TDK DA-5900 User manual

DA-5900
DIGITAL AUDIO CD RECORDER
4X
V1
HIGH SPEED RECORDING TO AUDIO
CD-R AND CD-RW DISCS
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- DUB YOUR MUSIC
- RECORD FROM EXTERNAL SOURCES
- ANALOG AND DIGITAL INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
- FULL FUNCTION REMOTE CONTROL
USER
MANUAL

Important Safety Instructions
This product has been designed and manufactured according to FCC
regulations (title 21, CFR, chapter 1, subchapter J), and is classified as
a class 1 laser product. This unit doesn’t emit hazardous laser
radiation during operation, because laser radiation is confined
entirely in protective housings.
At the date of manufacture, this product complies with DHHS rules
21 CFR subchapter J.
Warning
•DO NOT REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE HOUSING.
•USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OTHER THAN THOSE
SPECIFIED HERE MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE.
•IF THIS PRODUCT DEVELOPS TROUBLE, CONTACT THE DEALER
FROM WHOM YOU BOUGHT IT. DO NOT USE THE UNIT IF IT
SEEMS TO BE MALFUNCTIONING.
Caution
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment would
void the user’s authority to operate this device.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER
OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE.
Laser Diode Properties
Material: Ga-Al-As
Wavelength: 765-815nm (25˚C) (play), 780-786nm (25˚C) (record)
Laser Output: Continuous wave max. 5mW (play) Continuous wave
max. 40mW (record)
Safety and Care Instructions
•WATER AND MOISTURE: Keep away from water and moisture.
Avoid showers, bathtubs, sinks, swimming pools, open windows,
rain, wet basements, etc.
•HEAT: Keep away from heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, amplifiers or similar devices.
•TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY: The nominal temperature should
be between 5˚C and 35˚C (41˚F and 95˚F). This recorder is more
sensitive to temperature extremes than play-only CD players.
Relative humidity should be 30-90% non-condensing.
•POWER SOURCES: The product should be connected to a power
supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or
as marked on the product. The voltage supplied to the unit should
match the voltage as printed on the rear panel. If you are in any
doubt regarding this matter, consult an electrician.
•GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: This product may be equipped
with a polarized AC line plug (with one blade wider than the
other), which fits into the outlet only one way. Do not defeat the
safety purpose of this polarized plug.
•LIGHTNING: For added protection, unplug this unit during
lightning storms.
•VENTILATION: Allow airflow to the system. Don’t place on a closed
bookcase or rack without proper ventilation. Do not place on top
of a receiver or amplifier.
•OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY: Do not let objects fall into the system
obstructing use. Avoid spilling liquids on the system.
•POWER CORD PROTECTION: Place power cords so that they are not
stepped on, pinched, squeezed or pulled. Unplug the system if not
in use for long periods of time.
•ACCESSORIES: Do not place this unit on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket or table. The product may fall causing serious
injury or death to a child or adult. Use only mounting accessories
recommended by the manufacturer.
•CLEANING: Unplug the system from the power source and clean
with a damp cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. To keep
the laser pickup clean, do not touch it, and do not forget to close
the disc tray.
•SERVICING: Do not service the system yourself. Servicing should be
done by qualified personnel. For additional assistance call the
dealer from whom you purchased the unit.
•MOVING THE UNIT: You should never move the unit while there is
a disc inside one of the trays. Never move the unit until discs have
been removed from both trays.

Table of Contents
DISC COMPATIBILITY & CARE ------------------------------------------------------4
CONNECTIONS--------------------------------------------------------------------------5
REMOTE CONTROL--------------------------------------------------------------------6
PLAYER BUTTON FUNCTIONS------------------------------------------------------7
REMOTE CONTROL BUTTON FUNCTIONS--------------------------------------8
PLAYBACK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
REPEAT PLAYBACK ------------------------------------------------------------------10
SHUFFLE PLAYBACK & INTRO CHECK -----------------------------------------11
PROGRAMMED PLAYBACK -------------------------------------------------------12
BEFORE RECORDING ----------------------------------------------------------------13
DUBBING --------------------------------------------------------------------------14, 15
BASIC RECORDING-------------------------------------------------------------------15
ADVANCED RECORDING------------------------------------------------------16, 17
FINALIZING DISCS--------------------------------------------------------------------18
TIME DISPLAYS -----------------------------------------------------------------------19
PLAYER DISPLAY MESSAGES -----------------------------------------------------20
ERROR MESSAGES-------------------------------------------------------------------20
TROUBLESHOOTING ----------------------------------------------------------------21
FRENCH DA-5900 USER MANUAL ----------------------------------------------25
SPANISH DA-5900 USER MANUAL----------------------------------------------49

4
Disc Compatibility and Care
IMPORTANT CD RECORDING INFORMATION
This unit plays all audio CDs. For recording, the unit uses special
audio-only CD-R or CD-RW discs. CD-R OR CD-RW DISCS DESIGNED
FOR COMPUTER USE WILL NOT RECORD IN THIS UNIT.
Only discs bearing the CD-R
Digital Audio or CD-RW Digital
Audio logo can be recorded in
this unit.
The last step in making a recording is the finalization process. Unless
this step is completed, the disc will not work in other players or the
DA-5900’s TRAY I. Once finalized, CD-R discs will play in virtually any
CD player. CD-RW discs will play in this unit and other CD-RW
compatible players. Check the specifications of your CD player if you
have questions about compatibility with CD-RW discs.
Once a CD-R disc has been finalized, it cannot be unfinalized. A
finalized CD-RW disc can be unfinalized, allowing you to erase or
add songs.
DISC CARE
•Always place the disc in the disc tray with the label facing up.
(Compact discs can be played or recorded only on one side.)
•Never touch the recording (non-label) side of a disc. Recording
requires a clean surface. Fingerprints, dust, grease, etc. can
cause errors.
•If the disc surface becomes dirty, wipe it in an outward motion
with a soft, dry cloth.
•Never use chemicals such as record sprays, anti-static sprays,
benzine or thinner to clean a disc.
•To avoid dust and scratches that could cause skips, discs should
be returned to their cases after use.
•Do not expose discs to direct sunlight or high humidity and
temperatures for extended periods.
•CD-R and CD-RW discs are sensitive to the effects of heat and
ultraviolet rays. It is important that they are not stored in a
location where direct sunlight will fall on them, and which is
away from sources of heat such as radiators or heat-generating
electrical devices.
•Do not stick papers or protective sheets on the discs and do not
use any protective coating spray.
•If you wish to label a CD-R/RW, only write on the label side, and
use a soft-tip pen. Never use a ball-point or hard-tip pen.
•Never use a stabilizer. Using commercially available CD stabilizers
with this unit will damage the mechanisms.
•Do not use irregularly shaped CDs (octagonal, heart-shaped, etc.).

5
Connections
The DA-5900 features a variety of audio inputs and outputs. For
ideal sound quality, digital connections should be used for playback
and recording.
You will want to connect your TDK Audio CD Recorder to an external
device that will amplify the DA-5900’s sound output. This device may be
a receiver, a mini-system or a boombox, for example.
If your receiver or mini-system has audio output jacks, you may want
to use it as an audio source for recording into your TDK Audio CD
Recorder. You can also connect many devices, including most CD
players and MiniDisc players directly to the DA-5900’s inputs for
recording. You CANNOT connect a turntable directly to your CD
Recorder unless the turntable has a built-in preamplifier. (See the
Advanced Recording section for more information on recording
from a turntable.)
NOTE: Turn off the power of all your audio equipment before
making connections.
[A] LINE IN/LINE OUT
These analog jacks can be used for playback and recording. For
audio playback, connect an analog cable (RCA type) between the
DA-5700’s line out jacks and the line in jacks on an amplification
device such as a receiver. For audio recording, connect an analog
cable (RCA type) between the DA-5900’s line in jacks and the line
out jacks on a source device such as a receiver or a tape deck.
[B] DIGITAL IN/OUT
The DA-5900 has optical and coaxial digital jacks for playback and
recording. Both types of digital connections offer perfect signal
transfer for the highest quality audio.
For audio playback, connect a coaxial digital cable between the
DA-5900’s coaxial digital out jack and the coaxial digital in jack on
an amplification device such as a receiver. Or connect an optical
digital cable between the DA-5900’s optical digital out jack and
the optical digital in jack on a playback device such as a receiver.
For audio recording, connect a coaxial digital cable between the
DA-5900’s coaxial digital in jack and the coaxial digital out jack on
a source device such as a MiniDisc player or a stereo receiver. Or
connect an optical digital cable between the DA-5900’s optical
digital in jack and the optical digital out jack on a source device
such as a MiniDisc player or stereo receiver. Note that the unit can
only receive input through one jack (optical or coaxial) at a time.
[C] AC POWER CORD
Plug the power cord into an AC wall outlet.
HEADPHONE LISTENING
To listen through headphones, plug headphones into the unit’s
front-panel jack.
DIGITALIN
OPTICAL COAXIAL OPTICAL COAXIAL
LINE IN LINE OUTDIGITALOUT
L
R
DIGITAL IN
DIGITAL IN
DIGITAL OUT
RECPLAY
DIGITAL OUT
L
R
L
RL R
CAUTION
!
(MD, Receiver, etc.)
(CD-R / MD / TAPE)
(CD,MD etc)
A
C
B
speed autodub
ext.record
manual
auto
enter

6
The supplied remote control allows the DA-5900 to be operated
from a distance. When operating the remote control, point it
towards the unit. Make sure nothing is blocking the recorder’s
display panel, behind which its remote control sensor is located.
BATTERY INSTALLATION
1. Remove the battery compartment cover.
2. Insert two AA batteries. Make sure that the batteries are inserted
with their positive (+) and negative (-) poles positioned correctly.
3. Close the cover.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
If you have to get closer than normal to the DA-5900 in order for
the remote control to operate the unit, the batteries need to be
replaced.
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
•Never use different types of batteries together.
•Rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries can be
used separately.
•When the remote control will not to be used for a long time
(more than a month), remove the batteries to prevent leakage.
•If the batteries leak, use a cloth to wipe away the liquid inside
the battery compartment and replace the batteries with new ones.
•Do not heat or disassemble batteries, and never dispose of old
batteries by throwing them in a fire. Dispose of batteries
according to the laws where you live.
Remote Control

7
Player Button Functions
[1] POWER
Press to turn the power ON or OFF.
[2] TRAY OPEN/CLOSE (TRAY I AND TRAY II)
Press to open or close TRAY I or TRAY II.
[3] TRAY I PLAYBACK CONTROLS
STOP: [■]
Press to stop playback.
PLAY: [ ]
Press to start playback.
PAUSE: [ ]
Press to pause playback.
TRACK SKIP: [ ][ ]
Press to skip tracks. Or press and hold down to scan forward
or backwards within a track.
[4] TRAY II PLAYBACK CONTROLS
STOP: [■]
Press to stop playback or recording.
PLAY: [ ]
Press to start playback, recording, finalizing or erasing.
PAUSE: [ ]
Press to pause playback or recording.
TRACK SKIP: [ ][ ]
Press to skip tracks. Or press and hold down to scan forward
or backwards within a track.
[5] SPEED
Press to select the dubbing speed.
[6] AUTO DUB
Press to enter record pause mode. (Recording is armed, but
does not start.)
[7] ENTER
Press to begin the recording process. (if recording has been
armed).
[8] INPUT
Press to select the input (analog, coaxial digital or optical)
through which you wish to record.
[9] EXTERNAL RECORD
Press to select recording from an external source.
[10] MANUAL / AUTO
Press to select automatic or manual track division.
[11] ERASE
Press to erase or unfinalize a disc. (Only CD-RW discs can be
unfinalized.)
[12] FINALIZE
Press to finalize a CD-R or CD-RW disc.
[13] CD SYNC
Press to set up synchronized recording with an external digital
source.
[14] RECORD LEVEL
Adjust to set the recording level from external sources.
[15] HEADPHONE JACK
Connect headphones for private listening.
[16] HEADPHONE VOLUME
Adjusts volume of headphone output.
[1]
[2] [2]
[16]
[DISPLAY PANEL]
[14]
[TRAY II][TRAY I]
[15] [5]
[8]
[6] [7]
[11]
[12]
[9]
[3] [4]
[10] [13]

8
[1] POWER
Press to power unit ON or OFF.
[2] ENTER
Press to begin the recording process (if recording has been
armed).
[3] REPEAT 1/ALL, A-B
Press to set a repeat mode.
[4] NUMERIC BUTTONS
Press to select track numbers.
[5] SEARCH [][]
Hold down to scan through a track.
[6] TIME
Press to change the time display.
[7] SHUFFLE
Press to set shuffle playback.
[8] INTRO
Press to turn on INTRO CHECK function. The beginning of
each track is played for 10 seconds when this mode is ON.
[9] PROGRAM, CLEAR, PROGRAM CHECK
These buttons are used for programmed playback.
[10] TRACK SKIP [][]
Press to skip tracks.
[11] RECORD
Press to enter record pause mode. (Recording is armed,
but does not start.)
[12] RECORD LEVEL
Adjust to set the recording level.
[13] TRAY II PLAYBACK CONTROLS
PLAY [ ]
Press to start playback, recording, finalizing or erasing.
PAUSE [ ]
Press to pause playback or recording.
STOP: [■]
Press to stop playback or recording.
[14] TRAY I PLAYBACK CONTROLS
PLAY [ ]
Press to start playback.
PAUSE [ ]
Press to pause playback.
STOP: [■]
Press to stop playback.
[15] TRAY I / TRAY II SELECTOR CONTROLS
These buttons are used to select TRAY I or TRAY II. Before
pressing the remote control’s TRACK SKIP [ ][ ],
MUSIC SEARCH [ ][ ] or numeric buttons, press either
the TRAY I or TRAY II button to select which tray those buttons
will control.
Remote Control Button Functions
[1] [2]
[7]
[6]
[8]
[10]
[13]
[15]
[14]
[9]
[3]
[4]
[11]
[12]
[5]

9
TRAY II can play back standard audio CDs, CD-R and CD-RW discs.
TRAY I can play back standard audio CDs and finalized CD-R/CD-RW
discs. Note that CD-R and CD-RW discs that haven’t been finalized
cannot be played in TRAY I.
1. Press the POWER switch to turn the unit ON.
The display briefly shows READING. When no disc is inserted, NO
DISC DISC NO is shown on the display.
2. Press the OPEN/CLOSE [ ] button of TRAY I or TRAY II.
3. Place a disc in the tray, label side up.
4. Press the OPEN/CLOSE [ ] button of TRAY I or TRAY II.When a
disc is loaded into the unit, the display shows READING as it
determines the contents of the disc. When the TOC has been read,
the display will show the following information:
When a blank disc is placed in TRAY II, the display with show BLANK.
Here are other messages the display will show when a disc is
placed in TRAY II:
CD: When a commercial pre-recorded CD or a finalized CD-R is inserted
CD-R, NO TOC: When a CD-R that hasn’t been finalized is inserted
CD-RW, NO TOC: When a CD-RW that hasn’t been finalized is inserted
CD-RW: When a finalized CD-RW is inserted
BLANK: When an unrecordable audio disc or no disc is inserted
5. Press the PLAY [ ] button of TRAY I or TRAY II to start playback.
To stop playback:
Press STOP [■].
To temporarily suspend playback:
Press PAUSE [ ].
To resume playback where it was paused:
Press PAUSE [ ] or PLAY [].
To restart playback at the beginning of a track that’s currently playing:
Press the TRACK SKIP BACK [ ] button.
To return to the beginning of the previous track while a track is playing:
Quickly press the TRACK SKIP BACK [ ] button twice.
When using the remote control, remember to select TRAY I or TRAY
II before using the TRACK SKIP [ ][ ] buttons.
To scan (search) through a track during playback:
If operating the unit from its front-panel:
Hold down the tray’s TRACK SKIP [ ][ ] button until the section
you want to hear is found.
If operating the unit from its remote control:
Select TRAY I or TRAY II, then press and hold the
SEARCH [ ][ ] button.
DIRECT TRACK SELECT
1. Using the remote, press the I or II button to select the tray.
2. Enter the desired track number on the numeric keypad.
Playback will start from the selected track.
Note: To play tracks 1 through 9, simply press the appropriate
button (1 through 9) on the remote’s numeric keypad. To play a
track numbered higher than 9, press the +10 button, followed by
a numeric button.
If you press the numeric button while the unit is paused, the deck
enters pause mode at the beginning of the selected track.
If a track number which doesn’t exist on the disc is selected during
TOC reading, the last track of the disc will be played.
Direct track selection isn’t possible during shuffle playback and
program playback.
Playback
speedauto dub
ext. record
manual
auto
enter
CD
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
OVER36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD–RW
SYNC
REC
TRACK
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
TRACK
PROGRAM
NOTOCANALOGDIGITAL
L
R
Total number of tracks
Total play time
Tray II

10
Repeatedly pressing the remote control’s REPEAT 1/ALL button
changes the mode as follows:
REPEAT 1
During playback, press the remote’s REPEAT 1/ALL button, selecting
REPEAT 1.
•The current track will play repeatedly.
•If you select another track while in REPEAT 1 mode, the track you
select will be played repeatedly.
It is also possible to set REPEAT 1 mode while playback is stopped:
1. Press the REPEAT 1/ALL button.
2. Using the remote’s numeric buttons, select the track number to play.
REPEAT ALL
During playback, press the remote’s REPEAT 1/ALL button until
REPEAT ALL is selected.
•All tracks on the disc will be played repeatedly.
•During program playback, only programmed tracks will be played
repeatedly.
•When discs are in TRAY I and TRAY II, the unit will repeat all tracks
on each disc for five cycles before stopping.
REPEAT A-B
This mode repeats a designated section of music. This mode cannot
be used with unfinalized CD-R or CD-RW discs.
1. Start playback.
2. When the beginning of the section of music you wish to repeat
is reached, press the remote’s A-B button.
3. When the end of the section of music you wish to repeat is
reached, press the remote’s A-B button again.
•The selected section of music will now repeat.
•Repeat A-B start and end points must be selected within the same track.
•After designating point A, the remote’s SEARCH FORWARD []
button can be used to fast-forward to where you want to
set point B.
The following buttons will cancel REPEAT A-B mode:
•A-B
•STOP [■]
•OPEN/CLOSE [ ]
•POWER
Repeat Playback
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
OVER36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD–RW
SYNC
REC
TRACK
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
TRACK
PROGRAM
NOTOCANALOGDIGITAL
L
R
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
OVER36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD–RW
SYNC
REC
TRACK
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
TRACK
PROGRAM
NOTOCANALOGDIGITAL
L
R
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
OVER36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD–RW
SYNC
REC
TRACK
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
TRACK
PROGRAM
NOTOCANALOGDIGITAL
L
R

11
SHUFFLE PLAYBACK
To activate this mode, press the remote’s SHUFFLE button
during playback.
•The tracks will be played randomly until every track has been played.
•If playable discs are in both trays, shuffle will randomly play all
tracks from both discs.
•If you press TRACK SKIP FORWARD [ ] during SHUFFLE playback,
the next randomly selected song will be played.
•If you press TRACK SKIP BACKWARD [ ] during SHUFFLE
playback, the current track will replay from its beginning.
•To cancel SHUFFLE playback, press the SHUFFLE button.
INTRO CHECK
To activate this mode when playback is stopped, press the remote’s
INTRO button, then the PLAY [ ] button.
•The beginning of each track will play for 10 seconds.
•When a track you want to hear begins, press the INTRO button
again, and the entire track will play.
•During program playback, the programmed tracks will be played
for 10 seconds each.
•When all the tracks of both discs have been checked, intro check stops.
•To cancel the intro check mode, press the INTRO button again.
•If INTRO is pressed more than 10 seconds after playback of a song
has begun, INTRO CHECK will start from the next track.
Shuffle Playback & Intro Check

12
1. Press the remote’s PROGRAM button. STEP 01 and PROGRAM
will appear in the display and the track number 1 will blink.
2. Select the disc tray by pressing the remote’s I or II button,
then select a track by pressing the numeric buttons or the
TRACK SKIP [ ][ ] buttons. If you make a mistake, press
the numeric buttons again.
3. Press the PROGRAM button. The track is programmed, and the
next step (STEP 02) is ready to be programmed.
4. Repeat items 2 and 3 to program additional tracks.
5. When you’ve finished adding tracks, press STOP [■].
6. Press PLAY [ ] to begin programmed playback.
7. After playback has stopped, additional tracks can be added by
pressing PROGRAM and repeating items 2 and 3.
•The program list is kept in memory even if STOP [■] has
been pressed.
•If the PROGRAM button is pressed without selecting a track
number, the first song on the disc will be programmed.
•Up to 32 tracks from 2 discs can be programmed in the
desired order. PGM FULL will appear when no more tracks
can be programmed.
•Shuffle playback does not work during program playback.
To check the programmed track order:
When playback is stopped, repeatedly press the remote’s PROGRAM
CHECK button. The track numbers and program numbers will be
shown on the display.
To change the program:
1. When playback is stopped, press PROGRAM CHECK until the
program number you wish to change is selected.
2. Select a new track number by pressing the numeric buttons,
then press the PROGRAM button to overwrite the program.
To delete a track:
1. When playback is stopped, repeatedly press the remote’s
PROGRAM CHECK button until the program number you
wish to delete is displayed.
2. Press the CLEAR button to delete the track.
To clear the program:
•Press the STOP [■] button, then the CLEAR button.
•Or if playback is stopped, press the CLEAR button.
•Or press the OPEN/CLOSE [ ] button.
Programmed Playback

13
Before you start recording, note the following points:
•The unit requires Digital Audio CD-R or Digital Audio CD-RW media
for recording. Computer CD-R or CD-RW discs do not work with this
unit. Only discs with the following logos can be recorded:
•Once you have recorded on a CD-R disc, the data cannot be
erased from it.
•You can add tracks to an unfinalized CD-R or CD-RW disc. Once
finalized, a CD-R disc cannot be changed. Finalized CD-RW discs,
however, can be erased and re-recorded.
•Due to technical restrictions of CDs, a track cannot be less than
four seconds in length, and there can be a maximum of 99 tracks
on an audio CD.
•When the recording is finished, PMA WRITE and COMPLETE are
displayed for a few seconds, then the unit stops. Make sure the
unit doesn’t vibrate during recording.
•If the end of a disc is reached during recording, the unit will do a
fade-out over a few seconds. When the fade-out has finished, the
unit will automatically finalize the disc and stop.
•When the number of tracks exceeds 99 during recording, the
unit stops recording.
•The recording time of a track may slightly differ from that of
the original one.
•Discs with HDCD logo will be recorded in the standard CD format.
•If you record a track with the Repeat 1 function enabled, the track
number may not be incremented correctly.
ABOUT THE SERIAL COPY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
This unit complies with the Serial Copy Management System (SCMS)
standard. This standard was created to restrict digital-to-digital
copying to only the first generation. The basic rules governing this
system are as follows:
1. A digital recording can be made through a digital input
connection from a digital source such as a CD, DAT or MD onto a
recordable Audio CD-R, Audio CD-RW, MD or DAT. However, second
and later generation copies cannot be recorded digitally.
2. When an analog source such as an FM broadcast is digitally
recorded by using a CD-R, CD-RW, MD or DAT, this recorded source
can be digitally recorded on another CD-R, CD-RW, MD or DAT.
However, further digital copying is prohibited.
Before Recording

14
This section describes how to make a copy of a disc in TRAY I to an
audio CD-R or CD-RW in TRAY II.
The DA-5900 has a convenient AUTO DUB button that makes it very
easy to copy audio discs.
To Auto Dub an Entire Audio CD at 4X Speed:
1. Press POWER to turn the unit ON.
2. Place the disc to be dubbed in TRAY I, and put a recordable
audio CD-R/RW disc in TRAY II.
3. Close both trays.
•When the blank disc is inserted and TRAY II is closed, the
display will show a BLANK message.
4. Press and hold in the AUTO DUB button for about three seconds.
•The unit will dub the CD at 4X speed, then will automatically
finalize your newly recorded disc.
To Auto Dub an Entire Audio CD at 1X, 2X or 4X Speed:
1. Press POWER to turn the unit ON.
2. Place the disc to be dubbed in TRAY I, and put a recordable
audio CD-R/RW disc in TRAY II.
3. Close both trays.
•When the blank disc is inserted and TRAY II is closed, the
display will show a BLANK message.
4. Press and quickly release the AUTO DUB button.
5. Press the SPEED button to select 1X, 2X or 4X dubbing speed.
Every time SPEED is pressed, the dubbing speed is changed.
DUBB 4X: records four times as fast as the normal playback speed
DUBB 2X: records twice as fast as the normal playback speed
DUBB 1X: records at normal playback speed
6. Press ENTER. The unit will dub the CD
7. Finalize your newly recorded disc.
To finalize a disc:
1. Load an unfinalized disc in TRAY II.
2. With playback stopped, press and hold in the FINALIZE button for three
seconds.
•Finalization will take about 60 seconds.
•If for some reason you wish to cancel the finalize process, press
STOP [■].
•When the operation is finished, COMPLETE will appear briefly on the
display, then the display will return to its track/time display mode.
NOTE: If the unit detects copy-prohibit signals when you’re attempting
dubbing, SCMS appears on the display, then the unit automatically dubs
the disc in analog mode at 1X speed. The disc will be automatically
finalized.
If the CD-R/RW disc in TRAY II doesn’t have enough space to dub the entire
disc in TRAY I, NOSPACE:D2 and DUBB 1/2/4X will alternately appear on
the display. Even if this happens, you can still dub most of the disc.
•To dub as much of the disc as possible, press the ENTER button
when DUBB 1/2/4X is displayed.
•When the disc nears the end of its available recording space,
the unit will do a fade-out over a few seconds.
•When the fade-out has finished, the unit will finalize the disc
and automatically stop.
•Pressing STOP [■] will stop the dubbing process.
•When dubbing is stopped by pressing STOP [■],
the disc will not be finalized.
•During dubbing, only the STOP [■] buttons of TRAY I and II
will work.
•Track numbers are incremented automatically. During dubbing,
you cannot add track numbers manually.
•Note that the unit is more tolerant of disc errors at slower
dubbing speeds. If you’re using low quality audio CD-R or CD-RW
discs (or if your source disc is scuffed), and you’re experiencing
problems, record at 1X.
•If you intend to monitor the sound during high speed dubbing,
turn the volume of your amplifier down low to prevent possible
damage to your system.
•During high speed (2X or 4X) dubbing, SYNC ALL is selected
automatically. You cannot select SYNC 1. During 1X speed
dubbing, SYNC ALL is selected automatically. If you want to select
SYNC 1, see the ADVANCED RECORDING section of the manual.
TRACK-BY-TRACK DUBBING
Instead of dubbing the entire source disc at once, this mode lets you
dub one track at a time. This can be handy for making mixed CDs
from several different source CDs.
1. Press POWER to turn the unit on.
2.Place the disc to be dubbed in TRAY I, and put a recordable audio
CD-R/RW disc in TRAY II.
3. Close both trays.
•When the blank disc is inserted and TRAY II is Closed, the display
will show a BLANK message.
4. Press the AUTO DUB button.
5. Press the SPEED button to select 1X, 2X or 4X dubbing speed.
Every time SPEED is pressed, the dubbing speed is changed.
6. Select the track you want to record.
7. Press ENTER.
8. Finalize the disc after you’ve finished adding tracks.
To finalize a disc:
1. Load an unfinalized disc in TRAY II.
2. With playback stopped, press and hold in the FINALIZE botton for
three seconds.
Dubbing
3
6122050
–
dB
T
O
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CH
REMAIN
OP
AIN
L
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3
6122050
–
dB
T
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CH
REMAIN
OP
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3
6122050
–
dB
T
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REMAIN
OP
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15
PROGRAM PLAYLIST DUBBING
This mode lets you program a playlist for a disc in TRAY I, then dub
the tracks-in the order of the playlist-to a disc in TRAY II.
1. Program a playlist.
(For more information, see the PROGRAMMED PLAYLISTS section.)
2. Press AUTO DUB.
3. Press ENTER.
•Recording will stop when the playlist has been recorded.
4. Finalize the disc.
To finalize a disc:
1. Load an unfinalized disc in TRAY II.
2. With playback stopped, press and hold in the FINALIZE botton for
three seconds.
RECORDING FROM AN EXTERNAL SOURCE
To record from an ANALOG external source:
1. Connect the source device’s analog outputs to the DA-5900’s
analog inputs.
2. Power ON both units.
3. Place a recordable audio disc (CD-R or CD-RW) label side up
in TRAY II.
4. Close TRAY II.
•When a blank disc is placed in TRAY II, the display will show
BLANK.
5. Repeatedly Press INPUT until ANALOG appears on the display.
6. Select the desired mode of track division (track number
assignment) by pressing the MANUAL/AUTO button (see the
ADVANCED RECORDING section for more information).
7. Press the player’s EXT. RECORD or the remote’s RECORD button
to arm recording.
8. Press TRAY II’s PLAY [ ] button to start recording.
9. Play the source to be recorded.
10. If MANUAL track division was selected, press ENTER whenever
you want to create a new track. If AUTOMATIC track division
was selected, a new track will be created whenever three
seconds of silence is received from the source device. (The unit
stops recording if there is 20 seconds of silence.)
11. Finalize your newly recorded disc.
To finalize a disc:
1. Load an unfinalized disc in TRAY II.
2. With playback stopped, press and hold in the FINALIZE button for
three seconds.
To record from a DIGITAL external source:
1. Connect the source device’s coaxial digital output to the DA-5900’s
coaxial digital input. Or connect the source device’s optical digital
output to the DA-5900’s optical digital input.
2. Power ON both units.
3. Place a recordable audio disc (CD-R or CD-RW) label side up in
TRAY II.
4. Close TRAY II.
•When a blank disc is placed in TRAY II, the display will show
BLANK.
5. Repeatedly press INPUT until OPTICAL or COAXIAL appears on the
display. (Select OPTICAL if the source device is connected to the
DA-5900’s optical digital input; select COAXIAL if the source device
is connected to the DA-5900’s coaxial digital input.)
6. Press the CD SYNC button to select SYNC 1 track or SYNC ALL
tracks (see the ADVANCED RECORDING section for more
information).
7. Press the player’s EXT. RECORD button or the remote’s RECORD
button to arm recording.
8. Press ENTER to confirm.
9. Press the source device’s PLAY button to start recording.
10. Finalize your newly created disc.
To finalize a disc:
1. Load an unfinalized disc in TRAY II.
2. With playback stopped, press and hold in the FINALIZE button for
three seconds
To stop recording:
•Press the STOP [■] button
To temporarily pause recording:
•Press the PAUSE [ ] button.
NOTE: During digital recording, if the input signal stops for 5
seconds, recording will stop.
NOTE: During digital recording from an external source, if the unit
detects copy-prohibit signals, SCMS appears on the display,
and the unit records the disc in analog mode at 1X speed.
NOTE: Every time recording is paused or stopped, a new track
number will be assigned.
Basic Recording

16
This section covers advanced recording methods.
When the MANUAL/AUTO button is pressed, the track division mode
used during recording changes.
•The A-TRACK indicator lights when the automatic track division
mode is enabled.
•When the unit is in manual track division mode (A-TRACK
indicator not lit), the track number on the disc you’re recording is
only increased when the RECORD button is pressed during recording.
•When the A-TRACK indicator is lit, the track number is increased
when three seconds of silence is detected or when RECORD
is pressed.
ABOUT MANUAL TRACK NUMBERING
It is possible to manually divide the CD-R or CD-RW disc into tracks
while recording.
•While recording is taking place, press the RECORD button.
The current track number will be increased by one.
•Manual track division cannot be used when dubbing a disc from
TRAY I to a disc in TRAY II.
•Manual track division can be used when A-TRACK (automatic track
division) is OFF or ON.
ABOUT AUTOMATIC TRACK NUMBERING
During dubbing:
A-TRACK (automatic track division) is always ON. When three
seconds of silence is detected, the unit will automatically increase to
the next track number. You cannot add track numbers manually.
When recording through a digital input from an external source:
•When A-TRACK is ON, and three seconds of silence is detected,
the unit will automatically increase to the next track number.
•If the source doesn’t contain silence between the tracks,
A-TRACK does not work at all.
•If that’s the case, add track numbers by pressing the RECORD
button during recording.
When recording through the analog inputs from an external source:
•If A-TRACK is ON, the unit will automatically increase to the next
track number when three seconds of silence is detected.
•If A-TRACK is OFF, the track number will only be increased
manually by pressing RECORD during recording.
•Even when A-TRACK is ON, you can also add track numbers by
pressing the RECORD button during recording
from an external source.
INCREMENT LEVEL
The increment level setting affects when the DA-5900 will start
recording during DIGITAL SYNCHRONIZED mode recording.
AND
When the unit will add a new track number during A-TRACK
mode recording.
The settings options are:
-60 dB
-50 dB
-40 dB
(A decibel (dB) is a measure of sound volume.)
The unit defaults to the -60 dB setting.
Advanced Recording
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
O
V
E
36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
–
RW
TRACK
PROGRAM
L
R
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
O
V
E
36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
–
RW
TRACK
REMAIN
PROGRAM
L
R
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
OVE R36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD–RW
SYNC
REC
TRACK
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
TRACK
PROGRAM
NOTOCANALOGDIGITAL
L
R
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
O
VE
R
36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
–
RW
TRACK
PROGRAM
L
R
A-TRACK:ON
MANUAL (A-TRACK:OFF)
INCREMENT LEVEL -60dB
INCREMENT LEVEL -50dB
INCREMENT LEVEL -40dB

17
A higher setting such as -40 dB means that:
•During digital SYNCHRONIZED mode recording, a relatively loud
input signal will be required to trigger the start of recording.
•During A-TRACK mode recording, a fairly silent passage-with some
background hiss-will trigger an increase to the next track number
on the disc being recorded.
A lower setting such as -60 dB means that:
•During digital SYNCHRONIZED mode recording, a relatively quiet
input signal will trigger the start of recording.
•During A-TRACK mode recording, a very silent passage-with little
or no background hiss-will be required to trigger an increase to
the next track number on the disc being recorded.
ABOUT DIGITAL SYNCHRONIZED RECORDING
In Digital Synchronized Recording mode, recording automatically
begins when signal from an external source is received. Recording
automatically ends when the signal from an external source ends.
Digital synchronized recording is only possible when recording
through a digital input from an external source such as a CD player
or MiniDisc deck.
Note that the INCREMENT LEVEL setting (discussed in the previous
section of this manual) affects how loud an input signal must be in
order to trigger recording.
ABOUT RECORDING FROM YOUR TURNTABLE
This section explains how to connect your turntable to the DA-5900
for recording. These guidelines apply ONLY when recording from a
turntable into the DA-5900.
Advanced Recording
3
6122050
–
dB
T
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REMAIN
A-TRA
CK
CD
–
RW
L
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3
6122050
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INTR
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REMAIN
L
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Some turntables have a built-in preamplifier.
If yours does, connecting will be quite simple as illustrated below:
If your turntable doesn’t have a built-in preamplifier (most don’t), the turntable
can be connected to a separate preamplifier that’s connected to the DA-5900’s inputs.
Some AV receivers have a built-in phono preamp. If yours does, you can connect as follows:

18
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
OVE R36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD–RW
SYNC
REC
TRACK
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
TRACK
PROGRAM
NOTOCANALOGDIGITAL
L
R
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
OVE R36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD–RW
SYNC
REC
TRACK
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
TRACK
PROGRAM
NOTOCANALOGDIGITAL
L
R
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
OVE R36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD–RW
SYNC
REC
TRACK
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
TRACK
PROGRAM
NOTOCANALOGDIGITAL
L
R
The last step in making a recording is the finalization process. Unless
this step is completed, the disc will not work in other players or the
DA-5900’s TRAY I. Once finalized, CD-R discs will play in virtually
any CD player. CD-RW discs will play in this unit and other CD-RW
compatible players. Check the specifications of your CD player if
you have questions about compatibility with CD-RW discs.
Once a CD-R disc has been finalized, it cannot be unfinalized.
A finalized CD-RW disc can be unfinalized, allowing you to erase
or add songs.
Unfinalized CD-R and CD-RW discs can only be played in the
DA-5900’s TRAY II. Unfinalized discs will not play in the unit’s TRAY I.
To finalize a disc:
1. Load an unfinalized disc in TRAY II.
2. With playback stopped, press and hold in the FINALIZE button for
three seconds.
•Finalization will take about 60 seconds.
•If for some reason you wish to cancel the finalize process, press
STOP [■].
•When the operation is finished, COMPLETE will appear briefly
on the display, then the display will return to its track/time
display mode.
•During the finalization process, all buttons are disabled. Never
turn the power off or unplug the power cord.
UNFINALIZING AND/OR ERASING A CD-RW
The following information only applies to CD-RW type discs. It does
not apply to CD-R discs.
•It is possible to erase the last recorded track. It is also possible
to erase a whole disc.
•Erase procedures are possible only on an unfinalized CD-RW disc.
If a CD-RW disc has been finalized, it must be unfinalized before it
can be erased.
To unfinalize a CD-RW:
1. Load a finalized CD-RW into TRAY II.
2. Press the FINALIZE button.
To erase an entire CD-RW:
1. Load a recorded CD-RW into TRAY II.
2. Press and hold in the ERASE button for three seconds.
•If the disc was finalized, it will be automatically unfinalized and
erased. If the disc wasn’t finalized, it will still be erased.
To erase the last track on a CD-RW:
1. Load a recorded CD-RW into TRAY II.
2. If the disc is finalized, press ERASE to unfinalize the disc.
3. Press ERASE to erase the last track on the disc.
4. Repeat step 3 untill as many tracks as desired have been erased.
Erase all the tracks.
Erase the last track. In this example, track 12 is the disc’s last track.
Unfinalize the disc.
Finalizing Discs
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
OVE R36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD–RW
SYNC
REC
TRACK
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
TRACK
PROGRAM
NOTOCANALOGDIGITAL
L
R

19
Press the TIME button on the remote control to switch the displayed
mode of time. Each instance the TIME button is pressed, the mode
changes as follows:
IN THE PLAY/PAUSE MODE:
1. Elapsed time of the current track being played.
2. Remaining time of the current track being played.
3. Elapsed play time of all tracks.
4. Remaining play time of all tracks.
5. The total play time and the number of tracks.
IN THE STOP MODE:
1. The total play time and the number of tracks.
2. Remaining recording time on the disc.
IN RECORDING MODE:
1. Elapsed recording time of the current track.
2. Remaining recording time on the disc.
Time Displays
REPEAT
-B
OVER36122050–dB 0
LE
AL
H
N
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD–RW
SYNC
REC
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
TRACK
NOTOCANALOGDIGITAL
L
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Tray I Tray II
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
OVE R36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD–RW
SYNC
REC
TRACK
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
TRACK
PROGRAM
NOTOCANALOGDIGITAL
L
R
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
OVE R36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD–RW
SYNC
REC
TRACK
TOTAL
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
REMAIN
TRACK
PROGRAM
NOTOCANALOGDIGITAL
L
R
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
OVE R36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD
CD
–RW
RW
SYNC
REC
TRACK
TOTAL
EACH
EACH
REMAIN
TRACK
TRACK
PROGRAM
NOTOC
NOTOC
ANALOGDIGITAL
L
R
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
OVE R36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD
CD
–RW
RW
SYNC
REC
TRACK
TOTAL
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
REMAIN
TRACK
PROGRAM
NOTOC
NOTOC
ANALOGDIGITAL
L
R
REPEAT
-B
OVE R36122050–dB 0
LE
AL
H
N
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD–RW
SYNC
REC
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
TRACK
NOTOCANALOGDIGITAL
L
R
REPEAT
-B
OVE R36122050–dB 0
LE
AL
H
N
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD–RW
SYNC
REC
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
TRACK
NOTOCANALOGDIGITAL
L
R
REPEAT
-B
OVE R36122050–dB 0
LE
AL
H
N
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD–RW
SYNC
REC
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
TRACK
NOTOCANALOGDIGITAL
L
R
REPEAT
1ALL A-B
OVE R36122050–dB 0
SHUFFLE
INTRO
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
COAXIAL
OPTICAL A-TRACK
CD–RW
SYNC
REC
TRACK
TOTAL
EACH
REMAIN
TRACK
PROGRAM
NOTOCANALOGDIGITAL
L
R
T
otal number of tracks
Total pla
y
time
Tray II

20
The following are the various messages that the DA-5900 will display during operation.
ANALOG: Lights when a coaxial or optical connection is made; lights when a analog copy is being made.
BLANK: A blank CD-R/RW disc is loaded in the tray.
CLOSE: Close the disc tray.
COMPLETE: Dubbing, recording, finalizing or erasing has been completed.
DIGITAL: Lights when a coaxial or optical connection is made; lights when a digital copy is being made.
DUBB 1X: Normal speed dubbing from TRAY I to II.
DUBB 2X: 2X speed dubbing from TRAY I to II.
DUBB 4X: 4X speed dubbing from TRAY I to II.
ERASE **: Erase the last track of the CD-RW disc.
ERASE ALL: Erase all the tracks of the CD-RW disc.
FINALIZE: Finalize the disc.
INCLVL **: Increment level.
MANUAL: Auto track division is off.
NO DISC: No disc is loaded in the tray.
NO TOC: Lights when a disc without a table of contents is loaded.
OPEN: Open the tray.
PMA WRITE: Write programmed material on the disc.
READING: The unit is reading the disc.
REC **DB:D2: Recording level
STEP **: Program number
SYNC-1: Record one track using synchronized recording.
SYNC-ALL: Record all the tracks using synchronized recording.
UNFINALIZ: Unfinalize the CD-RW disc.
(** represents a variable. will be shown as actual number.)
ERROR MESSAGES: When an error message is displayed, press the STOP button and try to determine its cause.
Player Display Messages
Error Message
CAN’T REC- Cannot record,
erase or finalize the disc
D-UNLOCK- Digital input is
selected, but you cannot record.
DISC FULL
NOCD-DA:D2- DATA Discs
designed for computer systems
cannot be used for audio
recording on the DA-5700.
NO SPACE:D2
PGM FULL
COPY
Cause
1. The disc is full.
2. CD-RW is finalized.
3. CD-R is finalized.
4. CD-R discs cannot be erased.
1. A digital source is not connected.
2. The source unit’s power is off.
1. There is no space on the disc.
2. No tracks are available on the disc.
1. A Data disc is being used.
1. The CD-R/RW disc placed in TRAY II
does not have enough space to dub
the entire disc in TRAY I.
1. 32 tracks have been programmed.
1. You are trying to digitally record a
“second-generation”digital copy.
What To Do
1. Change the disc.
2. If the CD-RW disc is finalized, unfinalize the disc.
3. Make sure that you are using Audio CD-RW or
CD-R discs for audio recording.
Do not use Data discs.
1. Connect an external unit using digital
connections (coaxial, optical).
2. Turn the external unit’s power ON.
1. Insert a new blank disc.
2. Erase unwanted tracks (CD-RW only),
then record new tracks.
3. A maximum of 99 tracks can be recorded per disc.
1. Use discs bearing the “DIGITAL AUDIO”logo.
1. Use a CD-R/RW of a larger capacity. 80-minute
discs are largest.
1. You can only program a total of 32 tracks.
2. Clear the program, then program 32 new tracks.
1. Due to SCMS restrictions, you may only make
1st generation digital copies. In other words,
you cannot copy a copied CD. If you would like
to make more backups of a copied disc, you can
do so in analog mode.