Sony Introduces MDS-DRE1 MiniDisc Recorder/Player for DJs

July 10, 1998 -- Cost Effective System Offers Full Range of Features Including Sony BackTracking Technology and Latest Version of ATRAC NASHVILLE, NAMM, Booth #2030, July 10, 1998 - Sony Electronics today unveiled the MDS-DRE1, its most advanced MiniDisc-based recorder/player/editing system designed specifically for the dance club DJ.

The unit will offer a host of professional features, including the latest version of Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding (ATRAC) compression technology and BackTracking, which will allow DJs to record, synchronize and play tracks "on the fly," enabling live cueing of external audio from a myriad of sources.

"This is Sony's most advanced digital solution for DJs to date," said Paul Foschino, marketing manager of professional audio products for Sony Electronics' Broadcast and Professional Group. "The unique features of the MDS-DREMDS-DRE1, such as BackTracking, demonstrate Sony's solid commitment to the continued development of professional MiniDisc products. We can offer the professional performance of higher-end MiniDisc products to a broader base of DJ users. The MDS-DRE1 provides near CD-quality recording and playback while remaining a flexible audio tool in the dynamic club environment. We also expect the radio industry to be excited by this machine."

The BackTracking feature built into the MDS-DRE1 effectively makes the unit two machines in one. In conjunction with the MDS-DRE1's digital I/Os, BackTracking allows the DJ to record and synchronize tracks on the fly from any source, while a song is being played. These sources can be mixed (with an external DJ mixer) along with material on the same disc. This provides the DJ the flexibility to create customized mixes and audio transitions in real time.

Additional planned features of the ergonomically designed, portable, tabletop unit include seamless looping; turntable-style scrubbing and trick play; digital archiving; digital disc and random access capability; "hot start" buttons, allowing up to eight tracks to be assigned simultaneously for continuous instantaneous play; slider faders to control pitch and tempo; and full song-based editing function (1/86 sec accurate) including the capability to divide, combine, move, erase or copy a track. ATRAC enables capture of 74 minutes of digital stereo audio on a 2 1/2 inch diameter disc, and uses standard consumer MiniDiscs.

The MDS-DRE1 is scheduled to be available in Fall of 1998. Pricing is not yet finalized.

For more information, visit their web site at www.sony.com.