Sony MZ-R30 Portable MiniDisc

Sony continues its trend of matching technological advancements with customer needs with the MZ-R30 portable MiniDisc recorder/player. The company has been able to draw on its experience as developer of the MiniDisc format to offer a new level of functionality for users with a need for high-quality, durable and, most important, portable, recording and playback devices.

The MZ-R30 offers many enhancements to the features found in previous Sony MD units. Sony has added a vertical jog dial and index search functions for easy character input, track selection and title search. In addition, the unit's digitally synchronized recording capabilities allow for one-touch digital recording convenience.

"For journalists covering a breaking story, musicians struggling to get the right notes down or weekend musicians gigging with some friends, quality, durability and portability remain as constant requirements," said Paul Foschino, marketing manager for professional audio products, Sony Electronics' Business and Professional Group. "With the MZ-R30, as with all our MD, DAT and CD recorder/players, Sony focuses on the end-user's needs, and budgets."

Long known for finding the right combination of product innovation and affordability, Sony was able to achieve a new breakthrough in price with the MZ-R30, which carries a suggested resale price of $449.95.

The MZ-R30 is also equipped with editing capabilities that allow users to custom title tracks using character input, as well as divide, combine, erase and move individual tracks at the touch of a button. Additional improvements include a position pointer that displays the current place on a disc, a date and time stamp function and monaural recording capability.

Available with an LCD display, stereo headphones and a remote control, Sony's Digital MegaBass sound system also enhances the unit's playback capabilities. Weighing just 7 and 3/4 ounces, the MZ-R30 is equipped with a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and can deliver up to five hours of recording time and eight hours of playback. This translates to 15 hours when used with two AA batteries, supplied in a battery case that attaches to the MZ-R30. A sample rate converter is also featured on the MZ-R30 for recording from different sampling rates (32kHz, 44.1kHz and 48kHz). In addition, an optical input permits digital connection and recording from a variety of digital sources, including CD players, DAT players, Digital Satellite Systems (DSS), digital cable audio and home music libraries.