Source: MiniDisc Wiki contributors · September 3, 2026 snapshot · CC BY 4.0, except where otherwise credited.
Attribution and changes
Adapted from “Sony MZ-N1”. 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-N1 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Released | 2001/12 |
| Device type | portable |
| Recorder | Recorder |
| MDLP | Yes |
| NetMD | Yes |
| Hi-MD | No |
| Radio | No |
| Dimensions | 78.7 x 71.8 x 16.9mm |
| Weight | 90g |
| ATRAC ver | Type-R |
| Battery | Not recorded "Gumstick" |
| Battery notes | Not recorded |
| Sidecar (depr) | 1xAA |
| Voltage | 1.5, 3 |
| Power cable | Center positive |
| Price (launch) | Not recorded |
| ¥45 000 | |
| - | |
| Inputs | 3.5mm line in (analog-only), 3.5mm line in (optical multi), 3.5mm microphone |
| Outputs | 3.5mm line out (analog-only), 3.5mm headphone |
| Control | Remote (Sony), USB Mini-B, USB (on dock) |
First portable netMD recorder launched by Sony. It was launched alongside the CMT-C7NT, LAM-Z1, and MDS-NT1 as the first generation of netMD devices. NetMD allows PC to MD download of audio files. Originally Open MG Jukebox (and later SonicStage) was required to use netMD, but these days most devices are supported by PlatinumMD and web MD.
Shipped with the RM–MC12ELK remote in Japan. It supports full-width and half-width disc/track titles, meaning Kanji and Katakana names work fine. International models seemingly shipped with the RM-MC11EL, which does not support full-width titles(and therefore means no support for full-width kanji/kana).
A few things to keep in mind for modern buyers:
- A dock is required in order to use netMD. This can be expensive to buy separately.
- Numerous reports of issues with the write head's ribbon cable. Not really repairable except for those with advanced soldering skills.
With these issues in mind, a later generation recorder such as the MZ-N910 would be a safer buy.
Maximum output (DC): Headphones: 5 mW + 5 mW (16 ohm)
Outputs LINE OUT: stereo mini-jack (dedicated remote control jack) /194 mV (10 kohm )
Mechanism Type: MT-MZN1-171
Optical Pick-up Name: LCX-5R
Chipset: CXD2677-202GA or -205GA
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Content adapted from: Official Sony Press Announcement, MZ-N1 minidisc.org, Brian Youn's MZ-N1 Review, Sony Press Release Announcing Net MD "Open" price but 45,000~yen estimate
Manuals
Repair
The early signs of a write head cable failure are skips/silence in recording. Once the cable fails entirely, the unit won't write anything at all, including the table of contents. It will think it wrote things, so until you eject the disc or the machine loses power, it will attempt playback but you'll get silence.
Skipping and errors during playback and recording can also be symptoms of a unit that needs to be lubed, so if your N1 has trouble, it may be worth starting with basic lubing.
