Sony MDS-JE500 MiniDisc Recorder Offers Increased Recording/Playback Versatility

"The MDS-JE500 offers a lot of bang for the buck for a wide range of users who need the speed and versatility of MD editing and cueing in an affordable package," said Paul Foschino, marketing manager, professional audio products for Sony Electronics' Business and Professional Group. "And the MDS-JE500 offers fourth-generation ATRAC technology for a smoother, more clearly delineated sound."

Also included is a sample-rate converter for performing digital-to-digital recordings from DAT. The converter also automatically adjusts incoming 48kHz digital audio sampling rates to the 44.1kHz sampling rate of MiniDisc. A one-bit pulse analog-to-digital converter also ensures accurate recording from analog sources.

The MDS-JE500 features an 8x oversampling, 18-bit playback digital filter for increased stereo imaging and higher levels of accuracy. A pulse D/A converter minimizes zero-cross distortion, considered the most audible distortion in digital components. As a result, smooth, open sound can be achieved. The hybrid converter design of the recorder places the playback digital filter and D/A converter on a single IC chip to create shorter signal paths.

The MDS-JE500's Shock Resistant Memory (SRM) buffer can hold up to 10 seconds of music for uninterrupted playback, even if the unit is accidentally jostled. SRM also allows for nonlinear recording and playback; users can start recording a 5-minute song in a 3-minute gap and automatically continue elsewhere on the disc without interrupting the recording or playback processes. The MDS-JE500 also features a Jog Dial for split-second track access, allowing users to skip forwards or backwards through tracks. Further increasing the versatility of the unit is the ability to scroll through the recorder's alphabetical display and input disc and track titles.

Three play modes are featured: Continue, Shuffle and Program, giving users the ability to repeat a disc or song, or repeat between any two designated points. In addition, 25-track programming enables songs to be played in any sequence, and a 25-track music calendar provides a visual display of songs played, songs remaining and songs programmed. A Text Entry feature lets users customize recordable MiniDiscs with up to 1,700 characters per disc.