Sony MZ-R 30

Data

General

• Manufacturer: Sony
• Model: MZ-R 30
• Type: mobile MD recorder
• Years of manufacture: 1997 - 1998
• Made in: Japan
• Color: Silver, Light blue metallic
• Dimensions: 116.5 x 78 x 26 mm (WxHxD)
• Weight:
  • Recorder only: 220 g

including battery and MD: 317 g

• Remote control: yes
• original price approx.: 600 DM

Connections

• Number of inputs: 3
  • Microphone (stereo - mini jack 3.5 mm, switchable between "Line In" and "Microphone")
  • Line In (stereo - mini jack 3.5 mm, switchable between "Line In" and "Microphone")
  • Optical digital input (via stereo mini jack 3.5 mm)
• Number of outputs: 2
  • Headphones (stereo mini jack 3.5 mm)

Line out (stereo mini jack 3.5 mm)

Specifications

• Converter: 44.1 kHz
• MD compression: ATRAC 4.0
• Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Distortion factor:
• Signal-to-noise ratio: analog recording 85.5 dB, digital output 88 dB, microphone input 72 dB (data according to Stereoplay 9/1997, p.53).
• Dynamic range:
• Supported formats: stereo, mono (longplay).
• Hi-MD support: no
• Anti-shock: 30 seconds
• Playback functions:
  • Title programming: yes

Shuffle: yes Repeat: yes

• Recording functions:
  • Recording modes: SP, Mono
• Editing functions:
  • Title name editable: yes

Delete: yes Move: yes

• • Share: yes
  • Connect: yes

Special Features

• Wired remote (not with a display, but other Sony wired remotes usable).
• Anti-Shock
• Device largely made of metal
• Vertical jog dial - desired tracks can be quickly selected by simply turning the jog dial and snapping it into place
• Connection of a battery compartment with two AA batteries to the device. This allows up to 15 hours of music listening according to the user manual.
• Mono longplay with doubled recording time for one MD possible
• Built-in sample rate converter for 32 kHz and 48 kHz - via the digital input jack

Remarks

• Other models of the same series:
• Predecessor model: Sony MZ-R 3
• Successor model: Sony MZ-R 35 (similar in construction, externally almost the same).
• the good LIP-12 lithium-ion battery from Sony is no longer available, production has been stopped. However, there are still (as of 3/2020) working no-name replacement batteries available.
• Sony named their portable MD-players and recorders "MD-Walkman" in reference to the famous Sony cassette players

Pictures

• Picture: Sony MZ-R 30

Reviews

• Audio Reader's Choice "The Golden Ear" 1998: MD Portables and DAT Portables: 3rd place (Cf. Audio 12/1998)
• STEREO 8/1997: Stereo test verdict: 2 stars, very good. "Very flat and thanks to ATRAC 4 with sample rate converter, largely vibration resistant, noises a little more than stationary models." (Cite Stereo Test Mirror)
• STEREOPLAY 9/1997: Upper middle class, good. Sound 17 points (from mid 1998 34 points), price/performance: very good. "Practically equipped portable MD recorder with high utility value and good sound characteristics, which sets technical standards at a fighting price."
• AUDIO 5/1997: Upper class. Sound good, total 63 points (Rec. digital 65 P./ Rec. analog 60 P.), 3 ears. Price/performance: very good.
• AUDIO 2/1998: in "Minidisc Extra - Test- und Marktübersicht", p.33 summarizing, as in 5/1997. "While Sharp is retreading its Porti range and current models are only now coming onto the market, the Sony MZ-R 30 (Test Audio 5/1997) is the undisputed number one among portable recorders." (Quote Audio 2/1998, p.30)