Source: MiniDisc Wiki contributors · September 3, 2026 snapshot · CC BY 4.0, except where otherwise credited.
Attribution and changes
Adapted from “Sony MZ-1”. 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 | MZ-1 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Released | 1992/11 |
| Device type | portable |
| Recorder | Recorder |
| MDLP | No |
| NetMD | No |
| Hi-MD | No |
| Radio | No |
| Dimensions | 114w x 139h x 43d mm |
| Weight | ~680g (with battery) |
| ATRAC ver | 1 |
| Battery | Not recorded BP-MZ1 |
| Battery notes | Not recorded |
| Sidecar (depr) | No |
| Voltage | 10.5 |
| Power cable | Center positive |
| Price (launch) | $750 |
| ¥92 000 | |
| - | |
| Inputs | 3.5mm line in (analog-only), 3.5mm microphone, Digital optical (TOSLINK) |
| Outputs | 3.5mm line out (analog-only), 3.5mm headphone, Digital optical (TOSLINK) |
| Control | Not recorded |
The very first MiniDisc (MD) unit on the market. Rather bulky, it had a lot of on-device controls, which turns out to be very useful since this unit did not support remotes. It also had a front loader instead of the clamshell seen in later devices for inserting discs.
Not ideal as a player today. It's quite heavy and bulky, with poor battery life. It is also rather collectable (being the first recorder) and you can get a much more practical NetMD device for a lower price.
Display only lights up when plugged into AC power.
These days, the BP-MZ1s from the era are all dead. Currently, you can get 3D-printed shunts that allow this unit to be powered by modern lithium-ion 18650 cells.
Please see Modern Batteries for more information and links.
If using labels, do not use embossed (raised lettering) forms. They will get stuck when ejecting. It's a pain and a process to get the MD out, and will likely ruin the label.
MD Mechanism: MT-MZ1-106
Optical Pickup: KMS-130B
ATRAC IC: CXD2527R
Find the MZ-1 on eBay(Affiliate Link)
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Content adapted from: MZ-1 Minidisc.org Page
Manuals
Repair/teardown
Test Mode on the Sony MZ-1:
With an AC cord unplugged and battery removed, short JR106 with a solder jumper. Plug in the AC cord, and the TEST mode will be activated. To deactivate the TEST mode, remove the solder jumper.
