2-638-509-11(1) This warranty is valid only in the United States. Operating Instructions MZ-M100 Portable MD Recorder MZ-M100 Recorder page 12 Operation ___________ Software page 90 Operation ___________ Portable MD Recorder “WALKMAN” is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation to represent Headphone Stereo products. is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet. To prevent fire, do not cover the ventilation of the apparatus with newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, etc. And don’t place lighted candles on the apparatus. To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.
Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: MZ-M100 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127 USA Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems) This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment.
• SonicStage and the SonicStage logo are • • • • • • • • • trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. MD Simple Burner, OpenMG, “Magic Gate”, “MagicGate Memory Stick”, “Memory Stick”, Hi-MD, Net MD, ATRAC, ATRAC3, ATRAC3plus and their logos 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.
Table of contents About available functions and supplied manuals ........................................................... 10 Recorder Operation Looking at controls ............................................. 14 Getting started .................................................... 17 Recording a disc right away! .............................. 21 Playing a disc right away! ................................... 25 Using menus ........................................................
Editing recorded tracks ...................................... 46 Before editing ..............................................................................................46 Adding titles (Title Input) ...........................................................................46 Assigning tracks or groups as a new group (Group Set) .............................49 Releasing a group setting (Group Release) .................................................50 Moving recorded tracks or groups (Move) ........
Software Operation What you can do with SonicStage/MD Simple Burner .............................................................. 90 Installing ............................................................. 92 Providing the required system environment ...............................................92 Installing the software onto your computer ................................................93 Using SonicStage ................................................ 95 Importing audio data .........................
About available functions and supplied manuals This section explains the functions of this portable MiniDisc recorder and the manuals that have been supplied with it. Please refer to the manual that applies to each use of the recorder. Learning more about Hi-MD “Hi-MD” is a new MiniDisc format with advanced capabilities over the standard MD format. The “What you can do with the Hi-MD Walkman” flyer This flyer explains the major features of Hi-MD Walkman and how it differs with standard MD Walkman.
Using the recorder while it is connected to a computer (Windows) The supplied SonicStage software allows you to transfer audio data between the recorder and the computer. The supplied MD Simple Burner software allows you to record audio data to the recorder. Audio CDs Internet Music files Software Operation (pages 90 to 116) This section explains the installation and basic operations of the supplied SonicStage/MD Simple Burner software.
Checking the supplied accessories AC power adaptor (1) Remote control (1) Earphones (1) Comes attached with a clamp filter on the cord of the North American and Chinese models. Stereo microphone (1) USB cable (1) STEREO NH-14WM Nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery (1) Clamp filters are not attached to the cord for the Southeast Asian, African and tourist models.
How to use the supplied clamp filters When using the recorder connected to the computer, make sure to attach the clamp filters in the way described. (You must attach a clamp filter to comply with the applicable EMC standards.) It is unnecessary to attach the clamp filters if you use the unit without connecting it to the computer.
Looking at controls The recorder A MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack1) B LINE IN (OPT) jack C HOLD switch Slide the switch in the direction of the arrow to disable the buttons on the recorder. To prevent the buttons from being accidentally operated when you carry the recorder, use this function. D Display window E OPEN switch F Jog dial (N (play)/ENT) G .
The display window of the recorder A Operating condition indication display area Displays the indications of each operating condition. x: stop N: play X: pause m: fast rewind M: fast forward ., >: AMS : record/record pause B Selected operating condition display area Displays the operating mode, play mode, or selected menu item, etc. C Battery indication Shows the approximate remaining battery power. If the batteries are weak, the indication becomes empty and starts flashing.
The earphones with a remote control A B E C F D A VOL (volume) +, – control B HOLD switch Slide the switch in the direction of the arrow to disable the buttons on the remote control. To prevent the buttons from being accidentally operated when you carry the recorder, use this function. 16 G C D E F G Clip (group) +, – button NX (play, pause) button x (stop) button .
Getting started Charge the rechargeable battery before using. 1 Insert the rechargeable battery. 1 Slide OPEN to open the 2 Insert the NH-14WM battery compartment lid. 2 3 Close the lid. rechargeable battery E end first. Charging the rechargeable battery. 1 Connect the AC power adaptor to DC IN 3V on the recorder and the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. AC power adaptor To a wall outlet 2 Press x • CANCEL/CHG. “Charging” appears in the display, and charging starts.
z • If the display disappears after a short time, the rechargeable battery is sufficiently charged. • If the rechargeable battery is completely drained at the start of charging, it will take about 3.5 hours for the rechargeable battery become sufficiently charged. The charging time may vary, depending on the condition of the rechargeable battery. Using the alkaline dry battery for extended operation 1 Attach the dry battery case to the recorder. 2 Insert a LR6 (size AA) alkaline dry battery.
4 Unlock the control. Slide HOLD to the opposite direction of the arrow (.) on the recorder or the remote control to unlock the controls. HOLD HOLD For models supplied with the AC plug adaptor If the AC power adaptor does not fit the wall outlet, use the AC plug adaptor. When to charge the rechargeable battery or replace the dry battery You can check the battery condition on the display window of the recorder.
Battery life1) When recording continuously in Hi-MD mode (Unit: approx.hours)(JEITA2)) Disc type Batteries LinearPCM Hi-SP Hi-LP 1GB Hi-MD disc NH-14WM3) 5.5 7.5 8.5 LR64) 2 3 3 NH-14WM + LR6 8 11.5 12.5 NH-14WM 5 7.5 8.5 LR6 4 6 6.5 NH-14WM + LR6 9.5 14.5 16.5 60/74/80-minute standard disc 1) Measured with “EL Light” is set to “Auto Off” (page 58). 2) Measured in accordance with the JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association) standard.
Recording a disc right away! 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. Make sure to use the optical cable. Note Recording cannot be done in MD mode when you record directly with this recorder without using a Windows computer. You can record in Hi-MD mode on this recorder. 1 Make connections. (Insert the cables firmly and completely into the appropriate jacks.
2 Insert a recordable disc. 1 Slide OPEN to open the lid. 2 Insert a disc with the label side facing front, and press the lid down to close. Make sure to check the record-protect tab is closed. 3 Confirm the operation mode. This recorder has two operation modes, “Hi-MD mode” and “MD mode”. The operation mode is automatically recognized whenever the disc is inserted. After you insert a disc, check the operation mode on the display window of the recorder.
4 Record a disc. 1 Select and pause the sound source to be recorded. 2 Make sure that the x indication appears in the display window. Make sure the x indication is displayed. PAUSE Connected component 3 While the recorder is stopped, press the jog dial (N/ENT) while pressing REC(+N)/T MARK. “REC” lights up and recording starts. REC(+N)/ T MARK 4 Play the source you want to record. If you insert a previously recorded disc, the recording starts after the existing contents.
Notes • When you record on a 1GB Hi-MD disc, connect the AC power adaptor to the recorder, charge the rechargeable battery fully (battery level indication shows ), or use a new alkaline dry battery (battery level indication shows ). When you attempt to start recording on a 1GB Hi-MD disc, “NOT ENOUGH POWER TO REC” may appear and recording cannot be done even if the battery level indication shows sufficient remaining power while the recorder is stopped or playing.
Playing a disc right away! 1 Insert a recorded disc. 1 Slide OPEN to open the lid. 2 Insert a disc with the label side facing front, and press the lid down to close. 2 Play a disc. 1 Press the jog dial (N/ENT) on the recorder. Press NX on the remote control. 2 Press VOL + or – to adjust the volume on the recorder. Turn the VOL +, – control on the remote control. The volume will be shown in the display. VOL +, – X x Jog dial (NENT) VOL +, – NX x ., > +, – ., > To stop play, press x.
To Operation on the recorder Operation on the remote control Stop Press x. Press x. Pause Press X. Press X again to resume play. Press NX. Press NX again to resume play. — Select a track directly Turn the jog dial to select a viewing track number or track, and then press the jog dial (N/ENT) to enter. name Find the beginning of the current track or the previous track Press .. Press . repeatedly until you reach the beginning of the desired track. Press .. Press .
Using menus How to use the menu items The recorder has many menus with useful functions for recording, playback, editing, etc. To set the menu items, do the following procedure. If you are doing a menu operation for the first time after purchasing the recorder, “Menu Mode” appears in the display. Before the menu operation, you can set “Menu Mode” to “Advanced” (all menu items appear) or “Simple” (only basic menu items appear).
List of menus The following table shows the menu items that you can select. Menu items can be set with the recorder only. Items listed under “Menu 1” are the selectable items which appear when you enter the menu, and items listed under “Menu 2” are the selectable items which appear when you select an item in Menu 1. It is possible to display all menu items only when “Menu Mode” is set to “Advanced”. Menu items with an asterisk (*) are not displayed when “Menu Mode” is set to “Simple”.
Menu 1 REC Settings File List Option Menu 2 Function Site page REC Mode Selects the recording mode (PCM, HiSP or Hi-LP). page 34 REC Level* Manually adjusts the recording level. page 35 MIC AGC* Sets the microphone recording level adjustment mode. page 33 MIC Sens* Sets the microphone sensitivity to suit the source sound. page 32 Time Mark* Adds track marks automatically in a specific time interval.
Various ways of recording Before recording About the operation mode This recorder has two operation modes, “Hi-MD mode” and “MD mode”. The operation mode is automatically recognized whenever the disc is inserted. After you insert a disc, check the operation mode on the display window of the recorder. You can record on this recorder only in “Hi-MD mode”. It is not possible to record in “MD mode”.
While the recorder is stopped Viewing various information Lap Time A You can check the remaining time, track number, etc. when recording or during stop. Track number Group number1) B Elapsed time Track name Artist name (Hi-MD)/ Group name (MD) Album name (Hi-MD)/ Disc name (MD) C MENU Jog dial 1 2 Enter the menu and select “Display”. Turn the jog dial to select the information you want, and then press the jog dial to enter the selection.
All Remain A Track number Group number1) B C Elapsed time Recording from a microphone STEREO Disc name4) Remaining time after the current location on the disc and number of tracks after the current track Stereo microphone (supplied) 1) Appears when the Main play mode is set to “Group Play”. the case of an MP3 track that supports VBR (Variable Bit Rate), the bit rate that appears here may not match the one displayed by the SonicStage software. 3) Appears for tracks that have time stamp information.
2 Turn the jog dial to select “Sens High” or “Sens Low”, and then press the jog dial to enter the selection. Sens High: When recording a soft sound or a sound with a normal volume. Sens Low: When recording with a loud or close-range sounds, such as those during an oral recording or a music concert. To change the microphone recording level adjustment mode When recording with a microphone, you can select automatic adjustment mode which sets the microphone recording level to suit the sound source.
Recording from a TV or radio (Analog Recording) This section explains how to record from equipment with analog output, such as a cassette recorder, radio, or TV. TV, cassette recorder, etc. Selecting the recording mode Select each recording mode according to the recording time that you want. You can record only in Hi-MD mode on this recorder.
Recording Display Recording time mode Hi-LP Hi-LP 3 4 • Approx. 10 hours and 10 min. on an 80-minute standard disc • Approx. 34 hours on a 1GB Hi-MD disc z Audio components that support the linearPCM, Hi-SP and Hi-LP mode are indicated by the or logo mark. Play the source. While observing the level meter in the display, adjust the recording level by turning the jog dial. Set the level so that the meter segments light up around –12dB segment.
Adding track marks while recording You can add track marks (track number) while recording to divide the material into separate parts, that allow you to go to specific track quickly and easily. REC(+N)/ T MARK Jog dial MENU Adding track marks manually While the recorder is recording, press REC(+N)/T MARK at the point you want to add a track mark.
Disc with no groups recorded Recording without creating a new group The recorder is factory set to automatically create a new group for each recording. To record without creating a new group, set the recorder as follows. MENU Jog dial Disc 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12131415 You can record a maximum of 255 groups on a disc. If you record a track without creating a group, but then later want to create a group for that track, refer to “Assigning tracks or groups as a new group (Group Set)” (page 49).
To start/stop recording in sync with the sound source (Synchro-recording) When making a digital recording (e.g., from a CD), this function automatically starts and stops the recorder in synchronization with the sound source. This eliminates the need for separate operation of the recorder and the sound source. MENU Jog dial While the recorder is stopped, enter the menu and select “REC Settings” - “SYNC REC” - “On”.
Various ways of playback Viewing various information 1 Remain A Track number Group number1) You can check the track name, disc name, etc. during playback. B Remaining time of the current track Track name Artist name (Hi-MD)/ Group name (MD) Album name (Hi-MD)/ Disc name (MD) C MENU Jog dial 1 2 Enter the menu and select “Display”. Turn the jog dial to select the information you want, and then press the jog dial to enter the selection. Each turn selects the display as follows.
Selecting the play mode You can listen to tracks in various play modes. The play mode can consist of a combination of Main play mode, Sub play mode and Repeat play. • Main play mode: selects the playback unit, such as tracks or groups • Sub play mode: selects the type of play • Repeat play: selects Repeat play Playing tracks in normal mode (Normal Play) 1 Do step 1 and select “Normal Play” in step 2 of “Playing tracks in Main play mode” (page 40).
Listening to tracks by a specific artist (Artist Play) (in Hi-MD mode only) If the track data includes the artist name, you can listen to tracks by a specific artist only. 1 Do step 1 and select “Artist Play” in step 2 of “Playing tracks in Main play mode” (page 40). A list of the artists on the disc appears in alphabetical order. 2 Turn the jog dial to select the desired artist name, and then press the jog dial to enter. A list of the tracks of the selected artist appears in recorded order.
2 Turn the jog dial to select a track, and then press the jog dial to enter the selection. To erase bookmarks While playing the track for which you want to erase the bookmark, press the jog dial for 2 seconds or more. Listening to a section of a track repeatedly (A-B Repeat) Make sure that points A and B are within the same track. 1 While playing a track that contains the section you want to repeat, do step 1 and select “A-B Repeat” in step 2 of “Playing tracks in Sub play mode” (page 42).
To cancel Repeat Play Select “Off” in step 2. Searching for a track by initial character (Initial Search) You can search for a track, group, artist, or album by its initial character. Searching for a track (Search) 1 Do steps 1 and 2 of “Searching for a track (Search)”. 2 Turn the jog dial to select “Initial Search”, and then press the jog dial to enter. 3 Turn the jog dial to select the first character of the name to be searched for, and then press the jog dial to enter the letter.
Notes • After step 4, Bookmark play is canceled. • After step 4, A-B Repeat play is canceled. • During a search, unlabeled tracks appear at Selecting the sound quality (6-Band Equalizer) the end of each list. Jog dial • During a search, ungrouped tracks are placed together as “Group - -” and appear at the end of the list of groups.
To cancel the setting Select “Normal” in step 1. To modify and store the sound (For models except European models) You can modify the sound and store the results in “Custom 1” and “Custom 2”. 1 Do steps 1 and select “Custom 1” or “Custom 2” in step 2 of “Selecting the sound quality (6-Band Equalizer)” (page 44). 2 Press . or > repeatedly to select the frequency. Note 6-Band Equalizer will not function during recording. Frequency (100 Hz) From the left, you can select 100 Hz, 250 Hz, 630 Hz, 1.
Editing recorded tracks Before editing Adding titles (Title Input) Notes • When you edit the contents of a 1GB Hi-MD disc, connect the AC power adaptor to the recorder, charge the rechargeable battery fully (battery level indication shows ), or use a new alkaline dry battery (battery level indication shows ).
Character palette The character palette has the following configuration. Character palette for Hi-MD mode Character palette for MD mode Maximum number of characters that can be input per disc* In Hi-MD mode: A maximum of about 27,000 characters In MD mode: A maximum of about 1,700 characters * The number of titles that can be stored on a disc depends on the number of characters that are input for track names, group names, artist names, album names and disc name.
The cursor flashes in the letter input area. Notes • If you enter the symbol “//” between the The cursor flashes. characters in disc names such as “abc//def”, you may be unable to use the group function (in MD mode only). • For the Asian, African and tourist models, Chinese characters can be displayed but cannot be input. You can input Chinese characters with the SonicStage software. VOL +, – X Jog dial (N/ENT) MENU 3 Turn the jog dial downward.
Functions1) Operations To move the cursor up or down Turn the jog dial. To enter a letter. Press the jog dial (N/ENT). To insert a blank space. Press VOL +. To delete a letter. Press VOL –. To move the cursor from the character palette to the letter input area. Press x. To switch between capital letters and small letters. Press X.
Notes 3 Turn the jog dial to select the number of the desired last track, and then press the jog dial to enter. This selects the last track of the new group and the group can be labeled. If the disc contains groups, only the last track number of each group is displayed. 4 Label a group (see “Adding titles (Title Input)” (page 46)).
4 Turn the jog dial to select “OK”, and then press the jog dial to release a group. The group setting of the selected group is released. If the selected track is not in the group, the name of the currently selected track appears on the 3rd line in the display. When the currently selected track is not in a group Moving recorded tracks or groups (Move) You can change the order of the recorded tracks or groups.
Changing the order of a group on a disc 1 While playing a track within a group whose order you want to change, enter the menu and select “Edit” “Move” - “Group Move”. The name of the group to which the currently selected track belongs appears on the 3rd line in the display. Name of the group you want to move 2 Turn the jog dial to select the destination position, and then press the jog dial to enter the selection.
To erase a track 1 While playing the track you want to erase, enter the menu and select “Edit” - “Erase” - “Track Erase”. 2 Turn the jog dial to select “OK”, and then press the jog dial to erase the track. The track is erased and the next track starts to play. All the tracks after the one erased are automatically renumbered. Note If all tracks in a group are erased, the group is automatically deleted from the disc.
Dividing a track (Divide) You can divide a track with a track mark, creating a new track from the part following the track mark. You can also make fine adjustments to the track mark position before making the actual division. The track numbers will increase as follows. 1 2 3 4 4 5 Adjusting the dividing point before dividing a track (Divide Rehearsal) 1 While playing, press T MARK for 2 seconds or more. Four seconds of the track from the point T MARK is pressed is played back repeatedly.
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 the “Time Mark” setting to add track marks automatically at specified intervals (except while digital recording) (page 36). Combining tracks (Combine) 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.
Formatting the disc (Format) MENU When using a disc in Hi-MD mode, you can use the Format function to restore a disc to the condition it was in at the time of purchase. You can use this function only when using a disc in Hi-MD mode. Jog dial Disc type After disc formatting 1GB Hi-MD disc “NO TRACK” appears. All data including non-audio data will be erased.
Other operations Changing the displayed menu items (Menu Mode) 1 Enter the menu and select “Option” “AVLS”. 2 Turn the jog dial to select “On”, and then press the jog dial to enter the selection. When you try to turn the volume too high, “AVLS NO VOLUME OPERATION” appears in the display. The volume is kept to a moderate level. You can specify the display of all items in the menu (Advanced mode) or only basic items (Simple mode).
Preserving battery power (EL Light) With this function, you can set the display window to turn off automatically or to stay lit during battery-powered operation. Power consumption is reduced when the display turns off automatically. MENU Jog dial 1 Enter the menu and select “Option” “EL Light”. 2 Turn the jog dial to select “Auto Off” or “On”, and then press the jog dial to enter the selection.
1 Remove the disc from the recorder, enter the menu and select “Option” “Disc Memory”. 2 Turn the jog dial to select “On”, and then press the jog dial to enter the selection. To set the recorder so that disc settings are not stored Select “Off” in step 2. Starting the playback quickly (Quick Mode) The recorder is factory set to quickly start playback after the playback button is pressed. You can check the setting as follows.
Selecting the disc mode (Disc Mode) When you insert a 60/74/80-minute standard disc (blank) into the recorder, you can use this function to specify use of the disc in Hi-MD mode or MD mode. When recording on this recorder without using a computer, set “Disc Mode” to “Hi-MD”. Recording is not possible if “Disc Mode” is set to “MD”.
Selecting the display language You can select the language used in the display window. The languages available will depend on model that you purchased. For the European and North American models English (factory setting), French, German, Italian and Spanish For the Asian, African, Australian and tourist models Japanese, English (factory setting), French, German, Italian, Spanish, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese MENU Jog dial 1 Enter the menu and select “Option” “Language”.
Using the recorder with a computer z What you can do through connection with a computer To use the recorder connected to a computer, you must install the software from the supplied CD-ROM. For details on the installation procedure, refer to the “Software Operation” (page 90) section (if you are using Windows) or the “HiMD WAV Importer for Mac” operating instructions (if you are using Macintosh).
Connecting the recorder to your computer When you connect the supplied USB cable directly to the USB connecting jack on the recorder, power (bus power) is supplied from the USB port of the computer. This allows the recorder to be used without power being supplied from the battery. 1 Insert a recordable disc into the recorder. 2 Make sure the recorder is stopped and HOLD is released.
4 Unplug the USB cable from the computer or remove the disc from the recorder. Notes • If you use the recorder connected to the computer, it is recommended that you insert a fully charged rechargeable battery as a precaution against power failures, disconnection of the USB cable or other unforeseen occurrences. We do not assure the results should there be a mis-operation, transfer failures, or destruction of audio data caused by unforeseen occurrences.
Viewing non-audio data stored on the disc in the display window of the recorder (File List) 1 While the recorder is stopped, enter the menu and select “File List”. The root directories appear in the order saved. Disc name When using a disc in Hi-MD mode, you can view non-audio data stored on the disc in the display window of the recorder. The name and size of files are displayed. Root directory (first level) Subdirectory (2nd level) Subdirectory (3rd level) A list of files and folders is displayed.
The storage space for each disc (formatted with the recorder/the SonicStage software) Disc type Total size Disc management space1)2) Free space 60-minute standard disc 219 MB (229,965,824 bytes) 832 KB (851,968 bytes) 218 MB (229,113,856 bytes) 74-minute standard disc 270 MB (283,312,128 bytes) 832 KB (851,968 bytes) 269 MB (282,460,160 bytes) 80-minute standard disc 291 MB (305,856,512 bytes) 832 KB (851,968 bytes) 290 MB (305,004,544 bytes) 1GB Hi-MD disc 964 MB (1,011,613,696 bytes) 832
Additional information • Never wrap the recorder in anything when it is Precautions On safety Do not put any foreign objects in the DC IN 3V jack. being used with the AC power adaptor. Heat build-up in the recorder may cause malfunction or damage. On the earphones Road safety On power sources • Use house current, nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery, or LR6 (size AA) battery. • For use in your house: Use the AC power adaptor supplied with this recorder.
• If the capacity of the rechargeable battery drops to half the normal amount, replace with the new one. • If the recorder will be unused for a long time, remove the rechargeable battery and remove the AC power adaptor from the wall outlet. On the dry battery case The supplied dry battery case is designated for this recorder only. On the MiniDisc cartridge • When carrying or storing the MiniDisc, keep it in its case. • Do not break open the shutter.
Specifications Audio playing system MiniDisc digital audio system Systems MiniDisc system, Hi-MD system Laser diode properties 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.) Inputs1) MIC: stereo mini-jack (minimum input level 0.
Optional accessories Optical Cable POC-15B, POC-15AB Line Cable RK-G129, RK-G136 MDR-series Stereo headphones/earphones* SRS-series Active Speakers Recordable MDs MDW-series Recordable Hi-MD disc HMD1G Nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery NH-14WM Your dealer may not handle some of the above listed accessories. Please ask the dealer for detailed information about the accessories in your country. ∗ When using optional headphones, use only headphones/earphones with stereo mini plugs.
Troubleshooting and explanations Troubleshooting If a problem occurs during recorder operation, follow the steps described below before consulting the nearest Sony dealer. If any messages appear, it is recommended to take notes. 1 2 Check to see if the problem is listed in, “Troubleshooting” (page 71). Check “Messages” (page 79) for the problem as well. If after step 1 you still cannot solve the problem, consult your nearest Sony dealer.
While recording Symptom Cause/Remedy “NOT ENOUGH POWER TO REC” appears and recording cannot be done on a 1GB Hi-MD disc. • Recording is not possible when using a 1GB Hi-MD disc even when the battery level indication shows enough power remaining while the recorder is stopped or playing. This is because of a mechanism that disables recording when the remaining battery power is estimated by the recorder to be insufficient due to the high power consumption required for 1GB Hi-MD disc recording.
Symptom Cause/Remedy Recording cannot be done correctly. • Recording may not be done if the remaining recordable time on the disc is 48 seconds or less (“DISC FULL” appears). , Replace the disc. The lid does not open after recording. • The lid does not open until “SYSTEM FILE WRITING” disappears in the display. “TRACK FULL” • This is due to the MiniDisc system limitation.
Symptom Cause/Remedy 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 short track. Momentary noise is heard. • Due to the special digital audio compression technology used in LP4 mode, momentary noise may occur on very rare occasions with certain sound sources. Sound has a lot of static.
While editing Symptom Cause/Remedy “NOT ENOUGH POWER TO EDIT” appears and editing cannot be done on a 1GB Hi-MD disc. • Editing is not possible when using a 1GB Hi-MD disc even when the battery level indication shows enough power remaining while the recorder is stopped or playing. This is because of a mechanism that disables editing when the remaining battery power is estimated by the recorder to be insufficient due to the high power consumption required for 1GB Hi-MD disc editing.
Symptom Cause/Remedy A new group cannot • This is due to the MiniDisc system limitations (in MD mode only). be created. Group information has been written to the area where the disc name is stored. The disc name and track names are recorded in the same area, which can store a maximum of approximately 1,700 characters. If the total number exceeds this amount, it is impossible to make group settings.
Symptom Cause/Remedy The playing time of a This is due to a calculation discrepancy between the recorder and the transferred track is computer. different from the time that appears on your computer monitor. You cannot transfer tracks that will fill up the remaining recording time on the disc. • The minimum recordable time on a disc is normally 2 seconds in SP mode, 4 seconds in LP2 mode, and 8 seconds in LP4 mode.
Symptom Cause/Remedy The recorder does not work or works poorly. • The rechargeable battery is not charged. , Charge the rechargeable battery. • The volume is low. , Turn up the volume. • No disc is inserted. , Insert a recorded disc. • 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 to the opposite direction of the arrow (pages 14, 18). • The lid is not firmly closed.
Symptom Cause/Remedy The operation mode of • When using a blank 60/74/80-minute standard disc in the recorder, the blank 60/74/80the operation mode set in the “Disc Mode” menu is applied. minute standard disc , Use the “Disc Mode” menu to change the operation mode as differs from the mode desired. following formatting or the mode selected in the SonicStage software. Messages If the following messages flash in the display window on the recorder, check the chart below.
Message Meaning/Remedy CANNOT RECORD OR PLAY • There is no audio data that can be played on the recorder. • The audio data or disc management file has been damaged. , Erase the whole disc (page 53) or perform the Format function (page 56). CANNOT SET • You tried to set “Time Mark” during synchro-recording. • You selected “REC Level” while the recorder is not in recording-pause. , Set “REC Level” while the recorder is in recording-pause. • You tried to make the following settings while recording.
Message Meaning/Remedy GROUP FULL • You tried to create a 256th group on a disc used in Hi-MD mode or 100th group on a disc used in MD mode. , You can create only up to 255 groups (on a disc used in Hi-MD mode) or 99 groups (on a disc used in MD mode) on a disc. Keep the group number within 255 or 99. HOLD • The recorder is locked. , Slide HOLD against the arrow to unlock the recorder (page 18). IN MENU • You pressed a key on the remote control while selecting a menu on the recorder.
Message Meaning/Remedy NO TRACK • You tried to play a disc with no recorded tracks. , Insert a recorded disc. NO TRACK IS SELECTED • You selected “Track Move” or “Track Erase”, or you tried to label a track without first selecting a track. , Do the editing operation again after selecting the desired track first. P/B ONLY DISC • You tried to record or edit on a premastered disc (P/B stands for “playback”). , Insert a recordable disc.
Message Meaning/Remedy TOC DATA ERROR • The recorder cannot read the disc information correctly. , Insert another disc. , If it is no problem to erase the entire disc, do so (page 53). TRACK FULL • You tried to record more than 2,047 tracks on a disc used in Hi-MD mode. , Erase unnecessary tracks (page 53). TRK FROM PC NO EDIT • You tried to combine or divide tracks that were transferred from the Windows computer. , You cannot combine or divide transferred tracks.
Explanations About Hi-MD “Hi-MD” is a new MiniDisc format. Incorporating the new ATRAC3plus audio compression technology, Hi-MD is a new recording format that delivers longer recording times than ordinary MDs. Hi-MD discs can also be used as a computer storage medium for non-audio data such as text and images. This recorder supports Hi-MD only. For more details on Hi-MD, refer to the supplied flyer “What you can do with the Hi-MD Walkman”. About ATRAC3plus ATRAC3plus is an enhanced version of ATRAC3.
About “System File” The system file is space on the disc that is used to store information other than audio files; for instance, track numbers. If the MiniDisc were a book, the system file would correspond with the index or table of contents. The recorder rewrites the system file whenever an operation such as recording, adding or deleting track marks, or moving tracks has been done. (“SYSTEM FILE WRITING” appears in the display when the recorder is rewriting the system file.
When using a disc in MD mode You cannot record in MD mode on this recorder.
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 disc by using the analog (line out) connections. Premastered software such as CDs or MDs. Microphone, record player, tuner, etc. (with analog output jacks).
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 a disc right away!” (page 21) to record using digital (optical) input, and “Recording from a TV or radio (Analog Recording)” (page 34) to record using analog (line) input.
What you can do with SonicStage/ MD Simple Burner Refer to the supplied “Hi-MD WAV Importer for Mac” operating instructions for details on operations of the Hi-MD WAV Importer software. What you can do with SonicStage SonicStage allows you to import audio data to your computer from music sources such as audio CDs and the Internet, and then transfer the audio data stored in your computer to an MD.
Basic operational flow using an MD Walkman SonicStage MD Simple Burner Providing the required system environment (page 92) Installing the software onto your computer (page 93) Connecting an MD walkman to your computer (see page 63 on “Recorder Operation”) Connecting an MD walkman to your computer (see page 63 on “Recorder Operation”) Software Operation Importing audio data to your computer (page 95) Recording music tracks from an audio CD in the CD drive of your computer (page 108) Transferring aud
Installing Providing the required system environment System requirements The following system environment is required in order to use the SonicStage Ver. 3.1/MD Simple Burner Ver. 2.0 software for the MD Walkman. Computer IBM PC/AT or Compatible • CPU: Pentium III 450 MHz or higher • Hard disk drive space: 200 MB or more (1.5 GB or more is recommended) (The amount of free space will vary according to Windows version and the number of music files stored on the hard disk.
Installing the software onto your computer Before installing the software • Make sure to close all Windows software programs. Especially, make sure to close any virus-check software, as such software usually demands a large amount of system resources. • When you use the MD Walkman, make sure to install the software with the supplied CDROM. — If OpenMG Jukebox, SonicStage or Net MD Simple Burner is installed already, the current software will be overwritten by the new version.
4 Click [Install SonicStage and MD Simple Burner] and then follow the displayed instructions. Click [Install SonicStage and MD Simple Burner] Read the instructions carefully. Depending on your region, the buttons other than [Install SonicStage and MD Simple Burner] may differ from those in the illustration above. The installation may take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your system environment. Make sure to restart your computer only after the installation is completed.
Using SonicStage Importing audio data This section explains how to record and store audio data from an audio CD to My Library of SonicStage on the hard disk drive of your computer. You can also assign cover art for imported albums. You can record or import music from other sources such as the Internet and your computer’s hard disk. Refer to SonicStage Help for details. Notes • Only audio CDs with a mark can be used with SonicStage.
3 Point to [ Music Source] on the upper-left side of the screen and click [Import a CD]. The screen switches to the “Music Source” (Importing CD) screen and all the tracks on the audio CD are listed. 4 If necessary, click to uncheck tracks you do not want to record. If you unchecked a box by mistake, click it again to restore the check. To check all boxes, click . To uncheck all boxes, click . 5 If necessary, change the format and bit rate for audio CD recording.
Transferring audio data from your computer to the MD Walkman Audio data stored in My Library of SonicStage can be transferred to your MD Walkman an infinite number of times. [Transfer ] The My Library list [Settings] 1 Insert a disc into the MD Walkman and connect the MD Walkman to your computer. Use the supplied USB cable for the MD Walkman to connect the MD Walkman to your computer. For details about connections, see page 63 on “Recorder Operation”.
4 If necessary, change the transfer mode. As the default setting, tracks in the OpenMG (PCM/ATRAC3/ATRAC3plus) format will be transferred in the same format and bit rate (normal transfer). If the device connected to the computer does not support the above format, the format and bit rate will be converted to those of the device. In some case, this process may take time. If you want to change the format and bit rate, click [Settings] in the center of the screen to display “Transfer Mode Settings” dialog box.
Transferring back audio data from the MD Walkman to your computer [Transfer The My Library list ] List of tracks on the MD Transferring from the MD Walkman back to your computer Audio data that has been transferred from your computer and stored on the MD can be transferred back to My Library of SonicStage on your computer. 1 Insert a disc into the MD Walkman and connect the MD Walkman to your computer. Use the supplied USB cable for the MD Walkman to connect the MD Walkman to your computer.
4 Click in the middle of the screen. The transferring of the tracks selected in step 3 starts. To stop transferring Click . To import cover art set using a camera-equipped Hi-MD Walkman to My Library If you are using a camera-equipped Hi-MD Walkman in Hi-MD mode, you can modify the cover art for any group transferred from My Library, as well as register the covet art for another group. The following two ways can be used to import the cover art to My Library.
3 Click the tracks you want to transfer in the Hi-MD list on the right side of the screen. To transfer more than one track, hold down the [Ctrl] key while selecting the tracks. To transfer all tracks of the group, click the group. 4 Click in the middle of the screen. The “Import” dialog box appears. 5 Click [Yes]. The importing of the tracks selected in step 3 starts. To stop importing Click .
Writing audio data to a CD-R/CD-RW disc You can write tracks in My Library of SonicStage to a CD-R/CD-RW disc. Analog tracks recorded on a Hi-MD device and imported to My Library can be written to and enjoyed on a CD-R/CD-RW. The number of times data can be written may be limited due to copyright restrictions.
4 Click in the middle of the screen. The selected albums or tracks appear on the right side of the screen (the CD-R/CDRW) as a tentative list of items to be written. 5 Click in the right of the screen. The “Writing Settings” dialog box appears allowing you to set options for writing. 6 Click [OK]. Writing to the disc begins. A message appears when writing has completed. 7 Click [OK]. The disc is automatically ejected, and the screen returns to the Transfer (CD Creation) screen.
Using SonicStage Help SonicStage Help provides further details on how to use SonicStage. SonicStage Help allows you to search easily for information from a list of operations, such as “Importing Tracks” or “Transferring Tracks”, or from large list of keywords, or by typing in words that might lead you to the appropriate explanations. To display SonicStage Help Click [Help] – [SonicStage Help] while SonicStage is running.
Understanding SonicStage Help The left side frame The right side frame 1 Double click [Overview] in the left-side frame. 2 Click [About This Help File]. The explanation will appear in the right-side frame. 3 Read the text. Scroll the display if necessary. Click underlined words to jump to their explanations.
Referring to SonicStage Help Click [Contents] on the left side of the Help window to view a list of items for each operation. Click on any items for details.
Backing up audio data We recommend that you back up your music data as a precaution against hard disk crashes or computer replacement.
Using MD Simple Burner Before using MD Simple Burner MD Simple Burner allows you to record music tracks from an audio CD in the CD drive of your computer to the MD Walkman. There are two ways to record from an audio CD. • Simple mode (page 109) You can use MD Walkman operations to record an entire CD or only the first track without launching MD Simple Burner. • Standard mode (page 110) You can launch MD Simple Burner to record using computer operations. Record an entire CD or selected tracks.
Recording using MD Walkman operations (Simple mode) 1 Insert a recordable disc into the MD Walkman and then connect the MD Walkman to the computer. For details about connections, see page 63 on “Recorder Operation” section. Do not disconnect the power source or the USB cable before the transfer has completed. 2 Insert the audio CD that you want to record into the CD drive of your computer. The CDDB registration window appears when you use the CDDB for the first time.
Recording by computer operations (Standard mode) To start MD Simple Burner, click [Start] – [All Programs]* – [MD Simple Burner] – [MD Simple Burner]. ∗ [Programs] in the case of Windows 2000 Professional/Windows Millennium Edition/Windows 98 Second Edition z There are other ways to start up MD Simple Burner as follows: • Double-click the MD Simple Burner icon in the task tray, or right-click and select [Show Standard Mode]. • Double-click the MD Simple Burner shortcut icon on the desktop.
The window for recording selected tracks from an audio CD Track information (CD) Artist name [CONFIG] Click here to do the following: -Set the CD-ROM drive -View version information for MD Simple Burner -Confirm CD information registered in the CDDB Total time of the selected tracks of CD Album Title [Get CD Info] Information of an audio CD (album name, track title, etc.) will be reflected in the track list.
Other information Uninstalling SonicStage/MD Simple Burner To uninstall SonicStage/MD Simple Burner, follow the procedures below. 1 Click [Start]–[Control Panel]*. ∗ [Settings]–[Control Panel] in the case of Windows 2000 Professional/Windows Millennium Edition/Windows 98 Second Edition 2 Double-click [Add/Remove Programs]. 3 Click [SonicStage 3.1.xx] or [MD Simple Burner 2.0.xx] in the “Currently Installed Programs” list, and then click [Change and Remove]*.
On copyright protection The OpenMG technology allows you to enjoy digital music, while maintaining the copyrights of its holders. 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.
Troubleshooting Please refer to the following steps if you encounter a problem while using SonicStage/MD Simple Burner. 1 Check the symptoms in this “Troubleshooting” section. 2 Check the symptoms in SonicStage Help when you use SonicStage. 3 If the problem cannot be solved after checking the above references, check the following table and then consult your nearest Sony dealer.
The software cannot be installed onto your computer Problem Cause/Remedy The installation was not successful. You are using an OS that does not support this software. tSee page 92 for more details. All Windows applications are not closed. tIf 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. There is not enough hard disk space on your hard disk.
Using a MD Walkman connected to the computer 116 Problem Cause/Remedy Your computer does not recognize the MD Walkman. The MD Walkman is not firmly connected with the supplied USB cable to the computer. tReconnect the MD Walkman to the computer firmly. tRemove and reconnect the MD Walkman. If the computer still does not recognize the MD Walkman, disconnect the cable, restart the computer, and then make the connection again. A disc is not inserted in the MD Walkman.
Index A G A-B Repeat 42 Accessories optional 70 supplied 12 ATRAC3plus 84 AVLS 57 Group erasing 53 moving 52 recording 37 releasing 50 setting 49 Group skip 26 B Battery 17, 18 Battery life 20 BEEP 57 Bookmark 41 C H Hard disk free space 92 Hi-MD 84 Hi-MD WAV Importer 11 HOLD 14, 16, 19 CD drive 92 CDDB 92, 109 CD-R/RW drive 92 CD-ROM 93 Character palette 47 Charging 17 Clamp filter 13 Cleaning 68 Combining tracks 55 Computer 62 Connecting 109 analog 34 computer 63 digital 21 when charging 17 Copyrig
R W Recording analog 34 digital 21 from microphone 32 level 33, 35 recording mode 34 Synchro-recording 38 time 85 Recording mode 109 Recording mode (Bit rate) 96 WAV 101 Windows 2000 Professional 92, 95, 104, S Simple mode 109 SonicStage 95 SonicStage Help 104 Start (software) MD Simple Burner 110 SonicStage 95 Storage space 66 System environment 92 System limitations 92 T Title 46 Track mark add 36, 54 erase 55 Track search 43 Transferring to the MD Walkman 97 to your computer 99 U Uninstalling 112 U
This warranty is valid only in Canada.