Sony MZ-1
| Name | MZ-1 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Released | 1992/11 |
| Device type | portable |
| Recorder | Recorder |
| MDLP | No |
| NetMD | No |
| Hi-MD | No |
| Radio | No |
| Dimensions | 114w x 139h x 43d mm |
| Weight | ~680g (with battery) |
| ATRAC ver | 1 |
| Battery | BP-MZ1 |
| Sidecar battery | No |
| Voltage | 10.5 |
| Power cable | Center positive |
| Price (launch) | $750 |
| ¥92 000 | |
| - | |
| Inputs | 3.5mm line in (analog-only), 3.5mm microphone, Digital optical (TOSLINK) |
| Outputs | 3.5mm line out (analog-only), 3.5mm headphone, Digital optical (TOSLINK) |
| Control |
The very first MiniDisc (MD) unit on the market. Rather bulky, it had a lot of on-device controls, which turns out to be very useful since this unit did not support remotes. It also had a front loader instead of the clamshell seen in later devices for inserting discs.
Not ideal as a player today. It's quite heavy and bulky, with poor battery life. It is also rather collectable (being the first recorder) and you can get a much more practical netMD device for a lower price.
Display only lights up when plugged into AC power.
These days, the BP-MZ1s from the era are all dead. Currently, you can get 3D-printed shunts that allow this unit to be powered by modern lithium-ion 18650 cells.
Please see Modern Batteries for more information and links.
If using labels, do not use embossed (raised lettering) forms. They will get stuck when ejecting. It's a pain and a process to get the MD out, and will likely ruin the label.
MD Mechanism: MT-MZ1-106
Optical Pickup: KMS-130B
ATRAC IC: CXD2527R
Content adapted from: MZ-1 Minidisc.org Page Sony Design Gallery Page Stereo Review 11-1992 (page 6) Find the MZ-1 on eBay
Manuals
Repair/teardown
Test Mode on the Sony MZ-1:
With an AC cord unplugged and battery removed, short JR106 with a solder jumper. Plug in the AC cord, and the TEST mode will be activated. To deactivate the TEST mode, remove the solder jumper.
Discussion
Is this potentially something that can be fixed ?
Thanks