Sony Introduces Two New Professional MiniDisc Recorder/Players

MDS-E58

MDS-E11

January 28, 1999 -- Sony announced today that the MDS-E11 - a compact, single rack space professional MiniDisc recorder/player - and the MDS-E58 MiniDisc recorder/player will join Sony's successful line of MiniDisc equipment for the professional audio market. The line includes the MDS-DRE1 DJ recorder/player, launched at Summer NAMM '98, and the MDM-X4MkII "portable studio" recorder/player which made its debut at Winter NAMM '98, as well as the MDS-B5 and B6P MiniDisc cart machines, which have gained great acceptance in the broadcast market.

"MiniDisc has come of age," said Paul Foschino, marketing manager of professional audio products for Sony Electronics' Broadcast and Professional Company. "The format has a huge following in Japan and Europe and is rapidly growing in the U.S. There has never been a greater need for durable professional MiniDisc products such as the MDS-E58 and MDS-E11".

MDS-E58

The MDS-E58 - the most affordable professional MD product offered today -- features optical digital I/Os, which include a sample rate converter to allow digital recording from 48k DAT sources; unbalanced RCA analog I/Os; a rugged professional MD transport; and built-in rack mounts. The heavy duty construction and full assortment of MiniDisc control and editing features of the MDS-E58 make this unit well suited for the demanding needs of the professional user.

MDS-E11

While offering the same basic feature set of the MDS-E58, the sleek MDS-E11 -- a single rack recorder (1 3/4" high) - also offers a built-in RS-232C interface for computer control and a relay/playback terminal which allows the link-up of multiple units for longer continuous record and play, a great benefit in live applications. Other MDS-E11 features include a parallel remote interface, as well as digital coaxial, RCA analog and XLR analog I/Os. This compact unit is targeted at mobile production and sound contractor applications where size and weight are often major considerations. The MDS-E11 also incorporates a newly designed, heavy duty MD transport mechanism which provides greater stability in demanding applications.

Both units include the latest version of ATRAC v4.5 for improved sonic performance, come supplied with a wireless remote commander, and offer an optional wired/wireless remote control (RM-D5ME) via a Control-S input.

"The 20-bit accuracy of Wide Bit Stream technology in both the MDS-E11 and the MDS-E58 provides recording and playback with a wide dynamic range and superb sound quality," Foschino added.

The MDS-E58 is scheduled to be available in April for the suggested list price of $520. The MDS-E11 is scheduled to be available in March for the suggested list price of $825.

For more information, visit http://www.sony.com/