Page 2
Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. MZ-S1 Serial No.
Page 3
EEA (European Economic Area). • SonicStage, OpenMG and the OpenMG logo, MagicGate, Net MD and the Net MD logo 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.
Page 4
• In no event will SONY be liable for any financial damage, or loss of profits, including claims made by third parties, arising out of the use of the software supplied with this recorder.
Table of contents Recorder Operations Looking at the controls ... 12 Getting started! ... 15 Recording an MD right away! (Synchro-recording) ... 17 Playing an MD right away! ... 22 Various ways of recording ... 24 Note on digital and analog recording (Digital input and analog input) 24 Recording in analog (Analog Recording) ...25 Long-time recording (MDLP) ...26 When you do not want “LP:”...
Page 7
Editing recorded tracks ... 37 Labeling/relabeling recordings ... 37 Labeling recordings ... 38 Relabeling recordings ... 39 Registering tracks or groups as a new group (Group Setting) ... 39 To release a group setting ... 40 Moving recorded tracks ... 41 Moving a track to a different group ...
Page 8
Software Operation What is a Net MD? ... 69 Basic Operations ... 70 Basic operational flow using the Net MD ...70 Providing the required system environment ...71 System requirements ...71 Installing the software onto your computer ...72 Before installing the software ...72 Installing SonicStage Ver.1.5 ...73 Connecting the Net MD to your computer ...75 Storing audio data to your computer ...76...
Page 9
Other information ... 86 Settings and Precautions ... 86 Settings according to OS ... 86 For users with OpenMG Jukebox, SonicStage, or SonicStage Premium installed on their computer ... 88 Note on hard disk drive space ... 89 Notes on system suspend/hibernation mode ... 89 Backing up the audio data ...
Checking the supplied accessories Supplied accessories AC power adaptor (1) Headphones/earphones (1) Dedicated USB cable (1) CD-ROM (SonicStage Ver. 1.5) (1)* Hand strap (1) Blank Minidisc (1) Do not play a CD-ROM on an audio CD player.
Looking at the controls Front of the recorder Display window GROUP/CANCEL button MENU/ENTER button DC IN 3V jack Buckle T MARK/REC button END SEARCH button USB connecting jack LINE IN (OPTICAL) jack i (headphones/earphones) jack...
Page 13
Rear of the recorder Hand strap attachment point HOLD switch X (pause) button Buckle Battery compartment lid OPEN switch Using the hand strap While jogging, use the supplied hand strap. Put your hand between the recorder and the strap, and then hold the recorder as the illustrations below: 5 way thumb control key Push the key in any of the four...
Page 14
The display window of the recorder L P 2 . 4 MONO (monaural) indication LP mode indication Mega bass indication Disc indication Shows that the disc is rotating for recording, playing or editing an MD. Level meter Shows the volume of the MD being played or recorded.
Getting started! Insert an alkaline dry battery. Lift up the buckle and the battery compartment lid to open. Using on a house current Connect the AC power adaptor. It is preferable to use the recorder on house current when recording for a long time. Battery life For details, refer to “Battery life”...
Page 16
Connect the headphones/ earphones and unlock the HOLD control. Pull off the rubber cap that covers the i jack. Connect the headphones/earphones to the i jack. Slide the HOLD switch in the direction shown in the illustration below: Connect firmly. to i Headphones/earphones HOLD...
Recording an MD right away! (Synchro-recording) 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. (For further information, see “System limitations” (page 52)) During synchro-recording, the recorder starts and stops recording in sync with the sound source.
Page 18
Close the buckle. Make connections. firmly and completely into the appropriate jacks) CD player, MD player, DVD to a wall video player, etc. outlet AC power adaptor to DC IN 3V See “Optional accessories” (page 64) (Insert the cables Optical plug Optical cable POC-15B*, etc.
Page 19
Record an MD. Control key >) SEARCH MENU/ENTER To stop recording, press x. After you press x to stop, the recorder will automatically turn off in about 10 seconds (when using the dry battery) or about 3 minutes (when using the AC power adaptor). To cancel synchro-recording Press .
Page 20
• Make sure the MD is not record-protected (page 50). • Premastered MDs cannot be recorded over. About the DSP TYPE-R for ATRAC “TYPE-R” is a high-level Sony specification used in the Digital Signal Processor (DSP), which is the heart of the MiniDisc sound. This...
Page 21
• For longer recording, follow step 1 of “Long- time recording (MDLP)” (page 26) to select the recording mode, and then start the procedure of synchro-recording. • LINE IN (OPTICAL) jack is for both digital and analog input. The recorder automatically recognizes the type of line cable and switches to digital or analog input.
Playing an MD right away! Insert an MD. Before you open the MD disc lid, open the buckle first. Slide the OPEN switch to the direction of the arrow shown in the illustration below. Close the buckle. Insert an MD with the label side facing front, and press the lid down to close.
Page 23
Play an MD. Control key (VOL +/–/ N/x) Press N. A short beep sounds in the headphones/ earphones. Find the beginning of the current track or a previous track Find the beginning of the next track Go backwards while playing Go forward while playing Pause Remove the MD...
Various ways of recording Note on digital and analog recording (Digital input and analog input) 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.
Recording in analog (Analog Recording) The sound will be input from the connected equipment as an analog signal, but recorded digitally to the disc. To connect to a sound source, an optional line cable is required. When connecting the cable, make sure to insert the connectors firmly.
Long-time recording (MDLP) Select each recording mode according to the recording time that you want. Stereo recording is possible at 2 times (LP2) or 4 times (LP4) the normal (stereo) recording time. Monaural recording at 2 times normal recording time is also possible. MDs recorded in monaural, LP2, or LP4 mode can be played back only on MD players or recorders with...
Press . or > repeatedly until “OFF” flashes in the display, and then press ENTER. If you want “LP:” added, select “ON” in this step, and then press ENTER. Note “LP:” is added to tracks checked-out in LP stereo from your computer regardless of the “LP Stamp”...
How is group information recorded? When recording in group mode, the group information is written to the disc name recording area. This information consists of text strings that are written as shown in the following example. Disc name recording area Example Disc name: “Favorites”...
Recording a track into an existing group • Turn group mode on. • Insert a disc with group settings. Press GROUP. “ ” flashes in the display and you can select a group directly (Group Skip Mode) (page 33). Within 5 seconds, press . or > repeatedly until the group you want the track to belong to appears.
Notes • The setting will remain even after the power is turned off. • If you start recording while the recorder is in play-pause mode, the recording will begin from the point at which it is paused even when the “R-Posi” is set to “Fr End”. Adding track marks automatically (Auto Time Mark)
Adjusting the recording level manually (Manual Recording) When you record, the sound level is adjusted automatically. If necessary, you can set the recording level manually during both analog and digital recording. Control key (./>/N) MENU/ENTER Press REC while pressing X. The recorder stands by for recording.
Checking the remaining recordable time You can check the remaining time, track number, etc. when recording or during stop. Group-related items appear only when a track with group settings is played and then stopped. Control key (./>) MENU/ENTER While the recorder is recording or stopped, press MENU.
Various ways of playback Using the group function (Group Mode) The recorder can operate various playback with a disc which has group settings. For more information on group mode, see “Recording tracks using the group function (Group Mode Recording)” (page 27) Control key (./>) GROUP...
When group mode is off: Disc Track number 1 2 3 Skip Skip When group mode is on: Disc Group 1 Group 2 Track Track number number 1 2 3 Skip Skip • Insert a disc with group settings. Press GROUP. “...
On B/A Normal/(none) All the tracks are played once. AllRep/ All the tracks are played repeatedly. 1 Rep/ A single track is played repeatedly. Shuf.R/Shuf After the currently selected track finishes playing, the remaining tracks are played repeatedly in random order. You can specify play mode for a selected group when group mode is on.
Checking the remaining time or the playing position You can check the track name, disc name, etc. during playback. Group-related items appear only when a track with group settings is played. Control key (./>) MENU/ENTER While the recorder is playing, press MENU.
Editing recorded tracks You can edit your recordings by adding/ erasing track marks or labeling tracks and MDs. Premastered MDs cannot be edited. • You cannot edit tracks on an MD that is record-protected. Before editing tracks, close the tab on the side of the MD (page 50). •...
Labeling recordings Insert a disc and do the following operations: To label a track Start playing or recording a track you want to label, and label the track while playing or recording operations. To label a group Turn group mode on (page 28) and start playing or recording a track within the group you want to label, and label the group while playing or...
Relabeling recordings Insert a disc and do the following operations: To relabel a track Start playing a track you want to relabel, and change a track name during playback operation. To relabel a group Turn group mode on (page 28) and start playing or recording a track within the group you want to relabel, and change the group name while...
Control key (./>) GROUP MENU/ENTER While the recorder is stopped, press MENU. Press . or > repeatedly until “EDIT” flashes in the display, and then press ENTER. Press . or > repeatedly until “G:Set” flashes in the display, and then press ENTER. The track number of the first track (“STR”) appears in the display.
Press x. Press MENU. Press . or > repeatedly until “EDIT” flashes in the display, and then press ENTER. Press . or > repeatedly until “G:Rls” flashes in the display, and press ENTER. “G:Rls?” and “ENTER” appear in the display. Press ENTER.
Moving a track to a different group • Insert a disc with group settings Control key (./>) GROUP/ CANCEL MENU/ENTER Press GROUP for 2 seconds or more. “ ” lights up in the display group mode turns on. While playing the track you want to move, press MENU.
Adding a track mark You can add track marks so that the part after the new track mark is counted as a new track. The track numbers will increase as follows: You cannot add a track mark on a track that has been checked-out from your computer.
When you erase a track mark, name assigned to the mark is also erased. Notes • When you erase a track mark between the two consecutive tracks that are registered into different groups while group mode is off, the second track is re-registered into the group containing the first track.
Press . or > repeatedly until “EDIT” flashes in the display, and then press ENTER. “ ” and “D:Name” flash in the display. Press . or > repeatedly until “ ” and “D:Ers” flash in the display, and then press ENTER. “Erase?”...
Other Operations Protecting your hearing (AVLS) The AVLS (Automatic Volume Limiter System) function keeps down the maximum volume to protect your ears. Control key (./>) MENU/ENTER Press MENU. Press . or > repeatedly until “OPTION” flashes in the display, and then press ENTER again.
Locking the controls (HOLD) To prevent the buttons from being accidentally operated when you carry the recorder, use this function. Move HOLD in the direction of the To unlock the controls Move HOLD in the opposite direction of the arrow to unlock the controls. HOLD...
Measured value by the standard of JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association). When using a Sony LR6 (SG) “STAMINA” alkaline dry battery (produced in Japan). To prevent interrupted recording due to drained battery, use new battey for recording operations.
• We recommend the packing to be changed every year. Change the packing at an authorized Sony Service Facility. On power sources • Use house current, LR6 (size AA) battery. • For use in your house: Use the AC power adaptor supplied with this recorder.
Page 50
Caring for others Keep the volume at a moderate level. This will allow you to hear outside sounds and to be considerate of the people around you. On the MiniDisc cartridge • When carrying or storing the MiniDisc, keep it in its case. •...
Page 51
Sony dealer. (If a trouble occurred when the disc was in the recorder, we recommend that the disc be left in the recorder when you consult your Sony dealer so that the cause of trouble may be better understood.)
System limitations The recording system in your MiniDisc recorder is radically different from those used in cassette and DAT decks and is characterized by the limitations described below. Note, however, that these limitations are due to the inherent nature of the MD recording system itself and not to mechanical causes.
Page 53
Symptom The playing time of a checked-out track is different from the time that appears on your computer monitor. You cannot check out tracks that will fill up the remaining recording time on the disc. (For example, you cannot check-out tracks that total 160 minutes to an 80- minute disc in LP2 stereo mode.)
Troubleshooting Should any problem persist after you have made these checks, consult your nearest Sony dealer. Refer to “Messages” (page 62) as well. Symptom The recorder does not work or works poorly. Cause/Solution • Audio sources may not be securely connected.
Page 55
Symptom Cause/Solution The recorder does • The disc is record-protected (“SAVED” appears). not work or works , Slide the tab (page 50). poorly. • Recording level is too small to record (when recording manually). , Pause the recorder and adjust the recording level. •...
Page 56
Symptom An MD is not played from the first track. Playback sound skips. Sound has a lot of static. Cannot find the track marks. The disc cannot edit on other component. Momentary noise is heard. The display window is not normal. Cause/Solution •...
List of menus Menu functions Press MENU, and press . or >. Menu on the Functions recorder EDIT Selecting editing operations (labeling, erasing tracks, discs, or groups, etc.) (page 38 to 42, 44 and 45). DISP Displaying elapsed playing time, remaining playing time, etc. (page 32 and 36).
Page 58
Tables of Menus The menus provided on the recorder for each operating status are shown on this and the following pages. Each chart shows the various menus and the menu items that can be selected at each menu level. See “List of menus” (page 57) for details on menu operations. Menus and menu items toggle in the display.
Page 59
continued from the previous page SYNC-R OPTION AVLS Appears only when the recorder is in group mode and a group other than “GP --” is selected. Appears only when the recorder is in group mode. Selectable only when group mode is turned off. Press CANCEL on the recorder to cancel a menu operation.
Page 60
Menus and menu items selected while the recorder is playing EDIT T:Name DISP LapTim P-MODE Normal BASS OPTION AVLS Appears only when the recorder is in group mode and a group other than “GP --” is selected. Appears only when the recorder is in group mode. Press CANCEL on the recorder to cancel a menu operation.
Page 61
Menus and menu items selected while the recorder is recording EDIT T:Name DISP LapTim RecVol Auto R-MODE BASS TimeMK SYNC-R OPTION AVLS Appears only when the recorder is in group mode. Appears only when the recorder is in standby mode. Press CANCEL on the recorder to cancel a menu operation.
Messages If the following messages flash in the display window, check the messages below. Error message Meaning/Remedy BLANK • An MD with no recording on it is inserted. BUSY • You tried to operate the recorder while it was accessing the recorded data.
Page 63
Error message Meaning/Remedy FULL • You tried to enter more than 200 letters to label a single track or disc. • You tried to enter a total of more than 1,700 letters for track or disc names. , Enter a shorter name for the track, group, or disc (page 37), or set the “LPStmp”...
5 mW + 5 mW, load impedance 16 ohm General Power requirements Sony AC Power Adaptor connected at the DC IN 3 V jack: 120 V AC, 60 Hz (Models for USA, Canada, Mexico, and Taiwan)
Explanations 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.
Page 66
About the DSP TYPE-S for ATRAC/ATRAC3 This recorder supports DSP TYPE-S, a specification for high-level Sony MiniDisc decks equipped with digital signal processors (DSP). This specification allows the recorder to produce high-quality sound from tracks recorded in MDLP mode.
Page 68
Recording audio data to your computer You can record audio data to your computer from sources such as audio CDs and the Internet (page 76). Audio CDs Internet On the computer Listening You can listen to an audio CD in the CD- ROM drive of your computer, or audio data in the hard disk drive (page 83).
What is a Net MD? Net MD is a standard that enables the transfer of audio data from a computer to a MiniDisc device. To use this Net MD with your computer requires a software application called “SonicStage”. SonicStage software provides a database for managing audio data in the computer and functions for playing the audio data in various play modes, editing the data, and transferring the results to other devices and hardware connected to the computer.
Basic Operations Basic operational flow using the Net MD The following is the basic steps that you will take following the purchase of your recorder. Through these steps, you will prepare and set up your computer for use of your recorder as a Net MD.
Providing the required system environment System requirements The following hardware and software are required in order to use the SonicStage software for the Net MD. Computer IBM PC/AT or Compatible • CPU: Pentium II 400 MHz or higher (Pentium III 450 MHz or higher is recommended.) •...
Installing the software onto your computer This section explains the installation of the SonicStage Ver.1.5 software supplied with your Net MD. Before installing the software 1 Make sure to note the following before installing the software. Do not connect the dedicated USB cable before the installation! The SonicStage software may not correctly load or operate if the dedicated USB cable is connected to your computer during the installation.
Installing SonicStage Ver.1.5 Turn on your computer and start up Windows. Insert the installation CD-ROM for SonicStage into the CD-ROM drive of your computer. Click to select [SonicStage 1.5]. To use this software with the Net MD, you must install SonicStage Ver.1.5 and the Net MD driver.
Page 74
Follow the displayed instructions. After the installation is completed, click [Restart] to restart the computer. Was the installation successful? If any trouble occurs during the installation, see “Troubleshooting” (page 92). Notes • Do not delete, move, or edit any of the installed folders using Explorer or any other application. Doing so could cause the SonicStage database to become unstable or corrupted.
Connecting the Net MD to your computer After the software installation is completed, connect the Net MD to your computer. Refer to the operating instructions of the Net MD as well. Insert a recordable disc into the Net MD. Make the power source and the dedicated USB cable connections with the Net MD and the computer.
Storing audio data to your computer This section explains how to record and store audio data from an audio CD to the hard disk drive of your computer. The procedure in this section is used to record all tracks on an audio CD. To record only specific tracks from a CD, or from other sound sources, see the online help for details (page 84).
Recording audio CDs to the hard disk drive In SonicStage Ver.1.5, the hard disk drive is called the “Music Drive”. The Music Drive manages all audio data stored by SonicStage. Insert the audio CD that you want to record into the CD-ROM drive of your computer.
Page 78
Click select the recording mode. If the list panel is not displayed, click Click Recording starts. Upon completion, recorded tracks appear in the right list panel. To stop recording Click ([Stop]). To resume recording, click of the track that was last stopped. in the middle of the recording window and When recording data in LP2 mode: When recording data in LP4 mode:...
Labeling audio data After recording has completed, you can label the audio data in the Music Drive. Once audio data in the Music Drive is labeled, the label information will be transferred to a disc along with the audio data, allowing you to view the data on your Net MD. Start up SonicStage (page 76) and click Double click the desired album name.
Transferring audio data from your computer to the Net MD (Check-out) Audio data stored on the Music Drive can be transferred to your Net MD. This process is called “Check-out”. The number of times a track can be checked out is restricted in this software for the protection of copyrights (page 98).
Page 81
Click recording mode (page 78). Standard transfer mode: Data are transferred in the format of the original files. Maximum available transfer space: All data are transferred in LP4 mode. SP transfer mode: All data are converted and transferred in normal stereo mode. Select this mode if you listen to checked-out data on equipment that does not support MDLP mode.
Page 82
Notes • Once a check-out (or check-in) has started, do not disconnect the dedicated USB cable or power source until the check-out operation has completed. These actions may damage the data or cause the system to malfunction. • Make sure not to bump the Net MD after check-out has started. If you do, the contents of the recording may not be stored correctly.
Listening to an MD You can listen to an MD on the Net MD while it is connected to your computer. When disconnected from your computer, the Net MD can be used as an ordinary MiniDisc device. For details on Net MD operations, refer to the “Recorder Operations” section. Listening to an MD with the Net MD connected to the computer If you listen to an MD with the Net MD connected to the computer, be sure to listen with...
Advanced operations Using other functions! Using the SonicStage online help This manual explains only the basic operations of the SonicStage software. However, the software has a host of other functions that allow you to carry out various operations, such as importing audio files from the Internet, classifying and managing audio files, and playing in various play modes.
Page 85
Viewing online help The Tabs The left side frame Let’s find out how to use the online help first. An explanation on the use of the online help can also be found in the online help. 1 Double click [Overview] in the left-hand frame. 2 Click [About this Help file].
Other information Settings and Precautions Settings according to OS The settings and precautions will differ according to the operating system being used. Check the items that apply to your system. For Windows XP users Restrictions when running the SonicStage software under Windows XP •...
Page 87
For Windows Millennium Edition users When using SonicStage under Windows Millennium Edition If you use the “System Restore” function in Windows “System Tools”, audio data managed by SonicStage may become corrupted and rendered unplayable. Before executing the system restoration procedure, you should first back up all audio files and restore them after doing the system restoration procedure.
For users with OpenMG Jukebox, SonicStage, or SonicStage Premium installed on their computer Note Confirm whether any tracks have been checked out from your computer. If tracks have been checked out from OpenMG Jukebox, an earlier version of SonicStage, or SonicStage Premium, it may not be possible to check those tracks back in with SonicStage Ver.1.5.
Precautions on the co-existence of SonicStage Ver. 1.5 with OpenMG Jukebox Ver.2.2 or SonicStage Premium • Make sure the OpenMG Jukebox Ver.2.2 icon is not displayed in the task tray. If it is, the Net MD may not be recognized by your computer. •...
Uninstalling the SonicStage software To uninstall the SonicStage software, follow the procedures below. For Windows XP users Log on with a user name with “Computer Administrator” as an attribute. Refer to the operating instructions of your computer for details on logging on as an administrator.
Double-click [Add/Remove Programs]. The Add/Remove Programs Properties window appears. Click [SonicStage 1.5.XX] in the list of programs for automatic removal, and then click [Add/Remove]. Click [OpenMG Secure Module 3.1]* in the list of programs for automatic removal, and then click [Add/Remove]. Do as instructed by the message and restart the computer.
Check “Troubleshooting” under “Additional information” in the online help. Useful information may also be found in other sections in the online help. Step 3: If the trouble cannot be solved after checking the above references. Check the following table and then consult your nearest Sony dealer.
Page 93
If another device with USB connection is used • Name of the device (or devices): If you do not specify the destination, the software is installed at C:\Program Files\Sony\SonicStage. To check the SonicStage software version, go to [Menu] - [About SonicStage] in the SonicStage...
If your computer does not recognize the Net MD • Is the Net MD connected correctly to your computer? — If the Net MD is not firmly connected to the computer, the Net MD will not be recognized by your computer. —...
Page 95
• If the installation seems to be stopped It may take 30 minutes or more for the installation to complete, depending on your computer or CD-ROM drive. During the installation, watch out for the occurrence of any of the following problems. Problem The installation appears to have stopped before it has...
Information and explanations Net MD FAQ This section introduces frequently asked questions and answers on the Net MD. On the Net MD What is a “Net MD”? Net MD is a specification that allows audio data in a computer to be transferred to a MiniDisc through a USB cable.
Page 97
On Editing Can checked-out tracks be edited on the Net MD? • Things you can do on the Net MD: — Label contents. — Assign or release groups — Move tracks or groups. • Things you cannot do on the Net MD: —...
On copyright protection The OpenMG technology* allows you to enjoy digital music, while maintaining the copyrights of its holders. OpenMG Jukebox encrypts audio files in OpenMG format and stores them on the hard disk of your computer to prevent unauthorized distribution. * The copyright protection technology of this software conforms to SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative) specifications.
Page 99
This software was developed in accordance with the current arrangement between Sony and SDMI. If this arrangement is modified in the future, some of the software functions may become unavailable. Sony may offer an upgrade kit in this case at additional user expense.
Glossary ATRAC3 ATRAC3, which stands for Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding3, is audio compression technology that satisfies the demand for high sound quality and high compression rates. The ATRAC3 compression rate is approximately 10 times higher than that of the Audio CD, resulting an increased data capacity for the media.
Page 101
Recording mode (Bit rate) This is a measure of data volume per second. The rate is expressed in bps (bits per second). In SonicStage, the bit rate can be selected for recording an audio CD or converting MP3 and WAV format audio files into ATRAC3 format from among three rates: 132 kbps, 105 kbps or 66 kbps.
Index Accessories optional supplied ATRAC3 Audio CD Auto Time Mark AVLS back up Battery battery life dry battery Beep sound CD-ROM Check-in Checking playing position remaining time Check-out Cleaning Connecting analog digital copyright protection delete (software) Device/Media DIGITAL MEGA BASS DSP TYPE-R DSP TYPE-S EMD services...
Page 103
Recording adding track marks (Auto Time Mark) digital Group Mode Recording MDLP mode without overwriting tracks Recording mode (Bit rate) Recording navigation window Relabeling SDMI SonicStage Premium SonicStage software (earlier version) start (software) System environment System limitations Track mark Adding Erasing Transferring to the computer...