Sony MZ-R55

sony_mz-r55.jpg

Name MZ-R55
Manufacturer Sony
Released 1998/10
Device type portable
Recorder Recorder
MDLP No
NetMD No
Hi-MD No
Radio No
Dimensions 78.9 x 18.9 x 84 mm
Weight 147g (190g with battery)
ATRAC ver 4
Battery "Gumstick"
Battery notes
Sidecar (depr) 2xAA
Voltage 3
Power cable Center positive
Price (launch) $350
¥46 000
-
Inputs 3.5mm line in (optical multi), 3.5mm microphone
Outputs 3.5mm line out (analog-only), 3.5mm headphone
Control Remote (Sony)

Features: ATRAC 4 (IC: CXD2652AR). Unit is small, 75% the volume of the MZ-R50. 40 sec shock memory, backlit remote “stick controller” with 9 character display (vs. 6 in previous versions).

Operation, editing and track labeling functions available on remote as well as main body. Titling may be done while recording is in progress. Clamshell opens via push button (rather than slider). Two step bass boost. Selectable microphone sensitivity (HIGH/LOW). First recorder with 1.2V drive. Uses NiMH gumstick rechargeable battery (NH-14WM(A)).

Available in Silver, Vintage Gold, Silence Blue, and Illumination Yellow.

Sony announces the upcoming release of a USB to MiniDisc connection kit that will be bundled with the MZ-R55.

Missing features: Contrary to what is stated in the manual, the battery cannot be recharged while the unit is in use. When the unit is in the stopped state, pressing the stop button again will start the battery charging. In manual recording level mode, the unit must be paused to change the level setting (as with all Sony portables).

Notes: The MZ-R55's remote can be used with the MZ-R50, but in this case the backlight is inoperative (only the MZ-R55 emits the command codes needed to control the backlight). The MZ-R55 remote is completely interchangeable with the MZ-R37 remote. -Gerald Tomyn

Tips: Take special care to close the rechargeable battery compartment hatch carefully and completely; the plastic tabs at the corners have been known to break when they are not grasped completely by the metal hook edge inside the player.

Problems: Hoshing Kwong describes a circuit board fix for the Sony MZ-R55 self recording-start problem.

Variations: MZ-R55PCIF is a version that included a Xitel MD-PORT AN1 analog line adapter. MZ-R55CG - a possible later improvement claiming to be “slimmer” and with improved sound quality and using ATRAC 4.5. Sweetwater review

ATRAC Chip: CXD2652AR
Optical block: KMS-280A
MD Mechanism: MT-MZR55-161

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Content adapted from: Sony Press Release Minidisc.org MZ-R55 marlene-d.blogspot review

Manuals

Photos

Maximum PC Ad circa 1999:

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