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Sony MDS-DRE1

Source reference · needs review · MiniDisc Wiki, September 2026 snapshot · Source edited 2024-08-18

Manufacturer
Sony
Model / source grouping
MDS-DRE1
Device type
pro
MDLP modes
No
NetMD interface
No
Hi-MD support
No

Capabilities above are source-stated. USB transfer direction, software requirements and regional variants need separate checks.

Manuals & documentation

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Accessories & internal parts

Source-referenced components. Check conditions before substituting parts.

Preserved source

Original source · Source edits are not technical review dates. Original credits and licence notes remain below.

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

Attribution and changes

Adapted from “Sony MDS-DRE1”. 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.

mds-dre1_1_.jpg

Name MDS-DRE1
Manufacturer Sony
Released 1998/09
Device type pro
Recorder Recorder
MDLP No
NetMD No
Hi-MD No
Radio No
Dimensions 300 x 121 x 356mm
Weight 4.1kg
ATRAC ver 4.5
Battery Not recorded Not recorded
Battery notes Not recorded
Sidecar (depr) No
Voltage 120, 230
Power cable AC
Price (launch) Not recorded
¥115 000
-
Inputs RCA in, Digital optical (TOSLINK), Digital coaxial
Outputs 1/4 inch headphone, RCA out
Control Not recorded

"Backtrack" recording feature allows unit to play an MD track and record a new (separate) track simultaneously. If the machine's output is run through a mixer, new material can be mixed with existing material and recorded. From the Sony announcement: "The BackTracking feature effectively makes the unit two machines in one. In conjunction with the MDS-DRE1's digital I/Os, BackTracking allows the DJ to record and synchronize tracks on the fly from any source, while a song is being played. These sources can be mixed (with an external DJ mixer) along with material on the same disc. This provides the DJ the flexibility to create customized mixes and audio transitions in real time. Additional planned features of the ergonomically designed, portable, tabletop unit include seamless looping; turntable-style scrubbing and trick play; digital archiving; digital disc and random access capability; "hot start" buttons, allowing up to eight tracks to be assigned simultaneously for continuous instantaneous play; slider faders to control pitch and tempo; and full song-based editing function (1/86 sec accurate) including the capability to divide, combine, move, erase or copy a track." Unit features independent speed and pitch controls (+/- 12% each).

Optional accessories: Footswitch (FS-A8).

Specs: Freq. resp.: 5-20kHz +/- 0.5dB, SNR: >96dB (playback)

Model Name Using Similar Mechanism: MDS-JA3ES
MD Mechanism Type: MDM-2CR
Base Unit Name: MBU-2B
Optical Pick-up: KMS-210A/J-N
ATRAC IC: CXD2537R


Content adapted from: Minidisc.org page, Audio-Heritage.jp harmony-central.com harmony-central.com (MiniDisc Wiki mirror)

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Photos

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Additional specifications and references
ScmsYes
Web MdNo (not NetMD)
Remote Page
Atrac IcCXD2537R / CXD2654
ManualUser manual, Service manual
RegionJapan