3-277-770-11(2) Linear PCM Recorder Operating Instructions PCM-D50 © 2007 Sony Corporation
Owner’s Record The model number is located at the rear and the serial number is located inside the battery compartment. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. PCM-D50 Serial No. WARNING To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.
For the customers in the USA The following FCC statement applies only to the version of this model manufactured for sale in the USA. Other versions may not comply with FCC technical regulations. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for future reference. Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the appliance and in the operating instructions, and adhere to them. INSTALLATION Water and Moisture – Do not use powerline operated appliances near water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.
Power-Cord Protection – Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to the plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord exits from the appliance. Lightning – For added protection for this appliance during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system.
Table of Contents Overview What you can do with the PCM-D50 ................................................................... 9 Identifying parts and controls . ............................................................................. 12 Getting Started Checking the supplied accessories . ................................................................. 17 Step 1: Preparing a power source . .................................................................... 17 Step 2: Setting the clock . ..........
Overview Operations after Recording Playing back recorded audio data (tracks) ................................................... 31 Quickly locating the point you wish to start playback (Easy Search) ......................................................................................................... 33 Connecting external equipment for playback ............................................. 34 Getting Started Adjusting the playback speed (DPC (the Digital Pitch Control function)) ..................
Table of Contents (continued) DELETE TRK (Deleting a track) DPC (Digital Pitch Control function) EASY SEARCH (Easy search function) REC MODE (Sampling frequency/quantifying bit number) LIMITER (Preventing distortion) LCF (Low Cut Filter function) SBM (Super Bit Mapping function) PRE REC (Pre-recording function) SYNC REC (Synchronized recording function) PLUG IN PWR (Plug in power function) Additional Information Using a “Memory Stick” (not supplied) ........................................................
What you can do with the PCM-D50 Overview For recording practice sessions The built-in microphones of the PCM-D50 allow you to record musical performances easily without complicated microphone setup. The DPC (Digital Pitch Control) feature provides quick or slow playback of a musical performance, which is best suited for modeling your playing on the playback on the recorder.
What you can do with the PCM-D50 (continued) For outdoor recording The highly-sensitivity built-in microphones enable easy and high-quality outdoor recording. You can also connect an external microphone to the stereo mini-plug of the PCM-D50. You can use an optional wind screen (ADPCM1) to reduce the noise caused by wind or breath. By connecting the optional XLR microphone adapter (XLR-1) to the recorder, you can use an external microphone via the XLR balance connection.
Overview As a high-quality music player The built-in high-sensitivity headphone amplifier achieves well-balanced and powerful output that covers both low and high frequency ranges. The PCM-D50 supports digital recording from an external device, allowing you to preserve your music library of DAT or MD media just as they are in the original digital recording. (Page 29) Line connection makes it possible to digitize analog sound sources such as an analog record disc or cassette tape.
Identifying parts and controls Front 12 Right side
DIVIDE button (page 35) Peak level lamps (L/R) (page 24) PLAY/ENTER button/indicator Displays left and right peak levels of an audio signal input with -12dB (green) and OVER (red) lamps. Display (page 15) Volume dial (page 26) Adjusts the playback volume by turning the dial to set the desired level (0 to 10) to the “•” position.
Identifying parts and controls (continued) Left side LIMITER switch (pages 22, 43) LOW CUT FILTER switch (pages 22, 43) Hole for attaching the tripod (not supplied) INPUT switch (pages 23, 28, 29, 30) When set to “” (microphone), records an audio signal input from the built-in microphones or an external microphone that is connected to the jack. When set to “LINE,” records an audio signal output from external equipment that is connected to the LINE IN (OPT) jack.
Time information Overview Display Each time the DISPLAY button is pressed, the time information changes as follows (Flashes when the recorder is paused): Elapsed recording/playback time Remaining recordable time of the current memory (During playback: Remaining time of the current track) Recorded date (During recording: Recording start date) Recording/playing status Displays as follows according to the current operation: Recording (Flashing) Recording pause, standby for recording Playback (Fla
Identifying parts and controls (continued) Memory Stick indicator Displayed when the current memory is a “Memory Stick.” Folder number, track numbers Folders are classified into (a folder for recording and playback) and (a folder for playback only) (page 38). Track numbers are displayed as “current track number/total number of tracks.” Recording mode Displays the recording mode currently specified in the menu in the stop mode.
Getting Started Checking the supplied accessories Step 1: Preparing a power source Use the supplied LR6 (size AA) alkaline batteries. USB cable (page 36) 1 Open the battery compartment lid on the rear of the recorder. AC power adapter (6V) 1) (page 19) 2 Pull out the battery case from the recorder. Battery case Four LR6 (size AA) alkaline batteries CD-ROM (“Sound Forge Audio Studio LE”) Operating Instructions (this book) 2) 2) Push the buttons on both sides to pull it out.
Getting Started (continued) When you turn on the recorder for the first time after purchasing When the POWER switch is set to the “ON” position, “ACCESSING MEMORY...” appears on the display, and the ACCESS indicator flashes. Information required for operation is read into the recorder’s built-in memory. Then, the display changes to the clock set menu since the clock is not set when you purchase the recorder.
To operate with the AC power adapter (Only for the USA and Canada models) Connect the supplied AC power adapter to the DC IN 6V jack. to a wall outlet Recorded audio files (tracks) are named using the date and time of the clock. By setting the clock before recording, the recording’s date and time will be correctly saved. 1 When the recorder is turned on before the clock has been set, “SET CLOCK” appears on the display.
Getting Started (continued) To reset the clock 1 While the recorder is stopped, press and hold the /MENU button until the menu is displayed. 2 Press the FF/ and FR/ buttons to select “CLOCK,” and then press the PLAY/ENTER button. The “CLOCK” display appears. 3 Press the FF/ and FR/ buttons to select “y,” “m,” and “d,” or the time display, and then press the PLAY/ ENTER button to fix the value. 4 Follow steps 2 and 3 of “Step 2: Setting the clock” to reset the clock.
Recording Preparation before recording Example: Placement when recording a musical performance using the built-in microphones For best results, place the recorder about 2 to 3 m (6.56 to 9.84 ft) from the sound source. Referring to the characteristics of the built-in microphones, adjust direction of the recorder and the angle of the microphones. On the characteristics of the built-in microphones The built-in microphones are unidirectional. You can change the directions of the microphones.
Recording (continued) When rotating both capsules of the microphones to 120˚ to face outside (Wide stereo position) The microphone on the right records sound from the right; the microphone on the left records sound from the left. You can obtain dynamic stereo sound recording. This position is recommended for recording a remote sound source such as a chorus, an orchestra, or other performance of a large number of people. To record according to sound sources Records sound from the left.
Recording analog sound INPUT switch Volume dial /MENU button jack LINE IN (OPT) jack REC LEVEL dial FF/ button indicator REC button/ indicator PLAY/ENTER button STOP button Recording using the built-in microphones This sub-section explains how to record sound sources in the built-in memory with the built-in microphones. To change sampling frequency, quantifying bit number, or the memory drive for a recording, go to the menu display (page 40).
Recording (continued) 4 Press the FF/ and FR/ buttons to select the desired folder, and press the PLAY/ENTER button. Folders 01 to 10 are for saving recorded tracks. You can record a maximum of 99 tracks in each folder 5 Press the REC button. The recorder stands by for recording, and flashes on the display. 6 Turn the REC LEVEL dial to adjust the recording level while referring to the display. You can check the recording level on both the peak meter of the display and the peak level lamps.
To pause recording Press the PAUSE button. The flashes on the display. Press the button again to restart recording. The recorder does not start recording again automatically. Be sure to press the PAUSE button again to restart recording. When the remaining time runs out, “MEMORY FULL” appears and recording stops. * When the remaining recordable time is more than 10 minutes, the icon that represents remaining memory amount appears. When memory is unused, “100%” appears.
Recording (continued) Monitoring the recording Connect optional headphones or earphones to the (headphone) jack of the recorder to monitor the recording sound. The volume of monitored sound can be adjusted by turning the volume dial. The volume of monitored sound does not affect the recording volume.
The recorder stands by for recording, and appears on the display. Sounds for the last 5 seconds are buffered in the memory. Recording with an external microphone You can connect an optional external microphone to the recorder. 1 Connect an external microphone to the (microphone) jack of the recorder, and adjust the position of the microphone. For the characteristics of the microphone, refer to the operating instructions supplied with it.
Recording (continued) Recording from external equipment (Line Input) You can connect an external device such as a CD player, MD player, or DAT player to the recorder and record its playback sound. 1 Digital recording This section explains digital recording: recording digital sound signals from an external digital device such as a CD or DAT player.
Notes 5 Press the FF/ and FR/ buttons to select “OFF,” and press the PLAY/ ENTER button to fix the setting. 6 Follow steps 3 and 6 of “Recording using the built-in microphones” (pages 23 and 24). 7 8 Start playback on the external equipment.
Recording (continued) Synchronizing recording with playback (Digital Synchronized Recording) When an external digital device such as a CD/MD/DAT player is connected to the recorder, you can start recording synchronously with playback on the external device (Digital Synchronized Recording). 1 Connect the audio output jacks of the external digital equipment to the LINE IN (OPT) jack of the recorder using an optional optical digital cable. 2 Set the INPUT switch to the “LINE” position.
Operations after Recording Playing back recorded audio data (tracks) DPC switch To change the memory and folder used to play back, go to the menu display (page 40). 1 A-B button Connect optional headphones or earphones to the (headphone) jack of the recorder. Headphones (not supplied) FF/ button PAUSE button/ indicator to the (headphone) jack DIVIDE button PLAY/ENTER button/indicator Stereo mini plug STOP button FR/ button 2 To change a folder 1 Press the /MENU button.
Operations after Recording (continued) To change the memory drive The recorder supports the use of “Memory Stick” in addition to the built-in memory. You can switch the memory as follows. When you insert a “Memory Stick,” make sure that the recorder is not recording or playing a track. Make sure that it is stopped. 1 While the recorder is stopped, press and hold the /MENU button until the menu is displayed. 2 Press the FF/ and FR/ buttons to select “MEMORY,” and press the PLAY/ENTER button.
Playing back an MP3 file You can play an MP3 file on the recorder by copying it from your PC or other device onto the recorder. For details, see page 38. Quickly locating the point you wish to start playback (Easy Search) When “EASY SEARCH” is set to “ON” in the menu, you can quickly locate the point at which you wish to start playback by pressing the FF/ or FR/ button repeatedly during playback or playback pause.
Operations after Recording (continued) Connecting external equipment for playback Playing back repeatedly To output recorded tracks from speakers of external equipment, connect the audio input jack or digital input jack of the external equipment to the LINE OUT (OPT) jack of the recorder using an optional Sony audio cable or optical digital cable. Playing back a track repeatedly 1 During playback, press and hold the PLAY/ENTER button. The repeat play mark ( 1) appears.
Dividing a track Deleting tracks You can divide a recorded track. Note that tracks cannot be combined on the recorder after they have been divided. Deleting tracks one by one 1 During playback, press the DIVIDE button. “DIVIDE?” is displayed. 2 Press the DIVIDE button again. The track is divided into two at the point you pressed the button, and “DIVIDING...” appears on the display. Track01 Track02 Track03 A track is divided.
Operations after Recording (continued) Storing tracks on a computer 3 Connect the recorder to a computer to save recorded tracks on the hard disk drive of the computer. 1 2 Turn on the power of the recorder. Connect the USB connectors of a computer and the recorder using the supplied USB connecting cable. “CONNECTING” appears on the display of the recorder, and it is recognized as a USB Mass Storage Class device on the computer. You cannot operate the recorder while it is connected to the computer.
Notes We do not ensure trouble-free operation of the system suspend, sleep, or hibernation function on all computers. The following systems are not supported: – Operating systems other than those indicated on “Operating Systems.
Operations after Recording (continued) 1) Files containing information such as the order of folders, playback order of audio files, recording date and time, etc. Do not delete or change these files. 2) The name of a folder in which files are stored will be displayed on the recorder as the same folder name it had when it was copied on the computer. It is convenient if you put an easy-to-control name on the folder in advance.
3 Disconnect the recorder from the computer, and then press the /MENU button briefly, press the FF/ and FR/ buttons to select the desired folder, and then press the PLAY/ ENTER button. 4 Press the FF/ and FR/ buttons to select the file that you want to play. 5 Press the PLAY/ENTER button to start playback. 6 Press the STOP button to stop playback.
Menu Operations Using the menu display You can make various adjustments and settings using the menu display. 1 Press the /MENU button for more than one second. The menu display appears. The currently selected item and option are highlighted and displayed in the center. Selected item and option /MENU button FF/ button PLAY/ENTER button/indicator When you select the item with in step 2 , the confirmation display will appear.
Menu items While the recorder is stopped, all the items in the following chart appear. During recording, recording standby, or recording pause, only “LIMITER,” and “LCF” appear. During playback or playback pause, only “DELETE TRK,” “DPC” and “EASY SEARCH” appear. During digital recording, you cannot operate the menu. Item Options (Default settings are underlined.
Menu Operations (continued) Item Options (Default settings are underlined.) DPC (Digital Pitch Control function) Sets the DPC (Digital Pitch Control) function. The function becomes enabled when you set the DPC switch to “ON.” Set the speed of the playback in a range from +100% to –75% by 10% for the + setting and by 5% for the – setting. –30% EASY SEARCH (Easy search function) Sets the easy search function. OFF The easy search function does not work.
Item Options (Default settings are underlined.) LIMITER (Preventing distortion) 7) The recorder always reserves audio for the digital limiter, which is 20dB lower than audio processed in the normal circuit. This compensates for clipping that happens during digital processing if audio is over-input. When the LIMITER switch is set to “ON,” the digital limiter circuit operates.
Menu Operations (continued) Item Options (Default settings are underlined.) PRE REC7) (Pre-recording function) You can buffer sound for approximately 5 seconds in the memory when you press the REC button and the recorder is in standby for recording mode. When you press the PLAY/ENTER button or the PAUSE button to start recording, recording actually starts 5 seconds prior to the point the button is pressed (pre-recording function).
Using a “Memory Stick” (not supplied) You can record audio using a “Memory Stick” instead of the built-in memory of the recorder. “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” and “Memory Stick PRO Duo (High Speed)” are the only “Memory Stick” models that can be used for the recorder. Note that other kinds of “Memory Stick” are not guaranteed.
Using a “Memory Stick” (not supplied) (continued) Using the “Memory Stick” for recording/playback 1 2 Go to the menu display, and set the “MEMORY” setting to “MEMORY STICK” (page 41). Follow the steps of “Recording analog sound” (page 23), “Digital recording” (page 28) or “Playing back recorded audio data (tracks)” (page 31). To store tracks on a computer Connect the recorder with the “Memory Stick” inserted to a computer (page 36).
Maintenance On noise Noise may be heard when the recorder is placed near an AC power source, a fluorescent lamp, or a mobile phone during recording or playback. Noise may be recorded when an object, such as your finger, etc., rubs or scratches the recorder during recording. On safety Do not operate the recorder while driving, cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle.
Troubleshooting If you experience trouble with your recorder, try the following solutions. 1 Turn off the recorder completely by removing the batteries and the AC power adapter, and then turn it on again. Or use the recorder to initialize the built-in memory or the “Memory Stick.” (Note that initializing will delete all data in the memory or in the “Memory Stick.”) 2 Read through the symptoms and solutions on pages 48 to 51 and messages on pages 51 to 53 to check your recorder.
Symptom Cause/Solution You cannot erase a track. The Noise is heard. An The sound picked up is distorted. The Noise occurs during recording. When “--y--m--d --:--” is displayed as the recorded date. Set write-protect switch on the inserted “Memory Stick” is set to “LOCK.” Release the lock. When you use a Windows computer, the track or the folder containing the track is set to “Read-only” on the computer.
Troubleshooting (continued) Symptom Cause/Solution There are fewer menu items in the menu display. Some A character in a folder or track name is displayed in unreadable characters. The The “ACCESSING MEMORY...” display does not disappear. If You cannot record tracks up to the maximum recording time noted on page 57. If The “Memory Stick” is not recognized. Since 50 menu items are not displayed during playback or recording (page 41).
Symptom Cause/Solution “.WAV” files cannot be played back on the recorder. A The remaining memory amount does not reach 100%. Data A file cannot be played back. Files Some character information does not appear. You file recorded in a frequency that the recorder does not support cannot be played back. may be damaged because the power source was removed during recording. Initialize the memory using the recorder. other than those the recorder supports may not be played back.
Troubleshooting (continued) Message Meaning/Solution ACCESS DENIED A “Memory Stick” with an access control function is inserted. Functions including recording and playback are limited, and you cannot use it with the recorder. Use a “Memory Stick” that the recorder supports. M.S. TYPE ERROR An incompatible “Memory Stick” is inserted. Use a “Memory Stick” that the recorder supports. UNKNOWN MEDIA The “Memory Stick” not supported is inserted. Use a “Memory Stick” that the recorder supports.
Message Meaning/Solution NO DIGITAL COPY During digital recording, there is a copy-prohibit sound source being input from the optical cable connected to the LINE IN (OPT) jack of the recorder. Recording cannot be performed. M.S. ERROR Insert the “Memory Stick” again. If this message appears again, the “Memory Stick” may have a problem. FORMAT ERROR Memory that has been initialized on other equipment cannot be used in the recorder. Initialize the memory using “FORMAT” in the menu display (page 41).
Specifications Recording media Built-in flash memory 4 GB, “Memory Stick” (not supplied), Linear PCM Stereo recording Capacity Part of the memory capacity is allocated to data management. Actual usable capacity: Approx. 3.83 GB (4,116,611,072 bytes) Maximum recording time Refer to “Maximum recordable time” on page 57. Linear PCM Quantization: 16-bit linear, 24-bit linear Frequency range (Input from the LINE IN (OPT) jack when recording/ playing back) (0 to –2 dB): Fs 22.05 kHz: 20 to 10,000 Hz Fs 44.
General Optional accessories* Power requirements DC IN 6V Four LR6 (size AA) alkaline batteries (supplied) Four nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries NH-AA (not supplied) Power consumption 0.75 W Dimensions Approx. 72.0 × 154.5 × 32.7 mm (2 7/ 8 × 6 1/ 8 × 1 5/ 16 inches) (w/h/d) (not including projecting parts and controls) Mass 365 g (12.88 oz) (including batteries) Supplied accessories Refer to “Checking the supplied accessories” on page 17.
File Specifications Once you record audio in the built-in memory or a “Memory Stick,” the 10 folders used for saving tracks are created automatically in each memory location. One “.WAV” file is created for each recording. For details about the folders and track file structure, refer to page 37. While recording analog audio signals, one track is created even if recording is stopped right after recording is started. You can change a file name on your computer.
Maximum recordable time (Approximate) The total maximum recordable time (approximate) of all the folders is as follows. Built-in flash memory (4 GB) Sampling frequency/ quantifying bit number Maximum recordable time * 22.05 kHz 16 bit 12 hrs 55 min. 44.10 kHz 16 bit 6 hrs 25 min. 44.10 kHz 24 bit 4 hrs 15 min. 48.00 kHz 16 bit 5 hrs 55 min. 48.00 kHz 24 bit 3 hrs 55 min. 96.00 kHz 16 bit 2 hrs 55 min. 96.00 kHz 24 bit 1 hr 55 min.
Index Symbols D H (headphone) jack......... 26, 31 DC IN 6V jack........................ 19 HOLD switch......................... 14 (microphone) jack............ 27 DELETE ALL.......................... 41 /MENU.... 20, 23, 29, 30, 31, 32, 35, 40 DELETE TRK......................... 41 A-B button.. .................... 34 FF/ button.............. 19, 32 FR/ button............. 19, 32 PAUSE button/indicator .................................... 25, 32 PLAY/ENTER button/ indicator...
P R Peak level lamps ................... 24 REC LEVEL dial .................... 24 Time information ................... 15 Peak meter ........................... 24 REC MODE........................... 42 TRACK END ......................... 32 Placing the built-in microphones to face the sound source .... 21 Recording............................. 21 Track file......................... 37, 56 Digital recording ............. 28 Tripod .................................. 22 Playing back ............
Printed in China
