Sony Recorders

Features:

• Expensive!
• Exterior case machined from a solid brass block.
• "High quality, low profile ear-bud headphones with an extended bass capability".
• Charging stand.
• Available in chrome finish, silver plate, or gold plate.
• std-MD (not Hi-MD)

Links:

• Sony press release

Reviews:

Features:

• A downloader -- no mic, line or optical input.
• FM/TV/Weather tuner built into (backlit?) LCD remote.
• Cannot record from tuner.

Links:

• Sony Canada page
• Available from Minidisc-Canada

Accessories: Tuner remote, Fontopia headphones (Canadian version), blank MD, USB cable, CD-ROM with SonicStage 2.0 and NetMD Simple Burner

Reviews:

Features:

• Kanji displaying, backlit, stick type LCD remote
• Digital amp
• 6 band graphic equalizer
• VPT acoustic engine
• 64X USB downloading (no uploading)
• SonicStage 2.0, SimpleBurner

Markets: Japan

Links:

• Sony Japan
• AV Watch Japan

Reviews:

Features: Bare bones MD downloader (no line/mic/optical inputs, no remote, no built-in editing functions).

• Unlimited checkout (feature of supplied SonicStage V2.0)
• Group mode support.
• Digital sound preset
• 10 play modes
• Colors: Canada: red or blue. USA: orange/grey ("Psyc") or blue.

Links:

• Sony Canada
• Sony US

Accessories: Fontopia in-ear-phones (Canada), SonicStage V2.0 CD w/NetMD Simple Burner, One blank, USB cable

Reviews:

Features:

• Pressing "Download" button on unit automatically rips and downloads CD tracks and titles them with CDDB (when used in conjunction with Simple Burner software operating in "simple mode").
• NetMD downloader/player -- no live recording capability.
• ATRAC DSP Type-S (though not used for recording as all encoding is done on the PC).
• Digital amplifier
• Remote displays Roman/Kana/Kanji alphabet
• Ships with NetMD Simple Burner (a first for Japanese NetMD units?)

Links:

• AV Watch (Japan) page.
• I4U page for the unit.

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-NE810

Features: Unit appears to be an MZ-N510 with a radio tuner remote, but like the MZ-R700/MZ-G750 duo, most likely incorporates changes to the main circuit board to accomodate the radio remote.

• NetMD Recorder with AM/FM/TV/Weather radio incorporated into LCD remote (unit cannot record from radio).
• Bookmark track function (see Sony glossary).
• "Quick mode" (allows user to optionally trade battery life for faster queuing and FF/REW speeds).

Markets: N. America (only?)

Included accessories: AC adapter, AM/FM/TV/Weather radio remote, headphones

Links:

• Sony digital images for the unit.
• Sony Winter CES announcement.

Specs: Headphone amp: 5mW+5mW

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-NF610

Features: Unit appears to be an MZ-N710 with a radio tuner remote, but like the MZ-R700/MZ-G750 duo, most likely incorporates changes to the main circuit board to accomodate the radio remote.

• NetMD Recorder with AM/FM/TV/Weather radio incorporated into LCD remote
• Bookmark track function
• Six Band equalizer and Virtual Phone Technology (see Sony glossary).
• "Quick mode" (allows user to optionally trade battery life for faster queuing and FF/REW speeds).

Markets: N. America (where unit is dubbed MZ-NF810CK and equipped with a Car Kit), UK, (Europe?, Japan?)

Included Accessories: USB cable, OpenMG v2.2(?), SonicStage1.5, Charge stand, AM/FM radio equipped LCD remote, Headphones, NiMH cell (part# NH-10WM, lower capacity than Sony's heretofor supplied NH-14WM), battery case, AC adapter, optical cable, "Car Kit" (including cassette adapter and Remote Commander (in-car mountable remote))

Links:

• Sony digital images for the unit.
• Sony Winter CES announcement.
• AVLand (UK) page for the unit.

Reader Comments: The LCD remote is un-backlit, bulky, and inferior to the RM-MC11EL that came with the MZ-R900. The worst part is that the "radio on" button (which turns off the MD and switches on the radio) is right on the top, so it is easy to push by mistake with your thumb when trying to use the other buttons. -Wing Durestos

Specs: 5mW+5mW headphone amp

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-NF810

Features: Unit appears to be nearly an MZ-N10 but with a conventional NiMH (gumpack) battery and [non-rotating] jog-lever instead of jog-knob.

• ATRAC DSP Type S
• Max 64X download speed (LP4 mode)
• 200 second (?) G-Protection
• 6-band equalizer & Virtual Sound
• Bookmark and group mode functions
• 3 line display on main body
• Charge stand (power only, no USB connection)
• Personal disc memory (remembers settings for 20 discs)
• Melody Alarm (avoid missed train stops)
• Jog Lever
• Variable playback speed (50-150%) [though a user reports the quality is surprising low and hence unusable].
• Microphone sens. selector
• Name bank
• Joint Text (!)
• Auto time-mark (places track marks at regular intervals [user settable from 1 to 99 minutes] during recording).
• Date/Time stamp recording
• backlit LCD remote
• Fully aluminum body.
• PowerMode option (NORMAL/QUICK/PowerSave) User manual excerpt:
  • When the power mode is set to "QUICK", the power remains on within the recorder even when nothing appears in the display. This leads to a shorter battery life. For this reason, it is recommended that you charge the battery daily.
  • [In quick mode] if no recorder operation (including opening and closing of the lid) occurs for 17 hours, the power in the recorder automatically turns off. For this reason, the next time you start playback or do another operation, the recorder will not respond quickly. The unit, however, will return to quick mode afterwards.
  • The [Power Save] function allows you to maximize the operating life of the battery when playing the recorder with headphones/earphones (with a remote control) or a line cable connected to the headphone/LINE OUT jack. Power consumption is reduced by turning off the display when no operation has been made for a while.

Markets: UK, Europe, Japan

Links:

• my-minidisc.com page for the unit.
• AVLand (UK) page for the unit.

Included Accessories: USB cable, OpenMG v2.2(?), SonicStage 1.5, Charge stand, backlit LCD remote, Headphones, NiMH cell, battery case, AC adapter, optical cable, carrying case with clip.

Specs: 5mW+5mW headphone amp

Reviews:

User Manuals: MZ-N910, J

Features:

• ATRAC DSP Type S
• Max 32X download speed (LP4 mode)
• 200 second (?) G-Protection
• Charge stand w/USB connection, USB connection also on main body
• 9-character LCD on main unit
• Group mode support
• Jog Lever
• Automatic time-based track marking (5,10,15 minute interval)
• non-Backlit LCD remote
• Body has aluminum top

Markets: UK, Europe and Australia (not Japan, US)

Links:

• my-minidisc.com page for the unit.
• AVLand (UK) page for the unit.
• Gallery at Minidisc Australia.

Included Accessories: USB cable, OpenMG v2.2(?), SonicStage1.5, Charge stand, non-backlit LCD remote, Headphones, NiMH cell (part# NH-10WM, lower capacity than Sony's heretofor supplied NH-14WM), battery case, AC adapter, optical cable.

Specs: 1.2mW+1.2mW(?) headphone amp

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-N710

Features:

• System Controller/ATRAC DSP IC: CXD2680GA (CXD2676)
• Group mode functions.
• Entry-level NetMD recorder.
• No audio input jacks! Records only via USB download from PC.
• Max download speed 32X (LP4).
• No remote.
• "Quick mode" (allows user to optionally trade battery life for faster queuing and FF/REW speeds).

Links:

• Sony digital images for the unit.
• Sony Winter CES announcement.
• SonyStyle Canada

Included Accessories: Canada: Fontopia headphones, SonicStage 1.5, NetMD Simple Burner, USB cable

Specs: Headphone amp: 5mW+5mW

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-NE410

Features:

• System Controller/ATRAC DSP IC: CXD2680GA (CXD2676)
• Entry-level NetMD recorder.
• ATRAC Type-S
• No microphone input
• Group and Bookmark track function (see Sony glossary).
• Recording level change and character input while recording
• Quick mode (!) according to Sonystyle Canada.
• Non-LCD remote
• "Quick mode" (shorter battery life: turns off the LCD, but leaves unit "on" for up to an hour with no user input -- unit will respond almost immediately when a track is played or cued within that hour).

Markets: N. America (where unit is dubbed MZ-N510CK and equipped with a Car Kit), UK, Europe, (Japan?)

Included Accessories: USB cable, PC software (SonicStage 1.5, Simple Burner 1.1), headphones, blank MD, AC adapter, carrying pouch. N. American unit includes a "Car Kit" consisting of cassette adapter, Rotary Commander (in-car mountable remote), cigarette lighter power cord and velcro mounting strips.

Links:

• Sony digital images for the unit.
• Sony Winter CES announcement.
• AVLand (UK) page for the unit.
• SonyStyle Canada
• Gallery at Minidisc Australia.
• my-minidisc.com

Specs: 5mW+5mW headphone amp

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-N510

Features:

• MDLP Support (but not NetMD)
• Large LCD shows both elapsed and remaining time.
• ATRAC DSP Type-S.
• Button layout resembling portable tape recorders, to ease use by first-timers.
• Digital pitch control allows slow or fast playback without change of pitch (useful for e.g. language learning or reviewing a lecture).
• Twin Speakers
• Automatic Time Track (inserts track mark automatically at regular intervals).
• Built-In Monaural Microphone
• Voice Mirror (blinks LED as voice signal occurs, assuring the functioning of microphone and recorder).
• Hand Strap
• Carrying Pouch

Links:

• Sony (Japan).
• C-Tec (Japan) (retailer).
• SonyStyle USA.
• my-minidisc.com

Included Accessories: In-ear headphones, carrying pouch, AA cell, handstrap

Specs: Headphone amp: 5mW+5mW, Speaker amp (mono): 140mW (70mW x 2)

Reviews:

User Manuals: MZ-B10, J

Features:

• ATRAC Type R
• No remote, no microphone input.
• G-protection

Markets: UK/Europe (only?)

Included Accessories: AC power adapter, headphones, optical cable

Links:

• AVLand (UK) page for the unit.
• my-minidisc.com

Specs: 5mW+5mW headphone amp

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-R410

Features: Sony's 10th anniversary Minidisc recorder, with several changes from previous models:

• ATRAC DSP Type-S (see description under MDS-JB980). (System Controller/ATRAC DSP IC: CXD2678-202GA)
• Unit is 30g lighter and 2.6mm thinner than the MZ-N1 (accomplished with new optical pickup and motor (30% thinner) and miniaturized main IC (33% smaller)).
• LP4 audio downloading at 64x realtime (LP2 @ 32x?, SP @ ?x).
• Downloading handled by SonicStage Ver 1.5 software (no mention of OpenMG Jukebox). Note: Japanese model ships with Japanese SonicStage, which cannot be installed on non-Japanese systems.
• (Correction) USB and charging connections are made through the docking stand only.
• Auto time-mark (places track marks at regular intervals [user settable from 1 to 99 minutes] during recording).
• Personal disk memory on MZ-N10 now remembers group mode (on/off) setting as well.
• User settable option (NORMAL/QUICK) for the unit's fast forward and reverse engagement delay (selecting QUICK reduces battery life). (Shared by all 2003 MZ-Nxx units, except, perhaps the MZ-N910).
• Rehearsal Mode: holding the track mark button down for a few seconds enters rehearsal mode, allowing fine +/- adjustment of the track mark's position, just like home Minidisc decks.
• Available in silver and grey.

  Common to MZ-N10 and MZ-E10:

• Built-in 3mm Lithium Ion cell.
• Further thinning of the magnesium case.
• Backlit remote has 2-line display for Roman alphabet titles, 1-line for Kanji titles.
• "Virtual Headphone Technology Acoustic Engine" uses DSP to provide "Studio, Club, Live, or Arena" effects.
• Equalizer allows 7 steps of adjustment (-10dB to +10dB) in 6 frequency bands. Equalizer settings are established with one of four fixed presets ("Heavy, Pops, Jazz, Unique") or one of 2 custom (i.e. user defined) settings. Equalizer and "Virtual Headphone" cannot be used together.
• "Bookmark Track" function can remember up to 20 "favorite tracks" from an MD and allows one to subsequently play just those tracks (tracks are registered by holding the joystick button down for 2 seconds while listening).
• Adjustable playback speed from -50% to +100% (factor of 0.5x to 2.0x) in 13 steps without change of pitch.
• "New" Play mode (See Sony portables glossary).

Other features incorporated from previous unit: 3 line LCD on main body, Jog-dial (now apparently a "Jog-knob" similar to the JVC XM-R700), manual REC level control selectable for digital and analog signals, MDLP group function, G-Protection Jog-proof, battery remaining indicator on main body and stick controller, one touch eject.

Features dropped: No Name Bank.

Remote: RM-MC35EKLU

Variants: European edition: Silver color only, power amp 2mW+2mW (equivalent to setting volume level to 25 out of 30 on the elsewhere available 5mW+5mW edition).

Links:

• Sony's Japanese press release (mech. translations: Babelfish (courtesy Peter Ravn), Translingo).
• Sony Minidisc 10th anniversary page (mech. translation).
• AV-Land (UK) coverage (good photo).
• Minidisc T-Station coverage.
• Spanish coverage at Quesabesde.
• AV Watch page (mech. trans) has coverage of the MZ-N10/E10 and LAM-10 units.
• PocketFad (Shenzhen China) has further photos of the unit.
• MDMan.net (Korea) posts several snapshots of the unit.
• Available from Japan-Direct for US$420 w/shipping.

Reviews:

• Brian Youn's comprehensive MZ-N10 review.
• Howard Chu's MZ-N10 counterpoint.

User Comments:

The Japanese model comes with Japanese software only, so beware. I was able to install the new drivers that came with it and it worked with Open MG 2.2 and Sonicstage 1.2, but I was not able to install Sonicstage 1.5. The menus would be gibberish anyway unless you had a Japanese OS or some kind of Japanese language support. The operation manual I got contains no English.

You can attach the USB cable without the cradle, but not both the USB cable and the external power or the AA battery pack at the same time. This is due to the fact that the external power comes in through the AA battery pack which attaches to and covers the USB port. The USB connector is a flat thin one I have never seen before. The power supply is 6V, no doubt due to the LIon battery charging needs.

There is a power option that selects between NORMAL and QUICK. I don't know if that is new, but it seems to reduce the delay that happens on older units when you fast forward or reverse play.

The mechanism is very quiet, quieter than my N505 and much more so than my R900. Nice and small and light. Controls seem intuitive and easy.

Transfer Speed Improvements: For LP2 mode, which I use the most, transfers are much faster, but the TOC update time limits the benefit. I tried a single 33 minute track and the N10 ran at about 30x real time while the N505 ran 15.5x realtime, so the N10 was almost 2 times as fast. With a 64 minute album of Miles Davis, which contains 7 tracks, 5 of which are about 10 minutes long, the improvement over the MZ-N505 was a factor of about 1.5 (it took 3 minutes 5 seconds to completely tranfer the disc). This is using OpenMG 2.2 or SonicStage 1.1. I don't think SonicStage 1.5 makes any difference to the download speed, it must be recorder and driver dependent.

Rehearsal and Bookmark Mode: When you add a track mark with the track mark button on the unit, you can hold the track mark button down for a few seconds to enter "REHEARSAL" mode and adjust the position of the track mark. This works just like on the home decks, although I am not sure if you can select how fine the increment of changing the position is. This is a very cool feature that is a first for Sony portables (Aiwa portables have had this since the AM-F5). Bookmarks are made by holding down the joystick for 2 seconds while playing.
-Leland McArthy

Specs: Headphone amp: 5mW+5mW into 16 ohms. 20-20kHz +/-3dB.

Included Accessories: (Japanese edition) Backlit Remote, AC power adapter, USB cradle, USB cable (1.5m), SonicStage Ver 1.5 CD-ROM (download software), attachable AA cell case, carrying pouch.

User Manuals: MZ-N10, MZ-N10 Courtesy Minidisco

Service Manual: MZ-N10

Features:

• Non-NetMD.
• Quite similar in features to Sony MZ-R909, but with battery life of the Sony MZ-N1. Differs from MZ-R909 as follows:
  • It lacks Joint-Text, a feature for copying track titles from CD-Text type CDs to MD. (Given that most CD-Text CDs had copy-prohibited titles, and that a special cable and Sony CD player was required, the feature's disappearance is not surprising).
  • LCD pixels and symbols are black instead of th MZ-R909's blue.
  • Magnesium shell makes the unit a bit lighter than the MZ-R909.
  • Case edges are more contoured than the MZ-R909 (see T-board comments).
• Personal Disc Memory (remembers program play, treble & bass, repeat mode, playback speed (80-110%), and volume settings for up to 20 discs within the unit.)
• Available in silver, blue and pink.
• Playback speed control without pitch change.
• Digital sound presets (8 step treble and bass adjustments that can be stored as "preset 1" and "preset 2")
• ATRAC Type-R

Links:

• A table of feature differences between the Sony MZ-N1/910/909/900/G750/N707/R700/N505/R500 machines.
• Sony's Japanese page for the unit (mech. trans).
• Sony's Japanese spec sheet comparing the MZ-N1, MZ-R910, MZ-R909 and other units.
• AV Land (UK) page.
• Minidisc T-Station page.

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-R910

Features: MDLP capable, ATRAC DSP Type-R. Remote has built-in AM/FM tuner with 40 presets. No NetMD support. Differences from Sony MZ-G750: ATRAC DSP Type-R, (... and ?).

Manufacturer's Specs:

• Built in tuner remote comtroller
• Digital FM/AM tuner with 40 pre-sets (35 FM/5 AM)
• G-Protection Jog Proof
• MDLP
• ATRAC TYPE-R DSP for high quality
• 4-position control key on the unit for ease of use
• Digital Mega Bass
• Up to 48 hours battery life
• 1 x AA sized battery goes inside the unit (battery not supplied)
• Digital recording level control
• Pop Up eject

Accessories: Euro-model: Remote control with built-in AM/FM tuner, headphones, NiCd rechargeable battery, AC power adapter/charger, TOSlink to 3.5mm mini jack optical cable, carrying pouch with belt clip

Available From:

• TechTronics (UK)
• my-minidisc.com (Germany)

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-G755

Features: Appears quite similar to the Sony MZ-R700. ATRAC DSP Type-R, Non-LCD remote. No NetMD support.

Links:

• Found on Minidisc T-Station catalog scan (m2_2.jpg).

Dealers: Available from Dick Smith Electronics (Australia).

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-R701

Features: First "Sports" Minidisc portable. Second (after the MZ-1) Sony MD recorder to incorporate backlit LCD on main unit (amber backlight). No remote; "one-thumb" joystick control on top of unit. "Buckle"-design case latch for improved ruggedness. Bright reflective surface (presumably to reduce solar heating and make finding a dropped one easier). Sony states "Splash Proof Water-Resistant(1) Design with high-impact plastic housing is designed for outdoor fun, with rubber gaskets, bushings, and waterproof seals that help keep out water, moisture, and dirt" but clarifies "Not meant to be immersed in or come into continuous contact with water". No Mic input, no remote jack.

Links:

• SonyStyle page for the unit.
• A One9ine (great name!) quicktime movie clip of Sony's "Sports" gear includes the unit.
• IGN review of the unit.
• Simple Burner Windows application for direct transfer from CD to MD that Sony ships with US model NetMD gear. (~1.7MB .zip)
• Planet Minidisc's Sony 2002 portables feature comparison chart.

Included Accessories: AC Adaptor, Headphones, Handstrap

Manufacturer's Features List:

• Easy One Hand Joystick Operation
• Backlit LCD Display
• Splash Proof Water Resistant(1) Design
  (1) Not meant to be immersed in or come into continuous contact with water.
• Reflective Hand Strap Supplied
• Reflective Casing And Rugged Buckle Mechanism
• G-Protection(tm)
• Up To 54 Hours Playback Using One "AA" Battery (LP4 Mode)
• Internal Battery Compartment Holds 1 "AA" Type Battery
• "Easy Skip" Group/Folder Function
• Plays Back In ATRAC3(tm) [and ATRAC. -eaw], Supports Multiple Internet Audio Formats (MP3, WMA, WAV)
• New NetMD Simple Burner Quick Rip CD Dubbing Application (Supplied) allows you to swiftly and easily dub music tracks from your CDs directly to the NetMD Walkman with no need to store files or manage music on the hard drive
• Compatible With Windows(r) 98/98SE/2000/Me/XP Operating Systems
• Music Management Software Supplied
• Ability To Record From Multiple Sources (PC, Portable CD, Home CD Unit, Radio)
• MDLP Long Time Stereo Recording And Playback (Up To 320 Minutes/Over 5 Hours Of Music) On One 80 Minute Disc (LP4 Mode)
• Digital Mega Bass(r) Sound System
• Remaining Recording/Playback And Battery Time Indication On Unit LCD
• Multiple Playback Modes, Normal - all repeat, 1 track, 1 track repeat shuffle, shuffle repeat, program, program repeat; Group - all repeat in a group, 1 track in a group, 1 track repeat in a group, shuffle in a group, shuffle repeat in a group, program 1 in a group, program repeat in a group; or lets you play through a MiniDisc from start to end.

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-S1

Features: NetMD recorder, allows direct PC to MD downloading of compressed audio (i.e. ATRAC) data via USB. MDLP. Additional features over MZ-N505: microphone input, remote control (with editing capability), charging stand, included car-adapter kit (via dummy cassette). Available in two-toned black/red and blue/silver. No microphone sensitivity setting.

Notes:

• Unlike the European MZ-N707, the North American MZ-N707 comes with the same editing remote as the MZ-R700 which is the RM-MZ-4R. The European version comes with the RM-MC10L, a remote similar to the RM-MC11EL (used for the MZ-R900 & US MZ-N1), but molded in black and presumably lacking a backlight. -Nassib Khayat

Links:

• A table of feature differences between the Sony MZ-N1/910/909/900/G750/N707/R700/N505/R500 machines.
• Planet Minidisc's Sony 2002 portables feature comparison chart.
• Simple Burner Windows application for direct transfer from CD to MD that Sony ships with US model NetMD gear. (~1.7MB .zip)
• Henke's MZ-N707 interior photos.

Hacks:

• By changing the unit's EEPROM values several MZ-R900 features can be added.

Supplied Accessories (UK edition): AC power adapter/charger, Headphones with LCD remote control, NC-WMAA NiCd (AA cell shaped), Optical Cable, Recharge Stand, 1.5M USB cable, OpenMG Jukebox Ver2.2 CD-ROM, Carrying pouch with belt clip.

Specs: Frequency Response: 20-20kHz +/-3dB, Headphone amp: 5mW+5mW

Links:

• Sony's NetMD announcement mentioning the MZ-N707.
• AV-Land (UK) page for the unit.

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-N707

Service Manual: MZ-N707

Features: Cost-reduced NetMD recorder, allows direct PC to MD downloading of compressed audio (i.e. ATRAC) data via USB. MDLP. Available in gold (yellow?), silver, and blue. No microphone input!

Variants: Euro-version has non-LCD remote, North American version has no remote.

Links:

• A table of feature differences between the Sony MZ-N1/910/909/900/G750/N707/R700/N505/R500 machines.
• Sony's NetMD announcement mentioning the MZ-N505.
• The unit is available from SonyStyle
• AV-Land (UK) page for the unit.
• Simple Burner Windows application for direct transfer from CD to MD that Sony ships with US model NetMD gear. (~1.7MB .zip)

Hacks:

• By changing the unit's EEPROM values several MZ-R900 features can be added.

Specs: 5mW+5mW headphone amp

Included Accessories (UK): AC power adapter, Remote Control, NC-WMAA Rechargeable AA NiCd battery, Headphones, Optical cable (TOSlink to 3.5mm-jack), 1.5m USB cable, OpenMG Jukebox V2.2.

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-N505

Service Manual: MZ-N505

Features: ATRAC Type-R, MDLP capable, G-Protection anti-shock, digital and analog recording level control, End Search/Auto End Search, Group function. Appears to be nearly identical to the MZ-R500. Note: Unit does not have microphone input or remote jack. A microphone or remote cannot be used with this unit.

Links:

• my-minidisc (Germany) page for the unit.

Supplied Accessories: AC power adapter (European and Chinese models), Headphones, Optical cable (not USA model), PC Link kit (MZ-R501PC only), Digital PC Link Kit (MZ-R501DPC only)

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-R501

Features: (First) NetMD equipped portable MD recorder, allows direct PC to MD download (but not upload) of compressed ATRAC audio at up to 30X real-time for LP4 audio (16x for LP2, and ~2x for SP mode audio. MDLP. ATRAC Type-R. (System Controller/ATRAC DSP IC: CXD2677-202GA) Docking cradle provides USB port and charging function. New stick controller with Kanji (Chinese character) display. 3 line LCD on main body. Magnesium case. G-protection. Group function. USB interface can be used for titling, limited editing, and control of the unit from a PC. Selectable microphone sensitivity (HIGH/LOW). "Ultimate Skip-Free G-Protection Technology" (Sony's 3rd generation shock recovery system that combines a lighter servo mechanism and improved electronic circuitry. Adds shock protection to the pick-up mechanism, thereby minimizing the loss of position. It continues to provide quick recovery from both horizontal and vertical shock.)

Software: PC download application is Open MG Jukebox 2.2, and allows CD, WAV, and MP3 tracks, as well as music purchased on the Internet to be downloaded to MD (being converted to ATRAC in the process, as necessary). OpenMG system will ensure that a bonafide NetMD recorder is connected before allowing a transfer, and will prevent ATRAC audio files created on one PC from being played, downloaded or used on a different PC. Open MG Jukebox is SDMI compliant and allows up to 3 track 'check-outs' from PC to MD, tracks can subsequently be 'checked-in', deleting them from the MD. (Check-in transfers the track "rights" back to the PC, but not the audio).

Included Accessories: Backlit remote, headphones, USB cradle, USB cable (1.5m), OpenMG Jukebox V2.2 CD-ROM, AC adapter, rechargeable NiMH cell, battery carrying case, external dry-cell adapter case, carrying pouch.

User Comments: Front panel rocker-control has poor ergonomics. -eaw

Notes:

• The Japanese MZ-N1 comes with software that installs an English version if an English language version of Windows is running, however the installer and help file is in Japanese.
• Though the MZ-N1 can display Kanji titles on its remote, it only writes Kanji titles to MD with the Japanese version of the software.
• The US MZ-N1 comes with the same remote as the MZ-R900 (RM-MC11EL/S).
• The US version does NOT include the carrying pouch (the soft cloth bag) that is shown in Brian Youn's review of a Japanese unit. The manual, which lists all of the equipment and accessories included, does not mention a carrying case either. -Haemish Edgerton

Reviews:

• Brian Youn's detailed look at the unit.
• Nick Riley's impressions of the Sony MZ-N1 and OpenMG.

Links:

• A table of feature differences between the Sony MZ-N1/910/909/900/G750/N707/R700/N505/R500 machines.
• Sony's MZ-N1 announcement (mech trans. of NetMD equipment and Initial NetMD announcements).
• Sony's (Japanese) MZ-N1 product page (trans)
• Sony's (Japanese) NetMD page
• Sony's (Japanese) NetMD equipment page
• AV-Watch (Japan) coverage of Sony's NetMD gear (trans)
• MiniDisc T-Station page for the unit.
• AV-Land (UK) page for the unit.
• Japan-Direct's page for the unit.
• Available for pre-order from SonyStyle.
• Simple Burner Windows application for direct transfer from CD to MD that Sony ships with US model NetMD gear. (~1.7MB .zip)
• Unit is available from Superfi UK.
• Julian Zhu's MZ-N1 interior photos.
• Planet Minidisc's Sony 2002 portables feature comparison chart.

User Manuals: MZ-N1, German

Service Manual: MZ-N1

Features: MD recorder intended for business use (dictation, recording meetings). Internal stereo flat microphone and monaural front speaker. Voice-Operated Recording function automatically starts recording when it senses sound, and stops recording when the sound stops. MDLP compatible, Group mode functions. Easy Search function allows skipping ahead or back one minute per button press. Two types of track marker let you indicate the importance of recorded events. Jog dial for easy speed control and editing, Large LCD with 3 lines of display, Playback speed control function (+10% to -20%). Click alert indicates disc is out of space. Operating instructions: English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Russian, Spanish.

Tips: Hitting FF or RR for about 1 second or a bit more, releasing, then immediately hitting FF or RR again, results in an instantaneous response.

Links:

• Sony's official English description for the MZ-B100.
• Sonystyle Japan has another page for the MZ-B100.
• Radio World review of the unit.
• Minidisco page for the unit.
• Minidisc T-Station page for unit.
• MD-21 (French) page for unit.
• Planet Minidisc's Sony 2002 portables feature comparison chart.

Specs: 2.8cm speaker. Headphone amp: 5mW+5mW, 20-20kHz +/-3dB

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-B100

Features:

• Updated and improved version of the MZ-R900.
• ATRAC Type R
• Group function
• 3 line 9 character LCD
• Speed-sensitive jog-dial (fully rotatable).
• Combined headphone and line out jacks (use the unit's menu system to switch between the two different modes).
• LCD on remote (remote is RM-MC11EL, same one as used on the MZ-R900).
• Selectable microphone sensitivity (HIGH/LOW).
• Available in silver, blue, and red.
• Other improvements over MZ-R900: (Courtesy Brian Youn)
  • In manual recording-level mode, recording levels can be adjusted while recording is underway.
  • Dual VU meters on left and right channels during recording and playback,
  • LCD contrast adjustable in 8 steps
  • SOUND settings can be changed from the main unit (without the remote)
  • Playstation-like control pad (push for PLAY, rock left, right up or down for other functions).

Notes: The MZ-R900 will fit into the MZ-R909's charging cradle and charge properly. (MZ-R909 Cradle ["charge unit"] part#: 1-476-763-12)

Reviews:

• Brian Youn's comprehensive review of the MZ-R909.

Links:

• A table of feature differences between the Sony MZ-N1/910/909/900/G750/N707/R700/N505/R500 machines.
• Sony's official Japanese press release announcing the MZ-R909 (English machine translation also available).
• AV-Watch has further photos and Japanese information on the MZ-R909.
• Japan-Direct has several clear photos of the Sony MZ-R909.
• AV-Land (UK) gives some initial MZ-R909 coverage, with listed features and photos.
• Japan-Direct's clear photos and page for the Sony MZ-R909.
• MDMan.net's (Korea) gallery of side-by-side MZ-R909 & MD-MT770 snapshots, shows how similar Sharp and Sony's latest now look.

Specs: 5mW + 5mW headphones output, 100VAC.

User Manuals: MZ-R909, German

Service Manual: MZ-R909

Features: MDLP capable. G-Protection anti-shock, digital and analog recording level control, End Search/Auto End Search. Optical cable supplied with unit. Note: Unit does not have microphone input or remote jack. A microphone or remote cannot be used with this unit.

Links:

• A table of feature differences between the Sony MZ-N1/910/909/900/G750/N707/R700/N505/R500 machines.
• AVLand has photos and specs on the MZ-R500.
• An official Sony press release states that all of 2001's MDLP portable recorders (MZ-R500, -R700, -G750 and -R900) will be available in the United States.
• Planet MiniDisc has the MZ-R500 in stock.
• Video-direct's comparison table lists this unit and other current Sony models.

Hacks:

• By changing the unit's EEPROM values several MZ-R900 features can be added.

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-R500

Service Manual: MZ-R500

Features: Similar to MZ-R900 (MDLP capable, G-Protection anti-shock, digital and analog recording level control, Manual End Search/Auto End Search). Optical cable is supplied with unit.

Differences from MZ-R900: Non-LCD remote, battery is AA formfactor (i.e. round, accepts AA drycell or AA shaped rechargeable), does not have 1) double jog lever 2) Joint-text recording (transferring titles from special CD-TEXT CDs when recording with special Sony cable from special Sony CD players) 3) date-time stamp recording 4) Personal disc memory 5) Microphone sensitivity switch.

Variants: In Asia the "PC" version of the unit is apparently shipped with an analog version of the USB audio adapter.

Reviews:

• Niels Pijck's MZ-R700 review.
• CNETAsia review of the MZ-G750 mentions the MZ-R700 comes with the analog PC link in Asia.
• CNet comparison of the Sharp MD-MT877, Sony MZ-R900 and MZ-R700.

Links:

• A table of feature differences between the Sony MZ-N1/910/909/900/G750/N707/R700/N505/R500 machines.
• AVLand has photos and specs on the MZ-R700.
• Mark Bausch scans in pages from the Spring 2001 issue of Sony Style magazine that describes the MZ-R700.
• An official Sony press release talks of the MZ-R700DPC, MDX-CA680X, and MXD-D40 units. (Browse to third page of the CES Press Releases.)
• Pages from the Spring 2001 issue of Sony Style magazine describe the MZ-R700 and MZ-G750.
• An amusing advertisement for the Sony MZ-R700DPC has a typo describing how you can use your R700 to create your own "personal MD complications."
• An official Sony press release states that all of 2001's MDLP portable recorders (MZ-R500, -R700, -G750 and -R900) will be available in the United States.
• Planet MiniDisc has the MZ-R700DPC in stock.
• Video-direct's comparison table lists this unit and other current Sony models.
• Walmart sells Sony's MZ-R700 online.

Hacks:

• By changing the unit's EEPROM values several MZ-R900 features can be added.

Specs: 5mW+5mW headphone output.

User Manual: MZ-R700

Service Manual: MZ-R700