SONY MZ-M200 MINIDISC RECORDER
This Hi-MD™ portable audio recorder is ideal for journalists and musicians who need to make high-quality stereo audio recordings using cost-effective removable media. The MZ-M200 recorder comes supplied with an ECM-DS70P Stereo Microphone and MDR-EO931Earbud Headphone. The recorder uses affordable Hi-MD™ media with 1 GB storage capacity. Three Hi-MD recording modes are supported including: Linear (PCM) 44.1kHz/16-bit, ATRAC3plus 256kbps (Hi-SP) mode and ATRAC3plus 64bps (Hi-LP) mode. In addition, three conventional MD recording modes are supported including: ATRAC 292kbps (SP), ATRAC3 132kbps (LP2) and ATRAC3 66kbps (LP4). The recorder supports USB 2.0 uploading + downloading with PC (using supplied Sonic Stage software), and USB uploading with MAC (using supplied Hi-MD Music Transfer software), allowing transferring audio recordings to a computer and storing them on the computer in .Wav file format. This Hi-MD™ device can also be used as a USB mass storage device, allowing storing data files on the Hi-MD™ disc along with audio recordings.Hi-MD RECORDING FORMAT
The MZM200 represents 3rd generation HiMD recording and includes an HD Amplifier -- for improved sound quality. The ability to record in Standard MD Mode ensures compatibility with previous MD Recorders, without the need to transfer audio through a PC or Mac. The addition of USB 2.0 increases data transfer speeds to a computer, freeing up valuable time. The inclusion of V 2.0 Mac software allows both upload/download of audio files to a Mac. The MZM200 is provides you greater flexibility, sound quality and ease-of-use.
- MZ-M200 Key Features Include:
- Bright EL (Organic Electroluminescence) display with enhanced user interface and larger record function buttons
- Hi-MD™ selectable recording times provides 94 minutes of uncompressed PCM linear audio, or up to 34 hours of ATRAC3plus compressed audio
- Hi-MD™ self record uploading allows transferring self-recordings onto a computer and storing them as a .wav file
- Conventional MD recording modes (SP, LP2 and LP4) allow making conventional MD recordings (using MD media) when playback compatibility with a conventional MD deck is desired
- Conventional MD self-recordings can be uploaded via USB 2.0 to WIN PC using supplied Sonic Stage software (Excludes EMD content, Checked-out MD content or NETMD content)
- Ability to record from multiple sources (USB, Line In, Mic In)
- Up to 6 hours of PCM recording battery life with rechargeable battery (supplied)
- Compatible with both Hi-MD™ media and standard MiniDisc media
- Data file storage allows storing data files on Hi-MD discs along with audio recordings
- High-Speed USB 2.0
- 11 Segment record level metering with over level indication
- Digital amplifier
General
Format Digital Audio MiniDisc System
Sampling Frequency 44.1 kHz
Data Compression Method (Coding) ATRAC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding)/ATRAC3/ATRAC3plus
Frequency Response 20-20,000Hz /-3dB
Wow and Flutter Unmeasurable
Inputs(s) USB2.0; Mic in; Line in (Analog/Digital); DC in 5V
Output(s) Headphones/Line out/Remote (stereo mini)
Power Requirements Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery; AC Power Adapter; USB powered
Codec
Linear PCM (rec/playback)
ATRAC3plus (rec/playback)
ATRAC3 (rec/playback)
ATRAC (rec/playback)
MP3 (playback)
WAV Conversion
For Windows (Using SonicStage)
For Mac (Using Hi-MD Music Transfer Software)
Interface
MIC in Line in (Analog/Digital)
USB2.0
Main Recording Function
Mic Sense Low/High
Manual Rec Level Control
Time Mark Off/1-60min
Synchro Rec On/Off
AGC-Auto Gain Control
Sampling Rate Converter
Optical input 32kHz/44.1kHz/48kHz
Main Edit Function
Name (Disc/Group/Track)
Move (Track/Group)
Track Mark On/Off (Divide/Combine)
Erase (Track/All/Group)
Disc Format
Other Main Features
Skip Free G-Protection Technology
USB Bus Power & Charging
HD Digital AMP For Macintosh and PC
Data File Storage Device
Display: Organic EL
Battery Life (with rechargeable battery)
Playback
Linear PCM 10.0 hours
Hi-SP 15.5 hours
Hi-LP 19.0 hours
Record
Linear PCM 6.0 hours
Hi-SP 9.0 hours
Hi-LP 10.5 hours
Dimensions
3.3 (W) x 3.3 (H) x 0.58 (D) in.
Weight
3.38g
Accessories supplied with this item:
Supplied with ECM-DS70P Stereo Microphone and MDR-EO931 Earbud Headphones
Supplied with Sonic Stage software for PC and Hi-MD Music Transfer software for MAC
USB cable
1GB Hi-MD disc
Lithium Ion rechargeable battery (LIP-4WM)
AC power adapter (AC-S508U)
1 Line Backlit Remote Control (RM-MC38EL)
Carrying pouch
ARTICLE: Sony MZ-M200: MiniDisc Is Not Dead
Pocket-Size Recorder Supports Multiple Formats, Includes EL Display and Is Mac-Compatible
by Charles Dubé,
When I mentioned to a co-worker that I was going to have a look at Sony’s new MiniDisc offering, the MZ-M200, he looked at me with a grimace and let me know exactly how he felt about the previous generation of MiniDisc. Apparently, some folks had misgivings about recent MD products and might have given up on MD as a dead technology.
With MP3 players and Flash recorders as common as Kleenex tissues, why would anyone want to use the seemingly anachronistic MD format anyway?
We know there are strengths and weaknesses to any format; Sony has given cynics a reason to rethink the MiniDisc format with the MZ-M200.
The MZ- M200 is a compact digital audio recorder/player that can play files downloaded in LinearPCM, Sony’s ATRAC (including ATRAC3 & ATRAC3plus) or MP3 format. It features the ability to record or transfer legacy recordings onto a low-cost (less than $10) 1 GB Hi-MD MiniDisc. The 1GB MiniDisc theoretically can store up to 675 songs, 45 hours of music (or 13 hours of music on a standard MD media). The 1 GB Hi-MD media also can be used to store 1 GB of data as well.
Users of legacy MD devices will enjoy the MZ-M200’s ergonomics. There’s no doubt Sony put a lot of thought into how this recorder will be used in a professional environment. Little about the MZ- M200 resembles earlier MD recorders, except perhaps the size. Pocket-sized as expected, the MZ-M200’s display has been moved to the top of the unit, making it perfectly readable in one’s shirt pocket for instance.
If placed flat on a counter, such as in a recording studio or newsroom, the slightly angled display allows for easy reading as well. Used like this, Sony has added four small runner feet to prevent it from sliding around. It’s almost as if someone ran your full-size MD player too long in the dryer. In your hands, the rubberized surface keeps it from slipping away.
The MZ-M200 feels like a piece of professional gear as well. Although small, all buttons are spaced enough for even the clumsiest of fingers, and the solid metal chassis rivals that of most MP3 devices around. The Record switch is simple and not likely to be accidentally triggered. Stop and Pause buttons are clear and accessed easily. On the side, a jog lever — again, difficult to unintentionally engage — steps you through the tracks on the disk. The multifunction Display/Menu button gives easy access to the device’s many features.
The feel of the M200’s controls is solid and intentional. There are no sloppy switches or soft gooey pushbuttons. Input and output jacks remain standard fare (mini), the difference here being the addition of a USB port greatly enhancing upload capability to a PC. The port also functions economically as a DC power input. The MZ- M200 also can function as an external PC drive using the USB 2 port as well.
Back to basics
Sony has brought back many of the earlier MD features that were coveted but unfortunately dropped in previous incarnations. For instance, the ability to use regular MD disks has returned, good news for those who have amassed an archive of standard MD recordings.
The MZ-M200 can use these disks for recording should one have a stash of blanks kicking around, although at a reduced capacity as compared to the Hi-MD’s capabilities (using the line-in jack, you can transfer old MD format material to the newer high-capacity discs, minimizing your library space).
If you take a moment to set the time and date on your MZ-M200, it will time- and date-stamp your recordings. This certainly could be a useful feature for those interested in archiving interviews, for example. The ability to change playback speeds of recordings is back in the guise of the Digital Pitch Control feature, useful when replaying speech recordings and hunting for certain passages.
The player’s headphone jack is switchable as a line-out jack, relieving the necessity of having to shuttle volume levels all over the place to facilitate other playback equipment you might wish to connect to.
If losing your record settings caused you grief with past MD recorders, the MZ-M200 remembers these settings for you, even for a short duration after removing the Li-ion battery. For use in the recording studio, where so many computers are of the MAC variety, Sony has made the MZ- M200 MAC-compatible. In particular, this means Sony supplies Hi-MD music transfer software, which comes standard with the MZ-M200.
Sonic Stage is Sony’s WIN PC program, which enhances the transfer and conversion capabilities of the MZ-M200.With it you can shuttle audio back and forth between the recorder and your PC’s hard drive, convert files for playback purposes, burn CDs or use the MZ- M200 as an external drive. As mentioned, the recorder connects to your PC via the supplied USB2 cable. The software display is reminiscent of an FTP transfer program and user-friendly. A “Simple Mode” program allows you to record tracks to an MD disc from an audio CD in your computer’s D: drive without storing it first on the hard drive.
Sonic Stage is a multifeature program designed to manage your PC audio needs, whether you are retrieving sound from the Internet, MP3 recorder, MZ-M200 or a finished CD. You can organize your library, and of course move audio to and from the recorder itself; Hi-MD recordings can be saved in the WAV format using Sonic Stage.
Crisp, cool display
I would be remiss if I neglected to mention the EL display. It is rather cool and heads above earlier portable MiniDisc products. As I stated, it is positioned in a way that makes the recorder a good fit for pocket or tabletop operation. But wait until you see this window.
The characters, although small by necessity, are brightly displayed and crisp, for lack of a better word. During playback you can toggle though various descriptions of what you are hearing: group number, number of tracks remaining along with current track, the record time and date, even a somewhat cheesy but definitely fun pair of spectrum analyzer displays.
Even without reading the manual (as many of us are wont not to do), I was able to navigate about the MZ-M200 intuitively without much strain on the cerebellum.
Sony hasn’t forgotten that despite the serious uses to which this little recorder can be applied, we like to have a little fun on the way. There is a remote control included that provides its own LCD display. It is simple to jump through the menu to select record modes, levels, mic AGC or sensitivity, mark time or activate any of the other features.
Okay, so we have the ability to select various record modes (of various quality), move audio about to a PC and store large quantities of sound on the MZ-M200. But that “moving parts” issue is always in the back of my mind. You do indeed have moving parts, which of course are subject to failure at some point; but you also have a high-capacity storage medium — the Hi-MD disc — which is removable from the recorder, meaning that in the event of device failure there is a good chance your files will be safe.
As for the price, a professional using the MZ- M200 might consider buying more than one so as to have a backup unit.
One aspect I do not like about MD recorders has been the mini jacks used for the mic/line input and headphone/line output. Although understandable to a degree in a device of this size, they simply do not hold up to repeated stress over time. I do not consider these adequate for professional use unless Sony has come up with a way these can be easily field-serviced. Unfortunately, this Achilles Heel has contributed to many folks considering the MD recorder “disposable” devices.
Finally, the MZ-M200 comes with some useful accessories, such as an AC power adapter designed to work with the USB cable; a remote control; a set of ear buds; and a compact stereo microphone, which is actually a lot of fun for field recordings. A Lithium-Ion battery provides 5–10 hours of record time and 8 to 19 hours of playback time depending on the format.
It is beyond the scope of this article to go into the details regarding the different formats and features of which this portable MD recorder is capable. Suffice it to say, it was designed for the broadcast or studio professional. Those looking for a way to archive high-quality sound will find the many aspects of this recorder attractive. Those wishing to archive music such as home studio recordings or live concerts, i.e. in the uncompressed LinearPCM mode, also will discover much to like about this palm-sized wonder.
SONY CUSTOMER SERVICE: 1-800-222-7669
Warranty policy:
Should you have a manufacturing defect in your product within 30 days of your order date, simply reply to your original email receipt with an exact description of the problem; We will provide instructions for you to send back the defective product (at your expense) and we will ship you a brand new replacement product (at our expense). Should you have a defect in your product after 30 days from your order date, but before the 1 year warranty expires, simply reply to your original email receipt with an exact description of the problem; We will provide instructions for you to send back the product (at your expense), and will have the product repaired by the manufacturer and returned to you (at our expense).
