Source: MiniDisc Wiki contributors · September 3, 2026 snapshot · CC BY 4.0, except where otherwise credited.
Attribution and changes
Adapted from “Sony MDS-302 / MDS-S30”. Links, layout and file names normalized; missing database fields restored; remote embeds replaced with links. Manufacturer manuals and separately credited photographs retain their original attribution.
| Name | MDS-302 / MDS-S30 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Released | 1994/12 |
| Device type | deck |
| MDLP | No |
| NetMD | No |
| Hi-MD | No |
| Radio | No |
| Dimensions | 430 x 97.5 x 292mm |
| Weight | 3.5kg |
| ATRAC ver | 3 |
| Power cable | AC |
| Price (launch) | $700 |
| Not recorded | |
| - | |
| Inputs | N/A, RCA in, Digital optical (TOSLINK) |
| Outputs | 3.5mm line out (analog-only), 1/4 inch headphone, RCA out, Digital optical (TOSLINK) |
| Control | Remote (Sony) |
ATRAC 3.0 recorder, bundled with RM-D3M remote.
The MDS-S30 is functionally similar to the MDS-302 but with a smaller footprint. Its < 280mm width matches Sony's Pixy line of components. Buttons and features are the same as the MDS-302, but the headphone output is now 3.5mm instead of 1/4".
Replaced by the MDS-303/MDS-S35 in 1995, which has slight stylistic changes (no known functional changes)
The optical block in this unit (KMS-210A) is known to fail from heat. The exact cause is unknown, but it's hypothesized that it is related to the bonding adhesive holding the lens' suspension structure together and the location of the laser diode directly underneath (as opposed to being off to the side in newer blocks). As such, it is recommended to avoid prolonged recording with this optical block.
Remote: RM-D3M
Johnathan Woithe has a brief page describing his problems with the MDS-S30.
Content adapted from: MDS-302 Minidisc.org page MDS-S30 Audio-Database.com page
Manuals
Photos
MDS-S30
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