This is a preview of the Sony MXD-D5C CD Changer/MiniDisc Recorder exclusively for our newsletter subscribers. This model should be available at Video Direct in July.

Sony makes it quicker and easier than ever to create digital audio recordings from compact discs to MiniDiscs with the introduction of the first high-speed CD-to-MD dubbing units. This 4x speed deck – which allows for music recordings in one-quarter the amount of actual time – allows time-crunched audio enthusiasts to maximize their participation in the new digital home recording culture brought on by the emergence of MiniDisc.The MiniDisc digital audio format has recording capabilities that exceed those of analog cassette tape. For example, discs can be recorded and re-recorded up to 1 million times without any loss of sound quality, and tracks can be added, removed or re-arranged without the need for re-recording. Portable and virtually unshockable, MiniDisc is a digital audio format that incorporates the benefits of near CD-quality sound.

Key Features

  • 5-CD Changer Integrated With 1-MiniDisc Recorder
  • Space-Saving Elevator Style Changer Mechanism
  • 4x High Speed CD to MiniDisc Capability
    • If you like simplicity, you’ll appreciate recording music from CD to MD. And if you like speed, you’ll love Sony’s high-speed CD player/MD recorders. just load the CD into one slot. Load the MD into another and hit Record. Your music zips onto MiniDisc at 4X normal speed! You’ll record a three-minute song in just 45 seconds. Or a 74-minute CD in less than 20 minutes! It’s fast, it’s easy and it’s oh-so-cool. And if you prefer to listen to your music as you record it, real-time recording is also an option.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • Large, Two-Line Flourescent Display
    • Shows titling information for both CD and MD.
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 20-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.
  • Wide Bit Stream Technology
    • This technology maintains 20-bit precision through the recording process, for clearer reproduction of delicate, low-level music.
  • Hybrid Pulse D/A Converter
    • Design that places the digital filter and D/A converter on a single integrated circuit for shorter signal paths, reduced interference.
  • Sampling Rate Converter
    • Automatically converts sampling rates between 33kHz/48kHz to 44.1kHz.
  • Optical Digital Input
  • Jog Dial
    • Turn this convenient control for split-second track access and also for text entry.
  • 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.
  • Digital Record Level Control
  • Advanced Timeshift Recording
    • 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.
  • Records up to 80 minutes, Stereo
  • CD Synchro Record
    • Allows for one-touch synchonized recording of a track even if it has already started. The CD will automatically return to the beginning of the track selected, and synch up with the MD for recording wherever blank space is available on the MD.
  • Smart Space Recording
    • Provides a uniform three-second spacing between all songs.
  • Shuffle Play/Program Play
    • With Program Play, the selection of the CD tracks can be specified by the user to make a custom mix. So choosing your favorite tracks from a CD onto an MD is easy and fast.
  • 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!
  • Remote Commander® Remote Control
    • A handy unit with 25-key Direct Access track selection, title input and power on/off.

Specifications

  • Stereo Record/Play Time: SP Mode
    • 80 min.
  • Sampling Frequency
    • 44.1 kHz
  • Frequency Response
    • 5-20,000 Hz ±0.5 dB
  • Dynamic Range (Playback)
    • >96 dB
  • S/N Ratio (Playback)
    • >98 dB
  • Harmonic Distortion (Playback)
    • <0.005%
  • Wow & Flutter
    • Unmeasurable
  • Line Input Lacks
    • Phono
  • Optical Inputs
    • 1
  • Analog
    • Yes
  • Headphone Output Jack
    • Yes
  • Power Consumption
    • 18 w
  • Dimensions (W x H x D)
    • 17″ x 4¾” x 14¾” (430 x 120 x 375mm)
  • Weight
    • 13 lbs., 3 oz. (6.0 kg)