・MD-R1

004   |   Goldstar   |   '92

Unexpected Ally

Surprisingly similar to the Sony MZ-1, the MD-R1 was released by GoldStar(which is currently LG), in South Korea. It is said that LG was also one of the developers of the Mini Disc, and given the relatively limited presence of South Korean consumer electronics at the time, its rarity could be considered unmatched.

Due to the lack of comprehensive official press releases, product features are only partially introduced based on available information. With a multitude of complex button operations, a rare fully motorized disc loading/unloading mechanism, and standalone optical fiber audio input/output, among other luxurious features typically reserved for professional equipment, it appears that the MD-R1's substantial weight is justified.

Capable of recording external digital / analog /MIC sources and taking advantage of MD's unique optical-magnetic principles, it offered powerful editing capabilities, allowing for simple and flexible merging, splitting, moving, erasing, and other unprecedented editing functions for recorded content.

With a multi-element display screen capable of showing up to 12 x 2 characters, the massive battery only provided limited power endurance and lacked support for an external battery pack.

Given its high price and substantial size, the MD-R1 clearly distanced itself from the Walkman, suggesting that it was more suitable as a compact recording companion. The introduction of the Mini Disc marked the beginning of a new era in music, heralding the advent of the next generation of music lifestyle worldwide.

We appreciate any official MD information including specifications. 

1993