▸MZ-R35

115　｜　Sony　｜　'98

新瓶裝舊酒

MZ-R35，似曾相似的內外與形色應來自於'96年登場的MZ-R30的原型，兩者於除了外觀上的形色的些微差異，機能極其相似，而尺寸、重量更是完全相同。作為"庫存特規版"似乎更適合代表R35~

分割式設計語言，採用了直覺高效垂直向Jog Dial，在選曲、文字輸入、編輯等重複性操作上僅需單指滾動瀏覽⭢下壓確認即可。 方正的液晶螢幕，更為集約的資訊呈現：曲名、曲目、時間、REC Level、電量等無須切換即一目了然，並搭配Position Pointer以獨特的長方塊顯示錄音 / 播放 / 位置的總體進度。

官方還特意強調在日本市場以似乎並沒有什麼意義的強調支援片假名顯示。

內建頻率取樣，簡單來說過往Optical介面的數位錄製僅44.1khz取樣音源的CD與MD的限制，對應不同的音源如：CS 48kHz、BS 32kHz、DAT 48kHz等不再受限皆可對應。數位自動同步錄音，使用Optical介面時可連動音樂信號的有無而啟動 / 暫停錄音，避免樂曲開頭、暫停時機的操作失誤等狀況，但也遺憾地僅限於Optical介面的數位音源。

配備基本線控操作並採分離式Micro Plug規格讓用戶可自行購入替換耳機，不過Micro Plug耳機也僅有Sony生產。 鋰充電池錄5 / 放8小時的中庸續航，充電時間多達讓人三條線的5小時之久。

整體來說顯得相當過時復古的R35，對於人高馬大且不執著於電子產品性能歐美消費者來說似乎不太影響買單的意願。

Old Wine in a New Bottle

The MZ-R35, with its familiar design and appearance, seems to be based on the prototype of the MZ-R30 released in '96. Apart from minor differences in exterior appearance, the two models are functionally very similar, with identical dimensions and weight. Calling the R35 a "special stock edition" might be more fitting.

The split design language features an intuitive and efficient vertical Jog Dial, enabling repetitive operations such as track selection, text input, and editing with just a single finger—simply rotate to browse and press down to confirm.

The square LCD screen offers a more concentrated display of information, showing the track name, track number, time, REC level, and battery status all at a glance without the need to switch views. It is further enhanced by the Position Pointer, which uses a unique rectangular bar to indicate the overall progress of recording, playback, and position.

Sony specifications also highlight support for katakana display outside the Japanese market, a feature that seems rather pointless.

The built-in frequency sampling overcomes previous limitations of Optical digital recording, which was restricted to 44.1kHz CD and MD audio sources. Now, various sources like CS 48kHz, BS 32kHz, and DAT 48kHz are all supported. The Digital Synchro automatic synchronization, when using the Optical interface, can detect the presence of a music signal to start or pause recording, preventing operational errors during the start or pause of a track. However, this feature is unfortunately limited to digital audio sources via the Optical interface.

It comes with basic remote control operation and a separate Micro Plug specification, allowing users to purchase their own replacement earphones. However, Sony is the only manufacturer producing Micro Plug earphones.

The lithium rechargeable battery offers a mediocre performance of 5 hours for recording and 8 hours for playback, with a frustratingly long charging time of 5 hours. Overall, the R35 appears quite outdated and retro. However, for taller Western consumers who are less particular about electronic performance, this doesn't seem to affect their willingness to buy.

1999