a name
Press ENTER .
Press ENTER for 2
second or more.
To insert a blank
space to type in a
new letter
Press VOL + and
END SEARCH at
the same time.
To label a group
start playing or recording a track
within the group you want to label,
and label the group while playing or
recording operations.
To delete a letter
Press VOL – and
and move back all END SEARCH at
following letters to the same time.
the left
To label a disc
If a disc is already recorded, follow
the procedures from step 2 while the
recorder is stopped. If a disc is new,
start recording and label a disc while
recording.
To cancel labeling Press CANCEL.
7 oPfretshseElaNbTelEnRamfoer.2 seconds or more.
If you label a disc with group settings,
The track or disc is labeled.
To cancel labeling
Press CANCEL in step 6.
3 Press . or > repeatedly until
“EDIT” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
Notes
• When the recording is stopped while labeling
a track, a group, 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 the track name for tracks recorded in
4 Press . or > repeatedly until
the following item appears in the
display, and then press ENTER.
When labeling a track
“T: Name”
When labeling a group
“G: Name”
When labeling a disc
“D: Name”
• You cannot label or relabel the premastered
disc or blank disc.
The cursor flashes and the track,
group, or disc is ready to be labeled.
The disc is ready to be labeled.
5 Press VOL + or VOL – repeatedly to
select a letter and press ENTER.
The selected letter stops flashing and
the cursor moves to the next input
position.
38
Relabeling recordings
Registering tracks or
groups as a new group
(Group Setting)
1 Insert a disc and do the following
operations:
To relabel a track
Do the following procedure to register
tracks or groups as a new group. The
tracks or groups must, however, be
sequential. If the desired tracks or groups
are not consecutive, you must move them
to make them consecutive before you can
register them (“Moving recorded tracks”,
page 41). The operation of this function
depends on whether group mode is on or
off.
• When group mode is ON:
Several groups are registered as one
group.
• When group mode is OFF:
Several tracks are registered as one
group.
Start playing a track you want to
relabel, and change a track name
during playback operation.
To relabel a group
start playing or recording a track
within the group you want to relabel,
and change the group name while
playing or recording operations.
To relabel a disc
If the disc is already recorded, follow
the procedures from step 2 while the
recorder is stopped.
If you relabel a disc with group
settings, turn group mode on
The following section explains the
operation when group mode is on.
recordings” (page 38) to display a
Group
Group
recordings” (page 38), and then keep
pressing ENTER for 2 seconds or
more.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Making a new
group with
tracks 1 to 3.
Making a new group
with 2 groups.
Notes
Group
Group
• You cannot relabel premastered MDs.
• The recorder cannot rewrite a disc or track
name of more than 200 letters that was created
by another device.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
• Registration of non-consecutive tracks
is not possible (for example, track 3
cannot be registered into a group with
track 5 to 7).
To cancel labeling
Press CANCEL.
• Tracks always appear according to their
order on the disc, not their order within
the group (even when group mode is on)
• Insert a disc.
39
5 Press . or > repeatedly until
the number or name of the desired
last track flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
Control key
(./>)
The track number of the last track in
the group (“END”) appears in the
display.
GROUP
This selects the last track of the new
group.
recordings” (page 38) to label a
group.
MENU/ENTER
1 While the recorder is stopped, press
Notes
2 MPrEesNsU.. or > repeatedly until
“EDIT” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
track of an existing group or a track that does
not belong to a group.
sure the track comes after the one selected in
track of an existing group or a track that does
not belong to a group.
3 Press . or > repeatedly until
“G:Set” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
The track number of the first track
(“STR”) appears in the display.
To release a group
setting
• Insert a disc with group settings.
Control key
(./>/x)
4 Press . or > repeatedly until
the number or name of the desired
first track flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
GROUP
This selects the first track of the new
group.
Even when group mode is on, track
numbers appear according to their
order on the disc, not their order
within the group.
MENU/ENTER
1 Press GROUP for 2 seconds or more
2 tSoelteucrnt aognrgoruoputphmatoydoeu. want to
release and check the contents (see
40
3 Press x.
1 While playing the track you want to
2 mProevsse,.pressoMr >ENUr.epeatedly until
“EDIT” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER again.
4 Press MENU.
5 Press . or > repeatedly until
“EDIT” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
“
” and “T:Name” flashes in the
display and the recorder plays the
6 Press . or > repeatedly until
“G:Rls” flashes in the display, and
press ENTER.
3 Pserleescste.d tracokr >repearteedpleya.tedly until
“G:Rls?” and “ENTER” appear in the
display.
“
” and “T:Move” flashes in the
display, and then press ENTER.
For the example above, “003 t” and
“t 003” appear alternately in the
display.
7 Press ENTER.
The group setting of the selected
group is released.
4 Press . or > to select the
destination track number.
For the example above, “003 t”
“t 002” appear alternately in the
display.
Moving recorded tracks
You can change the order of the recorded
tracks.
5 Press ENTER again.
Example
The track moves to the selected
destination track.
Move track C from the third to the second
track.
Before moving
To cancel moving
Press CANCEL in step 4.
A
B
C
B
D
D
A
C
After moving
Control key
(./>)
CANCEL
MENU/ENTER
41
Moving a track to a
different group
Changing the order of a
group on a disc (Group
Move)
• Insert a disc with group settings
• Insert a disc with group settings
Control key
(./>)
Control key
(./>)
GROUP/
CANCEL
GROUP/
CANCEL
MENU/ENTER
MENU/ENTER
1 Press GROUP for 2 seconds or more.
1 Press GROUP for 2 seconds or more.
“
” lights up in the display group
“
” lights up in the display and
2 mWohdileetpulranysinogn.the track you want to
2 gWrohuilpemploadyeintgurantsraocnk. within a group
3 mProevsse,.pressoMr >ENUr.epeatedly until
“EDIT” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
whose order you want to change,
3 pPrreessss M.ENUor. > repeatedly until
“EDIT” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
The recorder plays the selected track
repeatedly.
4 Press . or > repeatedly until
“G:Move” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
4 Press . or > repeatedly until
“T:Move” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
You can now move the selected
group.
5 Press . or > repeatedly until
the destination group flashes in the
display, and then press ENTER.
5 Press . or > repeatedly to
select the destination point on the
disc, and then press ENTER.
6 Press . or > repeatedly until
the number of the destination track
within the group flashes in the
To cancel moving
Press CANCEL in step 5.
display, and then press ENTER.
To cancel moving
Press CANCEL in step 5.
42
Adding a track mark
Erasing a track mark
You can add track marks so that the part
after the new track mark is counted as a
new track. The track numbers will
increase as follows:
You cannot add a track mark on a track
that has been checked-out from your
computer.
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:
You cannot erase a track mark on a track
that has been checked-out from your
computer.
1
2
3
4
Add a track mark
1
2
3
4
Erase a track mark
1
2
3
4
5
Track numbers increase
1
2
3
Track numbers decrease
T MARK
Control key
(.)
X
T MARK
1 While playing or pausing an MD,
press T MARK on the recorder at the
point you want to mark.
1 While playing the track with the track
mark you want to erase, press X to
pause.
“MK ON” appears in the display, and
a track mark is added. The track
number will increase by one.
2 Find the track mark by pressing .
slightly.
To add track marks while
recording (except while
synchro-recording)
Press T MARK on the recorder at the
point you want to add a track mark.
You can use Auto Time Stamp to add
track marks automatically at specified
intervals (except while digital recording)
For example, to erase the third track
mark, find the beginning of the third
track. “00:00” appears in the display.
“MK 003” appears in the display for
3 2PrseescsoTndMs.ARK to erase the mark.
“MK OFF” appears in the display.
The track mark is erased and the two
tracks are combined.
43
z
1 While playing the track you want to
When you erase a track mark, name assigned to
the mark is also erased.
2 ePrraesses,.pressoMr >ENU.repeatedly until
“EDIT” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER again.
Notes
• When you erase a track mark between the two
consecutive tracks that are registered into
different groups while group mode is off, the
second track is re-registered into the group
containing the first track. In addition, if you
combine a track that is registered to a group
with a track that is not registered to a group
(two consecutive tracks), the second track
takes the same registration setting as the first
track. However, when group mode is on, you
can only combine tracks within the selected
group.
“
” and “T:Name” flash in the
display, and the recorder plays the
selected track repeatedly.
3 Press . or > repeatedly until
“
” and “T:Ers” flash in the
display, and then press ENTER.
“Erase?” and “ENTER” appear
alternately in the display.
• You cannot erase track marks according to the
system limitations. For details, see “System
4 Press ENTER again.
The track is erased and the next track
starts to play. All the tracks after the
one erased are automatically
renumbered.
Erasing tracks
Note
You can not erase tracks that have been checked
out from your computer. You can not erase a
group or an entire disc if it contains a checked-
out track. In this case, check in the track or
tracks to SonicStage.
To erase a part of a track
Add track marks at the beginning and the
end of the part you want to erase
(page 43), then erase the part.
To cancel erasing
Press CANCEL in step 3.
Control key
(./>)
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 before you erase it.
GROUP/
CANCEL
1 Play the disc you want to erase to
MENU/ENTER
2 cPhreescskxthetocsotnotpe.nts.
To erase a track
3 While the recorder is stopped, press
Note that once a recording has
been erased, you cannot retrieve it.
Make sure of the track you are
erasing.
MENU.
44
4 Press . or > repeatedly until
“EDIT” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
6 Press . or > repeatedly until
“G:Ers” flash in the display, and then
press ENTER.
“
” and “D:Name” flash in the
“Erase?” and “ENTER” appear
display.
5 Press . or > repeatedly until
7 PalrteesrsnaEtNelTyEinRthageadiins.play.
“
” and “D:Ers” flash in the
The group is erased.
display, and then press ENTER.
“Erase?” and “ENTER” appear
alternately in the display.
To cancel erasing
Press CANCEL in step 6.
6 Press ENTER again.
“Edit” flashes in the display, and all
the tracks will be erased.
When erasing is complete, “BLANK”
appears in the display.
To cancel erasing
Press CANCEL in step 5.
To erase a group
You can erase tracks in a selected group.
Note that once a recording has
been erased, you cannot retrieve it.
Be sure to check the contents of
the group before you erase it.
• Insert a disc with group settings.
1 Press GROUP for 2 seconds or more.
“
” lights up in the display and
2 gSreoleucptma ogdroeutpurynosuown.ant to erase
3 cPhreescskxthetocsotnotpe.nts.
4 While the recorder is stopped, press
5 MPrEesNsU.. or > repeatedly until
“EDIT” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
45
Other Operations
Protecting your hearing
(AVLS)
Turning off the beep
sound
The AVLS (Automatic Volume Limiter
System) function keeps down the
maximum volume to protect your ears.
You can turn off the beep sound.
Control key
(./>)
Control key
(./>)
MENU/ENTER
MENU/ENTER
1 Press MENU.
1 Press MENU.
2 Press . or > repeatedly until
“OPTION” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER.
2 Press . or > repeatedly until
“OPTION” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER again.
3 Press . or > repeatedly until
“BEEP” flashes in the display and
then press ENTER.
3 Press . or > repeatedly until
“AVLS” flashes in the display, and
then press ENTER again.
4 Press . or > repeatedly until
“OFF” flashes in the display, and then
press ENTER.
4 Press . or > repeatedly until
“ON” flashes in the display, and then
press ENTER.
To turn on the beep sound
When you try to turn the volume too
high, “AVLS” flashes in the display.
The volume is kept to a moderate
level.
To cancel AVLS
Select “OFF” in step 4.
46
Power sources
You can use the recorder on house current or 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 life1)
(Unit: Approx. hours) (JEITA2))
LR6 (SG) alkaline dry battery3)
Recording4)
Normal
LP2
LP4
9
13
16
Playback
40
49
54
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 Sony LR6 (SG) “STAMINA” alkaline dry battery (produced in Japan).
4) To prevent interrupted recording due to drained battery, use new battey for recording operations.
When to replace the battery
When the dry battery is weak, flashing r or “LoBATT” appears in the display. Replace
the dry battery.
Note that the battery level indicated by the battery indication is only approximate and
varies with the recorder condition.
Notes
Stop the recorder before replacing battery.
• Be sure to use the supplied AC power adaptor.
• If the recorder will not be used for a long period of time, disconnect the AC power adaptor from a wall
outlet.
48
Additional information
• 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.
Precautions
On safety
• Do not put any foreign objects in the DC IN
3V jack.
Polarity of the
plug
• Keep the terminals on the recorder away from
metallic objects or surfaces. Such contact may
short-circuit the terminals and cause
dangerous heat generation.
• 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, or car
battery cord). To remove the AC power
adaptor from the wall outlet, grasp the adaptor
plug itself; never pull the cord.
On water resistance
• Before opening or closing the buckle, be sure
to wipe off water, dust or sand on the exterior
of the unit. (The unit is not water-resistant
with the upper lid open.)
• Since water in the headphones/earphones jack,
the USB connecting jack, LINE IN
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.
(OPTICAL) jack, or DC IN 3V jack may
cause rust, cover them with the attached
rubber caps when the jacks are not in use.
• Since the unit is airtight, you may not be able
to open disc lid because of sudden change in
air pressure inside the unit, which happens
after being transported on a plane or moving
from a warm place to a cold place. To open the
lid in this case, pull off the rubber cap that
covers the DC IN 3V jack, and then open the
lid. After you open the lid, make sure to cover
the jack with rubber cap again.
• The supplied headphones/earphones are not
meant to be immersed in water or come in
continuous contact with water. If they are
accidentally dropped into water or get wet, dry
them with a soft cloth. Never use an electric
hair dryer.
On installation
• Never use the recorder where it will be
subjected to extremes of light, temperature,
moisture or vibration.
• Never wrap the recorder in anything when it is
being used with the AC power adaptor. Heat
build-up in the recorder may cause
malfunction or damage.
On the headphones/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.
• If the unit or the headphones/earphones are
immersed in salt water, be sure to wash them
in non-running fresh water. Never wash them
under running water, and never use soap or
detergent.
• Any sand or dust on the rubber packing will
prevent the lid from closing tightly, and water
may leak in. Brush off the dust once in a
while.
• We recommend the packing to be changed
every year. Change the packing at an
authorized Sony Service Facility.
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.
On power sources
• Use house current, LR6 (size AA) battery.
49
• If a battery leak should develop, carefully and
thoroughly wipe away battery fluid from the
battery compartment before inserting new
ones.
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
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.
• 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.
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.
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.
Tab
• 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.
Recordedmaterial
is protected.
Back of the MD
• To obtain the best sound quality, use a dry
cloth to wipe the plugs of the headphones/
earphones. Dirty plugs may cause sound
distortion or intermittent breaks in the sound.
Recordedmaterial
is not protected.
Notes on battery
Incorrect battery usage may lead to leakage of
battery fluid or bursting battery. To prevent
such accidents, observe the following
precautions:
• Install the + and – poles of the battery
correctly.
• When the recorder is not to be used for a long
time, be sure to remove the battery.
• Do not carry or store the dry battery with
metallic objects such as coins, key rings, or
necklaces. This may cause a short-circuit and
the generation of heat.
50
Note on maintenance
Clean the terminals periodically with a cotton
swab or a soft cloth as illustrated.
Terminals
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.)
51
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
“TrFULL” appears even
When 254 tracks have been recorded on the disc,
before the disc has reached “TrFULL” appears regardless of the total recorded time.
the maximum recording More than 254 tracks cannot be recorded on the disc. To
time (60, 74, or 80 minutes). continue recording, erase unnecessary tracks.
“TrFULL” appears even Repeated recording and erasing may cause fragmentation
before the disc has reached and scattering of data. Although those scattered data can
the maximum track number be read, each fragment is counted as a track. In this case,
or recording time.
the number of tracks may reach 254 and further recording
is not possible. To continue recording, erase unnecessary
tracks.
Track marks cannot be
erased.
The remaining recording
time does not increase even
after erasing numerous short
tracks.
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.
The total recorded time and Normally, recording is done in minimum units of
the remaining time on the
disc may not total the
maximum recording time
(60, 74, or 80 minutes).
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 edited tracks may
exhibit sound dropout
during search operations.
The fragmentation of data may cause sound dropout while
searching because the tracks are played in higher speed
than normal playback.
52
Symptom
Cause
The playing time of a
checked-out track is
different from the time that
appears on your computer
monitor.
This is due to a calculation discrepancy between the
recorder and the computer.
You cannot check out tracks The minimum recordable time on the disc is normally 2
seconds in stereo, 4 seconds in LP2 stereo mode, and 8
seconds in LP4 stereo mode. When you check-out a track
from your computer the recorder needs 2 seconds (4 or 8
seconds)-space for one track even though the track is
under 2 seconds (4 or 8 seconds) length. Also the recorder
inserts 2 seconds (4 or 8 seconds)-space between tracks
when checking out in order not to erase the previously
recorded track or not to be erased by recorded over. For
this reason, the recorder needs 6 seconds (12 or 24
seconds) longer time for a track so that as a result, the
recordable time of the disc become 6 seconds (12 or 24
seconds) shorter than the maximum recordable time of the
disc when checking out.
that will fill up the
remaining recording time on
the disc. (For example, you
cannot check-out tracks that
total 160 minutes to an 80-
minute disc in LP2 stereo
mode.)
You cannot erase a track
checked out from your
computer.
To erase a track that has been checked out from your
computer, check it back in first, and then erase it using the
SonicStage software.
53
Troubleshooting
Should any problem persist after you have made these checks, consult your nearest Sony
Symptom
Cause/Solution
The recorder does
not work or works
poorly.
• Audio sources may not be securely connected.
, Disconnect the audio sources once and connect them again
• The HOLD function is turned on (“HOLD” appears in the
display when you press an operation button on the recorder).
, On the recorder, disable HOLD by sliding the HOLD switch
• The lid is not firmly closed.
, Close the lid until it clicks.
• Moisture has condensed inside the recorder.
, Take the MD out and leave the recorder in a warm place for
several hours until the moisture evaporates.
• The dry battery is weak (“LoBATT” flashes or nothing appears).
connect the supplied AC power adaptor to the recorder.
• The dry battery have been inserted incorrectly.
• You pressed a button while the disc indication was rotating
quickly.
, Wait until the indication rotates slowly.
• When recording digitally from a portable CD player, you did not
use the AC power adaptor or did not disable the anti-skip
• The analog recording was made using a connecting cord with an
attenuator.
• The AC power adaptor was unplugged during recording or a
power outage occurred.
• While operating, the recorder received a mechanical shock, too
much static, abnormal power voltage caused by lightning, etc.
, 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. Rerecord the disc. If the error message still
appears, replace it with another disc.
54
Symptom
Cause/Solution
The recorder does
not work or works
poorly.
• The disc is record-protected (“SAVED” appears).
• Recording level is too small to record (when recording
manually).
, Pause the recorder and adjust the recording level.
• A Premastered MD is inserted (“PbONLY” appears) when
recording.
, Insert a recordable MD
• You tried to turn group mode on while setting the program.
, Turn group mode on before setting the program.
The recorder
overwrites existing
materials when
record.
• The record starting-position setting (“R-Posi”) is set to
“FrHere”.
, Set “R-Posi” setting to “Fr End”.
The recorder does
not work while
connected to the
computer.
• The computer does not recognize the recorder.
, Verify that the recorder is correctly connected.
, Install the driver correctly into your computer.
, Install the SonicStage software into your computer first, and
then connect the recorder.
“No SIG” appears in • There is no digital signal from the portable CD player.
the display when
recording from a
portable CD player.
, When recording digitally from a portable CD player, use the
AC power adaptor and disable the anti-skip function (such as
There is no recording • The AC power adaptor was unplugged or a power outage
on the MD after a
occurred during recording.
recording operation.
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.
• The lid is not firmly closed.
, Close the lid until it clicks. Then pull the OPEN switch to
open the lid.
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 i.
• Volume is too low.
, Adjust the volume by pressing VOL +/–.
• The plug is dirty.
, Clean the plug.
Volume cannot be
turned up.
• AVLS is on.
An MD is not played • Playback mode is changed.
normally.
, Change to the normal play.
55
Symptom
Cause/Solution
An MD is not played • Disc playing stopped before it came to the last track.
from the first track.
, Press N for 2 seconds or more to start playing.
• Group mode is turned on.
, Turn group mode off and play from the first track (press N
for 2 seconds or more to start playing).
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.
, Try not to create a track under one second long.
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.
Cannot find the track • You pressed X after pressing . or >.
marks.
, Press X before pressing . or >.
The disc cannot edit • The component does not support LP2 stereo or LP4 stereo.
on other component.
, Edit on other component that support LP2 stereo or LP4
stereo.
Momentary noise is • Due to the special digital audio compression technology used in
heard.
LP4 stereo mode, momentary noise may occur on very rare
occasions with certain sound sources.
, Record in normal stereo or LP2 stereo mode.
The display window • The recorder was disconnected from the power source.
is not normal.
, Let the recorder sit for a while, or disconnect the power
source, reconnect it, and then press any of the operation
buttons.
56
List of menus
Menu functions
Press MENU, and press . or >.
Menu on the Functions
recorder1)
EDIT
Selecting editing operations (labeling, erasing tracks, discs, or groups,
DISP
Displaying elapsed playing time, remaining playing time, etc. (page 32
P-MODE
RecVol
R-MODE
Selecting recording mode (SP stereo, LP2 stereo, LP4 stereo, or
BASS
TimeMk
SYNC-R
OPTION
• AVLS (Automatic Volume Limiter System) — Selecting “ON” or
• LPStmp — Selecting “ON” (“LP:” will be added at the beginning of
1) The menu items that can be selected vary according to the on/off status of group mode or the operating
status of the recorder.
57
Tables of Menus
The menus provided on the recorder for each operating status are shown on this and the
following pages. Each chart shows the various menus and the menu items that can be
Menus and menu items toggle in the display.
Menus and menu items selected while the recorder is stopped
EDIT
G:Ers2)
D:Ers
D:Name
G:Set
G:Rls1)
DISP
LapTim
Normal
RecRem
AllRep
GP Rem2)
AllRem
Shuf.R
P-MODE
1 Rep
R-MODE
BASS
SP
LP2
LP4
MONO
, : Pressing ENTER
h : Pressing . or >.
OFF
BASS 1
BASS 2
continued to the next page
58
continued from the previous page
, : Pressing ENTER
h : Pressing . or >.
SYNC-R
OPTION
OFF
ON
AVLS
BEEP
R-Posi3)
LPStmp
OFF
ON
FrHere
Fr End
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
1) Appears only when the recorder is in group mode and a group other than “GP --” is selected.
2) Appears only when the recorder is in group mode.
3) Selectable only when group mode is turned off.
Press CANCEL on the recorder to cancel a menu operation.
59
Menus and menu items selected while the recorder is playing
EDIT
T:Name
G:Name1)
G:Move1)
T:Ers
T:Move
DISP
LapTim
Normal
1 Rem
AllRep
GP Rem2)
AllRem
Shuf.R
P-MODE
1 Rep
BASS
OFF
BASS 1
BASS 2
BEEP
, : Pressing ENTER
h : Pressing . or >.
OPTION
AVLS
OFF
ON
ON
OFF
1) Appears only when the recorder is in group mode and a group other than “GP --” is selected.
2) Appears only when the recorder is in group mode.
Press CANCEL on the recorder to cancel a menu operation.
60
Menus and menu items selected while the recorder is recording
EDIT
T:Name
LapTim
Auto
G:Name1)
RecRem
Manual
LP2
D:Name
DISP
RecVol2)
R-MODE2)
SP
LP4
MONO
BASS
OFF
OFF
BASS 1
5 min
ON
BASS 2
10 min
TimeMK
SYNC-R
OPTION
15 min
OFF
, : Pressing ENTER
h : Pressing . or >.
AVLS
OFF
ON
1) Appears only when the recorder is in group mode.
2) Appears only when the recorder is in standby mode.
Press CANCEL on the recorder to cancel a menu operation.
61
Messages
If the following messages flash in the display window, check the messages below.
Error message Meaning/Remedy
BLANK
BUSY
• An MD with no recording on it is inserted.
• 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 a few
minutes).
Saving
• 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.
ERROR
• Recording was not correctly done.
, Place the recorder at a place with no vibrations and record again.
• The disc is soiled with an oil film or finger prints, is scratched, or is
not a standard disc.
, Try recording again with another disc.
• The recorder cannot read the disc information correctly.
, Reinsert the disc.
• The recorder cannot read the disc information correctly.
, Insert another disc.
FULL
• The remaining recording time on the disc is 12 seconds (stereo), 24
seconds (LP2 stereo or monaural), 36 seconds (LP4 stereo), or less.
, Replace the disc.
HiDCin
• Voltage of the power supply is too high (The supplied AC power
adaptor or the recommended car battery cord is not used).
, Use the supplied AC power adaptor or the recommended car
battery cord.
HOLD
• The recorder is locked.
47).
LoBATT
• Battery is weak.
MEMORY
• You tried to record with the recorder placed where it receives
continuous vibration.
, Put the recorder on a stable place, and start recording again.
62
Error message Meaning/Remedy
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 1,700 letters for track or disc
names.
the “LPStmp” setting to “OFF” so that “LP:” is not added at the
NoCOPY
• 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.
NoDISC
No SIG
• You tried to play or record with no disc in the recorder.
, Insert an MD.
• The recorder could not detect digital input signals.
PbONLY
• You tried to record or edit on a pre mastered MD (Pb stands for
“playback”).
, Insert a recordable MD.
SAVED
SORRY
• You tried to record or edit on a MD with the tab in the record-protect
position.
• 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, for example).
• You tried to overwrite a track marks.
• You tried to press X or T MARK during synchro-recording.
• You tried to turn on the group function while programming.
, Turn the group function on before programming.
TEMP
Edit
• Heat has built up in the recorder.
, Let the recorder cool down.
• The MD player is recording information (track start and end
position) from the memory to the disk.
, Wait until this process is completed. Do not expose the player to
physical shock, nor disrupt power supply.
TrFULL
TrPROT
• Track number 254 has been reached.
• You tried to record or edit on a track that is protected from erasing.
, Record or edit on other tracks.
• You tried to edit a track that has been checked out from a computer.
, Check the track back in to the computer and then edit.
63
General
Power requirements
Specifications
Sony AC Power Adaptor connected at the DC
IN 3 V jack:
120 V AC, 60 Hz (Models for USA, Canada,
Mexico, and Taiwan)
230 V AC, 50/60 Hz (Models for continental
Europe and Chili)
240 V AC, 50 Hz (Model for Australia)
220 V AC, 50 Hz (Model for China)
230 V AC, 50 Hz (Models for U.K. and
Hong Kong)
MD Recorder
Audio playing system
MiniDisc digital audio system
Laser diode properties
Material: GaAlAs MQW
Wavelength: λ = 790 nm
Emission duration: continuous
Laser output: less than 44.6 µW
(This output is the value measured at a distance
of 200 mm from the lens surface on the optical
pick-up block with 7 mm aperture.)
Recording and playback time
When using MDW-80
Maximum 160 min. in monaural
Maximum 320 min. in stereo
Revolutions
Approx. 380 rpm to 2,700 rpm (CLV)
Error correction
ACIRC (Advanced Cross Interleave Reed
Solomon Code)
Sampling frequency
44.1 kHz
220 V AC, 60 Hz (Model for Korea)
100 - 120 V/220 - 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
(Other models)
The recorder:
LR6 (size AA) alkaline battery (not supplied)
Battery operation time
Dimensions
Approx. 97.3 × 40 × 104 mm (w/h/d) (37/8 ×
15/8 × 41/8 in.) (including projects parts and
controls)
Mass
Approx. 215 g (7.6 oz) the main unit only
Sampling rate converter
Input: 32 kHz/44.1 kHz/48 kHz
Coding
US and foreign patents licensed from Dolby
Laboratories.
ATRAC (Adaptive TRansform Acoustic
Coding)
ATRAC3 — LP2/LP4
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
Modulation system
Optional accessories
Optical Cable
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
POC-15B, POC-15AB, POC-DA12SP
Stereo Headphones/earphones*
MDR-EX70LP, MDR-G72LP, MDR-A34L
(except for customers in France)
MDR-E808LP (for customers in France)
Active Speakers SRS-Z500
Recordable MDs MDW-series
Line in: stereo mini-jack, minimum input level
49 mV
Optical (Digital) in: optical (digital) mini-jack
Your dealer may not handle some of the above
listed accessories. Please ask the dealer for
detailed information about the accessories in
your country.
Outputs
i: stereo mini-jack, maximum output level
5 mW + 5 mW, load impedance 16 ohm
∗ When using the optional headphones, use
only headphones/earphones with stereo
mini plugs. You cannot use headphones/
earphones with micro plugs.
64
Explanations
Difference between digital (optical) and analog (line) inputs
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! (Synchro-recording)” (page 17)
to record using digital (optical) input, and “Recording in analog (Analog Recording)”
(page 25) to record using analog (line) input.
Difference Digital (optical) input
Analog (line) input
Connectable Equipment with an digital (optical)
Equipment with an analog (line)
output jack (Cassette deck, radio,
record player, etc.)
source
output jack (CD player, DVD player,
etc.)
Usable cord Optical cable (with an optical or an
optical-mini plug) (page 25)
Line cable (with 2 phono plugs
or a stereo-mini plug) (page 25)
Signal from Digital
the source
Analog
Even when a digital source (such
as a CD) is connected, the signal
sent to the recorder is analog.
Track
Marked (copied) automatically
• at the same positions as the source
(when the sound source is a CD or an
MD).
Marked automatically
• after more than 2 seconds of no
segment.
marks1)
• after more than 2 seconds of no
(with a sound source other than a CD
or an MD).
• when the recorder is paused
while recording.
• when the recorder is paused (3
seconds of no sound is encountered
while synchro-recording)
Recorded
sound level
Same as the source.
Adjusted automatically. Can also
be adjusted manually (“Adjusting
Can also be adjusted manually (Digital
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 programs with audio that is digitally broadcast (e.g., digital TV) are recorded through the digital
(optical) input.
65
The meaning of “no sound”
“No sound” describes a recorder condition in which the input level is about 4.8 mV during
analog input or less than –89 dB during optical (digital) input (with 0 dB as full bit (the
maximum recordable level for a MiniDisc)).
Note on digital recording
This recorder uses the Serial Copy Management System, which allows only first-generation digital
copies to be made from premastered software. You can only make copies from a home-recorded MD by
using the analog (line out) connections.
Premastered software such as CDs or
MDs.
Microphone, record player, tuner, etc. (with
analog output jacks).
Analog recording
Digital recording
Home-recorded MD
Digital recording
No
digital
recording
Home-
recorded
MD
Recordable
MD
No
digital
recording
Recordable
MD
Recordable
MD
Restrictions on the editing of tracks checked out from your
computer
This unit was designed so that editing functions (i.e., erasing tracks, adding track marks, and
erasing track marks) do not function for tracks that have been checked out from your computer.
This is to prevent the loss of check-in authorization by the checked-out tracks. To edit these
tracks, first check them back into the computer, and then edit them on the computer.
About the DSP TYPE-S for ATRAC/ATRAC3
This recorder supports DSP TYPE-S, a specification for high-level Sony MiniDisc decks
equipped with digital signal processors (DSP). This specification allows the recorder to produce
high-quality sound from tracks recorded in MDLP mode. Since it retains DSP TYPE-R support,
the recorder produces superior results during recording or playback in SP (normal stereo) mode.
Suppressing the skips of the sound (G-PROTECTION)
The G-PROTECTION function was developed to provide a higher level of shock resistance than that of
existing players.
66
67
Recording audio data to
your computer
You can record audio data to your computer from
Audio CDs
Internet
On the computer
Listening
You can listen to an audio CD in the CD-
ROM drive of your computer, or audio
data in the hard disk drive (page 83).
68
What is a Net MD?
Net MD is a standard that enables the transfer of audio data from a computer to a MiniDisc
device. To use this Net MD with your computer requires a software application called
“SonicStage”.
SonicStage software provides a database for managing audio data in the computer and
functions for playing the audio data in various play modes, editing the data, and
transferring the results to other devices and hardware connected to the computer. It is an
integrated software application with a variety of functions for enjoying music.
Transferring audio data to
the Net MD
You can transfer audio data stored in your computer to an MD
To a Net MD
Creating a music
library
Editing
You can easily edit audio data or add
You can create a music library of your
favorite songs on your computer.
69
Basic Operations
Basic operational flow using the Net MD
The following is the basic steps that you will take following the purchase of your recorder.
Through these steps, you will prepare and set up your computer for use of your recorder as
a Net MD. Do the following steps, and refer to the indicated pages for details.
1 Providing the required system
environment.
2 Installing the software onto your
computer.
3 Connecting the Net MD to your computer.
4 Storing audio data to your computer.
In this manual, recording from an audio CD is explained.
5 Transferring audio data from your
computer to an MD (Check-out).
6 Listening to an MD.
You can listen to audio data that have been checked out from your computer to your Net
MD.
70
Providing the required system environment
System requirements
The following hardware and software are required in order to use the SonicStage software
for the Net MD.
Computer
IBM PC/AT or Compatible
• CPU: Pentium II 400 MHz or higher (Pentium III 450 MHz or higher
is recommended.)
• Hard disk drive space1): 120 MB or more
• RAM: 64 MB or higher (128 MB or higher is recommended)
Others
• CD-ROM drive (capable of digital playback by WDM)
• Sound Board
• USB port (supports USB (previously USB 1.1))
Operating
System
Factory installed:
Windows XP Home Edition/Windows XP Professional/Windows
Millennium Edition/Windows 2000 Professional/Windows 98 Second
Edition
Display
Others
High Color (16bit) or greater, 800 × 480 dots or more (800 × 600 dots
or more is recommended)
• Internet access: for Web registration and EMD services
• Windows Media Player (version 7.0 or higher) installed for playing
WMA files
1)
This software is not supported by the following environments:
• Macintosh
• Windows XP versions other than Home Edition or Professional
• Windows 2000 versions other than Professional
• Windows 98 versions other than Second Edition
• Windows NT
• Windows 95
• Personally constructed PCs or operating systems
• An environment that is an upgrade of the original manufacturer-installed operating system
• Multi-boot environment
• Multi-monitor environment
Notes
• We do not ensure trouble-free operation on all computers that satisfy the system requirements.
• We do not ensure trouble-free operation of the system suspend, sleep, or hibernation function on all
computers.
71
Installing the software onto your computer
This section explains the installation of the SonicStage Ver.1.5 software supplied with your
Net MD.
Before installing the software
1 Make sure to note the following before installing the software.
Do not connect the dedicated USB cable before the installation!
The SonicStage software may not correctly load or operate if the dedicated USB
cable is connected to your computer during the installation.
Close all other Windows applications before starting the installation!
Make sure to close any virus-check software, as such software usually demand large
amounts of system resources.
2 Depending on the following operating system or software already installed
on your computer, refer to the reference pages before installing the
software.
Windows XP
• To install this software, you must log on with a
user name with “Computer Administrator”.
• If you perform the “System Restore” function in
the Windows “System Tools” menu, the tracks
managed by SonicStage may become corrupted
and rendered unplayable.
, page 86
Windows Millennium Edition
• If you perform the “System Restore” function of
the Windows “System Tools” menu, the tracks
managed by SonicStage may become corrupted
and rendered unplayable.
, page 87
Windows 2000
• You must log on as “Administrator” before
installing the software.
, page 87
OpenMG Jukebox,
SonicStage, or SonicStage
Premium
• Depending on the version of your software, the
existing software may be overwritten by the new
version or it may co-exist with SonicStage
Ver.1.5. As the installation process will depend
on the version, see the reference page for details.
, page 88
72
Installing SonicStage Ver.1.5
1 Turn on your computer and start up Windows.
2 Insert the installation CD-ROM for SonicStage into the CD-ROM drive of
your computer.
The setup program starts up automatically
and the SonicStage Ver.1.5 installation
window appears.
3 Click to select [SonicStage 1.5].
To use this software with the Net MD, you must install SonicStage Ver.1.5 and the Net
MD driver.
Click [SonicStage 1.5]
• When installing SonicStage for
the first time
• When SonicStage, SonicStage
Premium, or OpenMG Jukebox
is installed on the computer
continued
73
4 Follow the displayed instructions.
Read the instructions carefully.
The installation may take 20 to 30 minutes,
depending on your system environment
5 After the installation is completed, click [Restart] to restart the computer.
Make sure to restart your computer only after
the installation has completed.
Was the installation successful?
Notes
• Do not delete, move, or edit any of the installed folders using Explorer or any other application. Doing
so could cause the SonicStage database to become unstable or corrupted.
• While the installation is still in progress, do not interrupt the operation or take the CD-ROM out of the
CD-ROM drive. Doing so may render it impossible to install the software thereafter.
74
Connecting the Net MD to your computer
After the software installation is completed, connect the Net MD to your computer.
Refer to the operating instructions of the Net MD as well.
1 Insert a recordable disc into the Net MD.
2 Make the power source and the dedicated USB cable connections with the Net
MD and the computer.
AC
power
adaptor
To the USB jack/
dedicated jack
To the USB
connecting
terminal
Net MD
devices*
Dedicated
USB cable
To the DC IN
jack
Computer
* If a cradle is supplied with your Net MD, connect the dedicated USB cable to the
USB cradle and place the Net MD onto the USB cradle.
3 Check the connections.
When the connections have been properly
made, “PCppMD”* appears in the display of
the Net MD.
*Depending on the device, “Net MD” may be
displayed.
Notes
• When using the Net MD connected to your computer, it is recommended that you run the recorder
from an AC outlet. If you use a battery to run the Net MD, be sure to use a new dry cell or a fully
charged rechargeable battery. We do not assure the results should there be a mis-operation, check-out
failure, or destruction of audio data caused by insufficient battery power.
• When using the Net MD with the cradle, place the cradle on a stable surface so that the dedicated USB
cable does not become detached.
75
Storing audio data to your computer
This section explains how to record and store audio data from an audio CD to the hard disk
drive of your computer.
The procedure in this section is used to record all tracks on an audio CD. To record only
specific tracks from a CD, or from other sound sources, see the online help for details
Note
The system may malfunction if your computer changes to system suspend or hibernation mode while
the software is playing, recording, or connecting to an external device or media* such as a Net MD.
∗ For this software, the word “MD” refers to the built-in MD slot on the computer, and “Device/
Media” to a Net MD that is externally connected over a USB cable.
Starting SonicStage
Do one of the following:
• Double click
([SonicStage] icon) on the computer.
• Select [Start] - [Programs]* - [SonicStage] - [SonicStage].
∗ [All Programs] in the case of Windows XP
SonicStage starts up and the main window appears.
76
Recording audio CDs to the hard disk drive
In SonicStage Ver.1.5, the hard disk drive is called the “Music Drive”. The Music Drive
manages all audio data stored by SonicStage.
1 Insert the audio CD that you want to record into the CD-ROM drive of your
computer.
The CD window appears in the display.
Note
When you record an audio CD from your CD-ROM drive for
the first time, the “CD Drive Optimization” dialog box
appears when you insert the audio CD. Clicking [Start]
initiates a check of the CD-ROM drive to verify that the CD-
ROM drive is able to perform the recording properly.
2 Click
.
The recording navigation window* appears in the
display.
∗The recording navigation window makes it easy to make a
recording. Simply by doing 1, 2 and 3 in the next step,
you can select the audio source in the left panel and the
recording destination in the right panel.
3 Select
(CD) for [1 Sources] and
(Music Drive) for [2 Targets],
then click 3
[Jump to Record Window].
The display changes to the recording window.
continued
77
4 Click
select the recording mode.
in the middle of the recording window and
When recording data in LP2 mode:
select ATRAC3 132kbps
When recording data in LP4 mode:
select ATRAC3 66kbps
Click here
5 If the list panel is not displayed, click
.
List panels appear under the recording window. The
contents of the audio CD appear in the left list panel.
6 Click
[Record All].
Recording starts.
Upon completion, recorded tracks appear in the right list panel.
To stop recording
Click
([Stop]).
To resume recording, click
. When recording is resumed, it starts from the beginning
of the track that was last stopped.
78
Labeling audio data
After recording has completed, you can label the audio data in the Music Drive. Once
audio data in the Music Drive is labeled, the label information will be transferred to a disc
along with the audio data, allowing you to view the data on your Net MD.
(Music Drive).
“All Playlists” appears and all the albums stored on the
Music Drive appear in the Music Drive window.
2 Double click the desired album name.
A list of the audio files in that album appears.
3 Click
in the lower right part of the display.
The editing panel appears in the display.
4 Select an item by clicking [Title], [Album], [Artist], or [Genre], and then
right-click and select [Rename].
You can also click [V] at [Album] or [Artist] to display a dropdown list, and then select
an item from the list.
5 When the track title is highlighted, enter the text data from the keyboard.
z
You can also import names from a database with the
([CD Info]) button for use in labeling tracks or
79
Transferring audio data from your computer to the
Net MD (Check-out)
Audio data stored on the Music Drive can be transferred to your Net MD. This process is
called “Check-out”. The number of times a track can be checked out is restricted in this
Playlist
Checking out audio files to the Net MD
This section explains how to check out all audio files in a playlist*.
∗ A playlist is a container that allows the stored audio files in the Music Drive to be classified by
genre, artist, etc.
1 Click
to display the recording navigation window.
2 Select
(Music Drive) for [1 Sources] and
(Device/Media) for [2
Targets], then click 3
([Jump to Record Window]).
The display changes to the recording window.
80
3 Click
in the middle of the display and select the
Standard transfer mode: Data are transferred in the format of the original files.
Maximum available transfer space: All data are transferred in LP4 mode.
SP transfer mode: All data are converted and transferred in normal stereo mode. Select
this mode if you listen to checked-out data on equipment that does not support
MDLP mode.
4 If the list panel is not displayed, click
.
A playlist appears in the display.
5 Confirm that the audio files you are about to check out are okay for checking
out.
The music notations beside the track number in the left
panel of the list represent the number of times the file
can be checked out (e.g.
out three more times). If
= the track can be checked
appears beside the track
number, the file cannot be checked out.
6 Click
[Check-Out All].
Checking out of the files starts.
All files in the playlist are checked out to the connected Net MD.
To cancel a check-out
Click
([Stop]).
81
Notes
• Once a check-out (or check-in) has started, do not disconnect the dedicated USB cable or power
source until the check-out operation has completed. These actions may damage the data or cause the
system to malfunction.
• Make sure not to bump the Net MD after check-out has started. If you do, the contents of the
recording may not be stored correctly.
• Due to the limitations of the MD system, you may not be able to record the full amount of remaining
recording time.
• Due to the limitations of the MD system, a maximum of about 1,700 characters can be stored for disc
name, group names and track names on the disc. Take note of this fact when checking out a large
number of tracks.
82
Listening to an MD
You can listen to an MD on the Net MD while it is connected to your computer. When
disconnected from your computer, the Net MD can be used as an ordinary MiniDisc
device.
Listening to an MD with the Net MD connected to the
computer
If you listen to an MD with the Net MD connected to the computer, be sure to listen with
the Net MD itself (connecting to the headphones/earphones, speakers, etc.). The MD sound
cannot be heard from headphones/earphones that are connected to the computer.
Listening to an MD with the Net MD disconnected from the
computer
Listen to the MD after disconnecting the dedicated USB cable from the computer and the
Net MD.
Notes
Generally, you cannot erase or divide/combine checked-out audio files. If you want to edit such files,
check them back in first. Checked-out files can be edited on some MD devices; however, erasing a track
will decrease the number of times the file can be checked out, and dividing or combining tracks will
83
Advanced operations
Using other functions!
Using the SonicStage online help
This manual explains only the basic operations of the SonicStage software. However, the
software has a host of other functions that allow you to carry out various operations, such
as importing audio files from the Internet, classifying and managing audio files, and
playing in various play modes. For information and details on the various menus and
operations, go to the online help.
To display online help
Click
(help) while the SonicStage
software is running.
z
You can display the online help by selecting the following:
[Start]–[Programs]*–[SonicStage]–[SonicStage Help]
∗ [All Programs] in the case of Windows XP.
84
Viewing online help
The Tabs
The right side frame
The left side frame
Let’s find out how to use the online help first. An explanation on the use of the online help
can also be found in the online help.
1 Double click [Overview] in the left-hand frame.
2 Click [About this Help file].
The explanation will appear in the right-hand frame.
3 Read the text.
Scroll the display if necessary.
Click underlined words to jump to their explanations.
Note
In the online help, “Device/Media’ is the
general term for external devices such as Net
MDs, Network Walkmans (i.e., portable IC
audio players or portable “Memory Stick”
audio players), and MusicClips.
Device/Media
85
Other information
Settings and Precautions
Settings according to OS
The settings and precautions will differ according to the operating system being used.
Check the items that apply to your system.
For Windows XP users
Restrictions when running the SonicStage software under Windows XP
• To install this software, you must log on with a user name with “Computer
Administrator”* as an attribute.
• You must log on with the user name “Administrators” or “Power Users” to use the
SonicStage software.
• Both edition of Windows XP (Home/Professional) can be used.
• The NTFS format of Windows XP Home Edition or Windows XP Professional (factory
installed) can be used only with the standard (factory) settings.
∗ To check whether the user name has the attribute of “Computer Administrator”
Go to [Start]- [Control Panel]-[User Account], and then check the user name displayed on the
window.
When using SonicStage under Windows XP
If you use the “System Restore” function in Windows “System Tools”, audio data managed
by SonicStage may become corrupted and rendered unplayable.
Before executing the system restoration procedure, you should first back up all audio files
and restore them after doing the system restoration procedure.
For details about backup procedures, refer to online help.
Note
Restoring backup data requires access to the Internet. If an audio file becomes unplayable after
restoring the system, an error dialog box may appear. If this occurs, do as instructed by the message.
86
For Windows Millennium Edition users
When using SonicStage under Windows Millennium Edition
If you use the “System Restore” function in Windows “System Tools”, audio data managed
by SonicStage may become corrupted and rendered unplayable.
Before executing the system restoration procedure, you should first back up all audio files
and restore them after doing the system restoration procedure.
For details about backup procedures, refer to online help.
Note
Restoring backup data requires access to the Internet. If an audio file becomes unplayable after
restoring the system, an error dialog box may appear. If this occurs, do as instructed by the message.
For Windows 2000 users
Restrictions when running the SonicStage software under Windows 2000
• You must log on as “Administrator” to install the SonicStage software.
• You must log on with the user name “Administrators” or “Power Users” to use the
SonicStage software.
• Of the Windows 2000 versions, SonicStage is supported only by Windows 2000
Professional.
• The NTFS format of Windows 2000 Professional (factory installed) can be used only
with the standard (factory) settings.
For Windows 98 Second Edition users
Importing MP3 files to the computer or playing WAV files on the computer
Microsoft Media Player version 7.0 or higher is required for importing MP3 files or
playing WAV files. Users of earlier versions can download the most recent version from the
Microsoft website (http://www.microsoft.com/).
87
For users with OpenMG Jukebox, SonicStage, or SonicStage
Premium installed on their computer
Note
Confirm whether any tracks have been checked out from your computer.
If tracks have been checked out from OpenMG Jukebox, an earlier version of SonicStage,
or SonicStage Premium, it may not be possible to check those tracks back in with
SonicStage Ver.1.5. It is recommended to check in the tracks before installing SonicStage
Ver.1.5.
Check the following contents before installing SonicStage Ver.1.5.
The installation items and procedure will vary depending on the software installed on your
computer.
Users with OpenMG Jukebox installed
Installed Version
What to do
Ver.1.0~2.1
Install SonicStage 1.5. OpenMG Jukebox Ver.1.0-2.1 is
automatically uninstalled and replaced.1)
Ver.2.2
OpenMG Jukebox Ver.2.2 and SonicStage Ver.1.5 can co-
exist in the computer.
If you install SonicStage Ver.1.5, then OpenMG Jukebox
Ver.2.2 will be automatically upgraded to the latest version.
1)
Audio files recorded with OpenMG Jukebox Ver.1.0-2.1 are automatically converted to SonicStage
Ver.1.5 files. For safety sake, it is recommended that you back up your audio data with the back-up
tool before doing the upgrade to SonicStage Ver.1.5.
Users with an earlier version of SonicStage installed
Installed Version
What to do
Ver.1.0~1.5
Install SonicStage Ver.1.5. The earlier version is
automatically uninstalled and replaced.1)
1)
Audio files recorded with SonicStage Ver.1.0-1.5 are automatically converted to SonicStage Ver.1.5
files. For safety sake, it is recommended that you back up your audio data with the back-up tool before
doing the upgrade to SonicStage Ver.1.5.
Users with a SonicStage Premium installed
Installed Version
What to do
SonicStage Premium
Install SonicStage Ver.1.5. SonicStage Ver.1.5 and
SonicStage Premium can co-exist in the computer.
88
Precautions on the co-existence of SonicStage Ver. 1.5 with OpenMG Jukebox
Ver.2.2 or SonicStage Premium
• Make sure the OpenMG Jukebox Ver.2.2 icon is not displayed in the task tray. If it is, the Net MD may
not be recognized by your computer.
• Audio data recorded on the computer are stored in a common file and used by both applications.
Therefore, if you delete an audio file (e.g., one album) in one application, it will be deleted in the other
software as well.
Precaution on using a computer on which OpenMG Jukebox Ver.1.0-2.1 or
SonicStage Ver.1.0-1.2 is installed
Make sure not to replace SonicStage Ver.1.5 with OpenMG Jukebox Ver.1.0-2.1 or SonicStage Ver.1.0-
1.2., as all audio data in the Music Drive may be lost. If you begin the installation of OpenMG Jukebox
Ver.1.0-2.1 or SonicStage Ver.1.0-1.2 by mistake, stop the installation immediately.
Note on hard disk drive space
120 MB or more free space on the hard disk drive is required. If your computer does not
have enough space, the software will not be properly installed. The required free space
differs according to the version of your Windows OS, or the amount of audio files that you
handle.
Notes on system suspend/hibernation mode
• If the computer changes to system suspend/hibernation mode during the recording of a
CD or the checking in/out of a data file, the audio data may be lost or the computer may
not wake up properly. The computer suspend/hibernation function should therefore be
turned off.
• If you change the media while the computer is in system suspend/hibernation mode,
audio data may be lost after the computer wakes up.
• If the computer changes to system suspend/hibernation mode, the computer may not
recognize the Net MD when it wakes up. If this happens, disconnect the USB cable and
reconnect it again.
Backing up the audio data
Before doing any procedure that may affect the operating system itself (such as a system
recovery), you should back up all of your audio data with the [SonicStage backup tool]
from the [Start] - [Programs] - [SonicStage].
89
Uninstalling the SonicStage software
To uninstall the SonicStage software, follow the procedures below.
For Windows XP users
Log on with a user name with “Computer Administrator” as an attribute.
Refer to the operating instructions of your computer for details on logging on as an
administrator.
1 Click [Start]–[Control Panel].
The “Control Panel” window appears.
2 Double-click [Add/Remove Programs].
The “Add/Remove Programs” dialog box appears.
3 Click [Change or Remove Programs].
4 Click [SonicStage 1.5.XX] in the “Currently Installed Programs” list, and
then click [Change and Remove].
5 Click [OpenMG Secure Module 3.1]* in the “Currently Installed Programs”
list, and then click [Change and Remove].
Do as instructed by the message and restart the computer. When the computer restarts,
the uninstallation will be completed.
* If SonicStage Ver.1.5 is co-existing with OpenMG Jukebox Ver.2.2 or SonicStage Premium on your
computer, and you uninstall one or the other, make sure [OpenMG Secure Module 3.1] is not
uninstalled since it is commonly used with both software applications.
For Windows Millennium Edition/Windows 98 Second Edition
users
1 Click [Start]–[Settings]–[Control Panel].
The “Control Panel” window appears.
90
2 Double-click [Add/Remove Programs].
The Add/Remove Programs Properties window appears.
3 Click [SonicStage 1.5.XX] in the list of programs for automatic removal, and
then click [Add/Remove].
4 Click [OpenMG Secure Module 3.1]* in the list of programs for automatic
removal, and then click [Add/Remove].
Do as instructed by the message and restart the computer. When the computer restarts,
the uninstallation will be completed.
For Windows 2000 users
Log on as “Administrator”, and then follow the instructions below.
Refer to the operating instructions of your computer for details on logging on as an
administrator.
1 Click [Start]–[Settings]–[Control Panel].
The “Control Panel” window appears.
2 Double-click [Add/Remove Programs].
The “Add/Remove Programs” dialog box appears.
3 Click [Change or Remove Programs].
4 Click [SonicStage 1.5.XX] in the “Currently Installed Programs” list, and
then click [Change/Remove].
5 Click [OpenMG Secure Module 3.1]* in the “Currently Installed Programs”
list, and then click [Change/Remove].
Do as instructed by the message and restart the computer. When the computer restarts,
the uninstallation will be completed.
* If SonicStage Ver.1.5 is co-existing with OpenMG Jukebox Ver.2.2 or SonicStage Premium on your
computer, and you uninstall one or the other, make sure [OpenMG Secure Module 3.1] is not
uninstalled since it is commonly used with both software applications.
91
Troubleshooting
Please do the following steps if you encounter a problem while using the SonicStage
software. In case a message appears, it is recommended that you write it down.
A variety of information can also be found in the operating procedures and “Settings and
Precautions” (page 86) as well.
Step 2: Check the symptoms in the SonicStage 1.5 online help
Check “Troubleshooting” under “Additional information” in the online help.
Useful information may also be found in other sections in the online help.
Step 3: If the trouble cannot be solved after checking the above
references.
Check the following table and then consult your nearest Sony dealer.
92
Computer
• Manufacturer:
• Model:
• Type: Desktop type / Laptop type
Name of operating system:
RAM capacity:
Hard disk drive (containing SonicStage and audio data)
• Capacity of the drive:
• Free space:
Installed folder containing SonicStage (if other than the default folder)1)
• Location of the installed folder:
Version of the software (SonicStage Ver.1.5)2):
Error Message (if one appeared):
If an externally connected CD-ROM drive is used
• Manufacturer:
• Model:
• Type: CD-ROM / CD-R/RW / DVD-ROM / Other (
)
• Type of connection to the computer: PC card / USB / IEEE1394 / Other (
)
If another device with USB connection is used
• Name of the device (or devices):
1)
If you do not specify the destination, the software is installed at C:\Program Files\Sony\SonicStage.
To check the SonicStage software version, go to [Menu] - [About SonicStage] in the SonicStage
window, or see the version information on the supplied CD-ROM.
2)
93
If your computer does not recognize the Net MD
• Is the Net MD connected correctly to your computer?
— If the Net MD is not firmly connected to the computer, the Net MD will not be
recognized by your computer.
— Reconnect the dedicated USB cable. If the computer still does not recognize the Net
MD, disconnect the Net MD, restart the computer, and connect the dedicated USB
cable again.
• Is an MD inserted in the Net MD?
Check if an MD is inserted in the Net MD.
• If your computer does not recognize your Net MD even when the Net MD is
connected and a disc is inserted, the Net MD driver may not be correctly
installed.
Go to the [USB Controller] in the Windows Device Manager window to verify that your
Net MD is correctly recognized.
A [!] mark in the Device Manager window indicates that your Net MD is not correctly
recognized. Reinstall the Net MD driver.
1 Click [Start]–[Settings]–[Control Panel].1)
2 Double click [System] in the control panel.2)
3 Click the [Hardware]3) tab, and then click [Device Manager].
The Device Manager window appears.
1)
In Windows XP, select [Start]–[Control Panel].
2)
In Windows XP, double click [System] if the control panel is in the “classic” format, or click
[Performance and Maintenance] and then [System] if the control panel is in the “category” format.
Depending on your system, the [Hardware] tab may not be provided. In this case, click the [Device
3)
Manager] tab to display the Device Manager window.
If the installation was not successful
• Be sure to close all Windows applications before you start the installation.
If you start the installation while other programs are running, a malfunction may occur.
This is especially true for programs that require large amounts of system resources, such
as virus-check software.
• Be sure not to connect the Net MD to your computer before you start the
installation.
If the dedicated USB cable is connected to your computer before the installation, the
installation cannot be done correctly. Connect the dedicated USB cable after the
installation completed.
• Make sure your computer has enough hard disk drive space.
120MB of free space or more on the hard disk drive is required. If your computer does
not have enough space, the installation may not be possible.
94
• If the installation seems to be stopped
It may take 30 minutes or more for the installation to complete, depending on your
computer or CD-ROM drive.
During the installation, watch out for the occurrence of any of the following problems.
Problem
Cause/Remedy
The installation appears to have Check for the appearance of an error message beneath
stopped before it has
completed.
the installation window.
t Press the [Tab] key while holding down the [Alt]
key. If an error message has appeared, press the [Enter]
key. The installation will resume. If there is no
message, the installation is still in progress. Wait a little
while longer.
The progress bar on the display The installation is progressing normally. Please wait.
is not moving. The access lamp
has not lit for a few minutes.
• If the installation is still unsuccessful after all that you have done.
— The installation can be done by copying all files to the hard disk as follows:
1 Create a new folder on the hard disc.
2 Insert the supplied CD-ROM (SonicStage Ver.1.5) into the CD-ROM drive.
3 When the installation window appears, click [Exit] to cancel the installation.
4 Right-click the start menu and start up Explorer.
5 Select [SS15E] on the CD-ROM drive, and then click [Edit] -[Select All].
6 Click [Edit]-[Copy to Folder] (or [Edit]-[Copy]) to copy all files to the folder that you
7 Remove the CD-ROM from the CD-ROM drive, open the folder that was copied to the
hard disk and double-click [setup.exe].
8 When the installation window appears, follow the displayed instructions to install
[SonicStage 1.5].
— The installation may be done by installing the software from [Start]-[Run].
95
Information and explanations
Net MD FAQ
This section introduces frequently asked questions and answers on the Net MD.
On the Net MD
What is a “Net MD”?
Net MD is a specification that allows audio data in a computer to be transferred to a
MiniDisc through a USB cable.
Till now, MiniDiscs could be used to record only analog sources (through a microphone or
analog input) or PCM sources such as CDs. Recording audio files on a computer was
impossible. However, thanks to SonicStage and other music management software based
the recording of computer files to MDs.
1)
Copyright protection technology for managing audio data recorded on computers, etc.
Technology for verifying the copyright-protection status of audio data in check-out/check-in
2)
operations between a computer and a Net MD device.
File type for recording to an MD.
3)
How does the SonicStage software make using MDs more convenient?
• It allows you to record audio data from your computer to your MD.
• Editing operations are easily done using on-screen operations.
— Labeling: Allows use of keyboard for easy labeling of contents.
— Moving tracks or groups: Allows tracks or groups to be moved simply by dragging
and dropping. Track movements are easy to see.
— Group settings: Groups are easy to create or release.
These operations can be used to edit tracks on a disc in the Net MD. If you want to edit
the contents of an MD, connect the Net MD to your computer, and edit the tracks in the
SonicStage Device/Media window.
Can tracks recorded on the Net MD be checked in to a computer?
No, they cannot.
Audio data that was originally checked out from a computer can only be checked back into
the same computer. Tracks that are recorded on the Net MD using a microphone or through
an analog or digital connection cannot be transferred to the computer or copied.
Computer k MiniDisc : OK.
MiniDisc k Computer : OK only for tracks originally checked out from the computer.
96
On Editing
Can checked-out tracks be edited on the Net MD?
• Things you can do on the Net MD:
— Label contents.
— Assign or release groups
— Move tracks or groups.
• Things you cannot do on the Net MD:
— Add track marks (divide)/erase track marks (combine).
— Delete tracks, groups, or the entire disc contents.
97
On copyright protection
The OpenMG technology* allows you to enjoy digital music, while maintaining the
copyrights of its holders. OpenMG Jukebox encrypts audio files in OpenMG format and
stores them on the hard disk of your computer to prevent unauthorized distribution.
* The copyright protection technology of this software conforms to SDMI (Secure Digital Music
Initiative) specifications.
This software places some restrictions on recording and playback to protect copyrights.
You can check in audio files only to the same computer from which they were checked out.
They cannot be copied or checked in to other computers.
You can check-in audio files
only to the computer which
they were checked out.
Check-out can
be made for
three times.
You cannot copy or
move audio files to
another computer.
98
Restrictions on audio content
High-quality digital audio content is widely available through music distribution services
on the Internet. To protect the copyrights of its holders from unauthorized distribution,
some audio content is distributed with certain restrictions on recording and playback. For
example, the playback period or playback count for the data may be limited. In such cases,
checking out of the audio contents may not be possible.
Depending on the contents, some audio data that could be checked out are subject to
editing restrictions on the Net MD; e.g., audio contents cannot be erased or track marks
cannot be added or erased.
It is not possible to check in tracks other than those that were checked out from your
computer (for example, tracks recorded using a microphone or through analog or digital
connection).
Features by copyright protection by OpenMG
The SonicStage software features OpenMG, a copyright protection technology developed
by Sony to protect music copyrights. OpenMG uses high-level cryptographic technology to
protect music contents with computers.
Users should be aware of the restrictions described below.
• Music recorded on the hard disk using the SonicStage software cannot be played when
copied to other computers.
• Installation of the same SonicStage software to other computers is not permitted.
• Usage Rules
If Usage Rules are included in the music by way of the copyright holder or the distributor,
operation will be restricted to use permitted by the Usage Rule. For music, such as
compact discs, that does not contain a Usage Rule, the Default Usage Rule of SDMI will
apply. This Default Usage Rule states that one file can be checked out up to three times
only.
• On music contents that are not compatible with the SonicStage software
Under the supervision of SDMI, this software prohibits recording of music with a copy
prohibition signal.
• Upgrading SonicStage software
This software was developed in accordance with the current arrangement between Sony
and SDMI. If this arrangement is modified in the future, some of the software functions
may become unavailable. Sony may offer an upgrade kit in this case at additional user
expense.
99
Glossary
ATRAC3
ATRAC3, which stands for Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding3, is audio compression
technology that satisfies the demand for high sound quality and high compression rates.
The ATRAC3 compression rate is approximately 10 times higher than that of the Audio
CD, resulting an increased data capacity for the media.
“Check-In /Check-Out”
Check-out is to transfer music files from a personal computer to an external device/media
(such as a Network Walkman). Returning checked-out music files to the same computer is
to check in. (You cannot move checked-out music files to another computer.)
You can check out a music file, check it back in, and then check it out again an infinite
number of times. The SDMI rules provide that up to four copies of a music file can be
checked out at one time. OpenMG employs a method whereby three copies of a song can
be checked out simultaneously, while the fourth copy is maintained as a master on your PC.
Electronic Music Distribution (EMD) service
EMD is a website that distributes music files which are available for purchase.
MP3
MP3, which stands for MPEG-1 Audio Layer3, is a standard for audio file compression
determined by the Motion Picture Experts Group, an ISO (International Organization for
Standardization) working group. It enables compression of audio files to about 1/10 of the
data size of a standard compact disc. Since the MP3 encoding algorithm is disclosed, there
are various encoders/decoders that are compliant with this standard, including freeware that
is available for no charge. The MP3 standard is therefore widely used in the computer field.
Music Drive
Music Drive is a music database for managing audio data on a computer. In Music Drive,
audio files can be managed along with such information as artist names, track names, and
CD jacket images, or can be combined and categorized in different playlists.
OpenMG
Copyright protection technology for the import and management of musical content from
distribution services or CDs. By using software that are compliant with OpenMG, audio
contents can be encrypted before storage on a hard disk drive to allow playback of those
audio files on that computer. OpenMG also prevents the unauthorized distribution of the
contents via the Internet or other networks.
Playlist
A playlist is like a container that can be used to hold and categorize files stored in Music
Drive. For example, by making a “jazz” playlist and then putting your favorite jazz tracks
into the playlist, you can play all of the tracks repeatedly or check them all out at the same
time.
100
Recording mode (Bit rate)
This is a measure of data volume per second. The rate is expressed in bps (bits per second).
In SonicStage, the bit rate can be selected for recording an audio CD or converting MP3
and WAV format audio files into ATRAC3 format from among three rates: 132 kbps, 105
kbps or 66 kbps. In the case of 105 kbps, 105,000 bits of information is processed per
second. If the bit rate is large, that means a large amount of information is used to play the
music. Thus, 105 kbps data produces better sound quality than 66 kbps data, and 132 kbps
data provides better sound quality than 105 kbps data. However, audio files in formats such
as MP3 have different encoding methods, and so the sound quality is not determined by the
bit rate alone.
SDMI
SDMI, which stands for Secure Digital Music Initiative, is a forum that consists of over
130 companies in the fields of recorded audio content, computers, and consumer
electronics. It is dedicated to the development of integrated copyright protection
technology that can be used worldwide.
SDMI is working to create a framework for preventing the improper usage of audio files
and to promote legal music distribution services. The copyright protection technology
OpenMG is based on the SDMI standard.
Windows Media Audio
This is an audio compression technology that includes the management system called
“Windows Media Rights Manager”.
Windows Media Technology
This is a technology that includes a contents management system called Windows Media
Rights Manager which encrypts contents and distributes music contents along with their
conditions for usage, distribution, etc. Audio files supporting Windows Media
Technologies (WMT) downloaded via EMD* can be imported into and managed by
OpenMG Jukebox.
* EMD may not be available in certain areas of the world.
101
Index
A
G
Accessories
optional 64
Group
supplied 11
erase 45
Group Mode Playback 33
Group Mode Recording 28
Group Move 42
Group Skip Mode 33
release 40
Auto Time Mark 30
AVLS 46
B
Setting 39
H
back up 89
Battery
hard disk
dry battery 15
storing 77
Beep sound 46
C
I
CD-ROM 71
Checking
Installing 73
L
Labeling 38
labeling 79
playing position 32
M
Manual Recording 31
MDLP 26
Menus 57
MP3 100
Cleaning 50
Connecting 75
analog 25
digital 18
copyright protection 98
D
N
delete (software) 90
DIGITAL MEGA BASS 35
DSP TYPE-R 20
DSP TYPE-S 66
Net MD driver 94
No sound 66
O
Online help 84
OpenMG 100
E
EMD services 100
Erasing
P
a group 45
Play mode 34
a track 44
a whole disc 44
102
R
Recording
adding track marks (Auto Time Mark)
digital 17
Group Mode Recording 27
MDLP mode 26
without overwriting tracks 29
Recording navigation window 77
Relabeling 39
S
SDMI 101
start (software) 76
System environment 71
System limitations 71
T
Track mark
Adding 43
Erasing 43
Transferring
to the computer 76
to the Net MD 80
U
Uninstalling
Windows 2000 91
Windows 98 Second Edition 90
Windows Millennium Edition 90
Windows XP 90
USB
cable 11
W
Windows 2000 91
Windows 98 Second Edition 90
Windows Millennium Edition 90
Windows XP 90
WMA 101
WMT 101
103
This warranty is valid only in Canada.
This warranty is valid only in the United States.
Printed in Malaysia
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