Portable MiniDisc Recorders

General Information for Portable MD Recorders

Pass (UK) has original batteries and remotes for several Sony and Sharp portables.
Sony's Japanese MD portable products page has links to further information on all of their currently offered models.
Epinions.com has a host of MD portable recorder reviews and information.
Robert Nguyen has made a detailed comparison of the top MD portable recorders.
A table details accessories for older Sharp Portable MD units.
Deja.com has a MD equipment rating poll for MD portable units.
When considering a purchase, be aware of the effects that the ATRAC version has on sound quality, this is most important when considering recorders.
The Japanese versions of modern portables often allow titling in Kana (the Japanese phonetic character set). Any machine capable of handlig Kana will also allow titling in the Roman alphabet.
Modern portables have 40 seconds of shock memory, older ones (1996 or earlier) have 10.

Sony portable MD recorders have the following general characteristics:

End Search Sony recorders do not automatically record new audio segments at the logical end of the medium. To ensure a recording is placed at the end, the END SEARCH button must be pressed before beginning a recording. Failure to do so can cause previously recorded material to be overwritten, depending upon the last audio segment accessed.
A petition was made asking Sony to Drop End Search. They replied politely in July 2000, and the MZ-R900, Sony's latest portable MD recorder, has the option to automate the End Search function. Thank You Sony!
Recording Level Sony units will, by default, set recording levels with an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) circuit. This may be changed to Manual Recording Level control by holding the REC slider for two seconds on older units or by selecting it from the menu on newer units. Once in manual mode (on units prior to the MZ-R909) the recording level can only be changed while the unit is in REC-PAUSE mode. The level is adjusted using the |<< and >>| track positioning buttons. The manual record level setting is forgotten when the disc is changed.
Auto Track Marking on Analog Input When recording from analog inputs (line or mic) Sony units will make track marks whenever 2 seconds or more of silence occurs. This cannot be disabled.
Analog mono recording In mono, the analog-in is mixed into one channel on an internal chip, so input to either mic channel will be recorded, and any other devices connected to the microphone (via splitter) will still get a stereo signal (Left is not shorted to Right).
Sony remotes generally interoperate among the various portable units. Gerald Tomyn adds: Sony sells a replacement wired remote control, the RM-MZE1. It comes in silver or blue (both see-through) and has a backlit LCD screen. This remote can be used with ANY of the following recorders/players: MZ-R30, R37, R50, R55, R90, R91, R4ST, R5ST, E25, E30, E33, E35, E44, E45, E50, E55, E70, E80, EP10, EP11, EPS11.
Glossary Modern (ca. 2002) Sony MD portables have so many different possible features that a glossary is necessary. (Check individual unit entries to determine which features each unit offers).
Recording Features
- Auto Time Track Mark When recording from analog inputs, unit can be set to automatically place a track mark at regular intervals (5/10/15 minutes). (MZ-N10 track mark interval can be set from 1 to 99 minutes).
- Digital REC Level Control Volume levels of recordings made from digital sources (via optical link) may be be adjusted, allowing "mix" discs made from several CDs to have consistent volume levels.
- Name Bank Allows user to store frequently used names and words in the recorder's internal memory (up to 600 characters worth) to speed up track titling. Dropped beginning with the MZ-N10.
- Joint Text A feature allowing MZ-R909/R900/R90/R91/R55 recorders to be coupled to particular Sony CD walkman (e.g. Model D-EJ2000, etc.) with a special Sony RK-TXT1 cable. When coupled with this cable (as well as a normal digital optical audio cable), a "CD-Text" CD (i.e. CD with track title information) can have its track titles transferred to Minidisc during recording. Note that as each track is recorded, several button presses on the MD unit are required in order to capture the text information. Given these factors, and that most CD-Text CDs were released with the titles set to "COPY-PROHIBIT", it is not surprising that this feature disappeared beginning with the Sony MZ-N1/N10/R910 units.
Listening Features
- Bookmark Track The portable can be set to play only certain tracks from the currently loaded MD. Up to 20 tracks may be selected. The player's memory of these selected tracks is lost when the MD is ejected. (See "New Play Mode" below.)
- Personal Disk Memory The portable associates its internal settings with up to 20 MDs. The settings are reloaded whenever one of those 20 disks is inserted. Settings that can be remembered are:
  - Program play setting.
  - Tone adjustments (bass/treble or equalizer settings)
  - Volume
  - Play mode
  - Group mode ON/OFF (MZ-N10, MZ-E909)
  - Playback speed
- VPT ("Virtual Phone Technology") Uses internal DSP to provide "Studio, Club, Live, or Arena" acoustic effects. (Cannot be used in conjunction with 6-band equalizer.)
- 6-band Equalizer Tone control in 6 bands (each band adjustable from -10dB to +10dB). Includes 4 presets "Heavy, Pops, Jazz, Unique" and the ability to store settings in 2 user "custom modes". (Cannot be used in conjunction with VPT)
- Digital Sound Presets Bass and Treble controls that can be adjusted in 8 steps each (-4 to +3). Settings may be stored in 2 user custom modes.
- Play Mode Four basic modes:
  1. All track play
  2. One track play
  3. Program play (user selected tracks in user selected ordering)
  4. Shuffle play
  These 4 can be set to play once or repeat, giving 8 patterns. These 8 can be set to run with group mode ON or OFF, giving 16 patterns.
- New Play Mode Eight basic modes:
  1. All track play
  2. One track play
  3. Bookmark play (play only bookmarked tracks)
  4. Shuffle play
  5. Program play
  6. Group play
  7. Within-Group shuffle play
  8. Group program play
  These 8 can be set to play once or repeat, giving 16 patterns.
- Digital Pitch Control Playback speed can be adjusted in 13 steps from -50% to +100%, yet the original pitch is retained (in other words, Digital Pitch Control is used to compensate and prevent the normal pitch shift that would occur with a change of playback speed). Useful for language learning (listening slower than normal) or skimming recordings of meetings (listening faster than normal).
- Digital Speed Control Playback speed (together with pitch) can be adjusted from -80% to +110% in 7 steps (5% per step).
- Three color info LED LED gives info about group mode and battery condition:
  - Normal (non-group) mode playback: Red
  - Group mode playback: Green
  - Group skip mode: Orange (goes orange after pressing "group" button and stays orange for 5 seconds, indicating that use of the |<< or >>| buttons will skip to the next group).
  - Battery conditition: Charge level indicated in 3 steps (on, slow-blink, fast-blink)

Sharp portable MD recorders have the following general characteristics:

Record Position Sharp recorders automatically append new recordings to the end of the logical medium. Overwrite recording can be accomplished by putting the unit into PLAY-PAUSE at the point where recording is to begin, then pushing RECORD.
Recording Level Sharp units have no Automatic Gain Control (AGC) circuit, the manual recording level may be set while recording is under way by using the the |<< and >>| track positioning buttons. The recording level setting is remembered between disc changes.
Microphone Sensitivity Selection Microphone preamp sensitivity selection is built-in to the recording level control and has two settings: HIGH (0.25mV, corresponding to recording levels 0-20) and LOW (2.5mV, corresponding to recording levels 21-30). Note that a momentary dropout occurs in the recording when transitioning between levels 20-21 (or 21-22 depending upon machine) as it changes the preamp sensitivity setting.
Date and Time Stamp Sharp machines do not generally record date and time information when recording.
Name Stamp Sharp portable recorders allow titles to be copied from one MD to another providing the target MD has the same number of tracks as the source MD.
These Sharp remotes are each interchangeable with each other:
1. The 701/702/301/302/401/501/601/311 remote;
2. The 312/722 remote - 2 jogs, alarm, clock, 2-layer display;
3. The 721/521/821 remote - 3 jogs;
4. The 321/322/421/831/531 remote - long, 2 jogs;
5. The ST55 remote - the cheap-looking one.
(2), which is the original 722 remote, only appeared on two Sharp models, and not in clones either. So it's always made in smaller numbers than (1), (3) and (4). (1) was in production for almost 2 years, so now is about the time to retire (2) too. Economies of scale, plus the 722 remote costs more. (2) also requires a button battery to keep the clock running. Sharp may assume that most users don't necessarily want clock/alarm on the unit, especially when it doesn't act as a playback timer.
Leon
Pete De Bonte has photo details of the rechargeable battery trick for Sharp portable MD recorders.
Karsten gives a tip for undoing the effects of Sharp's service mode.
Sharp has a page listing all of their current portable MD recorders. A similar list can be found at Sharp's German electronics page.
A table lists Sharp portable MD accessories for older models.

Aiwa portable MD recorders have the following general characteristics:

Program Play Mode Aiwa units can be programmed to play back up to 25 tracks, in user defined order.
Auto and Manual Recording Level Control Aiwas prior to the AM-F90 are the only machines with both an automatic recording level mode ("AGC") and a manual recording level control that can be changed while recording is underway.
Backlit Control Buttons Many Aiwa units (but not the AM-F80 or AM-F90) feature backlit control buttons.
Separate drycell battery box Aiwa battery boxes prior to the one for the AM-F90 do not mechanically connect with the portable, rather they remain separate, connected only through a short power cord.
Several Aiwa units come with a microphone. Jim Lee comments: This is the same mic Aiwa has been supplying with their walkman recorders for years. I first encountered it years ago when I bought an Aiwa HS-J380 cassette recorder. I don't use the recorder any more but the mic has been a part of my recording gear ever since. It is a wonderful little microphone (Aiwa CM-S20), surprising in its accuracy and very sensitive. It does not handle high sound pressure levels very well so it might not work well for live concert recording (never tried that). Otherwise, though, a fine little microphone for the money. Japan Direct sells them separately for about US$25.

H.D.E.S. Panasonic, having developed some parts of their ATRAC1 (SP-mode) encoder independently of Sony, touts it in their Minidisc equipment. Beginning with the SJ-MR200, they have been refering to their "H.D.E.S." (High Density Encoding System) feature. This is basically Panasonic's ATRAC1 algorithm, and of course it's fully compatible with the ATRAC of Sony and Sharp.
Panasonic Singapore describes it as follows: "This system has three major advantages over ATRAC and other conventional encoding systems. First, it uses advanced bit allocation. Second, it assures more precise attack signal detection. And third, it uses high precision quantization technology. The result is an expansive, exceptionally high quality sound with virtually no noise."
What's left out of course is (1) Which ATRAC is it being compared with? (Is it Sony's or Sharp's, and which version?) and (2) Does it actually sound better, objectively? Without published test results it is difficult to say whether Panasonic has made an actual advance, or whether they are simply making the most marketing hay of their effort to develop their ATRAC.

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	Aiwa AM-NX9	portable NetMD downloader Intro: 4/2003	``OPEN'' Availability:	In: USB. Out: headphones
Links: MDCenter (NL) Reviews: User Manual: AM-NX9

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Aiwa AM-NX9

portable NetMD downloader
Intro: 4/2003

``OPEN''
Availability:

In: USB. Out: headphones

Links:

MDCenter (NL)

Reviews:

User Manual: AM-NX9

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^*See Notes

Stack:
Sony MZ-N1
Aiwa AM-NX1
Sony MZ-E10

Photos: AVWatch

Aiwa AM-NX1

portable NetMD downloader
Intro: 3/2003

Street: ¥ 30,000
Availability:

In: USB. Out: headphones

80.3 x 74.2 x 17.9mm, 85g (w/batt)

Features:

64X NetMD downloading (LP4 mode).
ATRAC DSP Type-S (however, unit's ATRAC chip is not used for LP mode encoding).
No audio input jacks! Records only from PC.
Kanji capable backlit LCD remote.
"Virtual Sound" DSP digital sound equalizer
E.A.S.S. GP anti-shock system recovers disc data readout within 0.3 seconds by quickly refocusing, repositioning the optical pickup, and rereading missed data.

Notes: ^*Note hidden mic and line-in jacks in photo, apparently the rear-case from another unit was used for these publicity photos.

Links:

Included Accessories: Backlit LCD remote, Charging stand, AC adapter, NiMH cell, SonicStage V1.5 CD, AA cell case, carrying pouch, USB cable

Specs: Headphone amp: 5mW+5mW into 16 ohms

Reviews:

User Manual: AM-NX1

Battery Life	Play	Recharge
NiMH	31/38/45 hr	3.5 hr
AA x 1	47/57/69 hr
Both	80/95/114 hr

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AM-F75

AM-F72

AM-C80

Aiwa AM-F80
Aiwa AM-F75
Aiwa AM-F72
Aiwa AM-C80

portable MD recorder
Intro: 10/1999

¥37,800
Availability:

IN: mic/line/optical (3 in one connector). OUT: headphone/line. DC IN: 4.5V (AC adaptor), 1.5V (external AA cell)

78.8 x 86.8 x 18.8mm, 163g w/batt.

Features: Digital and analog synchro start, backlit LCD on body and remote, body keys are not illuminated (as they were on the AM-F70). Jog dial for volume control as well as track selection, editing and titling. Titling may be done while playing or recording, but not with the remote. Up to 100 titling characters per track. Remote displays 10 characters, main unit LCD shows 8 characters. Divide rehearsal mode. 25 track program play mode. Microphone sensitivity low/high selector. Double speed playback mode (mono and stereo). Japanese model (at least) comes with one-point stereo mic.

Variants: The AM-C80 is apparently an AA dry-cell powered variant of the AM-F80 that comes with a car cassette adapter. The AM-F75 is a cost reduced version of the AM-F80 that drops the backlight and the remote's LCD. The AM-F72 is a further cost-reduced unit that drops the remote altogether.

Links:

Japan-Direct posts clear snapshots of Aiwa's AM-F80.
John Beal's bench measurements of the unit, showing that max SNR through the headphone output is 55dB. However the unit was able to record a signal with 92dB dynamic range and 81dB SNR (measured by playing the disc back through the digital output of a Sony MDS-JB930)

User Comments: Contrary to what I have read in some comparisons, the number of titling characters for a track is not 50, but 100. • The 2X playback mode works in stereo too. What the unit does is simply play every other sample, resulting in 2x the speed, but no pitch shifting. To activate the mode, you hold the play button for 2sec (works on the remote too). • The remote displays 10 characters, the main unit only 8. • Nowhere in the manual is "line-out" mentioned and how to use it (it's somehow combined with the headphone jack). • The included headphones have a weird rubbery 'ear-coupling' arrangement. If you get them in far enough, they have incredible bass response. Unfortunately I think it's ear-shape dependent, and I don't seem to fit the mould. • The jog-wheel doesn't click, so picking characters isn't as easy as it could be. Also when adjusting the volume, the steps are a bit too large (only 20 steps in total, as opposed to 30 volume steps for Sony machines). However because of the analogue-feel of the jog wheel, you can turn-up or turn-down the volume as quickly as you want -- impossible with the digital button-type volume controls in other units. • Response time from 'off' to 'play' is about 5 sec. Same as for MZ-R55. In fact the whole unit feels a lot like the MZ-R55, except that it has heaps more features, and 3-4 times the battery life. • Overall, this may not be the smallest unit in the world, the MZ-R90 has a few milimeters advantage, but in terms of usability and features, this one wins hands down.
-George Michalski

Reviews:

User Manual: AM-F80

Battery Life	Play	Record	Recharge
LiIon	11.5 hr	5 hr	2 hr
AA x 1
Both	20 hr	7.5 hr

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Aiwa AM-F65
Aiwa AM-F70

Portable MD recorder
Intro: 12/1998

MSRP ¥42,000
Availability:

IN: line/optical, mic. OUT: line/headphone

77.6 x 19.3 x 97mm, 187g (w/rechargeable cell)

Features:

Backlit 10 character LCD on remote as well as backlit LCD and control buttons on body.
Large style jog dial for inputting disc and track titles (up to 50 characters).
High speed (2x) playback mode for mono or stereo recordings with no pitch change.
Title search function allows another track to be selected by name while unit is playing.
Divide function has rehearsal mode (as MD decks do) that repeatedly plays 3 second segment at divide point, allowing divide point to be moved with AMS knob or << and >> keys (edit point step size is 60ms).
Synchro start recording from digital and analog sources.
Repeat 1, all, shuffle and 25 track program play mode.
40 second shock memory, sampling rate converter.
1 bit DAC/ADC.
Date and time stamp recording.
Time mark function can automatically make a track mark every 5 minutes.
Bass boost.
3 step battery life indicator on main body as well as remote.
Included accessories: LCD remote, stereo headphone, one point microphone, AC adapter (AC-D401 [AC-D401U in US]), LiIon cell, Dry cell case (for AAx3), Carrying pouch, Neck strap.
Color: gold.
US, UK (& European?) units omit neck strap and one point microphone, US units replace earbuds with 'swoops' (HP-M038), which are behind-the-head street-style headphones.

Variants: The Aiwa AM-F65 has been released in Europe, it is nearly identical to the AM-F70 but has no backlight on the main unit's LCD panel, has no LCD panel on remote, and comes without dry cell case (for AAx3).

Tips:

When you're in titling mode, hit the shift button (also the search button) right above the jog dial to choose between the uppercase, lowercase, and symbol character sets. -Ian McFarlane
Record-pause (and hence record mode) can be activated from the remote. To activate from stop mode, hold down the MODE button on the remote for at least 2 seconds, then press the PLAY/PAUSE button. The recorder will then be in record-pause, to commence recording, push the PLAY/PAUSE button again. Also while in pause mode you can use the MODE button to access the recording options (record level, auto track marks, etc) as normal. -Brian Youn

Links:

Aiwa's Japanese announcement of the unit.
Aiwa's English AM-F70 page.
Rob Nguyen's comprehensive review of this unit plus his extensive comparison of the Sharp MD-MT821, Sony MZ-R55, and Aiwa AM-F70.
Japan Direct has some clear snapshots of the Aiwa AM-F70, including one of it beside an MZ-R55.
An Aiwa AM-F70 review at MiniDisc World.
Heiko Debschitz notes photos and German pages for Aiwa's AM-F65/70 series in silver, blue, green and champagne.
Bruce Mcmahan submits a detailed review of the Aiwa AM-F70.
eTown has a review for this unit.
Minidisco has a rotatable 3-D spinning image of this unit.
The Aiwa AM-F70 is spotted for $200 at Tweeter (search for "amf70").
Simon Wilson has made a handsome comparison report of the Aiwa AM-F70 and Sony MZ-R90.

Specs: Freq. resp: 20-20kHz +/-1dB @ 10KOhm. Headphone amp: 10mw + 10mw

Reviews:

User Manual: AM-F65 Electronic Shopping Mall

Battery Life	Play	Record	Recharge
LiIon	10 hr	4 hr	2 hr
AA x 3	25 hr	10 hr
Both	40 hr	16 hr

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AM-F5

AM-F7

Aiwa AM-F5
Aiwa AM-F7

Portable MD recorder
Intro: 12/1997

MSRP ¥45,000 (initial production 8000 units/mo)
Availability:

in: mic, line, digital. out: line, headphones. DC in: 4.5v

97x21.6x77.6mm, 189g (main unit only), 216g w/batt

Features:

Jog dial on the main body and remote, allowing easy character entry and disc operation (the volume knob doubles as the jog dial on the remote).
Divide rehearsal mode (allows fine tuning of divide point with jog dial).
Provides syncho recording from digital and analog sources.
Sampling rate converter.
Stereo/mono recording.
Normal and 2X speed playback.
Time mark function makes track marks every 5 minutes.
Date and time stamp recording.
Program (25 tracks), repeat, random, play modes.
Resume function (restarts play from stopped place).
3 position battery level indicator.
Auto and manual recording level controls, manual recording level can be changed while recording is underway.
Silver color.
One point stereo mic included.
Separate L/R recording level meters.
AM-F5 remote does not contain LCD.
ATRAC 4.2 (according to Aiwa Germany).
Differences from Sony MZ-R50: 10 second (Aiwa) vs. 40 second (Sony) shock memory. Sony button layouts are simpler. Sony has LCD remote. Aiwa allows manual recording levels to be changed without pausing the machine. Aiwa has recording level meters for both channels. Different batteries. Aiwa has smaller appearance. Both machines use clamshell (not slot in) disc loading.

Variants: AM-F7 model is nearly identical to AM-F5. It adds a backlit remote (plus firmware changes to drive it) and a few bug fixes.

Links: Nic Boyde's page for the unit. Aiwa Germany's page for the unit. Aiwa's English announcement for their AM-F7 MD portable Doug Rice shows how he made a Remote Control Timer for an Aiwa AM-F5.

Reviews:

User Manual: AM-F5

Battery Life	Play	Record	Recharge
LiIon	7 hr	4 hr	2 hr
AA x 3	19 hr	10 hr
Both	26 hr	15.5 hr

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	Aiwa AM-F3	portable recorder Intro: 1/1996 (?)	msrp: Y58,000 Availability:	in: optical/line, mic. out: line, hdphn/remote.	109.3 x 81.8 x 26.5mm 290g w/rechargeable attached
Features: Stereo/mono recording, 1bit d/a a/d. Backlit panel and buttons (buttons backlit on AC adapter only), Empty, Mid, Full battery level indicator. Optical, Line, Mic input done with one jack and a line/mic switch. Line/Headphone output similarly done with 1 jack and a switch. Six mode "DSP" (parametric equalizer with flat, rock, pop, jazz, bassboost, and `live' settings). Display has 4 modes: 1) track no./elapsed track time, 2) track no./remaining track time, 3) remaining no. of tracks/remaining disc time. 4) date and time stamp info (though in this mode time does not increment). Display repeatedly scrolls current track name. Four track marking modes: 1) copy marks present in digital input signal, 2) make a mark every 5 minutes (appropriate for meetings and lectures), 3) manual mode (push button to mark), 4) make a mark after 3 seconds of silence. Double speed playback. Auto start/pause mode (sound activated) records only while sound is present on mic inputs (may be set to high or low sensitivity and is also affected by mic input gain setting). Character input for titling, which can be done from the main unit or from the remote, in which case the volume knob is used(!) to select the characters. Up to 50 letters, numbers, symbols, or kana may be entered per track. Writes recording date and time on each track. Manual/Auto recording level adjust (level can be manually adjusted and switched between auto and manual modes during recording). Play modes: repeat 1, repeat all, random play (operates properly, will not repeat tracks), program play, index search function (entire disc's song names are scrolled in display, pressing 'enter' as one scrolls past causes song to play). Settable preferences: enable/disable ear guard function, enable/disable resume function, enable/disable LCD backlight (when disabled, backlight can be turned on for 3 seconds with DISP button), set LCD contrast. Recharge time: 2 hr=90%, 5 hr=Full. Rechargeable cell: LIP-12. Unique "clip on" attachment of LIP-12 rechargeable or 2 AA drycell case to side of unit. Playback: 2 AA only: 4 hr, Rechargeable only: 6 hr. Record: 2 AA only: 1 hr, Rechargeable only: 3.5 hr *Comments from German Stereo Magazine* 10/96*: Excellent manufacturing fit and finish. Integrated DSP. Works well as dictaphone. Manual recording level adjustable (212 segments !!). No sample rate converter. Usable for jogging (the other tested devices were not (Sharp, Sony?)). 6 Hour playback with rechargeable batteries. Recommend electret micro with high amplitude for best performance (input is noisy relative to DAT units). DA/AD worse than in home decks, but acceptable. ATRAC 3.0 (matches quality of converters), which sounds ok (improvement of ATRAC3.5 was a lower noise floor only). Evaluation: very good Mis-features:** Cannot simultaneously charge battery and operate on AC adapter. In pause mode the fast foward/rewind function is unavailable, only track skip. Unit only records in append mode, cannot overwrite existing tracks. Links: Bala Swaminathan's review of the Aiwa AM-F3, Aiwa's Japanese page for the unit. Reviews: User Manual: AM-F3

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Aiwa AM-F3

portable recorder
Intro: 1/1996 (?)

msrp: Y58,000
Availability:

in: optical/line, mic. out: line, hdphn/remote.

109.3 x 81.8 x 26.5mm 290g w/rechargeable attached

Features: Stereo/mono recording, 1bit d/a a/d. Backlit panel and buttons (buttons backlit on AC adapter only), Empty, Mid, Full battery level indicator. Optical, Line, Mic input done with one jack and a line/mic switch. Line/Headphone output similarly done with 1 jack and a switch. Six mode "DSP" (parametric equalizer with flat, rock, pop, jazz, bassboost, and `live' settings). Display has 4 modes: 1) track no./elapsed track time, 2) track no./remaining track time, 3) remaining no. of tracks/remaining disc time. 4) date and time stamp info (though in this mode time does not increment). Display repeatedly scrolls current track name. Four track marking modes: 1) copy marks present in digital input signal, 2) make a mark every 5 minutes (appropriate for meetings and lectures), 3) manual mode (push button to mark), 4) make a mark after 3 seconds of silence. Double speed playback. Auto start/pause mode (sound activated) records only while sound is present on mic inputs (may be set to high or low sensitivity and is also affected by mic input gain setting). Character input for titling, which can be done from the main unit or from the remote, in which case the volume knob is used(!) to select the characters. Up to 50 letters, numbers, symbols, or kana may be entered per track. Writes recording date and time on each track. Manual/Auto recording level adjust (level can be manually adjusted and switched between auto and manual modes during recording). Play modes: repeat 1, repeat all, random play (operates properly, will not repeat tracks), program play, index search function (entire disc's song names are scrolled in display, pressing 'enter' as one scrolls past causes song to play). Settable preferences: enable/disable ear guard function, enable/disable resume function, enable/disable LCD backlight (when disabled, backlight can be turned on for 3 seconds with DISP button), set LCD contrast. Recharge time: 2 hr=90%, 5 hr=Full. Rechargeable cell: LIP-12. Unique "clip on" attachment of LIP-12 rechargeable or 2 AA drycell case to side of unit. Playback: 2 AA only: 4 hr, Rechargeable only: 6 hr. Record: 2 AA only: 1 hr, Rechargeable only: 3.5 hr
Comments from German Stereo Magazine 10/96: Excellent manufacturing fit and finish. Integrated DSP. Works well as dictaphone. Manual recording level adjustable (2*12 segments !!). No sample rate converter. Usable for jogging (the other tested devices were not (Sharp, Sony?)). 6 Hour playback with rechargeable batteries. Recommend electret micro with high amplitude for best performance (input is noisy relative to DAT units). DA/AD worse than in home decks, but acceptable. ATRAC 3.0 (matches quality of converters), which sounds ok (improvement of ATRAC3.5 was a lower noise floor only). Evaluation: very good **

Mis-features: Cannot simultaneously charge battery and operate on AC adapter. In pause mode the fast foward/rewind function is unavailable, only track skip. Unit only records in append mode, cannot overwrite existing tracks.

Links: Bala Swaminathan's review of the Aiwa AM-F3, Aiwa's Japanese page for the unit.

Reviews:

User Manual: AM-F3

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	Aiwa AM-F1	portable recorder Intro: 12/1993 (? est.)	msrp: Availability:	in: optical/line, mic. out: optical/line/hdphn/remote.	85x105x30
Features: ATRAC 2. Double speed playback, mono recording, back lit display, illuminated buttons, many index modes. Play modes: repeat 1, all, shuffle, random. Volume control on unit is digital, on remote is dial. "DSL" bass boost (3 levels). Editing: combine, divide, renumber, erase, erase all. Editing example: 1) Position unit to required point or track. 2) Select "edit", then toggle with "edit" to select function. To move use \|<< or >>\| to change the track number, then enter >>\|. Text entry uses volume + and -. Edit positioning to within 1 second acuracy. -20dB Mic atten switch. Playback time: Li 2.5, ext. AA 2.5, both 6.5 hours. Recording: Li 2, ext. AA 2, both 4.5 hours. Dim: 1.5" x 4.5" x 5.5" -Ian Ogilvy Reviews:

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Aiwa AM-F1

portable recorder
Intro: 12/1993 (? est.)

msrp:
Availability:

in: optical/line, mic. out: optical/line/hdphn/remote.

85x105x30

Features: ATRAC 2. Double speed playback, mono recording, back lit display, illuminated buttons, many index modes. Play modes: repeat 1, all, shuffle, random. Volume control on unit is digital, on remote is dial. "DSL" bass boost (3 levels). Editing: combine, divide, renumber, erase, erase all. Editing example: 1) Position unit to required point or track. 2) Select "edit", then toggle with "edit" to select function. To move use |<< or >>| to change the track number, then enter >>|. Text entry uses volume + and -. Edit positioning to within 1 second acuracy. -20dB Mic atten switch. Playback time: Li 2.5, ext. AA 2.5, both 6.5 hours. Recording: Li 2, ext. AA 2, both 4.5 hours. Dim: 1.5" x 4.5" x 5.5" -Ian Ogilvy

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Aiwa AMD-100

portable recorder
Intro: 12/1992 (?)

msrp: $600
street: $250?
Availability:

In: optical, line, mic (1.38mv min:0.55mv). Out: optical, line, hdphn (5mwx2 max, load 16 ohms)

4 1/2" x 1 5/8" x 5 1/2" 1.1lbs

Features:

Aiwa clone of Sony MZ-1.
ATRAC 1.
Track divide, combine, swap and erase.
Battery level indicator.
24 Character title display.
Disc and track labeling.
Date and time stamp recording.
21-selector program memory.
4-way repeat play (one/all/shuffle/program).
Resume play function.
Clock display.
Automatic and manual gain control (can switch between these two modes while recording, or change the manual gain while recording).
-20dB mic attenuator switch.
3 level bass boost.
Backlit display.
Resume mode.
AC adapter, rechargeable battery supplied.

Reviews:

Battery Life	Play	Record	Recharge
Rechargable BP-MZ1 (NiCd)	1.25 hr	1 hr	1-1.5 hr

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	Goldstar MD-R2	portable recorder Intro: 12/1993 (est. possibly never produced)	Availability:	?	?
Features: ? Links: MDCorea.com has coverage of the Goldstar MD-R1 unit. Notes: Mystery machine. Reportedly Goldstar OEM of the Sony MZ-1 or MZ-R2. If you can confirm this, or know anything further about this unit, please let me know. Reviews:

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Goldstar MD-R2

portable recorder
Intro: 12/1993 (est. possibly never produced)

Availability:

Features: ?

Links:

MDCorea.com has coverage of the Goldstar MD-R1 unit.

Notes: Mystery machine. Reportedly Goldstar OEM of the Sony MZ-1 or MZ-R2. If you can confirm this, or know anything further about this unit, please let me know.

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JVC XM-R700

portable MD recorder
Intro: 2/2001

Availability:

IN: optical, line, microphone
OUT: headphones

81.7 x 19.5 x 88.9 mm, 190g (155g w/o batt)

Features: Rotating knob on side of unit for easy scrolling and function selection. MDLP compatible. 40-second anti-shock protection (160 seconds in LP4 mode), digital sync-recording, backlit remote, 7-level bass/treble adjust, DACB (digital active clear bass) bass boost (a boost circuit that is controlled according to the detected output level, to ensure low distortion, even at high volumes).

Links:

JVC UK press release.
The T-Station has further information on the XM-R700.

Reviews:

HiFi Choice review of the JVC XM-R700SL.

Specifications: Headphone amp: 3mW+3mW at 10% THD, 16 ohms

User Manual: XM-R700

Battery Life (SP/LP2/LP4)	Play	Record	Recharge
LiIon			3 hr
AA x 3
Both	55/67/75 hr	22/31/41 hr

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JVC XM-R70

Portable MD recorder
Intro: 7/1999

MSRP US$330
Availability:

IN: mic, line/optical. OUT: headphones. DC IN (?)V

WHD: 81.7x88.9x19.5mm, 155g (186g w/batt.)

Features: Jog-dial on side of unit for character entry and editing. During character input, 9 characters surrounding the selected character are displayed, easing input. During playback the track number, track time, and title are displayed simultaneously. LCD on main body is 10 x 2 characters. 20 bit ADC and DAC. 24 bit calculation ATRAC. 40 second shock memory. Digital and analog syncho recording. Manual recording level control only, level can be adjusted during recording. "Active Clear Bass" (ACB). Gumstick LiIon. Will not recharge and play simultaneously (hit STOP to start recharging). Backlit LCD equipped remote. Accessories: Car power adapter CA-R551, cassette adapter: CK-101.

PC Connecting Kit: JVC's "MD Controller Software" allows connection of the XM-R70 to JVC's MP-C101 (Windows CE machine). JVC's MP-C101 page states: 7. MD Controller: JVC XM-R70 can be connected with AC-XR1 connecting kit. Disk name and track names can be entered from the keyboard in Roman letters, kanji and kana. Track order can be changed and tracks can be deleted by pen touch while looking at the track names. MD labels can be printed (JVC video printer required). The page includes a detailed screenshot.

Links:

JVC Japan's page for the unit.

Reviews:

Gabriel White contributes a handsome JVC XM-R70 review.
Charles Snider creates an exemplary JVC XM-R70 page.
MiniDiscussion has collected user reviews for this unit.

Tips: The Ambico model P-2000 camera case is the perfect size for the JVC XM-R70 recorder (even with external battery pack attached) and it has another compartment that fits about 4 MD's (in their cases) comfortably. It even comes with a detachable carrying strap. The case was $6.96 at Wal-Mart. -Brad Choi

Specs: Headphone 5mW+5mW (into 16 ohms). Input impedance: Line: 47k ohms. Minimum imput signal level: Line: 100mV, Mic 1.3mV.

User Manuals: XM-R70, XM-R70 courtesy Chris Gerrist

Battery Life	Play	Record	Recharge
LiIon BN-R369 (3.6V)	10 hr	5 hr	2 hr
AA x 3	25 hr	12 hr
Both	38 hr	18 hr
Some Euro Models (?) - Not Holland	Play	Record	Recharge
LiIon BN-R3610 (3.6V)	9 hr	5 hr
Both	30 hr

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JVC XM-R2

portable recorder
Intro: 2/1997

msrp:¥53,000
Availability:

83.6x34.5x119mm 330g w/Ni-MH bat.

Features: Titling and editing functions are performed with a stylus and touch sensitive screen. 50ms divide point resolution. PDA like display shows full title of current track or partial titles of current track and next 3 tracks. Touching the name of the desired track starts that track playing. Wired remote uses normal 1/8" minijack. Button labels in English, but silk screened icons on display panel are Japanese.

Misfeatures: Stopping in mid-track followed by play resumes at head of track.

Links:

JVC Page (Japanese) for unit.
JVC's summary page (translated) and product page (translated).
Nick Boyde's page for the unit.

Reviews:

Battery Life	Play	Record	Recharge
NiMH	4 hr	2.5 hr	3 hr
AA x 4
Both	12.5 hr	5.5 hr

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Panasonic SL-MR10

JVC XM-R1
Panasonic SL-MR10

portable recorder
Intro: 8/1995

msrp: $698, JPY 69,800
Availability:

in: optical/line, mic. out: hdphn.

84.7x31.1x109.5mm, 300g w/bat.

Features: 12 character LCD on main unit. Track/disc titling. Track erase, move, join, divide, all erase. Recording: agc, st/mono. Play: repeat, random, program. LCD remote with track, time, operating mode and battery level display. Selectable "SLC" (sound leakage circuit) modifies sound to avoid disturbing others nearby. Bass boost.

Links:

JVC's Japanese page for this unit.

Reviews:

User Manual: J/E

Battery Life	Play	Record
LiIon	3.5 hr	3 hr
AA x 4
Both	8 hr

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(1024x768)	JVC XM-D1	Quasi-portable recorder Intro: 12/1993 (US)	MSRP $1300/¥98,000 street ¥39,800 Availability:	Optical (toslink) in & out, Line in & out, Mic in, headphone out.	20 x 14 x 6 cm
Features: ATRAC 1. AC power or Ni-Cad [JVC camcorder] battery operation. Large (3-3.5"), tiltable, backlit, 16 character EL display (reportedly quite bright). Slot-in disc loading. 12 button keypad and jog wheel on main unit (for AMS). Allows up to 32 character title input. Timer Play/Record (set start and stop times). Manual and automatic mic level recording. Dual L/R dB meters on display. Small 24 button wireless remote has simple playback, record and synchro-record functions (no record editing or track titling). Date and Time stamp recording (though clock must be reset on battery changes). Program, random, and 15 second intro (called ``Music Scan'' nowadays) play mode. Body color: dark gray. Battery life on 6V NiCad battery: playback 100min, record: 80min. Optional car battery cord: JVC AP-V7. User comments: Too large to be considered a portable, even though it is a portable/home/car unit. Reviews:

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(1024x768)

JVC XM-D1

Quasi-portable recorder
Intro: 12/1993 (US)

MSRP $1300/¥98,000
street ¥39,800
Availability:

Optical (toslink) in & out, Line in & out, Mic in, headphone out.

20 x 14 x 6 cm

Features: ATRAC 1. AC power or Ni-Cad [JVC camcorder] battery operation. Large (3-3.5"), tiltable, backlit, 16 character EL display (reportedly quite bright). Slot-in disc loading. 12 button keypad and jog wheel on main unit (for AMS). Allows up to 32 character title input. Timer Play/Record (set start and stop times). Manual and automatic mic level recording. Dual L/R dB meters on display. Small 24 button wireless remote has simple playback, record and synchro-record functions (no record editing or track titling). Date and Time stamp recording (though clock must be reset on battery changes). Program, random, and 15 second intro (called ``Music Scan'' nowadays) play mode. Body color: dark gray. Battery life on 6V NiCad battery: playback 100min, record: 80min. Optional car battery cord: JVC AP-V7.

User comments: Too large to be considered a portable, even though it is a portable/home/car unit.

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Panasonic SJ-MR50

portable MDLP recorder w/builtin mic & speaker
Intro: 10/2004

Street: ¥ 24,000
Availability:

In: line/optical, mic. Out: headphones. DC IN: (?)

80.9w x 88.3h x 23.4d mm, 115g (142g w/batt)

Features:

Built-in monaural speaker and stereo microphone.
World's smallest and lightest MD recorder with built-in speaker and mic.
Digital speed control allows -50%-+100% adjustment of playback rate with no change in pitch.
Large 2-line LCD on main unit (no LCD on remote).
"Voice operation system" will start and stop recording in response to presence of sound.
A-B repeat function.
Finally -- an MD unit reappears with important functions available from buttons on the front panel as opposed to being buried in sub-menus. Front panel buttons appear to be Stop, Pause, Play, Record, Volume, FF/RW, Record Mode, Playback mode, Playback speed (+/-), A-B repeat

Links:

Accessories: 6-key remote, AC adapter, rechargeable battery case, carrying case, stereo in-ear phones, NiMH cell, dry-cell adapter case

Specs: Headphone amp: 5mW+5mw, Speaker amp: 120mW. Freq. Resp: 20-20kHz (+0/-6dB)

Reviews:

Battery life SP/LP2/LP4 Headphone/Line-input	Play	Record	Recharge
NiMH	26/35/40 hr	13/18/23 hr	4 hr
AA x 1	43/60/70 hr	14/22/32 hr
Both	74/94/113 hr	34/48/56 hr
Battery life SP/LP2/LP4 Speaker/built-in-mic-input	Play	Record	Recharge
NiMH	9.5/10/11 hr	9.5/15/19 hr	4 hr
AA x 1	13/14.5/15.5 hr	11/17/26 hr
Both	26/27/29 hr	25/40/53 hr

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Panasonic SJ-MR270

Portable NetMD Recorder
Intro: 02/2004

``OPEN''
Availability:

In: line/optical, mic. Out: headphones. Data: USB. DC IN: 1.2V (battery), 1.5V (alkaline AA cell), 5.0V (AC adapter)

77.8w x 74.8h x 13.9d mm, 86g (113g w/batt), Speakers: 41.0 x 89.4 x 95.4mm

Features:

NetMD downloading with Beat Jam software.
World record breaking 130 hour battery life (as of 1/14/2004).
Large style 3-Line LCD on main body displays 2 lines of Kanji/Hiragana.
Kanji displaying LCD remote with ability to control recording.
H.D.E.S. (Panasonic's "special" SP-mode ATRAC tweak)
Has a CD 1-track recording mode, enters pause mode after recording one track.
Jog dial.
X-Bass.
Docking cradle with separate speakers.

Links:

Specs: Headphone amp: 2.8mW+2.8mW, Speaker amp: 900mW+900mW, JEITA, 20-20kHz +0/-6dB. Line in: 33Kohm, Mic in: 600 ohm, Headphone out: 50 ohm

Reviews:

User Manual: SJ-MR270

Battery Life	Play	Record	Recharge
AA x 1	42/59/70 hr	9/16/21 hr
NiMH	25/34/38 hr	13/17/21 hr	3.5 hr
Both	76/94/130 hr	33/46/55 hr

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Panasonic SJ-MR240

portable MDLP recorder
Intro: 02/2004

``OPEN''
Availability:

In: line/optical, mic. Out: headphones. DC IN: 1.2V (battery), 1.5V (alkaline AA cell), 5.0V (AC adapter)

77.8w x 71.9h x 13.9d mm, 85g (112g w/batt)

Features:

World record breaking 130 hour battery life (as of 1/14/2004).
Large style 3-Line LCD on main body displays 2 lines of Kanji/Hiragana.
Kanji displaying LCD remote with ability to control recording.
Jog dial.
Stereo mic included.
X-Bass.
Docking cradle.
Differences from SJ-MR270:
- Non-NetMD
- No H.D.E.S
- No one-track recording

Links:

Specs: Headphone amp: 2.8mW+2.8mW, JEITA, 20-20kHz +0/-6dB. Line in: 33Kohm, Mic in: 600 ohm, Headphone out: 50 ohm

Reviews:

User Manual: SJ-MR240

Battery Life	Play	Record	Recharge
AA x 1	42/58/70 hr	9/16/21 hr
NiMH	25/34/38 hr	13/17/21 hr	3.5 hr
Both	76/94/130 hr	33/46/55 hr

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Panasonic SJ-MR230

Portable MDLP recorder w/speakers
Intro: 10/2002

Street: JPY35,000 (est.)
Availability:

IN: mic, line/optical. OUT: headphones. DC IN: 1.2V (NiMH), 1.5V (AA), 4.5V (AC adaptor)

incl. protrusions: pro80.4w x 74.6h x 20.1d mm, excl. protrusions: 78.2w x 71.6h x 17.9d mm, 94g (121g w/batt)

Features: Longest playing MD recorder as of 9/2002. Unit appears to be a non-NetMD little brother to the SJ-MR250 with improved battery life (and reduced 3.0mW headphone power [cf. 3.5mW headphone amp of SJ-MR250]). Includes charging cradle and small, separate titanium cone speakers. 10-key titling keypad in charging cradle for track and disk name input as well as MD editing (group, divide, etc.). One finger LCD remote, adjustable recording level for digital, line and mic inputs. Panasonic's "H.D.E.S" audio compression. Handy "1 track recording" feature that pauses unit after recording one CD track. Auto time-mark recording. Kanji and kana display on LCD remote and main unit (but no Kanji/kana titling is possible). Synchro-recording from audio sources (digital and analog?). 4-step battery charge indicator on main body and remote. S-XBS 2-step bass boost. Intro-scan playback. "Train-mode" feature to cut high frequencies on playback to avoid disturbing others nearby. One-track/all-track repeat, random play modes. Battery can be recharged without needing to be empty first. Available in silver, blue and red.

Links:

Panasonic Japanese press release (mech. trans.)
Minidisc T-station coverage.
Brief AVWatch coverage (Japanese)

Included Accessories: LCD remote, AC adapter, stereo "inside-phones", attachable AA cell case, carrying pouch, USB cable, NiMH rechargeable cell, "multi-cradle" with speakers

Specs: Headphone amp: 3mW+3mW, Speaker amp: 900mW+900mW, 100VAC, Freq. Resp. 20-20kHz +0/-8dB

Reviews:

Service Manual: SJ-MR230

Battery Life SP/LP2/LP4	Play	Record	Recharge
NiMH	27/35/42 hr	13/18/23 hr	3.5 hr
AA x 1	42/59/70 hr	8/13/21 hr
Both	77/100/117 hr	35/50/62 hr

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Photo: Japan Direct

Photo: Minidisco

Photos: AV Watch

Panasonic SJ-MR250

Portable NetMD recorder w/speakers
Intro: 7/2002

Street: ¥40,000
Availability:

IN: microphone, line/optical
OUT: headphones, DC IN: 1.2v (NiMH), 1.5v (Alkaline), 4.5v (AC adapter)

78.2 x 17.9 x 71.6mm (80.4 x 74.6 x 20.1mm max ext.), 97g (124g w/batt)

Features: Panasonic's first NetMD portable. MDLP and group functions. The unit includes docking stand and small (3cm diameter titanium cone) neodymium magnet "full range" speakers (a concept introduced on the Panasonic SJ-MJ50). Docking stand ("multi-cradle") incorporates NetMD PC connection, charging function (unit can be used while charging), and titling/editing keypad (titling interface based upon cellphone alpha input procedure). Capable of displaying kanji titles on LCDs of main body and remote. Remote features "one finger" control, 4 step battery level display. Divide rehearsal mode in 60ms steps. CD one-track record (record track and pause), recording level control, synchro-record, 2-step S-XBS (bass boost) and auto track-mark (3/5/10? minute) functions. Sampling rate convertor. Play modes: repeat 1/all, shuffle. Panasonic's "H.D.E.S" audio compression. Ships with BeatJam (Justsystem Inc) OpenMG compliant software for audio downloading and control of the portable.

Links:

Panasonic press release (Japanese).
Panasonic's Japanese page for the unit.
AV Watch (Japan) announcement.
AV-Land (UK) page for unit.
Minidisc T-Station page for unit.
Nikkei coverage (English).
Japan-Direct's photos and page for the unit.
AVWatch preview (mech. trans.) with good closeups.

Included Accessories: LCD remote, AC adapter, stereo "inside-phones", attachable AA cell case, carrying pouch, USB cable, NiMH rechargeable cell, "multi-cradle" with speakers, NetMD software

Specs: Headphone amp: 3.5mW + 3.5mW, Speaker amp: 900mW+900mW, 100VAC.

Reviews:

User Manual: J/E

Battery Life SP/LP2/LP4	Play	Record	Recharge
NiMH	25/33/40 hr	13/17/21 hr	3.5 hr
AA x 1	39/50/63 hr	8/13/16 hr
Both	70/90/110 hr	35/46/56 hr

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Photos: Hyperjack

Panasonic SJ-MR220

Portable MDLP recorder
Intro: 7/2001

Availability:

IN: line/optical, mic, OUT: headphone, DC IN: 1.2v (NiMH), 1.5v (Alkaline), 1.8v (AC Adapter)

78.2 x 71.6 x 16.0mm, 88g (body only), 115g (w/batt)

Features: Portable MDLP recorder. World's smallest, thinnest and lightest as of 6/2001. "Smart operation pad" (touchpad) for control and titling functions. First recorder with group function support. Divide rehearsal mode in 60ms steps. Backlit remote. 12 character 2 line display on main unit. "One time record" function pauses unit after recording one CD track. Titling possible during playback. Auto-time-mark places track marks every 3, 5 or 10 minutes. Panasonic's "H.D.E.S" audio compression. Apparently has two fixed recording levels: "high" and "low" (or perhaps AGC, with two sensitivity settings). Available in silver, blue and white

Links:

Panasonic's Japanese page for the unit.
Minidisc T-Station's page for the unit.
IGN review of the unit.
AVLand (UK) page for the unit

Included Accessories: LCD remote, stereo "inside phones", AC adapter, gum-pack NiMH rechargeable cell, AA Alkaline cell external case, rechargeable cell case, carrying pouch

Specs: Headphone amp: 3.5mW+3.5mW, Frequency response: 20-20kHz (+0/-8(!)dB)

Reviews:

User Manuals: SJ-MR220, J/E

Service Manual: SJ-MR220

Battery Life (SP/LP2/LP4)	Play	Record	Recharge
NiMH	25/33/38 hr	12.5/17/21 hr	3.5hr
AA x 1	42/54/62 hr	19/26/34 hr
Both	69/87/100 hr	34/45/55 hr

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Photo: AVLand UK

Photo: Pub Computer Times (Singapore)

Photo: TVPen.com

Photo: MDMan.net

Panasonic SJ-MR200

portable MD recorder
Intro: 8/2000

¥42,800
Availability:

IN: microphone, line/optical.
OUT: headphone
DC IN: 1.2V (NiMH), 1.5V (AA), 1.8V (AC adapter)

78.2x71.6x16.8mm, 94g [120g w/batt]

Features: Unit is world's smallest and lightest portable MD recorder (as of July 2000). Divide rehearsal mode in 60ms steps. Compatible with Panasonic's "MD Network" to interface with other audio devices. 40 second anti-skip shock protection, tone quality switch (S-XBS/train position), two line display and "Smart Operation Pad" (provides soft-touch buttonpads for the usual portable MD button functions and for titling). Panasonic's "H.D.E.S" audio compression.

Links:

Panasonic's Japanese press release for this unit.
MDMan.net has several snapshots of the MR200.

Specs: Headphone amp: 3.5mW+3.5mW at 22 ohms. 20-20kHz +0/-6dB

Reviews:

User Manual: SJ-MR200

Service Manual: SJ-MR200

Battery Life	Play	Record	Recharge
NiMH	15 hr	7 hr	3 hr
AA x 1	21 hr	3 hr
Both	38 hr	15 hr

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Photos: Japan Direct

Panasonic SJ-MR100

Portable MD Recorder
Intro: 6/1999

MSRP ¥46,000
Availability:

IN: line/optical, mic. OUT: headphone. DC in: 1.8V

WHD: 84x77x18.9mm, (84.9x78.3x20.5mm max outer dim), 136g body only (161g w/batt)

Features: World's smallest and lightest MD recorder as of June, 1999. Unit incorporates .25um rule LSI and newly developed one beam optical pickup (world's thinnest: 6.6mm). Text display on main body is 2 X 12 characters. Edge mounted jog dial with integral push button for labelling and track selection (while playing a track, other track names may be examined and a new track selected). Can title while playing a track (though machine updates TOC and leaves unit at start of disc after every track title operation). Special "one track record" function puts unit into rec-pause mode after a CD track finishes. Divide rehearsal mode with 60ms adjustment step (like the Aiwa AM-F70 and home decks). Backlit remote. 40 second shock memory. Synchro-recording, sampling rate converter. Time Mark mode (automatic track marks at 3 or 5 minute intervals). Battery charges only when unit is stopped. No AGC(?), recording level control limited to "high/low" sensitivity switch (manual states that High sensitivity is for recording from portable products, and Low sensitivity is for recording from hi-fi products or boomboxes).

Links:

Japanese press release for Panasonic's SJ-MR100. Panasonic's Japanese page for the unit.
Japan Direct's clear photos and English information for the unit.
Robert contributes a careful review of the Panasonic SJ-MR100.
HiFi Choice magazine (UK) has a review.

Specs: Freq. Resp: 20-20kHz +0/-8dB, Headphone amp: 5mW+5mW into 14 Ohms. Line input: impedance: 47kOhms, level: High sens: 178mV, Low sens: 500mv. Mic input: impedance: 600 Ohms, level: 0.4mV. Power sources: Rechargeable: 1.2V, AA cell: 1.5V, AC adapter: 1.8V. AC power consumption at power off: 1.6W.

Reviews:

User Manual: SJ-MR100

Service Manual: SJ-MR100

Battery Life	Play	Record	Recharge
NiMH 1400mAh	10 hr	6 hr	3 hr
AA x 1	14 hr	2.5 hr
Both	25 hr	12 hr

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Sanyo MDG-R3
Fisher MDG-R3

Portable MD recorder
Intro: 6/1999

US$400
Availability:

IN: mic, line/optical. OUT: headphone (+ others?)

4 1/8" x 3 3/8" x 1"

Features: 80 second shock memory. Can be coupled to a PC for computer based titling, editing and music download. If you have further photos or details for this machine, please let us know.

Links: An E/Town article about MD at CES '99 mentions this unit.

Reviews:

Battery Life	Play
	8 hr

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Sharp MD-DR77

portable MD recorder
Intro: 4/2004

Est. ¥30,000
Availability:

In: optical, line, mic. Out: line, headphones

78.9w x 18.0h x 71.9d mm, 101g (131g w/batt), DC IN: 1.2V (NiMH), 1.5V (AA), 4.5V (Car adapter), 5.0V (AC adapter)

Features:

One-bit digital amp w/4-pole headphone plug.
Backlit-LCD remote.
Recording-start button on remote (!)
Recording level control can be set automatically (for analog sources) or manually (for analog and digital sources).
Syncro-start recording from analog and digital sources.
Playback speed control.
"Favorite-track playback" remembers up to 10 favorite tracks on up to 9 disks.
Group mode support.
High/Low microphone input sensitivity selector.
Charge-stand.
Character-stamp
Timer alarm (avoid missing your train stop).
Available in silver, blue and black.

Markets: Japan

Links:

Included Accessories: LCD remote, Headphones, NiMH cell (with case), AC adapter, external AA case, charging stand, carrying pouch

Specs: Headphone amp: 8mW+8mW (@32k ohm), Line: 125mV (@10k ohm, -12dB), Freq resp. 20-20kHz +/- 3dB

Reviews:

Battery Life	Play	Record	Recharge
NiMH	28/40/49 hr	10.5/15/21 hr	Full: 5.5hr, 80%: 3.5 hr
AA x 1	49/70/83 hr	13/22/33 hr
Both	80/112/135 hr	25/40/57 hr

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HP-MD33

HP-MD90

(1024x768)

Sharp IM-DR80
Sharp IM-DR580
Kenwood DMC-S9NET

portable NetMD recorder with dock
Intro: 9/2003

est. ¥37,000
Availability:

Body: In: mic. Out: headphones. Docking Station: In: line/optical, Out: line, speaker. Data USB. DC IN: 1.2V, 1.5V

80.1w x 16.6h x 72.6d mm, 95g (120g w/batt)

Features: Prototype shown at IFA Berlin 2003.

High(er) speed NetMD downloading: SP: 4X, LP2: 25X, LP4: 50X
Small docking station with LCD, power, line in/out, optical in and USB connections (no LCD on MD unit).
Auto (microphone recording) and manual analog recording level control. Digital recording level control.
Group mode support.
Timer alarm (avoid missing your train stop).
CD synchro recording.
Character-stamp (copy track titles from original to copied MD).
One-bit digital amp with 4 pole headphone connector.
Backlit Kanji-capable LCD remote.
Available in silver, black, and red.

Variants: Unit is dubbed IM-DR80 in Japan and IM-DR580 in Europe. Kenwood sells the unit as the DMC-S9NET.

Links:

Specs: Headphone amp: 8mW+8mW @ 32ohms, line: 125mV @ 10k ohms

Accessories: Backlit LCD remote, headphones, NiMH battery and case, multi-voltage (100V-240V) AC adapter, "Multi-link station" (docking stand), external AA cell case, carrying pouch, USB cable, manuals, BeatJam software CD and manuals

Optional Accessories: HP-MD33 headphones (9mm diameter, in-the-ear type, 3 silicon gum earpiece sizes (S, M, L), ¥3800), HP-MD90 headphones (16mm diameter, adjustable angle, aluminum, over-the-ear type, ¥3300)

Reviews:

User Manuals: IM-DR80, IM-DR580

Battery Life	Play	Record	Recharge
NiMH	27/36/42 hr	8/12/15 hr	full: 5.5 hr, 90%: 3.5 hr
Alkaline AA x 1	48/67/75 hr	8/15/20.5 hr
Both	80/103/122 hr	20/30.5/40 hr

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IM-DR410 (1280x1051)

IM-DR420 (1280x1114)

Sharp IM-DR400
Sharp IM-DR410
Sharp IM-DR420

portable NetMD recorder
Intro: 09/2003

Street: IM-DR410: €210, IM-DR420: € 230
Availability:

In: line/optical, (IM-DR420 only: mic). Out: headphones. Data: USB, DC IN: 1.2V, 1.5V, 3V

83w x 28h x 76d mm, 140g w/batt, 117g w/o batt

Features:

A first for Sharp: Automatic (with settable low/high range) and manual recording level control (IM-DR420 only)
NetMD downloading at 50x realtime
1-bit digital amp
Group mode support
Play modes: all, shuffle, all-repeat, shuffle-repeat
Digital X-Bass
Auto time-mark (3, 5, and 10 minute intervals)
Line synchro-start recording (microphone synchro-start recording [i.e. voice activated recording] on IM-DR420)

Variants:

IM-DR400 is non-remote base model.
IM-DR410 is apparently identical to IM-DR400 but comes with carrying pouch and optical cable.
IM-DR420 differs from DR400 and DR410, adding microphone input (with auto and manual recording level function) and non-LCD remote.

Included Accessories: Both units: 4-pole earphones, 4-pole to 3 pole conversion cable, AC adapter, carrying pouch, optical cable, analog cable (1/8" stereo to RCA x 2), CD-ROM, USB cable. IM-DR420 only: non-LCD remote, NiMH battery (AA formfactor), NiMH case

Links:

Sharp UK manuals
my-minidisc.com IM-DR410 page
my-minidisc.com IM-DR420 page

Specs: Headphone amp: 8mW+8mW, 0.2% THD. Disc RPM: 400-1800 playback, 400-2700 recording

Reviews:

User Manuals: IM-DR400, IM-DR400 Quickstart, IM-DR410, IM-DR410 Quickstart, IM-DR420, IM-DR420 Quickstart, Software Preinstall, BeatJam

Battery Life	Play	Record	Recharge
NiMH AA formfactor	33/44/51 hr	8/13/18 hr	full: 5.4hr, 90%: 3.4 hr
Alkaline AA x 1	44/62/75 hr	4/7/11 hr

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(1228x941)

MT-MT290

(1280x1268)

Sharp MD-MT270
Sharp MD-MT290

portable MDLP recorder
Intro: 2/2003

Street: £100
Availability:

In: line/optical, (mic: MT-MD290 only). Out: headphones, DC IN: 1.5V-5.0V

83 x 28 x 77mm, 107g (body only), 134g w/battery

Features:

MDLP support
3-step X-Bass.
In common with all modern Sharp portable recorders:
- Synchro recording for digital and analog (LINE/MIC) sources.
- Character Stamp (Sharp feature since MD-MS200 that provides quick title text transfer from original to newly recorded disc)
- Recording level control may be adjusted while recording is underway.
- No automatic recording level setting.

Variants: MD-MT270 has no remote or microphone input, MD-MT290 has a non-LCD remote and microphone input.

Links:

Sharp (UK)
AVLand (UK)
my-minidisc.com MT-MD270 and MT-MD290 pages.

Included Accessories: Earphones, AC adapter, RCA cable. Europe: optical cable

Specs: Headphone amp: 10mW+10mW RMS @ 32 ohms (0.2%THD), Line out: 250mV (-12dB), Freq. Resp: 20-20kHz +/-3dB

Reviews:

Battery Life	Play	Record
NiMH cell	25/29/34 hr	10/13/17 hr
AA x 1	33/44/52 hr	8/11/16 hr

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(1280x1280)

(1280x1201)

Photo: Minidisco

Photo: DSWorld.co.kr

Photos: Mike Sloan

Photos: Tina Ryan

Sharp MD-DR7
Sharp MD-DR470
Sharp MD-DR480

portable MD recorder
Intro: 12/2002

¥37,000
Availability:

In: mic, line, optical. Out: headphones/line, DC IN: 1.2VDC-5.0VDC

78.9 x 17.8 x 71.9mm, 140g (w/batt), 115g (body only)

Features:

Trace-back recording (formerly only available on MD decks) stores 5, 10 or 30 (user selectable) seconds of audio in memory while in REC-PAUSE state; when the user presses REC, recording actually begins 5, 10 or 30 seconds prior to the button press.
Record breaking battery life: 120 hour playback, 64 hour recording.
World's first MD recorder with 1-bit digital amplifier (uses 4 conductor headphone plug and jack).
MDLP support (but not NetMD).
"Favorite Playback" allows selection of up to 10 favorite tracks that are played when in Favorite Playback mode. These tracks are remembered for up to 9 different MDs in the recorder's memory.
Playback Speed control in 5 steps: -30%, -20%, 10%, +5%, +15%
First Sharp recorder with Treble control. Bass boost functions as it did on previous units, but treble adjustment is now available (in 5 steps: -2, -1, 0, +1, +2) after bass setting is selected.
Equipped with a charging stand.
Alarm timer from 1 to 99 minutes (to avoid missing train stops).
New group mode function starts a new group when group button is pressed during mic recording.
Backlit LCD remote.
Microphone sensitvity setting (HIGH/LOW) incorporated into recording level control.
Available in Silver, blue and pink.
In common with all modern Sharp portable recorders:
- Synchro recording for digital and analog (LINE/MIC) sources.
- Character Stamp (Sharp feature since MD-MS200 that provides quick title text transfer from original to newly recorded disc)
- Recording level control may be adjusted while recording is underway.
- No automatic recording level setting.

Variants: Unit is badged "MD-DR480" in Singapore (Asia?). Euro variant is sold without charging cradle as the MD-DR470. Discussion of variants

Links:

AVWatch Japan announcement (mech. trans)
Sharp press release (mech trans page 1 and 2).
Minidisc T-Station page.
Minidisco page for the unit.
Sharp MD-DR480 photo gallery (Minidisc Australia)
Mike Sloan's photos of the Blue MD-DR7.
my-minidisc.com page for the unit.

Reviews:

Tina and Okinawa Joe's review.

Accessories: Backlit LCD remote, Headphone, NiMH battery, AC adaptor (auto-sensing 110-240AC in Asia), externally attachable AA drycell case, Charge stand, Manual. In Europe: optical cable (TOSlink to 3.5mm), analog cable (RCA to 3.5mm), carrying case. MD-DR480 (Asia): additonal ear buds (as well as headphones), AD-USB1 analog PC-Link (USB->analog) adapter, optical cable (TOSlink to 3.5mm), analog cable (RCA to 3.5mm) 4-Pole ->3-Pole conversion cable.

Specs:

Output: Headphone: 8mW+8mW (32 ohms, RMS), Line 250mV (10Kohms)
Input sensitivity: MIC H: 0.25mV (10kohms), MIC L: 2.5mV (10kohms), LINE: 100mV (20kohms).

User Manual: MD-DR7

Battery Life SP/LP2/LP4 Remote LCD off, VOL 15	Play	Record	Recharge
NiMH AD-N55BT (1400mAh)	27/35/42 hr	10.5/15/22 hr	Full: 5.5 hr, 90%: 3.5 hr
AA x 1	41/59/71 hr	13/22/38 hr
Both	72/100/120 hr	28/43/64 hr

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Sharp MD-MT170
Sharp MD-MT180
Sharp MD-MT190
Sharp MD-MT200

portable (budget) MD recorders
Intro: 1/2002

MT170: £130
MT180:219€
MT190:269€
MT200:299€
Availability:

IN: line/optical, mic (MT190/200 only), OUT: headphones, DC IN: 1.5V-5V

76w x 83d x 22.9h mm, 146g w/batt

Features: MDLP modes, 3-mode digital X-bass system, Digital rec-level control. Flat case (no battery bulge), MD-MT170/180 has no remote or microphone input

Variants: MD-MT170 and MD-MT180 appear identical in function. MD-MT190 and MD-MT200 come with non-LCD remote. MD-MT200 has Dolby surround DSP mode

Accessories: Headphones, AC adapter, PC Link kit (USB->analog for MT180, USB->optical for MT190&MT200)

Optional Accessories: Attachable AA cell battery case: AD-M18BC, Car adapter: AD-CA20X

Links:

Sharp US press release mentioning unit.
Sharp US page for unit.
Sharp UK page for unit.
French site MD-21 coverage of