Sony MZ-R5ST.

The MZ-R5ST. Newer lighter slimmer version of the MZ-R4ST.

Released 10 November 1997

20-bit wide bit stream input and output. Sampling rate converter.

RCA analogue stereo line in and out. Active speaker miniplug out. 2 optical in ports, one optical out. All TOS-link, sadly.

Docking station with a detachable portable recorder that includes a "stick" LCD remote (the version that includes the track mark button) and an LCD screen on the portable unit. The detachable recorder uses the LIP8 battery, and/or 2 AA alkali dry cells in an external case, or the (not included) BP-DM20 rechargeable NiH battery.

The docking station has a large LCD screen (that can be folded away) and includes recording meters, track numbers and 4 lines of text, in either English or Japanese. All menu choices are in English only.

The body labelling is in English only! on both portable and docking station.

The docking station includes a recording level potentiometer, active speaker volume control, headphone output level control, a balance knob, and a full-size 9mm headphone jack.There is a socket to charge up a spare battery for the portable unit. The battery also charges when in the unit when attached to the station.There is also a wireless remote control for the docking station.

The portable has only one input jack - the POWER IN MIC.

List price JPY72,000. International Version: JPY75,000

Gross weight 2.8Kgs.

Additional features over the MZ-R4ST: the active speaker socket, digital synchro recording, instead of 100V AC supply, a 9V DC 1200mA supply via an external transformer. (International version has a transformer that accepts between 100V and 240V).

Other things: "Time Machine Recording" A 2-second input buffer allowing you to make up your mind whether or not to record something after hearing the first few bars. Digital synchro-recording. Programme Playback: the tracks you want to hear, in the order you want to hear them, and no more. Time and Date stamp on both machines, power supplied by a built-in battery that is good for a month. Only the detachable unit has a MIC port, and this cannot be used when the unit is attached to the docking station. The unit has a High/Low MIC sensitivity switch. Track mark insertion can be adjusted manually, as if on a slider, allowing very precise insertion. All the usual editing features are there, and easier to use than on the portables. There is an UNDO feature that allows you to reverse the last editing option (provided you haven't pressed REC or powered down etc). There is no REDO. There is a facility to record with an optional external timer.