Sony MDM-X4 MiniDisc Multitrack Recorder
July 11, 1997
Sony Electronics' Professional Audio Group is displaying the MDM-X4 MiniDisc Multitrack Recorder.
Designed to provide working musicians with maximum flexibility at home or in the studio, the MDM-X4 uses the MD-DATA format, as well as Sony's latest version of its ATRAC technology, to offer 4-channel recording and playback (up to 37 minutes per track). In addition, the use of the MiniDisc format offers musicians a significant advantage over existing tape-based units by providing features such as digital sound, advanced editing capabilities and instant access.
"The MDM-X4 was created by musicians for musicians," said Courtney Spencer, vice president of professional audio products for Sony Electronics' Business and Professional Group. "With the MDM-X4, musicians benefit from powerful disc-based editing and vastly improved audio quality compared to traditional cassette-based 4-track mini-studios. This puts the focus back on being creative instead of trying to overcome the limitations of recording technology."
The MDM-X4 combines simplicity with a familiar user interface. Applications stretch beyond music recording to include in-house commercial production for radio stations and post-production work. Editing features include Song Edit, which allows for full song-based editing including the capability to divide, combine, move, erase or loop a recording. The Track Edit feature of the MDM-X4, which allows for digital editing either between tracks or within tracks, also offers
move, exchange, copy and erase functions.
The move and copy features are especially significant because they allow users to record a track, move it or copy it into another time section or track of a song, key requirements for enabling the Mix Write and Virtual Mix capabilities of the MDM-X4.
Mix Write offers the ability to add audio to an existing track, for example if users wanted to combine a new vocal with a previously recorded instrumental track. This is achieved by taking advantage of the MDM-X4's Write-After-Read recording method. Through the use of this method, the
unit re-records previously recorded audio on a particular track back onto that same track, in the same time frame, while simultaneously recording an outside source.
The individual track-based editing capabilities of the MDM-X4 contribute to its Virtual Mix feature, allowing the MDM-X4 to record and mix more than four tracks on the disk. In a sense, Virtual Mix becomes a sort of track managing system that lets users record eight, 12 or 16 virtual tracks, eventually combining them or cloning copies down to a 2- or 4-track mixdown. Because of the ability to edit individual tracks, users can copy tracks in advance, while adding tracks.
Additionally, various recording modes are available: four channels at 37 minutes, two channels at 74 minutes and Mono at 148 minutes. Facilitating the unit's operation is a Jog/Shuttle feature and +/- 8.8% VARI Speed Control capability. The availability of MMC (MIDI Machine Control) and MTC (MIDI Time Code) allows the MDM-X4 to fully integrate with other MIDI devices. External control of the unit is possible by 2 assignable pedals. The mixer portion of the MDM-X4 features 10 inputs: MIC/Line x 4, Stereo x 1, and AUX Return (ST) x 2. Two AUX sends are also available.
The MDM-X4 is currently available at a suggested list price of $1,250. For more information, visit their web site at www.sony.com . | 
