This is a preview of the Sony MDS-JB940 Home MiniDisc Recorder exclusively for our newsletter subscribers. This model should be available at Video Direct in July.

Key Features

  • Variable Coefficient Digital Filter*
    • On the MDS-JB940, a system that actually lets you choose the basic operating principles of the filter, to suit the music. Choose Sharp for maximum dynamic impact or Slow for greater warmth. Operates at 24-bit word length, for superlative precision.
  • S-TACT Circuitry*
    • Short for Synchronous Time Accuracy Controller. This Sony circuit isolates the clock generator from the digital filter’s noise shaper, reducing digital jitter – a potential source of distortion.
  • Sony MegaStorage CD Changer Control*
  • Current Pulse Digital-to-Analog Converter*
    • This Sony breakthrough, also used on their finest CD Players, uses a highly stable current source in place of the common voltage source. So the 1-bit pulse train is far more stable, even during power supply voltage fluctuations.
  • Anti-Resonant Aluminum Front Panel; Slanted PC Board*
    • A precaution to stop the propagation of mechanical resonance and air-borne vibration.
  • R-Core Power Transformer*
    • All hi-fi components use power transformers that can potentially radiate audible hum into the signal. The R-core design is an expensive, refined approach that vastly reduces radiated hum.
  • Date/Time Stamp*
    • Saves the date and time of recording as subcode data on the disc. The stamp is available for display during playback. It’s a handy reference, particularly for live and off-the-air recordings.
  • Control A-1 II Interface*
    • A communications protocol between audio components with Control A-1 II. Allows for commands and data to be transferred through Sony components linked together. It also enables automatic transfer of CD Text and Custom File information as you record to MD.
  • Scale Factor Edit*
    • Suppose you have a mix of tracks recorded from CD and FM. And suppose you mistakenly recorded the FM tracks too loud. Scale Factor Edit lets you adjust the volume of a track, without touching the music itself. It makes for much more professional results. You can also use Scale Factor Edit to create professional-sounding fade-outs and fade-ins — even after you’ve made a recording!
  • Playback Pitch Control*
    • If you play a musical instrument, listen up. This control enables you to “tune” MiniDisc playback sharper or flatter, to match your instrument!
  • Disc and Track Titling Through PC Keyboard*
    • Just as computer files have names, so do MiniDisc tracks. MiniDiscs can save disc name, track names and artist names! Because they’re stored on the subcode area of the MD itself, your names will also appear on portable and car MiniDisc players. And scrolling displays mean your names aren’t limited to just a few characters. PC Keyboard Input is the easy way to enter disc names, artist names and song titles. Enables you to plug in a standard PC-compatible keyboard and type.
  • Coaxial and Optical Digital Inputs and Outputs*
    • Enable digital-to-digital connection from a Compact Disc Player and to a DSP Receiver or Preamplifier. Connections are made without repeated A/D and D/A conversions. There’s also no noise pick-up. No RF interference. No effects of cable capacitance.

    *Items with asterisk indicate step-up features from the MDS-JE440.

  • Wide Bit Stream Technology
    • This technology maintains 20-bit precision through the recording process, for clearer reproduction of delicate, low-level music.
  • 24-Bit Analog-to-Digital Converter
    • Establishes high precision in the record mode, with far wider dynamic range than conventional 16-bit circuitry. Forms the input for Sony’s Wide Bit Stream technology.
  • ATRAC Type “R” Digital Signal Processing
    • At the heart of MiniDisc audio technology is Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding, or ATRAC. It’s the process that enables Sony to put 80 minutes of digital stereo sound on a minuscule 2½-inch disc! Sony’s ATRAC DSP Type “R” uses an added stage that checks the accuracy of bit allocation. Bits are then re-allocated to refine the coding. Together with superior processing accuracy, the bit-reallocation yields music that’s more faithful to the original. You’ll hear smoother, better-articulated, more clearly delineated sound.
  • Records up to 80 minutes, Stereo
  • CD Text and Custom File™ Transfer via Control A-1 II
    • If you have a Sony CD Player with Custom File memory and the Control A-1 II interface, you’re in luck. The disc names and track names you’ve entered for your CDs don’t need to be re-entered when you edit to MiniDisc!
  • Jog Dial
    • Turn this convenient control for split-second track access and also for text entry.
  • Digital Record Levels
  • Powerful Editing Modes
    • Edit Functions: Shaping Your Music on MiniDisc: MD tracks are like computer files in another way. You can alter the playback sequence just by changing an MD’s Table of Contents. The music itself remains undisturbed. So you can Move, Divide and Combine tracks – shaping your music even after you’ve recorded it. You can perform true editing functions like A-B Erase. There’s even an Un-Do Edit that let’s you change your last decision!
  • Advanced Timeshift Recording
    • Sony invents the time machine: Now suppose you’re listening to the radio and a hot new song comes on. With Advanced Time Shift Recording, you can hit the Record button up to six seconds late – and still capture every note! The Recorder conveniently stores the last six seconds of music in the buffer. And with buffer memory, even if a track is composed of parts scattered across the disc surface, playback is always seamless.
  • CD Synchro Record
    • Simplifies making tapes from Compact Disc by releasing from Record/Pause mode when the CD Player goes into Play.
    • Requires a compatible Sony CD Player.
  • Timer Standby
    • Timer standby recording and playback with compatible Sony MHC Series Mini Home Component Systems.
  • Remote Commander® Remote Control
    • A handy unit with 25-key Direct Access track selection, title input and power on/off.
  • Off-Center Insulator Feet
    • These protect the recorder from shelf-borne vibration. Insulator feet reduce the harmful effects of resonance on analog circuitry and the laser servo. Off-center screw holes help to diffuse modes of vibration.
  • Gold Plated Inputs and Outputs

Specifications

  • Stereo Record/Play Time: SP Mode
    • 80 min.
  • Sampling Frequency
    • 44.1 kHz
  • Frequency Response
    • 5-20,000 Hz ±0.3 dB
  • Dynamic Range (Playback)
    • >98 dB
  • S/N Ratio (Playback)
    • >100 dB
  • Harmonic Distortion (Playback)
    • <0.003%
  • Wow & Flutter
    • Unmeasurable
  • Line Input Lacks
    • Phono
  • Optical Inputs
    • 2
  • Coaxial Input
    • 1
  • Analog
    • Yes
  • Optical Output
    • 1
  • Coaxial Output
    • Yes
  • Headphone Output Jack
    • Yes
  • Power Consumption
    • 18 w
  • Dimensions (W x H x D)
    • 17″ x 4¼” x 11¼” (430 x 108 x 284mm)
  • Weight
    • 10 lbs., 12 oz. (4.9 kg)