Onkyo MD-2521 User manual

Instruction Manual
MiniDisc Recorder
MD-2521
Contents
Before using
Important Safeguards ........................... 2
Precautions........................................... 3
Features................................................ 4
Supplied accessories ............................ 4
Before operating this unit .................... 4
Preparation
System connection ............................... 5
Remote controller ................................ 6
Precautions for handling
the MiniDisc (MD) ............................ 7
Operation
Playing an MD ..................................... 8
Using the program function
(Memory play) ................................. 13
Recording to an MD .......................... 14
Timer operation.................................. 20
Editing the contents of an MD........... 21
Naming a track or disc ....................... 25
A few important notes
Message list........................................ 27
Troubleshooting ................................. 28
Information ........................................ 29
Control positions and names.............. 31
Specifications..................................... 32
Thank you for your purchase of the Onkyo MD-2521 MD
Recorder.
Please read this manual thoroughly before making connections and
plugging in the AC power cord.
Following the instructions in this manual will enable you to obtain
optimum performance and maximum listening enjoyment from your
new MD-2521.
Please retain this manual for future reference.
(PUSH ENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT / NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER
MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITAL INPUT-2
STANDBY / ON
MEMORY CLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISC LOADING MECHANISM
3 DIGITAL INPUTS

2
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
13.Cleaning – The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended
by the manufacturer.
14.Nonuse Periods – The power cord of the appliance should be
unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of
time.
15.Object and Liquid Entry – Care should be taken so that objects
do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through
openings.
16.Damage Requiring Service – The appliance should be serviced by
qualified service personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the
appliance; or
C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a
marked change in performance; or
E. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
17.Servicing – The user should not attempt to service the appliance
beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other
servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
1. Read Instructions – All the safety and operating instructions
should be read before the appliance is operated.
2. Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should
be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the appliance and in the
operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions – All operating and use instructions should be
followed.
5. Water and Moisture – The appliance should not be used near
water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink,
laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and the
like.
6. Carts and Stands – The appliance should be used only with a cart
or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.
6A.An appliance and cart combination
should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces
may cause the appliance and cart
combination to overturn.
Important Safeguards
PORTABLE CART
WARNING
S3125A
7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting – The appliance should be mounted to
a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.
8. Ventilation – The appliance should be situated so that its location
or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For
example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug,
or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or if
placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that
may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings, there
should be free space of at least 5 cm (2 in.) and an opening behind
the appliance.
9. Heat – The appliance should be situated away from heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
10.Power Sources – The appliance should be connected to a power
supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as
marked on the appliance.
11.Polarization – If the appliance is provided with a polarized plug
having one blade wider than the other, please read the following
information: The polarization of the plug is a safety feature. The
polarized plug will only fit the outlet one way. If the plug does not
fit fully into the outlet, try reversing it. If there is still trouble, the
user should seek the services of a qualified electrician. Under no
circumstances should the user attempt to defeat the polarization of
the plug.
12.Power-Cord Protection – Power-supply cords should be routed so
that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them, especially near plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
•
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the
product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
•
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the product.
WARNING
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS
OUVRIR
AVIS
This label on the rear panel states that:
1. This unit is a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and employs a
laser inside the cabinet.
2. To prevent the laser from being exposed, do not remove the
cover. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
“CLASS 1 LASER
PRODUCT”
Special cautions for MD recorder
This unit contains a semiconductor laser system and is classified
as a “CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT”. So, to use this model
properly, read this Owner’s Manual carefully. In case of any
trouble, please contact the store where you purchased the unit. To
prevent being exposed to the laser beam, do not try to open the
enclosure.

3
1. Warranty Claim
You can find the serial number on the rear panel. In case of warranty
claim, please report this number.
2. Recording Copyright
Recording of copyrighted material for other than personal use is illegal
without permission of the copyright holder.
3. Power
WARNING
BEFORE PLUGGING IN THE UNIT FOR THE FIRST TIME,
READ THE FOLLOWING SECTION CAREFULLY.
• The voltage of the available power supply differs according to
country or region. Be sure that the power supply voltage of the area
where this unit will be used meets the required voltage (e.g.,
AC230V 50Hz or AC120V 60Hz) written on the rear panel.
• Voltage Selector
Worldwide models are equipped with a voltage selector to conform
with local power supplies. Be sure to set this switch to match the
power supply in your area before plugging in the unit.
4. Do not touch this unit with wet hands
Do not handle this unit or power cord when your hands are wet or
damp. If water or any other liquid enters the case, take this unit to an
authorized service center for inspection.
5. Location of this unit
• Place this unit in a well-ventilated location.
Take special care to provide plenty of ventilation on all sides of this
unit especially when it is placed in an audio rack. If ventilation is
blocked, this unit may overheat and malfunction.
• Do not expose this unit to direct sunlight or heating units as this
unit's internal temperature may rise and shorten the life of the pickup.
• Avoid damp and dusty places and places directly affected by
vibrations from the speakers. In particular, avoid placing the unit on
or above one of the speakers.
• Be sure this unit is placed in a horizontal position. Never place it on
its side or on a slanted surface as it may malfunction.
• Do not place near tuners or TV sets.
If placed next to a TV or tuner, it may cause reception interference
resulting in some noise in the TV or tuner output.
6. Care
From time to time you should wipe off the front and rear panels and the
cabinet with a soft cloth. For heavier dirt, dampen a soft cloth in a weak
solution of mild detergent and water, wring it out, and wipe away the
dirt. Following this, dry immediately with a clean cloth. Do not use
rough material, thinners, alcohol or other chemical solvents or cloths
since these may damage the finish or remove the panel lettering.
7. Points to remember
• If this unit is brought from a cold environment to a warm one or is in
a cold room that is quickly heated, condensation may form on the
pickup, preventing proper operation. In this case, remove the disc
and leave the power ON for about one hour to remove the
condensation.
• When transporting this unit, be careful not to bump it. FOR EUROPEAN MODEL
Precautions
FOR CANADIAN MODEL:
(POUR LE MODELE CANADIEN)
• For models having a power cord with a polarized plug
CAUTION:TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE
BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
THIS DIGITAL APPARATUS DOES NOT EXCEED THE CLASS B
LIMITS FOR RADIO NOISE EMISSION FROM DIGITAL APPARATUS
SET OUT IN THE RADIO INTERFERENCE REGULATIONS OF THE
CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS.
• Sur les modèles dont la fiche est polarisée.
ATTENTION:POUR ÉVITER LES CHOCS ÉLECTRIQUES,
INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS
LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER
JUSQ’AU FOND.
L'INTERFÉRENCE RADIO ÉLECTRIQUE GÉNÉRÉE PAR CET
APPAREIL NUMÉRIQUE DE TYPE B NE DÉPASSE PAS LES
LIMITES ÉNONCÉES DANS LE RÈGLEMENT SUR LES
PERTURBATIONS RADIO ÉLECTRIQUES, SECTION APPAREIL
NUMÉRIQUE, DU MINISTÈRE DES COMMUNICATIONS.
ATTENTION FOR BRITISH MODEL
Replacement and mounting of an AC plug on the power supply cord of
this unit should be performed only by qualified service personnel.
IMPORTANT
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the
following code:
Blue: Neutral
Brown: Live
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not
correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in
your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal in
the plug which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal
in the plug which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
IMPORTANT
A 5 amp fuse is fitted in this plug. Should the fuse need to be replaced,
please ensure that the replacement fuse has a rating of 5 amps and that
it is approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362. Check for the ASTA mark
or the BSI mark on the body of the fuse.
IF THE FITTED MOULDED PLUG IS UNSUITABLE FOR THE
SOCKET OUTLET IN YOUR HOME, THEN THE FUSE SHOULD
BE REMOVED AND THE PLUG CUT OFF AND DISPOSED OF
SAFELY. THERE IS A DANGER OF SEVERE ELECTRICAL
SHOCK IF THE CUT OFF PLUG IS INSERTED INTO ANY 13
AMP SOCKET.
If in any doubt, please consult a qualified electrician.
Declaration of Conformity
We, ONKYO EUROPE
ELECTRONICS GmbH
INDUSTRIESTRASSE 20
82110 GERMERING,
GERMANY
declare in own responsibility, that the ONKYO product described
in this instruction manual is in compliance with the corresponding
technical standards such as EN55013, EN55020, EN61000-3-2, -3-3
and EN60065
GERMERING, GERMANY
ONKYO EUROPE ELECTRONICS GmbH
K.OTSU
US and foreign patents licensed from Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.

4
Features
Outstanding sonic performance
Front-panel digital optical input
Front-panel analog stereo/mono switch
3 digital inputs(2 optical,1 coaxial);1 digital optical output
24-bit D/A converter
Built-in sampling rate converter
Convenient jog dial for track selection & character input
Brushed aluminium front panel
zcompatible full-function remote control
Supplied accessories
The number of accessories is indicated in brackets.
Check that the following accessories are supplied with this unit.
Before operating this unit
Inserting the remote controller batteries
Remove the battery compartment cover by opening it as shown in the
illustration. Load two R6 (UM-3) AA size batteries into the remote
controller with the plus (+) and minus (–) terminals positioned as indicated
by the diagram inside the battery compartment and close the cover.
• Remove dead batteries immediately to avoid corrosion damage.
• To avoid potential corrosion damage, never mix old batteries with
new ones.
• The manganese batteries supplied with this unit have a service life
of approximately six months, depending on frequency of usage.
• This unit comes equipped with R6 (UM-3) AA manganese
batteries, but we recommend that long-life alkaline batteries LR6
(AM-3) AA be used when replacing the batteries.
Using the remote controller
Direct the remote controller toward the remote sensor of the MD-2521.
Note that remote controller is not possible when there is an obstacle
between the remote controller and the sensor.
Note:
• Make sure that the unit's remote sensor is not exposed to strong
light such as direct sunlight and inverter fluorescent light.
• Using the remote controller near infrared-ray emitting equipment or
with other remote controllers may cause interference.
• Do not put a book or any other object on the remote controller.
Doing so may depress the buttons, consuming the batteries.
12 3
Remote control sensor
approx. 5m (16 feet)
MD-2521
30°
30°
Audio connection cable (2)
zcable (1)
Optical cable (1)
Remote controller (RC-339MD) (1)
Dry batteries UM-3 (2)

5
Digital amplifier
System connection
Connecting other components
1Connection with the amplifier
Connect the MD-2521 to the MD (or TAPE) jacks of your amplifier.
2Connection to digital input terminal (DIGITAL INPUT)
You can perform digital recording on the MD-2521 if a CD (Compact
Disc) player or DAT (Digital Audio Tapedeck) equipped with a digital
(OPTICAL/COAXIAL) output terminal is available. Use an optical
Connection for remote control (z)
The zjacks allow you to connect other Onkyo z-compatible products
for system operation. If your MD-2521 is connected to an z-compatible
CD player, for example, you can perform CD-synchro recording (see page
18). Furthermore, if your Onkyo z-compatible amplifier or receiver is
equipped with MD jacks and is connected properly, you can operate the
MD recorder using the remote controller supplied with that product.
Note:
• The upper and lower zREMOTE CONTROL jacks have the
same function.
• Do not attempt to connect the zjack to any equipment other than
an ONKYO component that are equipped with an zjack. Doing
so could cause the unit to malfunction.
fiber cable for connection to the DIGITAL INPUT 1 or 2 terminal. The
DIGITAL INPUT 2 terminal is provided on both the front and rear panel.
The one on the front panel takes precedence if input is simultaneously
made to both terminals. Use a coaxial cable for connection to the
DIGITAL INPUT 3 terminal. These terminals can also be used for
connecting an amplifier which is equipped with a digital output terminal.
Note:
If you attempt to perform digital recording using a digital input terminal
which is not connected, “D.In Unlock” will appear.
Note:
Use the DIGITAL INPUT 1 terminal if you connect an Onkyo z-
compatible CD player (for example, DX-7511 and DX-7211).
3Connection to digital output terminal (DIGITAL OUTPUT)
If your amplifier or receiver has a digital (OPTICAL) input terminal
(DIGITAL INPUT), using this terminal provides clearer and more
dynamic sound output.
Analog amplifier Digital equipment
such as CD and
DAT
To AC outlet
(See "Power connection"
on page 6)
• Do not plug in the AC power cord until all other connections have been made.
• On each pair of input or output jacks, the jack (marked R) corresponds to the right channel, and the jack (marked L) to the left channel. Refer to
the amplifier's instruction manual for further information on connections.
• Do not fold optical cables into a short length or wind them up into a coil with a small radius.
• Avoid bundling the audio connection cables with the power cord or speaker cables. Doing so may cause degraded sound reproduction.
• Terminal protection caps are attached to the DIGITAL INPUT/OUTPUT terminals. Remove the cap for the terminal you wish to use when
connecting the MD-2521 to digital equipment. Replace the caps if you are not using the DIGITAL INPUT/OUTPUT terminals.
LRLR
(REC) (PLAY) OUTPUT
OPTICAL COAXIAL
1
OPTICAL
INPUT
*1
Optical cable
(1 cable included)
*2
Coaxial cable
(not included)
DIGITAL
INPUT DIGITAL
OUTPUT
OPTICAL OPTICALCOAXIAL
MINIDISC RECORDER
MODEL NO. MD-2521
RATING:
WARNING
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NEPASOUYRIR
L
R
123
"CLASS 1 LASER
PRODUCT"
23
zcable
(included)
Audio connection
cable
(included)
ANALOG
INPUT
(REC) OUTPUT
(PLAY)
REMOTE
CONTROL
R
L
2
*2 *1
*1
DIGITAL INPUT-2
(See below) Improper connection
Insert completely.
Insert the plugs and connectors
securely. Remember that improper
connection can result in noise,
poor performance, or damage to
the equipment.

6
Remote controller
You can use the following buttons to control your MD recorder.
1. POWER button [8]
2. PLAY MODE buttons [11,13]
3. Number and character buttons [10,13,25]
4. Operation buttons
e: Stop button [8]
s: Play button [8]
g: Pause button [8]
oREC : Rec button [14,16,19]
d: Fast Reverse button [11,26]
f: Fast Forward button [11,26]
q: Down button [10,25]
w: Up button [10,25]
5. SCROLL button [9]
6. A-SPACE button [12]
7. M.SCAN button [11]
8. CLEAR button [13,26]
9. ENTER button [25]
10. NAME button [25]
11. DISPLAY button [9]
12. A-B repeat button [12]
13. REPEAT button [12]
POWER
REMOTE CONTROL RC-339MD
CONTINUE
PLAY MODE
RANDOM MEMORY
REPEAT
>25 M.SCAN
CLEAR
ENTER
NAME
SCROLL DISPLAY
1
A
2345
678910
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25
BCDE
FGHI J
KLMNO
PQRST
UVWXY
Z
.,
/?!()
REC
A-B A-SPACE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Power connection
Connecting the AC power cord and switching power on
Insert the AC power cord into a wall outlet. The STANDBY indicator
will light.
Note:
To insert the AC power cord into an AC outlet on the rear panel of
another components, use the UNSWITCHED outlet.
Remote controller
(PUSHENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT/ NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITALINPUT-2
STANDBY/ ON
MEMORYCLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISCLOADING MECHANISM
3DIGITAL INPUTS
(PUSHENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT/ NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITALINPUT-2
STANDBY/ ON
MEMORYCLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISCLOADING MECHANISM
3DIGITAL INPUTS
STANDBY indicator
To AC outlet

7
Precautions for handling the MiniDisc (MD)
Protect Recordings from Accidental Erasure
You can make your MDs impossible to be recorded on by sliding the
record-protect tab on the MDs to open the record-protect hole. To make
the MDs recordable again, return the record-protect tab.
Storage Period of Backup Data
The recorded contents will be backed up inside the MD-2521 even if
the MD recorder’s power cord is accidentally unplugged or if a power
failure occurs before they are stored to the disc (when is lit) or
when they are being stored to the disc (when is flashing). You
can restore the data which was backed up during such an accident or
power failure by pressing the STANDBY/ON button after plugging in
the power cord or immediately after the power failure is solved. Note,
however, that the period in which the backup data is stored is approx.
only 2 weeks. So, especially after a power failure, perform the above
procedures as soon as possible after power is restored.
Cartridge
Shutte
a Rear side
b Record-protect tab
c Record-protect hole
d Front side
The MD is housed in a cartridge, so you can handle it without worrying
about dust and fingerprints. Even so, a dirty or warped cartridge may
cause malfunction. Always remember the following precautions so you
can enjoy high-quality sound for a long time.
Do not touch the disc in the cartridge directly with your fingers.
Do not open the shutter by hand. Doing so may damage the disc.
Storage location
Avoid storing MDs in a place subject to direct sunlight, high
temperature, or high humidity.
When the unit is not to be used for an extended period
Remove the MD from the unit to avoid dust entering the MD cartridge.
When the MD is in the unit, the shutter of the MD cartridge remains
open.
Regular care
Wipe off dust and dirt accumulated on the cartridge surface with a dry
cloth.
Removing the halfway inserted MD
If the "self-rock function" is activated and the MD cannot be removed,
push the MD further into the MD recorder and then press the rEJECT
button to remove the MD.
d
a
b
c

8
23145678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
-SYNCLEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
Current track number
The total number of tracks
Playing track number
PLAY indicator
POWER
REMOTE CONTROL RC-339MD
CONTINUE
PLAY MODE
RANDOM
MEMORY
REPEAT A-B
>25 A-SPACE M.SCAN
CLEAR
ENTER
NAME
SCROLL DISPLAY
1
A
2345
678910
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25
BCDE
FGHI J
KLMNO
PQRST
UVWX Y
Z
.,
/?!()
REC
3
g
e
SCROLL
g PAUSE
e STOP
Remote controller
s PLAY
* Insert an MD with its label side up into the MD
recorder in the direction indicated by the arrow.
1POWER
Playing an MD
Normal play
1. Press the STANDBY/ON button (or the POWER button on the
remote controller).
The STANDBY indicator will go out.
2. Insert an MD.
The MD recorder reads TOC (Table Of Contents) information on
the MD to display the total number of tracks and total playing time.
•When an MD recorded with a disc name (title) is inserted, the disc
name is displayed. If the disc name is too long and you cannot view
the entire name, press the SCROLL button on your remote
controller to shift the display. When a premastered disc is inserted,
each track number is displayed in a box (for example, 1, 2).
3. Press the sPLAY button (or the sbutton on the remote
controller).
The first track of the disc starts playing.
Note:
If the record-protect tab is open while playing a recordable MD, the
display may show "Protected". You can ignore this message because it
does not affect the playing of tracks.
Stopping play
Press the eSTOP button (or the ebutton on the remote
controller).
Stopping play temporarily
Press the gPAUSE button (or the gbutton on the remote
controller).
To resume play, press the sPLAY button.
2
3
STANDBY
STANDBY / ON
TRACK
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
-SYNCLEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
-SYNCLEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
(PUSH ENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT / NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER
MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITAL INPUT-2
STANDBY / ON
MEMORY CLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISC LOADING MECHANISM
3 DIGITAL INPUTS
zc
x
e STOP
g PAUSE
(PUSH ENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT / NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER
MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITAL INPUT-2
STANDBY / ON
MEMORY CLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISC LOADING MECHANISM
3 DIGITAL INPUTS

9
Playing an MD
If the DISPLAY button is pressed when the MD recorder is
playing...
↓
DISPLAY
Remote controller
↓
DISPLAY
DISPLAY
POWER
REMOTE CONTROL RC-339MD
CONTINUE
PLAY MODE
RANDOM
MEMORY
REPEAT A-B
>25 A-SPACE M.SCAN
CLEAR
ENTER
NAME
SCROLL DISPLAY
1
A
2345
678910
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25
BCDE
FGHI J
KLMNO
PQRST
UVWX Y
Z.,
/?!()
REC
DISPLAY
SCROLL
r EJECT
DISPLAY
DISPLAY
DISPLAY
To take out the the MD
Press the rr
rr
rEJECT button.
Listening with the headphones
Plug the headphones into the PHONES jack, and then adjust the
sound level using the PHONES LEVEL knob.
• Turn the knob clockwise to increase the sound level; turn it
counterclockwise to decrease the sound level.
Changing the display mode
When the MD recorder is playing...
Pressing the DISPLAY button changes the display in the following
sequence:
Playing track number and elapsed time
↓
Playing track number and remaining playing time
↓
Track name ("No Name" when not set)
(See page 25 Naming a track or disc)
When the MD recorder is stopped...
Pressing the DISPLAY button changes the display in the following
sequence:
Total number of tracks on the MD and its total playing time
↓
Time remaining for recording on the MD (Disc name if it is a
prerecorded MD software disc)
↓
Disc name ("No Name" when not set)
If the track name is too long to display...
You can scroll the track name by pressing the SCROLL button on the
remote controller.
Press the SCROLL button when the track name is scrolling to stop the
scrolling of the track name; press the SCROLL button again to resume
the scrolling of the track name.
TRACK
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
-SYNCLEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
TRACK
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
-SYNCLEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
TRACKTITLE
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
-SYNCLEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
(PUSH ENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT / NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITAL INPUT-2
STANDBY / ON
MEMORY CLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISC LOADING MECHANISM
3 DIGITAL INPUTS
r EJECT
DISPLAY
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT / NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
oREC
MAXMIN

10
Remote controller
TRACK
8910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
-SYNCLEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
>25
12345
678910
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25
FGHI J
KLMNO
PQRST
UVWXY
Z
.,
/
w
Remote controller
Playing an MD
POWER
REMOTE CONTROL RC-339MD
CONTINUE
PLAY MODE
RANDOM MEMORY
REPEAT A-B
>25 A-SPACE M.SCAN
CLEAR
ENTER
NAME
SCROLL DISPLAY
1
A
2345
678910
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25
BCDE
FGHI J
KLMNO
PQRST
UVWXY
Z.,
/?!()
REC
q,w
Number buttons
Selecting the track to play using the number
buttons
Press the number button on the remote controller to select the
track you want to play.
Note:
To play a track numbered 26 or more...
Press the [>25] button first. Set a value for the 10th place and then the
1st place using the number buttons in this order. ("0" can be entered by
pressing the [10] button.)
Ex.
To select the 30th track:
[>25] + [3] + [10]
To select the 100th track:
[>25] + [>25] + [1] + [10] + [10]
When the 21st or later track is playing, the >20 indicator lights.
Changing the playing track using the AMCS
During play, you can change the track that is playing by turning the
AMCS knob (or by pressing the qand wbuttons on the remote
controller).
If the MD recorder is stopped, turn the AMCS knob to select the track
number you wish to play, and press that knob. With the remote
controller, use the qor wbutton to select the track, then press
the sbutton.
To play the next track or a later track...
Turn the AMCS knob clockwise (or press the wbutton on the
remote controller several times) until the desired track is located.
To start play again from the beginning of the track that is
currently playing or to play the previous track or an earlier
track...
Turn the AMCS knob counterclockwise (or press the qbutton on
the remote controller several times) until the desired track is located.
In the memory play mode (see page 28), turning the AMCS knob (or
pressing the qor wbutton) selects the track in the programmed
sequence.
(PUSH ENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT / NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER
MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITAL INPUT-2
STANDBY / ON
MEMORY CLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISC LOADING MECHANISM
3 DIGITAL INPUTS
qAMCSw
q

11
Playing an MD
M.SCAN
Remote controller
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
-SYNCLEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
Flashes
POWER
REMOTE CONTROL RC-339MD
CONTINUE
PLAY MODE
RANDOM
MEMORY
REPEAT A-B
>25 A-SPACE M.SCAN
CLEAR
ENTER
NAME
SCROLL DISPLAY
1
A
2345
678910
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25
BCDE
FGHI J
KLMNO
PQRST
UVWXY
Z.,
/?!()
REC M.SCAN
RANDOM
s
d,f
Remote controller
s
TRACK
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
-SYNCLEVEL
RANDOM
DIGITAL IN 1
s PLAY
RANDOM
RANDOM
Remote controller
RANDOM
Remote controller
Remote controller
df
df
f
f
1
2
Music Scan (Remote controller only)
The following operation is possible using the remote controller only.
Pressing the M.SCAN button plays the beginning (8 seconds) of
each track on the disc in sequence whether the MD recorder is
either playing or stopped.
The sindicator flashes during music scan.
You can press the sbutton on the remote controller when the
beginning of a track is playing to start normal play from that track.
Searching for a part to play (Search play)
Searching for a part to play by sound (at play)
During play, hold down the dor fbutton and release it when
the part you want to hear is playing.
Searching for a part to play by using displayed time (at pause,
high-speed search)
When playing is temporarily stopped (paused), keep pressing the d
or fbutton and release it when the playing time of the part you
want to hear is displayed. Press the sPLAY button (or the sbutton
on the remote controller) to start playing from that part.
Note:
• "Over" in the display indicates that the end of the last track is
reached.
Playing tracks in a random order (Random play)
1. When the MD recorder is stopped, press the RANDOM button.
2. Press the sPLAY button (or the sbutton on the remote
controller).
To exit the random mode
When the MD recorder is stopped, press the RANDOM button. (Or,
press the CONTINUE button on the remote controller.)
(PUSH ENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT / NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER
MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITAL INPUT-2
STANDBY / ON
MEMORY CLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISC LOADING MECHANISM
3 DIGITAL INPUTS
RANDOM
d,f
d
d

12
POWER
REMOTE CONTROL RC-339MD
CONTINUE
PLAY MODE
RANDOM MEMORY
REPEAT A-B
>25 A-SPACE M.SCAN
CLEAR
ENTER
NAME
SCROLL DISPLAY
1
A
2345
678910
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25
BCDE
FGHI J
KLMNO
PQRST
UVWXY
Z
.,
/?!()
REC
A-B
REPEAT
REPEAT
Remote controller
REPEAT
REPEAT 1
Remote controller
REPEAT
REPEAT
REPEAT
A-B
Remote
controller
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
REPEAT A
-SYNC
B
-
LEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
Flashes
A-B
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
REPEAT A
-SYNC
B
-
LEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
Remote controller
A-SPACE
A.SPACE
Playing an MD
Playing track(s) or desired section repeatedly
To repeat the playing of all tracks of the disc, press the REPEAT
button on the remote controller just once.
• If the REPEAT button is pressed during memory play...
Only the programmed tracks will be played repeatedly in the
programmed order.
• If the REPEAT button is pressed during random play...
The contents of the entire MD will be played again repeatedly with
the playing order changed each time a random play begins.
To repeat the playing of the track currently playing, press the
REPEAT button on the remote controller twice.
Note:
In memory play or random play, you cannot repeat the currently
playing track (REPEAT 1).
To stop the repeat play...
Press the REPEAT button once or twice until the "REPEAT" indicator
disappears.
To repeat a desired section of a track... (Remote controller only)
1. While the track is playing, specify the beginning of the section
you wish to repeat playing by pressing the A-B button on the
remote controller (Point A).
2. While the track is still playing, specify the end of the section by
pressing the A-B button on the remote controller (Point B) a
second time.
Section A to B of the track will be repeated.
To stop the repeating of the section...
Press the REPEAT button and the "REPEAT A-B" indicator
disappears. Otherwise, press the STOP button or the A-B button.
Note:
You must specify the Points A and B (representing the section to be
repeated) within the same track.
Using the Auto Space function (Remote controller only)
This feature is useful when you record onto a cassette tape.
Press the A-SPACE button on the remote controller.
The A.SPACE indicator will appear in the display. If you now start
recording to the tape, a silent section of about 3 seconds will be
inserted between the recorded tracks.
To cancel the Auto Space mode...
Press the A-SPACE button again.
The A.SPACE indicator will go out and the mode will be canceled.
(PUSH ENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT / NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER
MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITAL INPUT-2
STANDBY / ON
MEMORY CLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISC LOADING MECHANISM
3 DIGITAL INPUTS
RREPEAT
REPEAT
REPEAT

13
Remote controller
>25
12345
678910
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25
FGHI J
KLMNO
PQRST
UVWXY
Z
.,
/
Remote controller
MEMORY
MEMORY
MEMORY
s
Remote controller
TRACK
45 789
11 20
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
MEMORY
-SYNCLEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
Playing track number
PLAY indicator
s PLAY
TRACK
4
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
MEMORY
-SYNCLEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
Programmed track
Programmed track number
qAMCSw
POWER
REMOTE CONTROL RC-339MD
CONTINUE
PLAY MODE
RANDOM MEMORY
REPEAT A-B
>25 A-SPACE M.SCAN
CLEAR
ENTER
NAME
SCROLL DISPLAY
1
A
2345
678910
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25
BCDE
FGHI J
KLMNO
PQRST
UVWXY
Z
.,
/?!()
REC
1
2
3
CLEARe
Playing time of programmed track
1
2
3
Using the program function (Memory play)
1. When the MD recorder is stopped, press the MEMORY button.
2. Using the AMCS knob, select the tracks in the order you want
to play.
Turn the AMCS knob until the track number you want to program
is displayed (the playing time of the track is displayed). Then, press
the AMCS knob to program the track.
To play a track numbered 26 or more...
Press the [>25] button first. Set a value for the 10th place and then
the 1st place using the number buttons in this order. ("0" can be
entered by pressing the [10] button.)
Ex.
To select the 30th track
[>25] + [3] + [10]
To select the 100th track
[>25] + [>25] + [1] + [10] + [10]
3. Press the sPLAY button (or the sbutton on the remote
controller) to start memory play.
When the playing of all programmed tracks is over, the MD
recorder stops while retaining the programmed tracks in memory.
Exiting the Memory play mode:
When the MD recorder is stopped, press the MEMORY button and
"MEMORY" disappears from the display. (Or, press the CONTINUE
button on the remote controller.)
Clearing the last track stored:
Press the STOP button, or the CLEAR button, when the Memory play
is stopped. The last track in memory is cleared.
To add tracks to the program:
First stop playing the program and then follow the procedure described
in step 2.
• You can program up to 25 tracks.
• If the total playing time of the programmed tracks exceeds 1000 minutes, "---m--s" will be displayed.
• Tracks with an extremely short playing time may not be programmed. If you attempt to do so, "Too Short" will be displayed.
TRACK
4
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
MEMORY
-SYNCLEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
(PUSH ENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT / NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER
MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITAL INPUT-2
STANDBY / ON
MEMORY CLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISC LOADING MECHANISM
3 DIGITAL INPUTS
z
c
x
e STOP
CLEAR

14
Flashes
TRACK
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
ANALOG IN
-SYNCLEVEL
oREC
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
-SYNCLEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
Total recorded time
Number of tracks on MD
1
2
3
23145678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
-SYNCLEVEL
ANALOG IN
4
5
6
Recording to an MD
• When "Protected" is shown in the display, it indicates that the
record-protect tab of the MD is open. Before starting the recording
procedure, close the tab. (See page 7.)
Recording from an analog source
1. Press the STANDBY/ON button.
The STANDBY indicator will go out.
2. Load a recordable MD.
To check the time remaining for recording...
When the MD recorder is stopped, press the DISPLAY button.
Each press of the DISPLAY button changes the display as follows:
The number of tracks on MD and the total recorded time →
Remaining recording time on MD →Disc name ("No Name" when
not set)
3. Select the "ANALOG (STEREO or MONO)" mode using the
INPUT selector switch.
The analog input source is now selected.
Note:
Make sure that the Input and Rec selectors on the amplifier are set
to the "Recording Source" position.
The MD's recording time will be doubled if you select "ANALOG
MONO" instead of "ANALOG STEREO".
Note:
Even if "ANALOG MONO" is selected, the input source should be
connected so that signals are fed to both the L and R jacks of the
ANALOG INPUT connector.
4. Select the position (track number) of the MD where you wish to
start recording.
• If a new MD is used for recording, or if you wish to record over
existing track(s) of an MD, ignore this step and proceed to step 5.
• To record while erasing existing tracks on a prerecorded MD...
Turn the AMCS knob to select the track number from which you
wish to start recording. (The selected track number will flash.) The
recording will be performed while erasing that track and, if any, the
subsequent tracks, as the recording time requires.
• To record by erasing all of the existing tracks on a prerecorded
MD...
Start recording with Track 1 selected using the AMCS knob or after
erasing the whole contents of the MD (see "To erase all tracks of an
MD" on page 21).
5. Start playing the recording source and then press the oo
oo
oREC
button on the MD-2521.
The MD recorder is now in the recording standby mode.
If you have selected a track over which you start recording, the
"TRACK" indicator and the track numbers of that track and later
track(s) in the track number display will flash.
6. Using the REC LEVEL knob, adjust the recording level.
Adjust the position of the REC LEVEL knob so that the indicator
occasionally enters the -4 to -2 range.
When adjustment of the recording level is complete, stop playing the
source.
STANDBY
STANDBY / ON
INPUT
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
(PUSH ENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT / NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER
MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITAL INPUT-2
STANDBY / ON
MEMORY CLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISC LOADING MECHANISM
3 DIGITAL INPUTS
zc b
v
x
n
(PUSH ENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT / NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITAL INPUT-2
STANDBY / ON
MEMORY CLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISC LOADING MECHANISM
3 DIGITAL INPUTS
TRACK
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
ANALOG IN
-SYNCLEVEL
-4 ‘-2
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
TRACK
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
ANALOG IN
-SYNCLEVEL

15
REC indicator
s PLAY
1
EDIT / NO
2YES
or
EDIT / NO
YES
LEVEL-SYNC indicator
7
8
7. Set the "Level Sync" mode for automatic recording of the track
numbers.
LevelSync is the function which marks track numbers when the
source input level starts raising from a minimum point. If the
LevelSync function is on, the track numbers will automatically be
marked while recording onto the MD.
When the LEVEL-SYNC indicator is lit, the LevelSync function is
on. If you set LevelSync to Off, the indicator will be turned off.
To change the LevelSync setting, execute the following steps while
the MD is recording or in recording pause.
First press the EDIT/NO button ("Level Sync?" appears) and then
the YES button ("Off→On?" or "On→Off?" is shown depending
on the current setting). To change the current setting, press the YES
button; Otherwise, press the EDIT/NO button.
Note:
•The MD recorder determines the end and beginning of tracks by the
strength of the input signals. Therefore, for some recording sources
which include silent passages, track numbers will not be marked
correctly.
To manually record a track number...
While recording, press the oREC button when you wish to mark a
track number.
If you wish to mark two or more track numbers sequentially, provide
a sufficient interval between each press of the o REC button. Too
short an interval may lead to a failure in marking track numbers.
8. Press the sPLAY button to start recording and then start
playing the recording source immediately.
The MD recorder stops automatically when recording of the disc is
completed up to the final track.
To stop recording temporarily...
Press the gPAUSE button. To resume recording, press the sPLAY
button again.
To stop recording and check the contents of recording...
Press the eSTOP button. When recording has been stopped, the first
of the newly recorded track numbers is shown in flashing display,
allowing you to playback the newly recorded contents from the
beginning by pressing the sPLAY button.
To playback from the beginning of the MD, immediately after
recording is stopped, press the eSTOP button again. Then, press the
sPLAY button to start playback.
To eject the MD...
Press the eSTOP button and then the rEJECT button.
Note:
If is flashing when you press the rEJECT button or the
STANDBY/ON button, it means the MD recorder is writing the
recorded contents onto the MD. During this period, do not disconnect
the power cord or apply strong vibrations to the MD recorder. Doing so
may prevent normal recording onto the MD.
If the MD recorder's power cord is plugged into the SWITCHED power
outlet on the rear panel of the amplifier etc., do not power off the
amplifier until the indicator disappears.
Recording to an MD
TRACK
231 45678910
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
ANALOG IN
-SYNCLEVEL
TOC
(PUSH ENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT / NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER
MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITAL INPUT-2
STANDBY / ON
MEMORY CLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISC LOADING MECHANISM
3 DIGITAL INPUTS
m
,
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
ANALOG IN
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
-SYNCLEVEL
ANALOG IN

16
TRACK
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
-SYNCLEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
Flashing
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
DIGITAL
-SYNC
IN 1
LEVEL
Lights
231 45678910
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
-SYNCLEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
Total recorded time
Number of tracks on MD
1
2
3
4
5
STANDBY
STANDBY / ON
• This MD recorder contains a digital input signal sampling rate
converter.
This converter can handle the following sampling frequencies:
44.1 kHz (CD player, etc.)
32 kHz (DAT, satellite broadcasting, etc.)
48 kHz (DAT, satellite broadcasting, etc.)
Recording to an MD
Recording from a digital source
1. Press the STANDBY/ON button.
The STANDBY indicator will go out.
2. Load a recordable MD.
To check the time remaining for recording...
When the MD recorder is stopped, press the DISPLAY button.
Each press of the DISPLAY button changes the display as follows:
The number of tracks on MD and the total recorded time →
Remaining recording time on MD →Disc name ("No Name" when
not set)
3. Select the "DIGITAL-1", "DIGITAL-2" or "DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)" mode using the INPUT selector switch.
The digital input source is now selected.
DIGITAL-1: Select if you have connected the recording source
equipment to DIGITAL IN 1.
DIGITAL-2: Select if you have connected the recording source
equipment to DIGITAL IN 2.
The DIGITAL INPUT 2 terminal is provided on both the front and
rear panel. The one on the front panel takes precedence if input is
simultaneously made to both terminals.
DIGITAL-3: Select if you have connected the recording source
equipment to DIGITAL IN 3.
Note:
If you attempt to perform digital recording using a digital input
terminal which is not connected, “D.In Unlock” will appear.
Use the DIGITAL IN 1 terminal if you connect the unit to an
Onkyo CD player with DIGITAL OPTICAL output terminal (for
example, DX-7511).
4. Select the position (track number) of the MD where you wish to
start recording.
• If a new MD is used for recording, or if you wish to record over the
existing track(s) of an MD, ignore this step and proceed to step 5.
• To record while erasing existing tracks on a prerecorded MD...
Turn the AMCS knob to select the track number from which you
wish to start recording. (The selected track number will flash.) The
recording will be performed while erasing that track and, if any, the
subsequent tracks, as the recording time requires.
• To record by erasing all of the existing tracks on a prerecorded
MD...
Start recording with Track 1 selected using the AMCS knob or after
erasing the whole contents of the MD (see "To erase all tracks of an
MD" on page 21).
5. Press the oo
oo
oREC button.
The MD recorder is now in the recording standby mode.
The sampling frequency (32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, or 48 kHz) of the
digital input source is indicated in the display.
Note:
If the display shows "D.In Unlock", the digital input source has not
been connected correctly. Check the connection of the digital input
source.
INPUT
DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG
(PUSH ENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT / NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER
MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITAL INPUT-2
STANDBY / ON
MEMORY CLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISC LOADING MECHANISM
3 DIGITAL INPUTS
zc b
n
m
v
(PUSH ENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT / NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITAL INPUT-2
STANDBY / ON
MEMORY CLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISC LOADING MECHANISM
3 DIGITAL INPUTS
oREC
TRACK
231 45678910
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L
R
-40 -30 -20 -10 -4 -2 0
DIGITAL
-SYNC
IN 1
44.1kHz
LEVEL

17
If overwrite-recording is started at the
beginning of a track
Recording was stopped here.
Recording was started here.
Newly recorded track
If overwrite-recording is started in the
middle of a track
Recording was started here.
Newly recorded track
Recording was stopped here.
1
2
or
EDIT / NO
YES
LEVEL-SYNC indicator
REC indicator
TRACK
TOC
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DIGITAL
-SYNC
IN 1
44.1kHz
LEVEL
6
7
s PLAY
Recording to an MD
6. Set the "Level Sync" mode for automatic recording of the track
numbers.
• If the Rec source is "CD" or "MD", track numbers are recorded
automatically. So simply go ahead to the next step.
LevelSync is the function which marks track numbers when the
source input level starts raising from a minimum point. If the
LevelSync function is on, the track numbers will automatically be
marked while recording onto the MD.
When the LEVEL-SYNC indicator is lit, the LevelSync function is
on. If you set LevelSync to Off, the indicator will be turned off.
To change the LevelSync setting, execute the following steps while
the MD is recording or in recording pause.
First press the EDIT/NO button ("Level Sync?" appears) and then
the YES button ("Off→On?" or "On→Off?" is shown depending on
the current setting). To change the current setting, press the YES
button; Otherwise, press the EDIT/NO button.
To manually record a track number...
During recording, press the oREC button when you wish to mark
the track number.
Note:
In order for the MD recorder to record the track numbers
automatically, the digital input signals must include the information
of the beginning and ending points of the recorded tracks. If your
input source cannot output this information, however, the track
numbers will not be recorded automatically. In this case, use the
Level Sync function.
7. Start recording.
Press the sPLAY button and then start playing the recording
source immediately.
The MD recorder stops automatically when recording of the disc is
completed up to the final track.
To stop recording temporarily...
Press the gPAUSE button. To resume recording, press the sPLAY
button again.
To stop recording and check the contents of recording...
Press the eSTOP button. When recording has been stopped, the first
of the newly recorded track numbers is shown in flashing display,
allowing you to playback the newly recorded contents from the
beginning by pressing the sPLAY button.
To playback from the beginning of the MD, immediately after
recording is stopped, press the eSTOP button again. Then, press the
sPLAY button to start playback.
To eject the MD...
Press the eSTOP button and then the rEJECT button.
Note:
If is flashing when you press the rEJECT button or the
STANDBY/ON button, it means the MD recorder is writing the
recorded contents onto the MD. During this period, do not disconnect
the power cord or apply strong vibrations to the MD recorder. Doing so
may prevent normal recording onto the MD.
If the MD recorder's power cord is plugged into the SWITCHED power
outlet on the rear panel of the amplifier etc., do not power off the
amplifier until the indicator disappears.
Overwrite-recording
If you start recording while erasing tracks following the specified track
(which is called “overwrite-recording”) and stop before the previously
recorded track has been completely erased, the unerased part of the
track following the point which the recording has been stopped will be
recorded as an independent new track.
During overwrite-recording, the "TRACK" indicator flashes.
EDIT / NO
YES
123456
↓↓
12 3 45
↑ ↑
123456
↓↓
12 56
↑ ↑
34
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DIGITAL IN 1
44.1kHz
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-40 -30 -20 -10
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-SYNCLEVEL
DIGITAL IN 1
44.1kHz

18
CD player
(DX-7511, DX-7211 etc.)
s PLAY
oREC
(MD-2521)
1
2
Useful functions available during digital recording
If "Auto Cut" appears during digital recording...
This message appears if more than 30 seconds of silence on the source
is encountered during digital recording. If this occurs, the MD recorder
will stop recording and enter the recording standby mode, while leaving
an apploximately 5 second silence on the MD.
To resume recording, press the sPLAY button.
If "Smart Space" appears during digital recording.
This message appears if more than 3 seconds and less than 30 seconds
of silence is encountered during digital recording.
If this occurs, the MD recorder will insert an apploximately 5 second
silence and wait for the sound to follow after the silence to continue the
recording.
CD-synchro recording
If your MD-2521 is connected to an Onkyo z-compatible CD player
(for example, DX-7511 and DX-7211), you can start recording by
simply pressing the PLAY button on the CD player.
1. Set the MD recorder to the recording standby mode.
For how to set the MD recorder to the recording standby mode and
the necessary preparatory steps, see "Recording to an MD" on page
14-17.
You can perform CD-synchro recording only when the MD-2521’s
DIGITAL IN 1 terminal is connected to the digital output terminal
of the CD player via an optical cable.
2. Start playing the CD.
The MD recorder starts recording as soon as the CD starts playing.
If your cassette deck is also in the recording standby mode, it starts
recording simultaneously.
When playing of the CD completes, the MD recorder stops
recording and enters the recording standby mode.
To stop CD-synchro recording...
Press the STOP button on the CD player. The MD recorder then enters
the recording standby mode.
Recording to an MD
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-
DIGITAL
-SYNC
IN 1
44.1kHz
LEVEL
TOC
TRACK
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DIGITAL
-SYNC
IN 1
44.1kHz
LEVEL

19
1
2
Signal Synchro recording
Even if your recording source is not Onkyo z-compatible, you can
perform synchronized recording.
1. When stopped, press the INPUT button until "Digital In1",
"Digital In2", "Digital In3", "A.In Stereo", "A.In Mono"
appears.
You can perform signal synchro recording with both digital and
analog recording sources.
2. Press the EDIT/NO button until "Signal Rec?" appears.
3. Press the YES button.
"Complete" appears, then the unit enters the Signal Wait mode.
Recording start as soon as the unit receivessignals from the
recording source while "Signal Wait" is displayed.
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DIGITAL
-SYNC
IN 1
LEVEL
INPUT
DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG
EDIT / NO
YES
Recording to an MD
3
(PUSH ENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT / NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER
MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITAL INPUT-2
STANDBY / ON
MEMORY CLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISC LOADING MECHANISM
3 DIGITAL INPUTS
z
x
c
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-SYNC
IN 1
LEVEL

20
TIMER
OFF
REC PLAY
TIMER
OFF
REC PLAY
or
1
2
3
Timer operation
Using the Audio Timer
You can use a commercially available audio timer for recording and
playing.
1. Load an MD.
• When recording onto an MD which already contains program
material, the new contents will be recorded on the MD following
the existing tracks.
2. Set the timer switch of the MD-2521 to "REC" or "PLAY".
• Set the audio timer approximately 1 minute earlier than actually
you want to start recording. The MD recorder may require time to
write to and to read out the TOC after it is activated by the timer.
• For how to set your audio timer, see the instruction manual that
came with it.
3. Plug in the AC power cord of the MD-2521 to the audio timer.
• If the MD becomes full during recording, the recording will stop
immediately with the MD recorder entered in the STANDBY
mode.
• After using the audio timer for recording, be sure to energize the
MD recorder (by plugging in its AC power cord to a wall outlet or
the UNSWITCHED outlet of another system component) within 2
weeks. If the MD recorder is not energized during that period, the
recorded materials may be lost.
MD-2521
Timer
(PUSH ENTER)
qAMCSw
f
r EJECT
DISPLAY EDIT / NO YES
g PAUSE e STOP s PLAY
d
PHONES LEVEL
PHONES
REC LEVEL
MAXMIN
MINIDISC RECORDER
MD-2521
oREC
STANDBY
DIGITAL INPUT-2
STANDBY / ON
MEMORY CLEAR REPEAT RANDOM
INPUT TIMER
STEREO
MONO
ANALOG DIGITAL-1DIGITAL-2
DIGITAL-3
(COAXIAL)
OFF
REC PLAY
MAXMIN
DISC LOADING MECHANISM
3 DIGITAL INPUTS
Table of contents
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