Sony’s PCM-R700 Digital Audio Recorder was introduced as a more advanced development of the well-loaded PCM-R500, adding 4-head construction for confidence monitoring while retaining a broad professional feature set in a compact rackmount format. Positioned as a capable DAT recorder for demanding applications, the Sony PCM-R700 combined stable transport design, flexible audio interfacing, and a practical control layout intended for reliable day-to-day recording work.
A key part of the Sony PCM-R700 Digital Audio Recorder’s design was its 4-head construction for confidence monitoring, allowing users to monitor recorded material directly during operation. This gave the Sony PCM-R700 a significant operational advantage in professional environments where recording assurance was critical. The recorder also employed Sony’s legendary 4 D.D. mechanism with four direct drive motors, providing a stable tape transport system, and it included Auto Head Cleaning for improved sound quality.
The front panel of the Sony PCM-R700 Digital Audio Recorder was laid out to provide fast and direct operation. Sony equipped the unit with Shuttle and Jog Dial control, making transport and navigation easier during recording and playback tasks. The Shuttle/Jog Dial supported easy system operation, offering straightforward access for conventional automatic music search and programme number handling. A front panel Auto Fade function with adjustable timing from 0.5 seconds to 9.5 seconds added further operational flexibility.
Recording performance was extended through the inclusion of Super Bit Mapping recording. Sony stated that this function achieved an S/N ratio equivalent to that of a 20-bit system, giving the Sony PCM-R700 Digital Audio Recorder improved low-level performance within the DAT format. The recorder also featured a Set-Up Menu for preference selection, allowing users to define operating parameters such as ID6, level sync threshold, date, and more. This made the Sony PCM-R700 adaptable to different installation and workflow requirements.
Another practical feature of the Sony PCM-R700 Digital Audio Recorder was its CH1/CH2 independent recording level volume controls. These allowed separate channel level adjustment to eliminate crosstalk and provided more precise handling of stereo source material. Sony also included an 8-pin DIN parallel remote interface, while offering compatibility with the optional RM-D750 wired remote commander, adding further flexibility for installed and remote operation.
The Sony PCM-R700 Digital Audio Recorder also offered a wide range of audio interface options. Analogue balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs were provided, alongside digital input and output connections in AES/EBU and coaxial formats. This made the machine suitable for integration with a variety of professional and semi-professional systems. With its rackmountable design, dependable transport, confidence monitoring capability, and broad interface support, the Sony PCM-R700 Digital Audio Recorder was clearly intended as a serious DAT machine for studio and professional audio environments.
The Sony PCM-R700 Digital Audio Recorder was a strong example of Sony refining the DAT format for more demanding users, adding operational assurance and expanded flexibility to an already established platform.
Features
- 4-head construction for confidence monitoring
- High-reliability 4 D.D. mechanism with 4 direct drive motors
- Auto head cleaning for improved sound quality
- Shuttle and Jog Dial control
- Super Bit Mapping recording function
- Set-Up Menu for preference selection
- 8-pin DIN parallel remote interface
- Optional RM-D750 wired remote commander support
- Wide range of audio interface options
- Adjustable Auto Fade on front panel from 0.5 seconds to 9.5 seconds
- CH1/CH2 independent recording level volume controls