Sony MZ-R500 User Manual

The input jack of this recorder works as both digital and analog input jacks. Connect the 
recorder to a CD player or a cassette recorder using either digital (optical) input or analog 
(line) input. To record, see “Recording an MD right away!” (page 10) to record using 
digital (optical) input, and “Recording with analog input (line cable required)” (page 16) to 
record using analog (line) input.

Track marks may be copied incorrectly:
• when you record from some CD players or multi disc players using digital (optical) input.
• when the source is in shuffle or program play mode while recording using digital (optical) input. In 

this case, play the source in normal play mode.

• when recording BS or CS programs through digital (optical) input.

Connectable 
source

Equipment with a digital (optical) 
output jack

Equipment with an analog (line) 
output jack

Usable cord

Optical cable (with an optical or an 
optical-mini plug)(page 10)

Line cable (with 2 phono plugs 
or a stereo-mini plug)(page 16)

Signal from the 
source

Digital

Analog
Even when a digital source (such 
as a CD) is connected, the signal 
sent to the recorder is analog.

Recorded track 
numbers

Marked (copied) automatically 
• at the same positions as the source 

(when the sound source is a CD or 
an MD).

• after more than 2 seconds of blank 

or low-level segment (with a sound 
source other than a CD or an MD).

• when the recorder is paused during 

synchro-recording (the recorder 
pauses automatically when it 
encounters a section with no audio 
signal for 3 seconds or more).

You can erase unnecessary marks 
after recording. (“Erasing a track 
mark”, page 26).

Marked automatically 
• after more than 2 seconds of 

blank or low-level segment. 

• when the recorder is paused 

while recording.

You can erase unnecessary marks 
after recording (“Erasing a track 
mark”, page 26).

Recorded 
sound level

Same as the source.
Can also be adjusted manually 
(Digital REC level control) 
(“Adjusting the recording level 
manually (Manual recording)”, 
page 19).

Adjusted automatically. Can also 
be adjusted manually (“Adjusting 
the recording level manually 
(Manual recording)”, page 19).