Sony MDM-X4/MDM-X4 MKII

Source: MiniDisc Wiki contributors · September 3, 2026 snapshot · CC BY 4.0, except where otherwise credited.

Attribution and changes

Adapted from “Sony MDM-X4/MDM-X4 MKII”. 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	MDM-X4
Manufacturer	Sony
Released	1996/11
Device type	pro
Recorder	Recorder
MDLP	No
NetMD	No
Hi-MD	No
Radio	No
Dimensions	423 x 119 x 385mm
Weight	5.1kg
ATRAC ver	3
Battery	Not recorded Not recorded
Battery notes	Not recorded
Sidecar (depr)	No
Voltage	100, 120, 230
Power cable	AC
Price (launch)	$1 250
Price (launch)	¥118 000
-
Inputs	3.5mm line in (analog-only), 3.5mm microphone, RCA in, XLR in
Outputs	3.5mm line out (analog-only), 3.5mm headphone, RCA out, XLR out
Control	Not recorded

ATRAC 3.0 multitrack recorder. Uses MD Data discs.

Earlier units had a bug in the firmware that sometimes wouldn't let you eject stereo discs and prevented track deletion. Sony would repair or would send you the replacement part, but it is unlikely to be available now.

An MDM-X4 MKII was also released. Added ATRAC 4.5 support, linking capability, instant start, and 20-character titles. Seems to have sold for $700-750.

MDM-X4 tech:
Unit has 2 ATRAC Encoder chips (for channel 1/2 (IC512) and 3/4 (IC511)) and 2 ATRAC Decoder chips for playback (ch. 1/2 (IC518) and 3/4 (IC517)).

MD Mechanism: MDM-2CR2
Base Unit: MBU-2B2
Optical Pickup: KMS-210A/J-N
ATRAC Encoder IC: CXD2536CR (IC511 IC512 IC517 IC518) MD Data encoder: CXD1809R (IC533)

Content adapted from: MDM-X4 Minidisc.org page audiotechnology review (aus) Sweetwater SoundOnSound harmony-central.com harmony-central.com (MiniDisc Wiki mirror) harmony-central.com 2 harmony-central.com 2 (MiniDisc Wiki mirror) (release may have been pushed back to 1997)