Sony M-427 User Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Sony Microcassette-
Corder. Some features are:
•The BATT lamp indicates when to replace the batteries.
•The VOR (Voice Operated Recording) system (M-529V/

539V only) starts and stops recording automatically in
response to the sound.

•Edit function—You can start recording directly from the

playback mode by pressing the 

r button to correct a

previously recorded portion.

•Tape counter (M-529V/539V only)
•Automatic shut-off mechanism at the end of the tape (in

the recording/playback mode only)

•Stop-pause-release function—The pause switch is

released automatically when the 

p6 button is

depressed so that you don’t miss a recording chance.

The instructions in this manual are for the M-417, M-427,
M-427AD, M-427C, M-437, M-529V and M-539V. Before
you start reading, check your model number. The M-
539V is the model used for illustration purposes. Any
differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text,
for example, “M-539V only”.

Choose one of the following power sources.

Make sure that nothing is connected to the DC IN 3V
jack.
1

Open the battery compartment lid.

Insert two R6 (size AA) batteries with correct polarity
and close the lid.

If the battery compartment lid is accidentally
detached
Attach it as illustrated.

When to replace the batteries
Replace the batteries with new ones when the BATT
(battery) lamp dims and the sound is distorted.

Sony R6P (SR)

5.5

Sony alkaline LR6 (SG)

19

Connect the AC power adaptor to DC IN 3V and to a
wall outlet. Use the AC power adaptor (supplied with
M-427AD only) or the AC-E30HG AC power adaptor
(not supplied). Do not use any other AC power adaptor.

3-810-462-62(1)

Operating Instructions
Manual de instrucciones (en el reverso)

Sony Corporation 

 

1997 Printed in China

Note
Select the 2.4 cm tape speed for recording, if you play back the
recorded tape with another unit. Otherwise, the sound quality may
be changed.

Notes on VOR (Voice Operated Recording) (M-529V/539V
only)
• The VOR system depends on the environmental conditions. If you

cannot get the desired results, set VOR to OFF.

• When you use the system in a noisy place, the unit will stay in the

recording mode. If the sound is too soft, on the contrary, the unit
will not start recording. Set VOR to H (high) or L (low) depending
on the conditions.

To monitor the sound
Connect the earphone (not supplied) to the EAR jack. The
monitor volume cannot be adjusted by VOL.

To prevent a cassette from being accidentally
recorded over
Break out and remove the cassette tabs. To reuse the
cassette for recording, cover the tab hole with adhesive
tape.

Insert a cassette with the side to start playing facing
the lid.

Select the tape speed to the same speed as that used
for recording.

Press 

9.

Adjust the volume.

* If you leave the unit after the tape has been wound or rewound,

the batteries will be consumed rapidly. Be sure to depress 

p6.

** The tape moves faster in the rewind/REVIEW mode than in the

fast forward/CUE mode.

Note
If the tape is completely rewound while searching backward during
playback (REVIEW), the 

0CUE/)REVIEW switch may not

return to the center position when you release the switch. In this
case, push back the switch to the center to start playback.

At the end of the tape
In the recording or playback mode, the tape stops at the
end of the tape and the locked buttons will be released
automatically (Automatic shut-off mechanism).
After fast forward or rewind, be sure to return 

0CUE/

)REVIEW to the center.

Set this unit to the playback mode and another tape
recorder to the recording mode.

On power
•Operate the unit only on 3 V DC.

For AC operation, use the AC power adaptor
recommended for the unit. Do not use any other type.
For battery operation, use two R6 (size AA) batteries.

•The nameplate indicating operating voltage, etc., is

located on the bottom of the unit.

On the unit
•Use only the y(standard microcassettes)

with this unit. Non-standard cassette cannot be used
because the “L” dimension is different.

•Do not leave the unit in a location near heat sources, or

in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust or
mechanical shock.

•Should any solid object or liquid fall into the unit,

remove the batteries or disconnect the AC power
adaptor, and have the unit checked by qualified
personnel before operating it any further.

•Keep personal credit cards using magnetic coding or

spring-wound watches etc. away from the unit to
prevent possible damage from the magnet used for the
speaker.

•When you do not use the unit for long, remove the

batteries to avoid damage caused by battery leakage
and subsequent corrosion.

•If the unit has not been used for long, set it in the

playback mode and warm it up for a few minutes
before inserting a tape.

If you have any questions or problems concerning your
unit, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Should any problem persist after you have made these
checks, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

n The cassette is being inserted in the wrong way. (The

cassette should be inserted in the lid with the tape side
facing you.)

n 9 has been already pressed.

r cannot be pressed.

n There is no cassette in the cassette compartment.
n The cassette tab has been removed.

r or 9 cannot be pressed.

n The tape has reached the end.
n After the automatic shut-off, CPAUSE is slid in the

direction of the arrow.

n The batteries have been inserted with incorrect polarity
n The batteries are weak. Replace both batteries with new

ones.

n CPAUSE is slid in the direction of the arrow.
n The AC power adaptor or car battery cord is connected to

the unit only and you are going to use the unit on
batteries.

n The earphone is plugged in.
n The volume is turned down completely.

n The volume is turned down completely.
n The batteries are weak. Replace both batteries with new

ones.

n The head is contaminated. See “Maintenance”.

n Improper setting of the TAPE SPEED switch. Set it to the

same speed as that used for recording.

]

]

}

}

r

C PAUSE
0 CUE/REVIEW )
p 6

p6

m

m

Stop recording

Start recording during
playback

Review the portion
just recorded

Pause recording

Take out a cassette

p6

r during playback (the unit becomes
in the recording mode)

Push up 

0CUE/)REVIEW

toward 

)REVIEW during

recording. Release the button at the
point to start playback.

Slide CPAUSE in the direction of
the arrow. The BATT lamp goes off.

p6

Stop playback/stop fast
forward or rewind*

Pause playback

Fast forward

Rewind

Search forward during
playback (CUE)

Search backward during
playback (REVIEW)

p6

Slide CPAUSE in the direction of
the arrow. The BATT lamp goes off.

Slide 

0CUE/)REVIEW toward

0CUE during stop**

Slide 

0CUE/)REVIEW toward

)REVIEW during stop.**

Keep 

0CUE/)REVIEW pushed

down during playback and release it
at the point you want.**

Keep 

0CUE/)REVIEW pushed

up during playback and release it at
the point you want.**

C PAUSE

0 CUE/REVIEW )
p 6

9

Only standard
microcassette have a
small indentation of
side A.

Approx. 2.5 mm

Approx. 5 mm

n The TAPE SPEED switch is set between the 1.2 cm and 2.4

cm positions.

n Connection is made incorrectly.
n The batteries are weak. Replace both batteries with new

ones.

n The head is contaminated.
n Improper setting of the VOR switch (M-529V/539V only).

Set it to H or OFF.

n The VOR switch (M-529V/539V only) is set to H or L.

When you do not use VOR, set it to OFF.

n The head is contaminated.

To clean the tape head and path
Press 

9 and wipe the head 1, capstan 2 and the pinch

roller 3 with a cotton swab, moistened with alcohol
every 10 hours of use.

To clean the exterior
Use a soft cloth slightly moistened in water. Do not use
alcohol, benzine or thinner.

y (normal position type)

2-track 1-channel monaural

Approx. 3.6 cm (1

7

⁄

16

 in.) dia.

2.4 cm/s (

15

⁄

16

 ips), 1.2 cm/s (

15

⁄

32

 ips)

300 – 4,000 Hz

Earphone jack (minijack) for 8 – 300 ohms earphone

Power output (at 10% harmonic distortion)

160 mW

See “Preparing Power Sources”.

• Two R6 (size AA) batteries: 3 V DC
• Sony AC-E30HG AC power adaptor (not supplied):

220/230 V AC, 50 Hz (European model)
120/220 V AC, 50/60 Hz (model for other countries) (for M-427/
427C/437/529V/539V only)
120 V AC, 60 Hz (M-427AD only)

Approx. 66.7 x 120.8 x 25 mm incl. projecting parts and controls

Approx. 160 g incl. batteries

Microcassette tape MC-30 (1) (M-427C/437 and M-529V (European
model) only)
Microcassette tapes MC-30 (3) (M-539V only)
Handstrap (1) (M-529V/539V only)
AC power adaptor (1) (M-427AD only)
Sony batteries LR6 (SG) (2) (M-539V (Canada and European model)
only)

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Optional accessories
Microcassette MC-60, MC-30
Earphone ME-81, ME-L82
Connecting cord RK-G64HG (miniplug to miniplug with attenuator)
AC power adaptor AC-E30HG

3

2

1

(M-529V/539V only) Press the reset button of the
TAPE COUNTER.

Press 

p6 and insert a standard microcassette with

the side to start recording facing the lid.

Select the desired tape speed.
2.4 cm for optimum sound (recommended for normal
use): A 30-minute recording can be made using both
sides of the MC-30 microcassette.
1.2 cm for longer recording time: A 60-minute
recording can be made using both sides of the MC-30
microcassette.

(M-529V/539V only) Set VOR to H, L or OFF.
If you set VOR to H or L, the unit automatically starts
recording the sound and pauses when there is no
sound (you can save tapes and batteries).
H: To record at meetings or in a quiet and/or
spacious place.
L: To record for dictation or in a noisy place.
When the sound is not loud enough, set it to OFF, or
the unit may not start recording.

Press 

r.

Recording starts.
Recording level is fixed.

The model number is located at the bottom and the serial
number is located inside the battery compartment.
Record these numbers in the spaces provided below.
Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your
Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No.

   Serial No.