Sony Walkman MZ-R909 - User Manual

3-234-030-12(1)
Portable
MiniDisc Recorder
Operating Instructions
©2001 Sony Corporation
MZ-R909
“WALKMAN” is a
trademark of
Sony Corporation.

Summary

Warnings and Precautions

General Safety Warnings

Covers fire hazards, electrical shock, installation in confined spaces, ventilation, and placement of liquids.

Laser Radiation Warning

Cautionary note about invisible laser radiation and avoiding exposure to the beam.

Australian Customer Information

Specific instructions for Australian customers regarding damaged AC power adaptor cords.

Seller Liability Disclaimer

Statement limiting seller liability for damages resulting from defective products or their use.

CE Mark Information

Explanation that the CE mark is valid only for products marketed in the European Union.

Looking at Controls

The Recorder Controls

Diagram and labels identifying controls and jacks on the MiniDisc recorder unit.

Recorder Display Window

Explanation of the icons and indicators displayed on the recorder's LCD screen.

Headphones;Earphones with Remote Control

Diagram and labels for the remote control unit and its connected headphones/earphones.

Remote Control Display Window

Diagram and labels explaining the display indicators on the remote control.

How to Use the Jog Dial

Display Window Navigation

Describes how to use the jog dial to scroll and select menu items in the display.

Menu Functions on Recorder

Lists menu options and their functions accessible via the recorder's jog dial.

Menu Functions on Remote Control

Lists menu options and their functions accessible via the remote control.

Tables of Menus

Menus When Recorder is Stopped

Flowchart illustrating menu navigation options when the recorder is stopped.

Menus When Recorder is Playing

Flowchart illustrating menu navigation options when the recorder is playing.

Menus When Recorder is Recording

Flowchart illustrating menu navigation options when the recorder is recording.

Menus on Remote Control (Stopped)

Flowchart for menu navigation on the remote control when the recorder is stopped.

Menus on Remote Control (Playing)

Flowchart for menu navigation on the remote control during playback.

Menus on Remote Control (Recording)

Flowchart for menu navigation on the remote control during recording.

Getting Started

Insert the Rechargeable Battery

Step-by-step instructions for inserting the rechargeable battery correctly.

Charging the Rechargeable Battery

Guide on how to charge the rechargeable battery using the AC adapter and charging stand.

Using the Dry Battery

Instructions for installing and using the dry battery case.

Make Connections and Unlock Controls

Connecting headphones/earphones and unlocking the recorder's controls.

Insert an MD for Recording

Procedure for inserting a recordable MiniDisc into the unit.

Notes on Charging

Important precautions and tips related to the battery charging process.

Recording an MD Right Away!

Make Connections for Recording

Details on connecting audio sources (digital/analog) to the recorder for recording.

Specifying the Recording Position

How to set the starting point for recording (e.g., From End, From Here).

Record an MD: Basic Steps

Core steps for initiating and stopping the recording process.

Troubleshooting Recording Start Issues

Solutions for common problems that prevent recording from beginning.

Notes on Recording

Additional important considerations and tips for the recording process.

Playing an MD Right Away!

Play an MD: Basic Steps

Fundamental instructions for playing back MiniDiscs and controlling playback.

Troubleshooting Playback Start Issues

Steps to resolve problems that prevent playback from starting.

Direct Headphone Connection

Procedure for connecting headphones directly and potential functional changes.

Various Ways of Recording

Connecting to Sound Sources

Explains connecting to digital (optical) and analog (line) audio sources.

Digital vs. Analog Input Differences

Compares digital and analog inputs, including cable types and signal characteristics.

Recording with Analog Input

Detailed guide for setting up and performing analog line input recording.

Long-time Recording Modes

Instructions for selecting recording modes (LP2, LP4) for extended playback time.

Disable Automatic LP: Track Naming

How to turn off the automatic 'LP:' prefix in track names for MDLP.

Group Function (Group Mode Recording)

Introduction to organizing tracks into groups for better management and playback.

Understanding Group Mode

Explanation of the group mode's purpose and how it categorizes tracks.

Activating Group Mode

Steps to enable or disable group mode on the recorder and remote.

Recording into a New Group

Procedure for creating a new group and assigning the current track to it.

Recording into an Existing Group

Guide for adding tracks to previously created groups.

Synchro-recording (Sync Recording)

How to perform synchronized recording from a digital source.

Recording Without Overwriting Material

Setting the recorder to add new recordings after existing content.

Recording from a Microphone

Instructions for connecting and recording audio input from a microphone.

Selecting Microphone Sensitivity

How to adjust microphone input sensitivity for optimal recording.

Auto Time Stamp for Track Marks

Setting up automatic track marking based on elapsed recording time intervals.

Canceling Auto Time Stamp

Steps to disable the automatic track marking feature.

Manual Recording Level Adjustment

Guide to manually setting and adjusting the recording input levels.

Switching to Automatic Level Control

How to revert from manual recording level adjustment to automatic.

Checking Remaining Time;Position (Recorder)

Viewing remaining recording time or current playback position on the recorder.

Checking Remaining Time;Position (Display)

Explanation of the display elements showing time and position information.

Checking Remaining Time;Position (Remote)

Viewing time and position information on the remote control's display.

Understanding Recording Condition Indicators

How the REC indicator signals the status of recording operations.

Setting Clock for Time-Stamped Recordings

Instructions for setting the clock to add time data to recordings.

Copying CD Text Information (Joint Text)

Method for copying track and disc names from CDs during recording.

Notes on CD Text Copying

Important notes and compatibility requirements for CD text copying.

Various Ways of Playback

Quick Track;Position Search

Overview of search methods: Index Search and Time Search.

Index Search (Track;Name Monitoring)

Detailed guide for finding tracks by monitoring numbers or names.

Selecting Search Mode

How to choose between Index Search and Time Search modes.

Time Search (Elapsed Time Monitoring)

Detailed guide for finding specific points by monitoring elapsed time.

Using the Group Function for Playback

How to play back discs that have been organized into groups.

Listening to Tracks in a Specific Group

Steps to play back audio tracks belonging to a specific group.

Group Mode Operations on Remote Control

Performing group playback functions using the remote control.

Turning Off the Group Function

Instructions to disable the group mode feature.

Selecting and Playing Desired Groups (Group Skip Mode)

How to skip between different groups on a MiniDisc.

Changing Playback Mode

Overview of playback modes: Normal, Repeat, Shuffle, and Program.

Selecting Play Mode (On Recorder)

How to change playback modes using the recorder's jog dial.

Creating a Program (Program Play) on Recorder

Guide for setting up custom playback sequences (programs) on the recorder.

Selecting Play Mode via Remote Control

How to select playback modes using the remote control buttons.

Creating a Program (Program Play) on Remote

Creating custom playback sequences using the remote control.

Repeat Play Function

How to activate and use the repeat play features.

Adjusting Sound Quality (Digital Sound Preset)

How to adjust treble, bass, and select preset sound profiles.

Selecting Sound Quality Presets

Details on factory default settings for Digital Sound Preset modes.

Adjusting Sound Quality on Recorder

Detailed steps for adjusting sound settings using the recorder's jog dial.

Changing Playback Speed (Speed Control)

How to adjust the playback speed of the MiniDisc.

Storing Settings for Individual Discs

Saving personalized settings (e.g., play mode, sound) for specific discs.

Erasing Disc Information

Procedure to remove saved settings for a particular MiniDisc.

Checking Remaining Time;Playing Position (Recorder)

Viewing track and disc information during playback on the recorder.

Checking Remaining Time;Playing Position (Remote)

Viewing track and disc information during playback via the remote control.

Connecting to a Stereo System (LINE OUT)

Guide for connecting the recorder to external audio equipment via LINE OUT.

Editing Recorded Tracks

Notes on Editing

Important precautions and warnings to observe during track editing.

Labeling Recordings

How to name tracks, discs, and groups using the character palette.

Available Characters for Labeling

Lists the types of characters (alphabets, numbers, symbols) usable for labels.

Character Palette Overview

Explanation of the character palette interface used for inputting labels.

Labeling a Disc During Stop

Procedure for labeling a disc when the recorder is in the stop mode.

Labeling Tracks;Groups During Playback

How to label tracks or groups while they are actively playing.

Labeling Tracks;Groups;Discs During Recording

Process for labeling during the recording operation.

Canceling a Labeling Operation

Steps to abort the current labeling process.

Relabeling Recordings

How to change existing labels for tracks, groups, or discs.

Storing Frequently Used Phrases

Methods for saving common phrases for efficient labeling.

Storing Phrases into Name Bank

Using the Name Bank function to store custom phrases.

Storing Phrases While Labeling

Saving phrases directly into memory during the labeling process.

Retrieving Stored Phrases

How to access and insert stored phrases into labels.

Searching Phrases (Sequential Display)

Method to browse through stored phrases one by one.

Searching Phrases (By First Letter)

Finding stored phrases by entering the first letter.

Erasing Stored Phrases

Procedure to remove phrases from the recorder's memory.

Storing Phrases via Name Bank (Remote)

Using the Name Bank function to store phrases via the remote control.

Registering Tracks;Groups as New Group

Process for creating a new group by selecting sequential tracks.

Releasing a Group Setting

How to remove group assignments from tracks or groups.

Moving Recorded Tracks (On Recorder)

Rearranging the order of recorded tracks using the recorder.

Moving Recorded Tracks (On Remote)

Rearranging track order using the remote control.

Moving a Track to a Different Group (Recorder)

Transferring a track from its current group to another on the recorder.

Moving a Track to a Different Group (Remote)

Transferring tracks between groups using the remote control.

Changing Group Order on Disc (Group Move) (Recorder)

Reordering groups within the disc structure using the recorder.

Adding a Track Mark

Manually inserting track marks to segment recordings.

Track Numbering After Marking

Explanation of how track numbers increase after adding marks.

Adding Track Marks During Recording

How to add track marks during recording, excluding synchro-recording.

Erasing a Track Mark

Removing unwanted track marks to combine adjacent tracks.

Erasing Tracks or Groups

Procedures for deleting entire tracks or groups of tracks.

Erasing a Track

Step-by-step guide for deleting a single track.

Erasing the Whole Disc

How to quickly erase all data from the MiniDisc.

Erasing a Group

Procedure for deleting a specific group of tracks from the disc.

Other Operations

Suppressing Sound Skips (G-PROTECTION)

Explains the G-PROTECTION feature for enhanced shock resistance.

Using the Alarm (Melody Timer) on Recorder

Setting the alarm timer and selecting alarm sounds using the recorder.

Using the Alarm (Melody Timer) on Remote

Setting the alarm timer and selecting sounds via the remote control.

Checking Remaining Alarm Time

How to view the remaining time until the alarm sounds during playback.

Canceling Alarm Settings

Steps to cancel the currently set alarm timer.

Stopping the Alarm

How to stop the alarm when it sounds.

Protecting Your Hearing (AVLS)

Using AVLS to limit maximum volume and protect hearing.

AVLS Operation on Recorder

Activating and deactivating the AVLS feature using the recorder.

AVLS Operation on Remote Control

Activating and deactivating AVLS using the remote control.

Canceling AVLS

Steps to disable the Automatic Volume Limiter System.

Turning Off the Beep Sound

How to disable the audible beep feedback from the headphones/earphones.

Adjusting Display Contrast

How to adjust the contrast of the recorder's display window.

Locking the Controls (HOLD)

Using the HOLD Function

How to use the HOLD function to prevent accidental operation of controls.

Power Sources and Battery Life

Battery Life During Playback

Table showing approximate playback battery durations for different modes.

Battery Life During Recording

Table showing approximate recording battery durations for different modes.

When to Replace Batteries

Indicators and steps for replacing or recharging batteries.

Additional Information

Safety Precautions

General safety advice regarding the DC IN jack and power sources.

Power Source Usage

Information on using AC adaptors, car batteries, and disconnecting power.

Plug Polarity and Disconnection

Notes on plug polarity and safe disconnection of the AC power adaptor.

Heat Build-up and Installation

Information on heat generated during operation and installation environment.

Headphones;Earphones Usage Advice

Safety and usage guidelines for headphones, including road safety and hearing protection.

MiniDisc Cartridge Handling

Care instructions for MiniDisc cartridges, including storage and labeling.

Dry Battery Case Information

Specific details regarding the designated dry battery case.

Cleaning Instructions

How to clean the recorder casing and disc cartridge.

Notes on Sound Quality and Plugs

Tips for achieving optimal sound quality and maintaining clean plugs.

Notes on Battery Usage

Precautions regarding battery installation, charging, and leakage prevention.

Note on Mechanical Noise

Explanation of normal mechanical noise generated by the power-saving system.

Protecting a Recorded MD

How to use the write-protect tab on a MiniDisc to prevent recording.

Note on Digital Recording (SCMS)

Explanation of Serial Copy Management System limitations for digital copying.

Note on Maintenance (Terminals)

Guidance on periodically cleaning the recorder's terminals.

Troubleshooting

Recorder Not Working or Working Poorly (Part 1)

Common causes and solutions for recorder malfunction or poor performance.

Recorder Not Working or Working Poorly (Part 2)

Further troubleshooting steps for recorder malfunction and operational issues.

Overwriting Existing Material

Solutions for accidental overwriting of recorded content.

No Signal During CD Player Recording

Troubleshooting the 'NO SIGNAL' error during digital recording from a CD player.

No Recording After Operation

Reasons why no recording may appear on the MD after an operation.

Lid Not Opening

Steps to resolve issues related to the MD lid failing to open.

No Sound Through Headphones;Earphones

Troubleshooting audio output problems affecting headphones or earphones.

Volume Control Issues

Solutions for problems where the volume cannot be adjusted.

Abnormal MD Playback

Reasons and solutions for an MD not playing back normally.

Playback Not Starting from First Track

Ensuring playback begins correctly from the first track of the MD.

Playback Sound Skipping

Troubleshooting intermittent sound or skips during playback.

Sound Static or Interference

Solutions for static or interference affecting audio playback.

Track Mark Detection Issues

Problems related to the recorder's ability to find or display track marks.

Battery Charging Failures

Troubleshooting steps when the rechargeable battery fails to charge.

Incomplete Battery Charging

Reasons why the rechargeable battery may not reach full charge.

Clock Time or Display Issues

Problems related to clock accuracy and display behavior.

Recording Date Stamping Errors

Troubleshooting issues with time-stamping recorded tracks.

CD Text Information Recording Errors

Solutions for problems preventing CD text information from being recorded.

Volume;Sound Preset Control Malfunction

Issues where volume or sound preset controls do not function correctly.

Disc Editing Incompatibility

Compatibility problems when editing MiniDiscs on other devices.

Momentary Noise During Playback

Causes and solutions for brief audio noise, especially in LP4 mode.

Group Function (Mode;Skip) Not Operating

Troubleshooting failures related to group mode and group skip functions.

Abnormal Display Window Behavior

Solutions for incorrect or abnormal behavior of the display window.

System Limitations

Maximum Recording Time Limit (TR FULL)

Explains the 'TR FULL' message related to exceeding the maximum recording time.

Maximum Track Number Limit (TR FULL)

Reasons for 'TR FULL' due to data fragmentation and track count.

Track Mark Erasing Limitations

Discusses limitations on erasing track marks, especially for short tracks or mixed modes.

Remaining Time Increase After Erasing Tracks

Explains why erasing short tracks may not significantly increase available recording time.

Total Recorded Time Discrepancies

Reasons for differences between total recorded time and maximum capacity.

Sound Dropout During Search Operations

Explains potential sound dropout during searches due to data fragmentation.

Error Messages

BANK FULL Message

Indicates the name bank is full and cannot store new phrases.

BLANKDISC Message

Shown when an MD with no recording is inserted.

BUSY Message

Indicates the recorder is accessing data and cannot perform operations.

Data Save Message

Shows when data is being saved to the MiniDisc.

DISC ERR Message

Indicates the disc is damaged or contains invalid data.

DISC FULL Message

Message indicating the disc has reached its maximum recording time limit.

EMPTY Message

Shown when trying to erase data from an empty name bank.

Hi DC in Message

Error related to excessive voltage at the DC IN jack.

HOLD Message

Indicates the control lock (HOLD function) is active.

LINE OUT Message

Appears when volume or sound presets are used while LINE OUT is set.

LOW BATT Message

Indicates that the battery level is critically low.

MEM OVER Message

Error when recorder is placed on unstable surface during recording.

MENU Message

Appears when menus are accessed incorrectly across devices.

NAME FULL Message

Indicates an attempt to enter too many characters for labels.

NO BATT Message

Message indicating the rechargeable battery is not inserted.

NO COPY Message

Error when attempting to make a digital copy of protected software.

NO DISC Message

Message shown when no MiniDisc is inserted into the recorder.

No Entry! Message

Error when trying to erase settings from a disc with no stored data.

NO SIGNAL Message

Indicates that no digital input signal was detected.

NO TEXT Message

Message displayed when CD text data is not found on a CD.

P;B ONLY Message

Indicates a pre-mastered MD is inserted for playback-only.

PROTECTED Message

Message indicating the MiniDisc is protected against writing.

SORRY Message

Indicates various incorrect operations or setting conflicts.

TEMP OVER Message

Indicates that the recorder has overheated.

TOC Edit Message

Shows when the table of contents (TOC) is being edited.

TR FULL Message

Indicates the maximum track number limit has been reached.

TrPROTECT Message

Error when trying to record or edit a track protected from erasure.

Specifications

Audio Playing System

Details regarding the MiniDisc digital audio playback system.

Laser Diode Properties

Technical specifications of the laser diode used in the unit.

Recording and Playback Time

Maximum recording and playback durations achievable in various modes.

Disc Revolutions

Specifications for the disc rotation speed (RPM).

Error Correction System

Information about the Advanced Cross Interleave Reed Solomon Code.

Sampling Frequency

The standard audio sampling rate supported by the device.

Sampling Rate Converter

Supported input sampling rates for the built-in converter.

Audio Coding (ATRAC)

Details on the Adaptive TRansform Acoustic Coding technology used.

Modulation System

Technical specifications of the EFM modulation system.

Number of Channels Supported

The number of audio channels supported (stereo and monaural).

Frequency Response Range

The range of audio frequencies the device can reproduce accurately.

Wow and Flutter Specification

Measurement for rotational speed variations, indicated as below measurable limit.

Input Jacks and Levels

Details of available audio input connections and their minimum levels.

Output Jacks and Levels

Details of audio output connections and their levels.

Maximum Headphone Output

The maximum power output for headphones.

Power Requirements

Electrical specifications for AC power adaptors and battery types.

Battery Operation Time Reference

Reference to page 75 for detailed battery operation time information.

Physical Dimensions

The physical size (width, height, depth) of the recorder.

Recorder Weight

The weight of the recorder unit.

Supplied Accessories List

List of items included in the product package.

Optional Accessories

Incompatible Accessories

Lists accessories that cannot be used with this specific recorder model.

Accessory Availability Note

Information regarding the availability of listed accessories through dealers.

What is an MD?

How MiniDisc Technology Works

Explains the fundamental principles behind MiniDisc technology.

Premastered MiniDiscs

Describes prerecorded MiniDiscs and their playback characteristics.

Recordable MiniDiscs

Explains the magneto-optical technology used for recordable MDs.

MiniDisc Size and ATRAC

Discusses how ATRAC compression enables the small size of MiniDiscs.

Quick Random Access Feature

Explains the ability to access any track instantly, similar to CDs.

Sony Walkman MZ-R909 Specifications