・MZ-R5ST

063   |   Sony  |   '97  10

完美的休止符

以Station + MD Walkman構成而獲得高度關注的MD基地僅一年即再度登場~延續了1+1的組成概念並操控和功能上大幅度地更新。

Walkman

造型上更為方正的Walkman比起前作MZ-R4ST減少了20%的容積比。單機身僅限MIC錄音，LINE、Optical介面需與Staion結合。

嶄新登場的Stick Controller顛覆了過往的線控概念，長筒狀造型並於前端配置轉軸，僅需以正 / 逆轉動操控。直觀、效率又新奇的操控體感，開拓確立了嶄新的設計經典，也深遠地影響了日後的線控設計走向。Sony也藉由本次革新將線控端與耳機接頭由過往的特規Micro Plug改成通規3.5mm，讓用家能任意搭配耳機使用。

新型充電池LIP-8則縮水約13~16%續航，不過充電時間也加快了60%的3小時滿充電。

Station

雪亮銀白色調譜出近未來的科技質感，與Walkman結合即變成MD錄音座，One Touch方式便於裝 / 卸載Walkman。獨特先進的抬頭式面板，配備了多元大型背光螢幕，無須切換即可一目了然的百花齊放強大顯示性能。

搭載Sony MD錄音座招牌的Wide Bit Strem，ATRAC使用的DSP(數位訊號處理LSI)的動態範圍與周邊迴路的音訊資料位元長，由以往16bit朝向多位元化，正確地重現20Bit精度水準的微信號，獲得更加寬廣動態的錄 / 放。

編輯性能上Sony也賦予不少獨特的功能

• UNDO　編輯時發生的誤操作可直接回復至上一個步驟
• Time Machine　可錄到按下錄音2秒前的聲音資料，彌補錄音時機的錯過誤失
• Rehearsal　由-126到+126 Step(1 Step為0.06秒)，可針對特定時間段作反覆的撥放，便於剪接的確認

不僅如此，針對編輯 / 錄 / 放常用功能皆有專屬按鍵便於操作執行。甚至連REC Level也比照座機等級的旋鈕式操控。

多元的出入介面：RCA輸出 / 入各一組，外接時的獨立Mini Plug，Optical甚至多達兩組輸入及一組輸出的專業級水準。還貼心地給了驚喜彩蛋的卡片型遙控器，不只隨身外出，在家也隨時享受不間斷的MD樂活Style~

可能由於總體技術的成熟及市場的普及化，MD Station有如曇花一現般地綻放於兩個世代後正式畫下了休止符...

The Perfect Ending

The highly anticipated MD base unit, constructed with Station + MD Walkman, makes a return within just one year~ Continuing the 1+1 concept with significant updates in control and functionality.

Walkman

The more square-shaped Walkman reduces volume by 20% compared to its predecessor MZ-R4ST. The unit itself limits to MIC REC, requiring LINE and Optical interfaces to be combined with Station.

The revolutionary Stick Controller introduces a cylindrical design with a rotating axis at the front, allowing intuitive control with forward and reverse movements. This novel control concept establishes a new design classic, profoundly influencing future trends in control design. Sony also innovates by upgrading the controller end and headphone jack from the previous proprietary Micro Plug to the standard Mini Plug, allowing users to freely pair earphones.

The new LIP-8 battery reduces endurance by approximately 13-16%, but charging time is also accelerated by 60%, reaching full charge in 3 hours.

Station

The bright silver-white tone sets a futuristic technological tone, transforming into an MD recording stand when combined with Walkman, featuring an easy One Touch mechanism for mounting and dismounting Walkman. The unique advanced flip-up panel is equipped with a versatile large backlit screen, providing outstanding display performance without the need for switching.

Equipped with Sony's signature Wide Bit Stream at the station, ATRAC utilizes Digital Signal Processing LSI  to enhance dynamic range and audio data bit lengths in surrounding circuits, moving towards multi-bit precision, accurately reproducing 20-bit fidelity for wide dynamic range recording and playback.

Sony also incorporates several unique editing features:

• UNDO: Allows reverting to the previous step in editing.
• Time Machine: Records sound data from 2 seconds before pressing record, compensating for missed recording opportunities.
• Rehearsal: Allows precise playback adjustments from -126 to +126 steps (1 step equals 0.06 seconds), facilitating editing confirmation.

Furthermore, specific keys are dedicated to commonly used editing, recording, and playback functions, including a REC Level control knob comparable to stand-alone equipment.

Diverse connectivity options include one set each of RCA input/output, independent Mini Plug for external use, and even up to two professional-grade Optical inputs plus one output. A card-type remote control adds a surprise element, ensuring uninterrupted enjoyment of MD music whether on-the-go or at home.

Perhaps due to the maturity of overall technology and market saturation, MD Station, like a fleeting moment of glory, formally concludes an era two generations later...

AM-F5