1998 MZ-R35
The MZ-R35 is a MiniDisc recorder that inherits the design of the MZ-R30 series, while prioritizing the continuation of the existing platform over new features.
1997
MZ-R50
The MZ-R50 is a MiniDisc recorder that offers improved portability and ease of use compared to previous models. It features microphone input, line input, and optical input, and supports both analog and digital recording. The expanded buffer capacity ensures vibration resistance during playback, and the ATRAC processing is configured to support standard playback mode. A stick-type remote control allows for display and operation of track information. Editing functions such as splitting, merging, moving, and title input are also included.
The MZ-R50 marked the point where MiniDisc recording reached a stable and fully realized design. Earlier models still carried elements of experimentation, but the R50 delivered a balanced combination of durability, interface clarity, and consistent performance that defined the late-nineties approach.
The chassis used a rigid metal shell with precise panel fit and a compact internal layout powered by the LIP-8 lithium cell. The interface centered on the Jog Dial, which handled editing, navigation, and title entry, supported by a slim display and a clear set of transport controls.
The inclusion of a standard headphone jack and Stick Controller reflected a move toward broader compatibility. Internally, shock memory expanded to sixteen megabits, providing roughly forty seconds of skip protection, while the simplified pickup and reinforced structure improved stability during everyday use.
Although an external AA pack could extend runtime, most users relied on the internal battery to preserve the compact form. It became the reference point for what a MiniDisc recorder should feel like.
See also MZ-R55
