Superb Quality Recording (Sony MD Walkman MZ-R70)

Member Name: rclens

Product:	Sony MD Walkman MZ-R70
Date:	05/07/01 (436 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Sound

Disadvantages: Bit noisy (whirring)

The MZ-R70 is quite a handy piece of kit as it sports a number of excellent features but has since been very much outdated by the new 'MD-LP' minidiscmans. When searching for a minidisc recorder I decided to choose Sony, the leaders in the field and the original developers of the system. Sony also command style along with a reputation for making durable and feature-packed electronics. So far, after a year, I cannot say that I bought wrongly.

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The Look

The recorder is in stylish metallic blue (also available in black and silver) although the shade of blue is not quite as appealing as the MZ-R55. Its sleek shaping allows it to be easily slipped into a pocket (hopefully not out) and certainly looks the part with its 'cute' appearance.

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Sound

This is probably the most important part of the recorder and the MZ-R70 does not disappoint here. As the whole system revolved around digital sound, the quality is exceptional. AVLS is included and can be activated by using the on-screen menu. AVLS, when switched on, does not allow the output sound to become too loud: it puts a cap on it, therefore there is no risk of damage to ears.

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Recording

Next up is the recording function as this is what most people buy these 'recorders' for. Recording is a simple one button function: enter the minidisc and the source signal, be it a microphone or a stereo for example, and the you're well away. The MZ-R70 also sports digital synchronized recording via the optical cable included so the recorder will recognize track changes rather than just record as one track - a far simpler method and it works a treat!

The level of recorded sound is adjusted automatically.
Recording levels can be monitored during recording by using the headphones.
Monaural recording is supported which allows for double the length of a disc bu
t, naturally, the sound quality dips a little.

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Other Functions

I don't really want to turn this into a manual any more than I have already done so, so I will keep the remaining sections brief.

Shock-resistant memory of 40 seconds (good but not ideally suited for jogging as it still has a tendency to skip).
Dual headphone input (useful if someone else wants to listen too: not that anyone ever does with my kind of music!! Sony have sacrificed line-out for this function unfortunately).
Remote Control (well they call this a remote-but its not like the TV ones!! This one has editing capabilities such as track labeling but does not have an LCD screen unlike most other Sony Models).
Simultaneous Labeling Function (label the discs as you record).
Sampling rate converter (will turn both 32 and 48KHz rates into the supported 44KHz one).
Controls can be locked (avoids accidental stopping of play/record etc - good function).
Digital mega bass (pointless if you ask me!!).

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Accessories

Nickel-Cadmium Rechargeable battery and battery carrying case.
AC mains adaptor.
Headphones with remote control.
Optical Cable.
Carrying Pouch (although this is likely to fall apart quite quickly).

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Overall

An excellent player apart from the power-saving device within. This makes far too much noise (so for all you bootleggers out there: if you use headphones to record with you will pick up the power-saving whirring mechanism when the music goes quiet) but it does extend the life of the batteries quite considerably.
Sony claim that the MZ-R70 survives for 3 hours recording with the Ni-Cad batteries (3 hours with alkaline) and plays for 6 hours with Ni-Cad (17 hours with alkaline). I have never really timed this but I assume the values are correct as the batteries do last a fair while and it
only takes one at time!!
I paid £180 a year ago, so prices will have dropped, but this is truly an excellent product, well worth buying if the price has been reduced.

Summary: