・MD-MS200

050   |   Sharp   |   '97  01.25

Unchanging Amidst Change

Sharp officials point out that MD is officially entering a period of rapid growth centered around young people. The MD serves as a recording device indoors, a portable player outdoors, and transforms into a car audio system in vehicles, reflecting diverse usage demands. This proposal emphasizes excellent operability, long-lasting battery life suitable for extended use outdoors, and catering to personal and commercial needs with a versatile model.

Consistent with its style, featuring large blank areas and geometric button designs, Sharp's designers seem inspired by European product design, giving the MD-MS200 a metropolitan and trendy feel distinct from standard Japanese aesthetics.

Though it's a new release after a year ('96, Sharp didn't introduce recording models), it's somewhat disappointing that it still follows the framework of its predecessor, the '95 MD-MS100, essentially considered an enhanced version. The battery boasts exceptional longevity with REC 7 / Play 9.5 hrs, and when used together, extends up to REC 25 / Play 35 hrs, achieved through the remarkable feat of utilizing AA x6. An additional ¥2,000 is required for an external battery box.

For audio compression/decoding, ATRAC employs MD's initial 24Bit ATRAC to enhance signal reproduction, creating wide-ranging recording/playback dynamics and high audio quality. Featuring a horizontal quick-load slot-in mechanism, it offers a smooth one-touch disc loading experience, albeit requiring more space due to the Slot-In design, making the unit relatively "robust and stable."

The thoughtful "Synchro REC" feature detects audio signals of 3 seconds or more to trigger recording start/pause automatically, facilitating easy recording edits. The mono-limited 2x fast play is efficient for reviewing lengthy meeting recordings. Time Auto Mark allows timed markers at 3/5/10 mins intervals.

The device includes a built-in Sampling Rate Converter for recording in various digital formats such as BS satellite programs and DAT with different frequencies. Utilizing a detachable 3.5mm headphone line control enables users to pair headphones at will. However, despite reaching '97, it's regrettable that the line control still lacks an LCD screen...

XM-R2