Sony ICD-AX412F User manual

4-265-824-11(2)
ICD-AX412F
IC Recorder
Operating Instructions
Getting Started
Basic Operations
Other Recording Operations
Other Playback Operations
Editing Files
Listening to the FM Radio
About the Menu Function
Utilizing Your Computer
Additional Information
Troubleshooting

2GB
To prevent possible hearing damage,
do not listen at high volume levels
for long periods.
WARNING
Do not expose the batteries (battery pack or batteries
installed) to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or
the like for a long time.
RATED CURRENT CONSUMPTION: 800 mA
Disposal of Old Electrical &
Electronic Equipment
(Applicable in the European
Union and other European
countries with separate
collection systems)
This symbol on the product or on its
packaging indicates that this product
shall not be treated as household
waste. Instead it shall be handed over
to the applicable collection point for
the recycling of electrical and
electronic equipment. By ensuring
this product is disposed of correctly,
you will help prevent potential
negative consequences for the environment and
human health, which could otherwise be caused by
inappropriate waste handling of this product. The
recycling of materials will help to conserve natural
resources. For more detailed information about
recycling of this product, please contact your local
Civic Office, your household waste disposal service
or the shop where you purchased the product.
Applicable accessory: Stereo headphones
Disposal of waste batteries
(applicable in the European
Union and other European
countries with separate
collection systems)
This symbol on the battery or on the
packaging indicates that the battery
provided with this product shall not
be treated as household waste.
On certain batteries this symbol
might be used in combination with a
chemical symbol. The chemical symbols for mercury
(Hg) or lead (Pb) are added if the battery contains
more than 0.0005% mercury or 0.004% lead.
By ensuring these batteries are disposed of correctly,
you will help prevent potentially negative
consequences for the environment and human health
which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate
waste handling of the battery. The recycling of the
materials will help to conserve natural resources.
In case of products that for safety, performance or
data integrity reasons require a permanent connection
with an incorporated battery, this battery should be
replaced by qualified service staff only.
To ensure that the battery will be treated properly,
hand over the product at end-of-life to the applicable
collection point for the recycling of electrical and
electronic equipment.
For all other batteries, please view the section on how
to remove the battery from the product safely. Hand
the battery over to the applicable collection point for
the recycling of waste batteries.
For more detailed information about recycling of this
product or battery, please contact your local Civic
Office, your household waste disposal service or the
shop where you purchased the product.

3GB
Notice for the customers: the
following information is only
applicable to equipment sold in
the countries applying EU
directives
The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation,
1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The
Authorized Representative for EMC and product
safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger
Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For any service
or guarantee matters please refer to the addresses
given in separate service or guarantee documents.
Notice for users
All rights reserved. This manual or the software
described herein, in whole or in part, may not be
reproduced, translated or reduced to any machine
readable form without prior written approval from
Sony Corporation.
IN NO EVENT SHALL SONY CORPORATION BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES,
WHETHER BASED ON TORT, CONTRACT, OR
OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN
CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL, THE
SOFTWARE OR OTHER INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN OR THE USE THEREOF.
Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any
modification to this manual or the information
contained herein at any time without notice.
The software described herein may also be governed
by the terms of a separate user license agreement.
• This software is for Windows and cannot be used
for Macintosh.
• The supplied connecting cable is for the IC recorder
ICD-AX412F. You cannot connect other IC
recorders.
• The recorded music is limited to private use only.
Use of the music beyond this limit requires
permission of the copyright holders.
• Sony is not responsible for incomplete recording/
downloading or damaged data due to problems of
the IC recorder or computer.
• Depending on the types of the text and characters,
the text shown on the IC recorder may not be
displayed properly on device. This is due to:
– The capacity of the connected IC recorder.
– The IC recorder is not functioning normally.
– Content information is written in the language
or the character that is not supported by the IC
recorder.

4GB
Trademarks
• Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and Windows
Media are registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.
• Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple
Inc., registered in the USA and other countries.
• Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel
Corporation.
• MPEG Layer-3 audio coding technology and
patents licensed from Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson.
• microSD and microSDHC logos are trademarks of
SD-3C, LLC.
• “Memory Stick Micro,” “M2” and are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony
Corporation.
• “MagicGate” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
• Nuance, the Nuance logo, Dragon, Dragon
NaturallySpeaking, and RealSpeak are trademarks
and/or registered trademarks of Nuance
Communications Inc., and/or its affiliates in the
United States and/or other countries.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders. Furthermore, “ ™ ” and “®” are
not mentioned in each case in this manual.
The “Sound Organizer” uses software modules as
shown below:
Windows Media Format Runtime
What you record is for personal
enjoyment and use only. Copyright laws
prohibit other forms of use without the
permission of the copyright holders.
The use of Memory Stick™ media for
recording copyright-protected graphics or
other data is limited to the restrictions
specified under applicable copyright
laws. Any use beyond those restriction is
prohibited.
This product supports “Memory Stick
Micro™ (M2™) ” media. “M2™” is an
abbreviated form of “Memory Stick
Micro™.” Hereinafter, “M2™” is used in
this document.

5GB
Table of Contents
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking the Contents of the
Package .....................................................8
Index to parts and controls ...................9
Preventing unintentional operations
(HOLD) ..............................................11
Maintaining the moderate volume
level (AVLS) ......................................12
Step 2: Preparing a Power Source ..........13
When to replace/charge the
batteries ...............................................14
Step 3: Turning the IC Recorder On .......15
Turning the power on .........................15
Turning the power off .........................15
Step 4: Setting the Clock ........................16
Step 5: Setting the Language to Be
Used in the Display Window ..................18
Basic Operations
Recording .......................................19
Listening .........................................25
Erasing ............................................30
Other Recording Operations
Changing the Recording Settings ............33
Selecting a recording scene for each
situation ...............................................33
Adding a recording to a previously
recorded file ........................................36
Adding an overwrite recording
during playback ..................................38
Starting to record automatically in
response to sound
– the VOR function .............................39
Recording on a Memory Card .................41
Recording via Other Devices ..................45
Recording with an external
microphone .........................................45
Recording from other equipment ........46
Operation during Recording ....................49
Monitoring the recording ....................49

6GB
Other Playback Operations
Changing the Playback Settings .............50
Convenient playback methods ............50
Reducing noise in the playback
sound and making the human voice
clearer – the noise cut function ...........51
Adjusting the playback speed
– the DPC (Digital Pitch Control)
function ...............................................52
Selecting the playback mode ..............53
Playing Back a File at a Desired Time
with an Alarm .........................................56
Playback via Other Devices ....................59
Recording with other equipment ........59
Editing Files
Arranging Files in a Folder .....................60
Moving a file to a different
folder ...................................................60
Copying a file to the other memory ....61
Erasing all files in a folder ..................62
Using a Track Mark ................................64
Adding a track mark ...........................64
Erasing a track mark ...........................65
Erasing all the track marks in the
selected file at one time ......................66
Dividing a File ........................................67
Dividing a file at the current
position ...............................................67
Dividing a file at all the track mark
positions ..............................................68
Protecting a File ......................................70
Listening to the FM Radio
Tuning in an FM Radio Station ..............71
Tuning in a radio station by
scanning frequencies ...........................71
Tuning in a preset radio station ..........72
Recording FM broadcasts ...................73
Presetting FM Radio Stations .................74
Presetting FM radio stations
automatically .......................................74
Presetting FM radio stations
manually .............................................75
Erasing preset FM radio stations ........75
Changing the FM Radio Reception
Settings ....................................................76
Switching the receiver sensitivity
of the FM radio ...................................76
Switching the scanning sensitivity ......77
Switching the FM radio output
between speaker and headphones .......78
About the Menu Function
Making Settings for the Menu ................79
Menu Settings .........................................81

7GB
Utilizing Your Computer
Using the IC Recorder with Your
Computer ................................................95
Connecting the IC recorder to your
computer .............................................95
Structure of folders and files ..............96
Disconnecting the IC recorder
from your computer ..........................100
Copying Files from the IC Recorder to
Your Computer .....................................101
Copying MP3 Files from Your
Computer to the IC Recorder and
Playing Them Back ...............................102
Copying an MP3 file from your
computer to the IC recorder
(drag and drop) .................................102
Playing back MP3 files copied
from your computer using the IC
recorder .............................................102
Using the IC Recorder as USB
Memory .................................................104
Using the Supplied Sound Organizer
Software ................................................105
What you can do using Sound
Organizer ..........................................105
System requirements for your
computer ...........................................106
Installing Sound Organizer ...............108
The Sound Organizer window ..........109
Additional Information
Recharging the Batteries Using a
Computer ...............................................111
Using a USB AC Adaptor .....................114
Disconnecting the IC recorder from
the AC outlet .....................................115
Precautions ............................................116
Specifications ........................................119
System requirements .........................119
Design and specifications .................120
Battery life ........................................123
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ....................................124
Message List .........................................134
System Limitations ...............................139
Display Window Guide .........................141
Index ......................................................146

8GB
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking the Contents of the
Package
IC Recorder (1)
Remove the film on the display window
before you use the IC recorder.
Stereo headphones (1)
USB connecting cable (1)
To connect the IC recorder to a computer,
make sure to use the supplied
USB
connecting cable.
Audio connecting cable (stereo) (1)
Plug adaptor (stereo-monaural) (1)
LR03 (size AAA ) alkaline batteries
(2)
PNote
When you charge batteries, purchase
NH-AAA-B2KN rechargeable batteries (not
supplied).
Carrying pouch (1)
Application software, Sound
Organizer (CD-ROM) (1)
Operating Instructions
The operating instructions are stored as PDF
files in the built-in memory of the IC
recorder.

9GB
Getting Started
Index to parts and controls
Front
ABuilt-in microphones (stereo)
BAccess indicator
CDisplay window
D•DISP
– MENU button
EFOLDER button
FNPLAY/STOP•ENTER*1button
(playback indicator)
GSPEED+/– button
H–.(review/fast backward), >+
(cue/fast forward) buttons
ISpeaker
Jm(microphone) jack*1
Ki(headphone) jack*2
LERASE button
MVOL (volume) –/+*1button
NDPC(SPEED CTRL) switch
OzREC/PAUSE button
(recording indicator)
P(repeat) A-B button
QNOISE CUT switch
Rx(stop) button
ST-MARK (track mark) button
*1These buttons and the jack have a tactile
dot. Use it as a reference point for
operations, or to identify each terminal.
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate
this equipment.

10GB
*2Connect the supplied stereo headphones to
the i(headphone) jack. When noise is
heard, clean the plug of the headphones.
Rear
TStand
You can open the stand and set the IC
recorder at a more upright angle when
recording on a table.
UBattery compartment
V(USB) connector
WM2™/microSD memory card slot
XHOLD•POWER ON/OFF switch
YStrap hole (A strap is not supplied.)
i(headphone)
jack

11GB
Getting Started
Preventing unintentional
operations (HOLD)
You can disable all the buttons (HOLD) in
order to prevent unintentional operations
when you carry the IC recorder, etc.
To put the IC recorder in the
HOLD status
Slide the HOLD•POWER ON/OFF switch
in the direction of “HOLD.”
“HOLD” will appear for approximately 3
seconds, indicating that all the button
operations are disabled.
“HOLD” appears if you press any button
when the HOLD function is activated.
To release the IC recorder from
the HOLD status
Slide the HOLD•POWER ON/OFF switch
towards the center.
PNote
When the HOLD function is activated during
recording, all the button operations are
disabled. To stop recording, cancel the HOLD
function first.
zTip
Even if the HOLD function is activated, you
can stop the alarm playback by pressing any
button. (You cannot stop normal playback.)

12GB
Maintaining the moderate
volume level (AVLS)
The AVLS (Automatic Volume Limiter
System) function allows you to listen to the
sound at a moderate volume level when
using the headphones. The AVLS function
limits the maximum volume to prevent
auditory issues or distraction and to
maintain a moderate volume level.
When “AVLS” is set to “ON” in the menu
(page 85), and you try to adjust the volume
to a level that exceeds the AVLS-specified
level, “AVLS” indicator lights. You cannot
adjust the volume to a level that exceeds the
limit.
When “AVLS” is set to “OFF” in the menu,
the “Advise to not listen at high VOL”
message is displayed with a beeping sound.
Press NPLAY/STOP•ENTER to return to
the menu mode window.
If you play back files at a volume that
exceeds the AVLS-specified level for
specified period of time, “AVLS” will be
displayed and “AVLS” menu is
automatically set to “ON.”
PNote
“AVLS” is set o “ON” when you purchase the
IC recorder. If you want to turn off the
function and play back files at the original
volume, use the menu to set “AVLS” to “OFF”
(page 85).

13GB
Getting Started
Step 2: Preparing a Power Source
Remove the film on the display window
before you use the IC recorder.
Slide and lift the battery compartment lid,
insert LR03 (size AAA) alkaline batteries
with correct polarity, and close the lid.
If the battery compartment lid is
accidentally detached, attach it as
illustrated.
The clock setting window appears and the
year section lights when you insert batteries
for the first time, or when you insert
batteries after the IC recorder has been
without batteries for a certain period of
time. See “Step 4: Setting the Clock” on
page 16 to set the date and time.
zTips
• When replacing the batteries, files recorded
or alarm settings are not erased even when
you remove the batteries.
• When replacing the batteries, the clock
continues moving for about 1 minute after
you remove the batteries.
PNotes
• Do not use manganese batteries for this IC
recorder.
• When replacing the batteries, be sure to
replace both batteries with new ones.
• Do not charge dry batteries. You cannot
charge the supplied LR03 (size AAA)
alkaline batteries.
• When you are not going to use the IC
recorder for a long time, remove the batteries
to prevent damage from battery leakage and
corrosion.

14GB
When using rechargeable
batteries
You can use NH-AAA-B2KN rechargeable
batteries (not supplied). You can recharge
the batteries by connecting the IC recorder
to your computer or using an AC-U50AG
USB AC adaptor (not supplied). For
recharging the rechargeable batteries, see
the following:
• “Recharging the Batteries Using a
Computer” on page 111
• “Using a USB AC Adaptor” on page 114
When to replace/charge the
batteries
The battery indicator in the display window
shows the battery condition.
Battery remain indicator
: “Low Battery Level” appears.
Replace the old batteries with new
ones. Or charge rechargeable
batteries.
m
: “Low Battery” appears and the IC
recorder will stop operation.

15GB
Getting Started
Step 3: Turning the IC Recorder On
Turning the power on
Slide the HOLD•POWER ON/OFF switch
in the direction of “POWER ON/OFF” for
more than 1 second. The IC recorder is
turned on, and the “Accessing...” animation
is displayed.
Turning the power off
Slide the HOLD•POWER ON/OFF switch
in the direction of “POWER ON/OFF” for
more than 2 seconds, and “Power Off” is
displayed.
The IC recorder turns off within a few
seconds.
zTips
• When you are not going to use the IC
recorder for a long time, we recommend to
turn off the IC recorder.
• When the IC recorder is in the stop mode,
and you leave the IC recorder without
attempting an operation for a certain length
of time, the auto power off function will take
effect. (The length of time before auto power
off is set to “10min” when you purchase the
IC recorder.) You can select the length of
time before auto power off takes effect in the
menu (page 93).

16GB
Step 4: Setting the Clock
You need to set the clock to use the alarm
function or record the date and time.
When you insert batteries for the first time,
or when you insert batteries after the IC
recorder has been without batteries for
more than 1 minute, the “Set Date&Time”
message appears, and the year section is
selected with the cursor in the clock setting
window.
Set the clock as follows:
1Set the year.
Press –.or >+ to set the year, and
then press NPLAY/STOP•ENTER.
Select the last two digits of the year.
When you press NPLAY/
STOP•ENTER, the cursor moves to the
month section.
2Set the month, day, hour, and minute in
sequence in the same way.
Press –.or >+ to select the
desired figures, and then press
NPLAY/STOP•ENTER.
When you set the minute, the
“Executing...” animation is displayed,
and then the stop mode window appears.
x
NPLAY/
STOP•ENTER
–., >+
•DISP – MENU

17GB
Getting Started
When you use the IC recorder for the
first time or when no file is recorded, the
following window may be displayed.
PNotes
• If you do not press NPLAY/
STOP•ENTER within 1 minute of entering
the clock setting data, the clock setting mode
is canceled and the stop mode window will
be displayed.
• When any button not intended for use in
setting the clock is pressed during the clock
setting mode, the clock setting is canceled.
To set the clock, use the menu.
To set the clock using the menu
While the IC recorder is in the stop mode,
you can set the clock using the menu.
Press and hold •DISP
– MENU to enter the
menu mode. Then select “Detail Menu,”
then “Date&Time” to set the clock
(page 92).
To display the current date and
time
While the IC recorder is in the stop mode,
press x(stop) to display the current date
and time for about 3 seconds.
Current folder
Elapsed time
Current file number/
the total number of
files in the folder

18GB
Step 5: Setting the Language to Be Used in
the Display Window
You can select the language to be used for
messages, menus, etc. from 6 languages.
1Press and hold •DISP – MENU to enter
the menu mode.
The menu mode window will be
displayed.
2Press –.or >+ to select “Detail
Menu,” and then press NPLAY/
STOP•ENTER.
3Press –.or >+ to select
“Language,” and then press NPLAY/
STOP•ENTER.
4Press –.or >+ to select the
language that you want to use, and then
press NPLAY/STOP•ENTER.
You can select the following languages.
Deutsch (German), English, Español
(Spanish), Français (French), Italiano
(Italian), Русский (Russian)
5Press x(stop) to exit the menu mode.
x
NPLAY/
STOP•ENTER
–., >+
•DISP – MENU

19GB
Basic Operations
Basic Operations
Recording
PNotes
• Before making a recording, be sure to check the battery indicator (page 14).
• Noise may be recorded if an object, such as your finger, etc., accidentally rubs or scratches the IC
recorder during recording.
zTip
Before you start recording, we recommend you make a trial recording first, or monitor the
recording (page 49).
Starting to record
1Slide the HOLD•POWER ON/OFF switch towards the
center to release the IC recorder from the HOLD status
(page 11).
The stop mode window appears.
2Select the folder in which you want to record files
(page 26).

20GB
3Place the IC recorder so that the built-in microphones
face the direction of the source to be recorded.
zTip
You can open the stand on the rear and set the IC recorder
at a more upright angle when recording on a table.
When the stand is accidently detached, attach it as
illustrated.