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

Sony MZ-R 30-1.jpg


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)


Links