1995

WM-EX911

retractable earphone system

The WM-EX911 was a playback Walkman built on the same basic platform as the EX511 and EX618, but reworked around a very practical idea: eliminating loose headphones. It retained the familiar late-period feature set of auto-reverse, Dolby B noise reduction, Extended Dynamic Bass Boost, AVLS, and AMS, while integrating a retractable earbud system with inline remote directly into the body. Twin take-up reels and friction holders stored the cable neatly inside the unit, and the enlarged cassette window made the whole player feel a little more open and self-contained than its siblings.

This is one of those models where Sony was clearly solving a real everyday annoyance rather than trying to create a new flagship branch. Tangled cables and missing headphones were constant problems for portable users, and the EX911 feels like a literal attempt to remove that friction entirely. It belongs to the part of Walkman history where convenience itself became a meaningful form of innovation.

Sony evolved the EX511 and EX618 platform into the WM-EX911, giving it a more streamlined build with a widened viewing window and an exterior that matched the mid-nineties direction of the EX line. Most of the transport and audio circuitry followed the established architecture, using Sound Fluctuation Guard to steady tape speed and logic control for smooth electronic switching. Auto Reverse handled continuous playback on both sides.

The EX911 blended familiar EX performance with a retractable layout designed to reduce cable handling. Playback features included AMS, Blank Skip, metal tape support, Dolby B, and an extended bass circuit. Power came from a gumstick cell with the option to add a single AA battery for longer sessions.

Depending on mode and tape type, the combined setup could run for close to thirty-six hours, which made the player practical for extended daily use. The retractable system defined the EX911. The headphone line stored inside the body on a paired reel mechanism driven by a constant-force spring, keeping the cable under controlled tension and pulling it back when not needed.

Small holders secured the earpieces, and the inline remote handled basic transport commands so the player could stay clipped or tucked away during listening. The design reduced cable management and made the unit easier to use in pockets or bags. The WM-EX911 integrated retractable cable control into the Walkman format, simplifying everyday use without changing the underlying playback system.

Sony Walkman in 1995 View all Walkman models >