Sony PCM-A10 Reference guide

Help Guide
Linear PCM Recorder
PCM-A10
Use this Help Guide when you have any questions on how to use your linear PCM recorder.
The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.
Preparation
Parts and controls
Using the wind screen
HOME menu/OPTION menu
Using the HOME menu
Using the OPTION menu
List of the OPTION menu items
About folders and files
Display window
Display window while the HOME menu is displayed
Display window while recording is in progress or on standby
Display window while playback is in progress
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Display window while the recording information is displayed
Display window while the current file information is displayed
Display window while the file search categories are displayed
Power
Charging the battery with a computer
Disconnecting the linear PCM recorder from the computer
Turning the power on
Turning the power off
Making the initial settings
Preventing unintentional operations
Placing the linear PCM recorder into the HOLD state (HOLD)
Releasing the linear PCM recorder from the HOLD state
Maintaining the volume level (European model only)
Maintaining the moderate volume level (European model only)
Recording
Recording
Recording with manual volume adjustment (manual recording)
Recording with the built-in microphones (Auto Gain Ctrl recording)
About the peak level meters
Monitoring the recording audio
Additional operations available during recording
Changing the memory storage and the storage folder for recorded files
Additional recording operations/settings
Taking full advantage of the adjustable microphones
Selecting a recording scene for an individual situation
Customizing the recording settings for [My Scene]
Tips for better recording
Default settings for the recording scenes of the Scene Select function
Using the microSD card as a storage for recorded files
Recording with the optimum recording volume (Rehearsal function)
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Starting recording slightly in advance (PRE REC)
Using the recording delay function
Switching the memory storage to keep recording (Cross-Memory REC)
Recording automatically in response to the input sound volume – the VOR function
Recording with other devices
Recording with an external microphone
Recording audio from an external device with the synchronized recording function (SYNC REC)
Recording without using the synchronized recording function
Using external devices for recording
Recording the playback audio of the linear PCM recorder on an external device
Playback
Playing
Playing a file
Selecting a file
Locating a playback point with the track mark list (Track Mark List)
Additional operations available during playback
Additional playback operations/settings
Reducing noise in the playback audio to make human voices sound clearer – the Clear Voice function
Using the transcription playback mode
Adjusting the playback speed – the DPC (Digital Pitch Control) function
Adjusting the musical pitch (Key Change)
Selecting a sound quality setting (Equalizer)
Selecting the playback mode
Specifying a segment of a file to play repeatedly (A-B repeat)
Repeatedly playing the current file (Button-hold repeat playback)
Specifying the playback range in the stored file list
Listening to sound in loud volume
Searching forward/backward (Cue/Review)
Locating the desired playback point quickly (Easy Search)
Enjoying music wirelessly (Listening to music with a Bluetooth audio device)
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What you can do with the connected Bluetooth audio device
Registering (pairing) an audio device and establishing a Bluetooth connection
Establishing a Bluetooth connection with a registered (paired) Bluetooth audio device
Establishing a Bluetooth connection with the one-touch operation (NFC connection)
Changing the settings of the Bluetooth function
Disconnecting the Bluetooth connection
Re-establishing the Bluetooth connection
Viewing the Bluetooth information
Notes on the Bluetooth function
Linear PCM recorder operations with a smartphone (REC Remote)
Features of REC Remote
Getting ready to use REC Remote
Establishing a Bluetooth connection between the smartphone and the linear PCM recorder
Establishing a Bluetooth connection with the one-touch operation (NFC connection)
Using the smartphone for linear PCM recorder operations
Disconnecting the Bluetooth connection
Re-establishing the Bluetooth connection (for Android)
Re-establishing the Bluetooth connection (for iOS)
Editing
Deleting
Deleting a file
Deleting all files in the searched folder or list
Deleting a folder
Organizing files
Moving a file to a different folder
Copying a file to a different folder
Creating a folder
Using track marks
Adding a track mark
Adding track marks automatically
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Deleting a track mark
Deleting all the track marks in the selected file at one time
Dividing files
Dividing a file at the current playback point
Dividing a file at all the track mark points
Changing names
Changing a folder name
Changing a file name
Protecting a file
Settings menu
Using the Settings menu
List of the Settings menu items
Menu items with selectable setting items
Selecting the recording mode (REC Mode)
Selecting the sensitivity level of the built-in microphones (Built-In Mic Sensitivity)
Reducing noise during recording (Recording Filter)
Adjusting the recording volume for input sounds to avoid sound distortion (LIMITER)
Selecting the audio input type and the sensitivity level of the external microphone (Ext. Input Setting)
Turning the recording/peak indicator on or off (LED)
Selecting the backlight setting (Backlight)
Selecting the display language (Language)
Setting the clock (Date&Time)
Selecting the date display format (Date Display Format)
Selecting the clock display format (Time Display)
Turning the beep sound on or off (Beep)
Using the sleep timer (Sleep Timer)
Setting the time period before the linear PCM recorder automatically turns off (Auto Power Off)
Resetting all menu settings to the default ones (Reset All Settings)
Formatting the memory (Format Built-In Memory/Format SD Card)
Checking the remaining recording time (Available Rec. Time)
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Checking the information about the linear PCM recorder (System Information)
Computer
Connecting the linear PCM recorder to a computer
Structure of folders and files
Copying files from the linear PCM recorder to a computer
Copying music files from a computer to the linear PCM recorder
Playing music files on the linear PCM recorder that were copied from a computer
Using the linear PCM recorder as a USB storage device
Software
What you can do with Sound Organizer 2 (for Windows only)
System requirements for Sound Organizer 2
Installing Sound Organizer 2 (for Windows only)
The Sound Organizer 2 window (for Windows only)
Specifications
Compatible memory cards
System requirements
Technical specifications
Maximum recording time
Maximum playback time/number of music files
Battery life
Announcements
Trademarks
Support website
Customer support websites
If you have problems/Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Restarting the linear PCM recorder
Noise
The recorded file is noisy and is hard to understand.
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The recorded file is noisy and you want to record with less noise.
A rustling noise is recorded.
A clipping or breaking noise is recorded.
Noise is recorded when you use an external microphone (not supplied) for recording.
You hear noise when using the headphones (not supplied) for playback.
The volume of the audio you recorded from an external device is low or you hear squeaking noises when you listen to the audio
via the built-in speaker.
You hear noise during playback even with the Clear Voice function turned on.
Power
The linear PCM recorder does not turn on or pressing any button does not work.
The linear PCM recorder does not turn off.
The linear PCM recorder automatically turns off.
The battery life of the linear PCM recorder is short.
You cannot charge the battery by connecting the linear PCM recorder to your computer.
The battery indicator does not appear on the display window or it disappears in the middle of charging.
The charge error indicator is flashing where the battery indicator should be displayed.
General operations
The linear PCM recorder does not operate correctly.
The operation indicator does not light.
Recording
You cannot record a file.
You cannot store recordings on the SD card.
Recording is interrupted.
The VOR function does not work.
The input audio volume is too loud or not loud enough when you record audio from an external device.
Recording from another device stops on its own.
Input sounds are distorted.
Playback
The playback volume is low.
You hear no sound from the built-in speaker.
You hear sound from the built-in speaker even when headphones (not supplied) are connected.
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The Equalizer function does not change sound quality.
Playback speed is too fast or too slow.
Editing
You cannot divide a file.
You cannot move a file.
You cannot copy a file to a different folder.
Track marks are not detected.
The folder or file you created is not displayed.
Clock
The recording date of a file appears as [----/--/--] or [--:--].
Display
The remaining recording time on the display window is shorter than the one displayed on the computer.
Files
The [Memory Full] message appears and you cannot start recording.
The [File Full] message appears and you cannot operate the linear PCM recorder.
The microSD card is not detected.
Computer
A folder or file name appears in unreadable characters.
Copying a file takes time.
The linear PCM recorder is not detected by the computer and you cannot transfer folders/files from the computer.
The file you transferred from the computer does not appear on the linear PCM recorder and you cannot play the file.
The computer does not start.
Bluetooth audio device
You cannot establish a Bluetooth connection.
You cannot establish a Bluetooth connection with the one-touch operation (NFC connection).
You cannot control the volume of the Bluetooth audio device.
REC Remote
You cannot make device registration (pairing) between the linear PCM recorder and the other device.
You cannot establish a Bluetooth connection.
You cannot establish a Bluetooth connection with the one-touch operation (NFC connection).
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Software operations (Sound Organizer 2)
You cannot install Sound Organizer 2.
The linear PCM recorder is not detected by Sound Organizer 2.
The playback volume of the computer is low or you hear no audio from the computer.
You cannot play or edit stored files.
The counter or slider does not operate correctly or you hear noise.
Operations slow down as the number of stored files increases.
The computer seems to freeze while a file is being saved, added, or deleted.
Sound Organizer 2 freezes during start-up.
List of messages
System limitations
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Help Guide
Linear PCM Recorder
PCM-A10
Parts and controls
Built-in microphones1.
Peak indicator2.
Display window3.
OPTION button4.
T-MARK (track mark) button5.
BACK／ HOME button6.
STOP button7.
REC/PAUSE (record/pause) button, recording indicator8.
(play/enter) button (*1)9.
Control button ( DPC (Digital Pitch Control), A-B (repeat A-B), (review/fast backward), (cue/fast
forward))
10.
(headphones) jack11.
USB connector cover (You can find the USB connector retracted behind the cover.)12.
VOL -/+ (volume -/+) button (*1)13.
REHEARSAL button14.
USB slide lever15.
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4-740-912-31(2) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
Built-in Bluetooth antenna (*2)16.
(N-mark) (Put an NFC-enabled smartphone onto this mark to establish an NFC pairing.)17.
Hole for attaching the tripod (No tripod is supplied with your linear PCM recorder.)18.
(microphone) jack19.
HOLD•POWER switch (*3)20.
microSD card slot (The card slot is located under the cover.)21.
Slot cover22.
Built-in speaker23.
Strap hole (No strap is supplied with your linear PCM recorder.)24.
The (play/enter) button and VOL + (volume +) button have a tactile dot. Use the tactile dot as a reference when operating the linear PCM
recorder.
*1
The antenna allows your linear PCM recorder to connect with Bluetooth devices. Do not cover the antenna when a Bluetooth connection is
active. Otherwise, the connection may be interrupted.
*2
To restart your linear PCM recorder, slide the HOLD•POWER switch to [POWER] and hold it for 8 seconds or longer. For details, see Restarting
the linear PCM recorder.
*3
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Help Guide
Linear PCM Recorder
PCM-A10
Using the wind screen
When you use your linear PCM recorder outdoors, put the supplied wind screen over the built-in microphones to
minimize wind noise.
Make sure that the wind screen is tightly fit around the linear PCM recorder. If not, the wind screen will produce no effect.
4-740-912-31(2) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
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Help Guide
Linear PCM Recorder
PCM-A10
Using the HOME menu
On your linear PCM recorder, the HOME menu is the starting point for all functions.
The HOME menu allows you to select a function, search for recorded files, or change the settings on the linear PCM
recorder.
Press and hold BACK/HOME.
The HOME menu appears.
1
Press or to select the function you want to use, and then press .
You can select the following functions:
Music:
You can select music files imported from a computer for playback.
To locate a music file, you can select one of the file search categories: [All Songs], [Albums], [Artists], and [Folders].
When you import music files, import them into the MUSIC folder.
Recorded Files:
You can select files recorded by the linear PCM recorder for playback.
To locate a recorded file, you can select one of the file search categories: [Latest Recording], [Search by REC
Date], [Search by REC Scene], and [Folders].
Record:
You can display the recording standby screen. To start recording, press REC/PAUSE.
Bluetooth:
You can display the menu screen for the operations that you perform using the Bluetooth function of your linear
PCM recorder, such as operations with REC Remote, the NFC function, and or Bluetooth audio device.
Settings:
2
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Hint
While the HOME menu is on the display window, you can press STOP to return to the screen before you displayed the HOME
menu.
Related Topic
Using the OPTION menu
4-740-912-31(2) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
You can display the Settings menu and change various settings on the linear PCM recorder.
Back to XX(*):
Select this function to return to the screen before you displayed the HOME menu.
The function you are currently using is displayed in [XX].
*
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Help Guide
Linear PCM Recorder
PCM-A10
Using the OPTION menu
You can display the OPTION menu by pressing OPTION. The OPTION menu items vary depending on the selected
function of your linear PCM recorder.
Note
The OPTION menu may not appear, depending on the screen on the display window.
Hint
To return to the previous screen, press BACK/HOME while the OPTION menu is on the display window.
Related Topic
Using the HOME menu
List of the OPTION menu items
Select the function you want to use on the HOME menu, and then press OPTION.
The OPTION menu associated with the selected function appears.
1
Press or to select the desired menu item, and then press .
2
Press or to select the desired setting, and then press .
3
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4-740-912-31(2) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
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Help Guide
Linear PCM Recorder
PCM-A10
List of the OPTION menu items
The following lists the OPTION menu items. To display the OPTION menu, press OPTION.
Depending on the operation or condition, some of the items may not be displayed.
Record
The following menu items are available while:
- recording is in progress.
- recording is on standby.
REC Information:
Display window while the recording information is displayed
Recording Folder:
Changing the memory storage and the storage folder for recorded files
Create Folder:
Creating a folder
Scene Select:
Selecting a recording scene for an individual situation
Recording Delay:
Using the recording delay function
REC Mode:
Selecting the recording mode (REC Mode)
Built-In Mic Sensitivity:
Selecting the sensitivity level of the built-in microphones (Built-In Mic Sensitivity)
Ext. Input Setting:
Selecting the audio input type and the sensitivity level of the external microphone (Ext. Input Setting)
Recording Filter:
Reducing noise during recording (Recording Filter)
LIMITER:
Adjusting the recording volume for input sounds to avoid sound distortion (LIMITER)
PRE REC:
Starting recording slightly in advance (PRE REC)
Cross-Memory REC:
Switching the memory storage to keep recording (Cross-Memory REC)
VOR:
Recording automatically in response to the input sound volume – the VOR function
Delete a File:
Deleting a file
Recorded Files
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The following menu items are available while:
- the recorded files are listed.
- playback of a recorded file is in progress.
- playback of a recorded file is on standby.
Transcription Playback Mode:
Using the transcription playback mode
End Transcription Playback Mode:
Using the transcription playback mode
Clear Voice:
Reducing noise in the playback audio to make human voices sound clearer – the Clear Voice function
Equalizer:
Selecting a sound quality setting (Equalizer)
Key Change:
Adjusting the musical pitch (Key Change)
Easy Search:
Locating the desired playback point quickly (Easy Search)
Set Easy Search Skip Time:
Locating the desired playback point quickly (Easy Search)
Play Mode:
Selecting the playback mode
Playback Range:
Specifying the playback range in the stored file list
Delete a File:
Deleting a file
Protect:
Protecting a file
Do Not Protect:
Protecting a file
Track Mark List:
Locating a playback point with the track mark list (Track Mark List)
Delete Track Marks:
Deleting a track mark
Divide:
Dividing a file at the current playback point
Dividing a file at all the track mark points
Delete All in List:
Deleting all files in the searched folder or list
Delete All Files:
Deleting all files in the searched folder or list
Move File:
Moving a file to a different folder
File Copy:
Copying a file to a different folder
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Change File Name:
Changing a file name
File Information:
Display window while the current file information is displayed
Create Folder:
Creating a folder
Delete Folder:
Deleting a folder
Change Folder Name:
Changing a folder name
Music
The following menu items are available while:
- playback of a file that is imported from a computer is in progress.
- playback of a file that is imported from a computer is on standby.
Transcription Playback Mode:
Using the transcription playback mode
End Transcription Playback Mode:
Using the transcription playback mode
Equalizer:
Selecting a sound quality setting (Equalizer)
Key Change:
Adjusting the musical pitch (Key Change)
Easy Search:
Locating the desired playback point quickly (Easy Search)
Set Easy Search Skip Time:
Locating the desired playback point quickly (Easy Search)
Play Mode:
Selecting the playback mode
Playback Range:
Specifying the playback range in the stored file list
Delete a File:
Deleting a file
Protect:
Protecting a file
Do Not Protect:
Protecting a file
Track Mark List:
Locating a playback point with the track mark list (Track Mark List)
Delete Track Marks:
Deleting a track mark
Delete All in List:
Deleting all files in the searched folder or list
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Delete All Files:
Deleting all files in the searched folder or list
File Information:
Display window while the current file information is displayed
Delete Folder:
Deleting a folder
Related Topic
Using the OPTION menu
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