Sony MDS-B6P User manual

SONY.
MD PLAYER
MDS-B6P
OPERATION MANUAL
1st Edition
Serial No.
Serial No. 800001 6000O1 and Higher (UC)
and Higher (CED)

For the customers in U.S.A.
Owner's Record
The modelandsedal numbersare located on thetop ofthe
unit.Recordthe sedalnumberin the spaceprovidedbelow.
Referto them wheneveryoucall uponyourSonydealer
regardingthis product.
Model No. MDS-B6P Serial No.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
CAUIX_: TO REDUCE"n'IERISK OF ELECTR_ SHOCK.
OONOTRBeOVECOVER(ORBACK).
NO U_'R-SE_.pAR11; INSIDE.
REFER SERVICINGTO QUALIRED SERVICE PERSONNEL
Thissymbolisintendedto alert the
use_tothe presenceofuninsulated
"dangerousvoltage"withinthe
product'senclosurethatmay be of
sufficientmagnitudeto€o_ a risk
ofelestdcshocktopersons.
INFORMATION
This equipment has been tasted and found to comply with
the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limitsare designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment isoperated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not
expressly approved in this manual could void your authority
to operate this equipmenL
The shieldedinterfacecablerecommendedin this manual
mustbe usedwiththis equipment inordertocomplywith
the limitsfor a digitaldevicepursuantto SubpartBofPart
15 of FCC Rules.
CAUTION
Asthe laserbeamusedinthisMD deckisharmfultothe
ayes, donotattempttodisassemblethe cabinet. Refer
servicingtoqualifiedpersonnelonly.
Notes on shipping of the unit
When shipping the unit, make sure the fo_owing
conditions have been met:
• The unit is in shipping mode.
• The unitis packed in its.original carton.
Please note that if these conditions are not met, any
damage that occurs to the unitdudng transport will not be
covered by the service warranty.
This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS
POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORD,
RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE
BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT
BLADE EXPOSURE.

The following caution label is located inside the unit.
_a_NITw-'_¢¢ _ _n=_t_'4 _ _40q_a
This appliance is classified as a
CLASS 1 LASER product.
The CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
MARKING is located on the side
oftheunit.
For customers in Canada
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of
the Canadian Intederence-Causing Equipment
Regulations.
Pour les utilisateurs au Canada
Cet appareil numerique de la classe A respecte toutes les
exigences du Reglement sur le materiel brouilleur du
Canada.
For the customers in the United Kingdom
WARNING
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
IMPORTANT
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance
with the following code:
Green-and-yellow: Earth
Blue: Neutral
Brown: Live
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this
apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings
identifying the terminals in your plug proceed as follows:
The wire which is colourad green-and-yellow must be
connected to the terminar in the plug which is marked by
the letter E or by the safety earth symbol ._d_or coloured
green or green-and-yellow.
The wire which is cotoured blue must be connected to the
terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured
black,
The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the
terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured red.

Chapter 1
Overview
Chapter 2
Function of Parts and
Controls
!
I
1-1 Features ........................................................................................... 1-1
1-1-1 Features of the MiniDisc ........................................................ 1-1
1-I-2 Operational Features .............................................................. I-1
2-1 Front Panel ...................................................................................... 2-1
2-2 Rear Panel ....................................................................................... 2-3
Chapter 3
Preparations
Chapter 4
Playback
(Continued)
3-1 Precautions ...................................................................................... 3-1
3-1-1 Installation Precautions .......................................................... 3-1
3- 1-2 Handling Precautions ............................................................. 3- I
3-1-3 Shipping Precautions .............................................................. 3-1
3-2 Connections ..................................................................................... 3-2
3-2-1 Precautions ............................................................................. 3-2
3-2-2 Basic Connection Examples ................................................... 3-2
3-2-3 Connecting and Setting the Keyboard ................................... 3-3
3-3 Handling MiniDiscs ........................................................................ 3-4
3-4 Setting the Analog Output Reference Level ................................. 3-5
4-1 Overview of Playback Procedures ................................................ 4-1
4-2 Playback Procedures ...................................................................... 4-2
4-2-1 Playing From the First Track on the MD ............................... 4-2
4-2-2 Locating a Specific Point (Search) ......................................... 4-2
4-2-3 Playing a Single Track Only .................................................. 4-3
4-2-4 Rehearsal Playback ................................................................ 4-3
4-3 Locating a Track ............................................................................ 4-4
4-3-1 Locating a Specific Track ...................................................... 4-4
4-3-2 Locating the Beginning of a Track (AMS) ............................ 4-4
4-3-3 Preparing the Next Track During Playback ........................... 4-5
4-4 Display Information during Playback .......................................... 4-6
4-5 Playing Tracks Repeatedly ............................................................ 4-7
4-6 Program Play .................................................................................. 4-8
4-7 Playing Tracks in Random Order (Shuffle Play) ...................... 4-10
4-8 Starting Playback Instantly (Multi-Access Function) ............... 4-11
4-9 Varying the Playback Speed (Variable-Speed Playback) ......... 4-13
4-10 Error Checking ........................................................................... 4-14
Table of Contents 1

Table of Contents IIIll
Chapter 5
Editing Functions
Chapter 6
Setup Menu
Chapter 7
Maintenance
Appendix
5-1 Overview of Editing Functions ...................................................... 5-1
5-1-1 Types of Editing Functions .................................................... 5-1
5-1-2 RAM Edit ............................................................................... 5-1
5-1-3 Track Numbers After Editing Operations .............................. 5-1
5-1-4 Editing Operations During Rehearsal Playback ..................... 5-1
5-1-5 Undo function ........................................................................ 5-2
5-2 Erasing Tracks (Erase Function) .................................................. 5-3
5-3 Dividing aRecorded Track (Divide Function) ............................ 5-4
5-4 Combining Recorded Tracks (Combine Function) ..................... 5-6
5-5 Moving Recorded Tracks (Move Function) ................................. 5-7
5-6 Editing Titles ................................................................................... 5-8
5-7 Marking the Cue Point ................................................................ 5-10
5-8 Trimming ...................................................................................... 5-12
5-8-1 Head Trimming .................................................................... 5-12
5-8-2 End Trimming ...................................................................... 5-14
6-1 The Overview of the Setup Menu ................................................. 6-1
6-2 Setting Up for Timer-Activated Function .................................... 6-2
6-3 Setting the Playback Resume Mode .............................................. 6-3
6-4 Setting the RS-232C Interface ....................................................... 6-4
6-5 Setting the Auto Cue Function ...................................................... 6-5
6-6 Setting the Rehearsal Playback Function .................................... 6-6
6-7 Setting the EOM Function ............................................................. 6-7
6-8 Reading the Hours Meter .............................................................. 6-8
6-9 Disabling the Buttons While C,,ntrolling Remotely .................... 6-9
I-1 Cleaning and Reset Switch ............................................................. 7-17-2 Display Messages ............................................................................. 7-2
Menu Item List ..................................................................................... A-1
Pin Assignments for REMOTE (25P) connector ............................... A-3
RS-232C Protocol ................................................................................. A-5
RS-232C Protocol ............................................................................ A-5
Specifications .................................................................................. A-5
Operating Method ............................................................................ A-5
List of Commands ......................................................................... A-10
Command Descriptions ...................................................................... A-11
Specifications ....................................................................................... A-26
Index ........................................................................................................ I-1
2Tabte of Contents

The MDS-B6P is a MtmD_sc deck for professmnal use
m any kind of broadcastmg, announcements, or
program production
1-1-1 Features of the MiniDisc
ATRAC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic
Coding) data compression technology
By ehmmatmg inaudible sound data to obtain a
compression rano of 1:5. ATRAC data compression
technology enable_ the recording of sound mformanon
of almost the same quahty and quanmy as a CD, but
on a smaller dr, c
Text entry
You can use the wire-connected remote controller
supplied with the MDS-B5 or an IBM keyboard to
enter titles for recorded discs and tracks Title data.
which can total 1,792 characters per disc, appear m the
&spla 3 wmdow dunng playback
Durability
Because MDs use a non-contact system hke compact
d_scs, they are superior to cassette tape m durability
1-1-2 Operational Features
74 minutes of playback or recording
A single MD can be u_ed to play back or record up to
74 minutes of sound information In monoaural mode.
you can record and pla_ back up to 148 minutes.
Instant playback function
The MDS-B6P can store the first part of up to 10
selected tracks into memory m order to begin instant
playback
Direct track access
You can use the w_re-connected remote controller
supphed with the MDS-B5 or an IBM keyboard (not
supphed) to &rectly access any of the MD's 255 tracks
without the long cueing nine reqmred for tape.
Various playback functions
The MDS-B6P'_ various playback functions include
repeat playback, programmed playback, and random
playback You can also vary the playback speed
between __.125% of the normal speed
Multiple editing functions
The MDS-B6P's edmng functions allow you to divide,
combine, and mo_e tracks on the MD. You can use
the rehearsal funcuon to precisely position edit points
on a track as 3ou monitor the sound
Unhke tracks on an analog cassette or DAT tape.
specific MD tracks or an entire MD can be erased
instantly
Two cueing modes
You can use the A MODE button to select the
following two cueing modes
AUTO PAUSE mode
AUTO PAUSE mode pauses the MD deck at the
begmmng of a track, then starts playback when you
press the PLAY/PAUSE button Use th_s mode to pre-
cue tracks during on-air broadcasting with mulnple
MD decks.
AUTO CUE mode
AUTO CUE mode pauses the MD deck when it detects
a rise in the au&o signal following the inaudible
portion before the start of a track This mode _s good
for playing specml sound effect_ m theater
productmns, etc
Chapter 1 Overv,ew "_ -1

1-1 Features
II II
_o
?
NEXT TRACK SELECT function
During single-deck operations, you can specify the
next track to be played as you are playing another one.
Single track play
No matter what the cueing mode may be, you can
always play back single tracks. After playing a single
track, the deck stops rather than pauses, thus
preventing the mistaken playback of another track.
Playback display variations
The MDS-B6P displays track information (playing
time, track title, etc.) for the current and the next tracks
that have been selected for playback. By pressing the
DISPLAY button, you can display the following track
information:
UNDO function
You can undo the last editing operation (e.g., when
you have mistakenly erased a track).
End-of-message (EOM) function
This function outputs a tally signal from the
REMOTE(25P) connector before the end of a track or
the disc.
You can use the Setup menu to specify how far in
advance of the end the tally signal is output.
Cue point function
This function outputs a tally signal from the
REMOTE(25P) connector whenever a cue point is
detected during playback. Up to 255 cue points can be
marked per disc.
•Remaining playing time and title of the current track
• Elapsed time and title of the current track
• Remaining playing time of the current track and a list
of programmed tracks during Program Play or Instant
Playback.
• Playing time and title of the next track
Rehearsal function
You can play back a portion of a track repeatedly in
order to precisely determine points for cueing or track
division. You can also use the Setup menu to specify
the length of the portion to be repeated and the interval
between the end of one repeat and the start of another.
RAM Edit function
You can do temporary editing, such as dividing,
combining, and moving the tracks on the MD, without
overwriting the TOC information. The results of the
RAM edit function will be lost when the MiniDisc is
ejected. You can use the RAM edit function on pre-
mastered MDs.
Track trimming function
You can temporarily modify the starting and ending
points of a track. The head trimming edit allows you
to specify the starting point in accordance to the audio
rising point.
Digital time meter
The digital time meter displays the accumulated
spindle motor operation time.
Easy menu operations
The editing and setting operations on the MDS-B6P
are done using two types of menus: the Edit menu and
the Setup menu. Menu operations are easily done
using the AMS control, turning it to select items and
pressing it to select the setting.
1-2 Chapter 1 Overview

Keyboard operations
You can use the supphed keyboard template on any
IBM keyboard to operate the MDS-B6P
Remote control function
The MDS-B6P can be controlled by external control
s_gnals input to the REMOTE_25PI connector on the
rear panel You can select an), of four pin assignments
for the REMOTE(25P) connector, depending on the
apphcat_on
When the deck _s controlled by external control
s_gnals, you can disable the operation buttons and
controls on the front panel by using the Kill Local
functmn
Error check function
The MDS-B6P can play back a d_sc at four times
normal playback speed, allowing you to qmckly verify
the integrity of tracks before a broadcast ?
RS-232C interface
The MDS-B6P can be controlled by a personal
computer or other external eqmpment connected to the
deck through the RS-232C interface
Rack mounting compatibility
Two MDS-B6P decks can be mounted side by side in a
standard 19-inch EIA rack
TOC data back-up function
If power to the MDS-B6P Is suddenly cut off, edited
TOC data m the MDS-B6P's RAM will be saved and
maintained by an internal back-up power supply for up
to three days
• TOC data may be lost If the power is cut at the
moment of the begmnmg or the end of editing
operation
"Due to the hm_ted capacity of the RAM. cue points
and trimming point specifications are not saved
Chapter 1 Overview 1-3

0PHONES jackand volume control 0 Disc
0
Display
window
I I *
compartment
SINGLE button
A.MODE button
EJECT button
!DISPLAY button
REHEARSAL button
ENTER/YES button
EDIT/NO button
AMS control
KEY BOARO connector
I Search buttons
(_ CUE/STDEY button
PLAY/PAUSE button
STOP button
0 PHONES jack and volume control
Connects headphones. Use the volume control to
adjust the sound level of the PHONES jack.
ODisplay window
Indicates the current MD deck operating status. While
the deck is stopped, the disc title, total track number,
and total playing time are displayed. During playback,
the track title and time information of the current track
or the next track are displayed. When using a menu,
the menu number and menu item are displayed.
Disc compartment
Automatically loads an inserted disc.
SINGLE button
Press to play only one track. "'I" appears in the
display window.
0A.MODE button
Selects the cueing mode. The following are selected in
sequential order each time you press this button.
OFF: The cueing function is disabled. Playback
starts when you press the PLAY/PAUSE button or
select a track using the AMS control.
A.PAUSE: When you press the PLAY/PAUSE
button or select a track using the AMS control, the
MD deck locates the beginning of the track and
pauses. Playback starts when you press the
PLAY/PAUSE button.
A.CUE: When you press the PLAY/PAUSE button
or select a track using the AMS control, the MD
deck pauses whenever the audio signal rises above
a specified threshold level. Playback starts when
you press the PLAY/PAUSE button.
Chapter 2 Function of Parts and Controls 2-1

2-1 Front Panel II
t')
fo
"t3
"13
=
O EJECT button
Press to eject the disc from the disc compartment.
ODISPLAY button
During playback, press this button to select the
following display contents:
• Remaining playing time and title of the current track
• Elapsed time and title of the current track
• Remaining playing time of the current track and the
Program Play list during Program Play or the Instant
Playback function
• Playing time and title of the next track
O REHEARSAL button
Press to play aportion of a track repeatedly. If you
press this button during playback, the portion starting
from that point is repeated. If you press the button
while the deck is stopped, the beginning of the first
track on the disc or the selected track is repeated.
During rehearsal playing, you can move the repeated
portion forward or backward by turning the AMS
control. Pressing the _ or _ button changes the
unit for adjusting the start of Rehearsal Play.
After confirming the cue point or editing point using
the rehearsal function, press the CUE STDBY button
to pause the deck at the position where the rehearsal
started or press EDIT/NO button to execute an editing
function.
OENTER/YES button
Press to execute an editing function.
You can also execute editing functions by pressing the
AMS control.
OEDIT/NO button
Press to display the Edit menu or cancel an editing
function.
I_1 AMS control
Turn to locate the beginning of a track.
When using the Edit menu or the Setup menu, turn this
control to select the menu item and press it to select
the setting.
1]) Search buttons
al,al: Hold down this button during playback to scan
backward while monitoring the sound.
II_l_: Hold down this button during playback to scan
forward while monitoring the sound.
CUE/STDBY (standby) button
Press to return to the position where you last pressed
the PLAY/PAUSE button. After finding the position,
the MD deck enters playback pause. Use this button to
check or return to a cueing position.
t[_ PLAY/PAUSE button
Press to start playback.
Press during playback to temporarily pause the MD
deck; press again to cancel pause.
The PLAY/PAUSE button lights during playback. It
flashes while the MD deck is in playback pause.
STOP button
Press to stop playback or recording.
1_ KEY BOARD connector
Connects any IBM keyboard for control of the MD
deck using the supplied keyboard template.
This connector has a cap for protection. Remove the
cap only when connecting a keyboard.
While using the keyboard, turning the MD deck off,
then turning it on again quickly may cause the
keyboard to malfunction. If this occurs, unplug the
keyboard cord and plug it again.
2-2 ChaDter 2 Function of Parts and Controls