Sharp MD-X8PC
| Name | MD-X8PC |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sharp |
| Released | 1997/07 |
| Device type | bookshelf |
| Recorder | Recorder |
| MDLP | No |
| NetMD | No |
| Hi-MD | No |
| Radio | Yes |
| Dimensions | 240 x 290 x 317mm |
| Weight | 8.2kg |
| ATRAC ver | |
| Battery | |
| Battery notes | |
| Sidecar (depr) | No |
| Voltage | 100 |
| Power cable | AC |
| Price (launch) | |
| ¥112 000 | |
| - | |
| Inputs | 3.5mm line in (analog-only), 3.5mm microphone, RCA in, Digital optical (TOSLINK), Digital coaxial, CD |
| Outputs | 3.5mm headphone, RCA out, Speaker amplifier |
| Control | PS/2 keyboard |
MD-X8 (North America), MD-X8H (Europe), MD-X8W (Asia/Middle East) The MD-X8 (PCMCIA card sold separately) was released a few weeks later (July 21, 1997) for 88,000 yen
Features: Unit comes equipped with PCMCIA interface allowing audio (in .wav file or midi format) to be downloaded from a PC running the Japanese version of Windows 95. PC application displays 'MD control panel' providing titling and control functions (editing, recording, playback of MDs). 3CD changer with independent trays allows 2 discs to be changed while one is on play. MD to MD [analog] dubbing from SS70 or ST60, etc., allows audio and titles to be copied at the same time. Standard PC keyboard plug-in connection, for easy Mindisc titling using a PS/2-type computer keyboard. Mic mixer lets users combine mic audio input with CD and record to MD. FM Wide-band tuner (76.0 to 108.0 MHz). Sampling rate converter. Stereo/Mono recording. Large 21 X 5 character LCD with function that switches the display to a large font (in this mode it shows the current song playing, rather than the current song and the two next up). 'Joy Commander' remote control unit. SRS 3D Surround sound. MD-X8 (non PC) version available that does not include PCMCIA card.
PCMCIA Card: The PCMCIA card functions as a wave table synthesis card. The sound data is output as 16 bit samples at 44.1khz via a special (PS2 type) connector which plugs into the MDX8H/MDX5H MD units. If the input is a MIDI file the wave table synthesis converts it to 16 bit 44.1khz sampled audio data. If the data is in a recognised audio format ie. 16 bit 44.1khz then it is passed straight through. The data is in the same format is as if you were making a digital copy (optical or RF) from another CD or MD player. The card also provides a 2 way serial data communication for editing the UTOC data and controlling the basic function of the MD unit. The card provides a one-way interface only for audio data, from PC to MD.
Mis-features: The display is big and bright, and can't really be dimmed effectively. Worse yet, a degree of the light in the display and on the power button still shines after the unit has been turned off.
Specs: MD: Freq. Resp. 20-20kHz +1/-3dB, Wow and flutter: +/- .001%, Amp: 50W+50W. Speakers: Bass reflex, 15cm (6 inch) with 2.5cm dome tweeter.
Content adapted from: Sharp Press Release Sharp Specs Page Minidisc.org page Sharp Press Release (alt) Sharp Product Page getnavi.jp
