Sony PCM-A10 - Linear PCM Recorder Operating Instructions

Refer to the Help Guide

This is the Operating Instructions, which provides you with instructions on the basic operations of the linear PCM recorder.
The Help Guide is an online manual.
Refer to the Help Guide when you would like to know further details, operations and possible solutions when a problem occurs.

http://rd1.sony.net/help/icd/pcma10/h_zz/

Check the supplied items

Parts and controls

1. BACK/ HOME button
2. STOP button
3. REC/PAUSE (record/pause) button, recording indicator
4. (play/enter) button*¹
5. Control button ( DPC (Digital Pitch Control), A-B (repeat A-B), (review/fast backward), (cue/fast forward))
6. (headphones) jack
7. (N-mark) (Put an NFC-enabled smartphone onto this mark to establish an NFC pairing.)
8. (microphone) jack

*¹ The (play/enter) button and VOL + (volume +) button have a tactile dot. Use the tactile dot as a reference when operating the linear PCM recorder.

*² Sliding the HOLD•POWER switch to "POWER" and holding it for 8 seconds or longer restarts your linear PCM recorder. For detailed instructions, refer to the Help Guide.

Let's try out your new linear PCM recorder

Charge

1. Charge the linear PCM recorder.
   Slide the USB slide lever in the direction of the arrow, and insert the USB connector into the USB port of a running computer.
   When the battery is fully charged, the battery indicator changes from the charging animation to "".
2. Disconnect the linear PCM recorder.
   Make sure that the message "Accessing" is no longer on the display window. Then refer to the Help Guide to remove the linear PCM recorder safely.

Power on

Slide and hold the HOLD•POWER switch in the direction of "POWER" until the window display appears.
To turn the power off, slide the HOLD•POWER switch to "POWER" and hold it until "Power Off" appears on the display window.

To prevent unintentional operations (HOLD)

Slide the HOLD•POWER switch in the direction of "HOLD."

To release the linear PCM recorder from the HOLD status, slide the HOLD•POWER switch towards the center.

Initial settings

When you power on your linear PCM recorder for the first time, the "Configure Initial Settings" screen appears on the display window. You can then select the display language, set the clock, and turn on/off the beep sound.

1. Select "Yes" to start the initial settings.
   
2. Select the display language.
   You can select from the following languages:
   Deutsch (German), English*, Español (Spanish), Français (French), Italiano (Italian), Русский (Russian), Türkçe (Turkish), 한국어 (Korean), 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese), 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese)
   * Default setting
3. Set the current year, month, day, hour, and minute.
   
   
   To go back to the previous clock setting item, press BACK/HOME.
4. Select "Next."
   
5. Select "ON" or "OFF" to turn on or off the beep sound.
   When the initial settings finish, the completion message and then the HOME menu screen appear.
   

Note
You can change any of the initial settings at any time later. For detailed instructions, refer to the Help Guide.

Record

Before you start recording, make sure that the HOLD status is released.

1. Select " Record" from the HOME menu.
   The recording standby screen appears.
2. Select a storage and a folder to save the recorded file.
   
   To save the recorded file on the microSD card, you need to change the file storage destination folder. Select "Recording Folder" - "SD Card" from the OPTION menu, and then start recording.
3. Adjust the angle of the linear PCM recorder's built-in microphones with your fingertips so that they point in the direction of the recording source.
4. Turn the linear PCM recorder so that its built-in microphones point in the direction of the target sound source.
5. Press and hold REC/PAUSE.
   The recording indicator flashes in red and the linear PCM recorder pauses for recording. When the built-in microphones pick up sounds, the peak level meter bars change in length to indicate the recording volume levels.
6. Press or to select the optimum recording volume level for the sound source.
   You can check the current recording volume level on the peak level meters. Adjust the recording volume so that the recording volume level stays around -12 dB (A), which fits within the optimum range. If too loud sounds are detected during recording, "OVER" (B) appears on the display window and the peak indicator lights. In such a case, turn down the recording volume by pressing until "OVER" disappears and the peak indicator goes out to avoid sound distortion. You can press and hold or to keep turning up or down the recording volume.
   
   
   With the rehearsal function, you can easily adjust the recording volume level. For the rehearsal function, refer to the Help Guide.
7. Press REC/PAUSE.
   "REC" appears on the display window and the recording indicator lights in red.
8. Press STOP to stop recording.
   "Saving..." and then recording standby screen appear on the display window.

Listen

1. Select " Recorded Files" from the HOME menu.
2. Select "Latest Recording," "Search by REC Date," "Search by REC Scene," or "Folders."
3. Select your desired file.
   Playback starts.
   
4. Press VOL + or VOL - to adjust the volume.
5. Press STOP to stop playback.

Right after you stopped recording, you can press to play the file you have just recorded.

To add a track mark

You can add a track mark at a point at which you want to divide a file later or locate during playback. You can add a maximum of 98 track marks to each file.
You can also add track marks during recording.

Delete

Note
Once a file is deleted, you cannot restore it.

1. Select the file you want to delete from the list of recorded files or play back the file you want to delete.
2. Select "Delete a File" from the OPTION menu.
   
   "Delete?" appears and the selected file starts playing for your confirmation.
3. Select "Yes."
   
   "Please Wait" appears and stays until the selected file is deleted.

Enjoy music wirelessly Listen to audio from the BLUETOOTH^® audio device

You can establish a wireless connection between a Bluetooth audio device and the linear PCM recorder and listen to audio from the Bluetooth audio device.

Make device registration (pairing)

To establish a wireless connection between Bluetooth audio devices for the first time, you need to have the devices registered with each other. This device registration process is called "pairing."

1. Place the Bluetooth audio device to which you establish a Bluetooth connection in pairing mode.
   Be sure to place the linear PCM recorder within 1 m from the Bluetooth audio device.
2. While recording is on standby, select " Bluetooth" - "Audio Device" - "Add Device (Pairing)" from the HOME menu.
   When either "Turn Bluetooth On?" or "Disconnect Connected Audio Device. Continue?" appears on the display window, select "Yes."
3. When "Search for Audio Devices. Prepare the Other Device to Connect." appears on the display window, press the button to start searching.
   The search for Bluetooth audio devices that are available for device registration starts and the list of the found devices appears on the display window.
4. Select the Bluetooth device that you want to register for establishing a Bluetooth connection.
   When the device is registered, "Connection Complete" appears on the display window.
5. Start playback on the linear PCM recorder.
   Now, you can listen to audio from the Bluetooth audio device.

To disconnect the Bluetooth connection between the linear PCM recorder and the Bluetooth audio device

Select " Bluetooth" - "Audio Device" - "Disconnect" from the HOME menu. When the Bluetooth connection is disconnected, playback stops.

To switch the audio output destination between the Bluetooth headphones and the connected headphones

While a Bluetooth connection is established, no audio is output to the headphones connected to the headphones jack.
To use the connected headphones for listening, disconnect the Bluetooth connection.

Notes

• The recording audio is output to the (headphones) jack. Use the headphones for monitoring.

Operations with the smartphone (REC Remote)

With the Bluetooth function of your linear PCM recorder, you can operate your linear PCM recorder (recording, changing the recording settings, etc.) using a smartphone.

To operate your linear PCM recorder using a smartphone

You need to install REC Remote on the smartphone and make a pairing between the smartphone and your linear PCM recorder.
Pairing means having Bluetooth devices registered with each other to establish a wireless connection for the first time.
To make a pairing with the linear PCM recorder using REC Remote, you need the latest version of REC Remote. If your smartphone has REC Remote already installed, be sure to upgrade it to the latest version.

1. Search Google Play or App Store for REC Remote and install it on the smartphone.
2. On the linear PCM recorder, select " Bluetooth" - "REC Remote"- "Add Device (Pairing)" from the HOME menu and follow the on-screen instruction to turn on the Bluetooth function.
3. On the smartphone, start REC Remote and select "PCM-A10" (your linear PCM recorder) from the available device list. For detailed instructions, refer to the help of REC Remote and the manual supplied with the smartphone.
   Now you can use the smartphone for linear PCM recorder operations.

To turn on or off the Bluetooth function of your linear PCM recorder

When you turn off the Bluetooth function, the linear PCM recorder is disconnected from all the devices connected via Bluetooth connections, including a Bluetooth audio device and a smartphone with REC Remote installed.

1. Select " Bluetooth" - "Bluetooth ON/OFF" from the HOME menu.
2. To turn on the Bluetooth function, select "ON." To turn it off, select "OFF."

Using the HOME menu

You can use the HOME menu for a variety of operations, including locating and playing a recorded file and changing the settings of your linear PCM recorder.

1. Press and hold BACK/HOME.
   The HOME menu screen appears.
   
   The HOME menu items are aligned in the following sequence.
   
2. Select your desired function from the following:

   Music	You can select and play one of the files you have imported from a computer. To locate a music file, select "All Songs," "Albums," "Artists," or "Folders." When importing files, be sure to import them into the MUSIC folder.
   Recorded Files	You can select and play one of the files you have recorded with your linear PCM recorder. To locate a recorded file, select "Latest Recording," "Search by REC Date," "Search by REC Scene," or "Folders."
   Record	You can display the record standby screen, and then start recording.
   Bluetooth	You can display the menu screen for items that use the Bluetooth function, such as REC Remote, NFC, and Bluetooth audio devices. Additionally, you can turn on/off the Bluetooth function or make device registration (pairing).
   Settings	You can display the Settings menu screen and change various settings on the linear PCM recorder.
   Back to XX*	You can go back to the screen that was displayed before the HOME menu screen.

   
   * The function you are currently using is displayed in "XX."

Press STOP to return to the screen displayed before you entered the HOME menu.

Using the OPTION menu

You can use the OPTION menu to perform a variety of functions, including changing the settings of your linear PCM recorder.
The available items differ depending on the situation.

1. Select your desired function from the HOME menu, and then press OPTION.
   
2. Select the menu item for which you want to change the setting.
3. Select your desired setting option.

Copying files from your linear PCM recorder to a computer

You can copy the files and folders from your linear PCM recorder to a computer to store them.

1. Follow the instructions in "Charge" to connect your linear PCM recorder to a computer.
2. Drag and drop the files or folders you want to copy from "PCMRECORDER" or "MEMORY CARD" to the local disk on the computer.
   To copy a file or folder (Drag and drop)
   
   1. Click and hold,
   2. drag,
   3. and then drop.
3. Disconnect your linear PCM recorder from the computer.

Installing Sound Organizer 2

Install Sound Organizer on your computer.
Sound Organizer allows you to exchange files between your linear PCM recorder and your computer.
Songs imported from music CDs and other media, MP3 and other audio files imported to a computer can also be played and transferred to the linear PCM recorder.

Notes

1. Follow the instructions in "Charge" to connect your linear PCM recorder to a computer.
2. Make sure the linear PCM recorder is successfully detected by the computer.
   "Connecting" appears and stays on the linear PCM recorder's display window while the linear PCM recorder is connected to the computer.
3. Right-click at the bottom left corner of the desktop, and then click [File Explorer] on the menu.
4. Double-click [PCMRECORDER] - [FOR WINDOWS].
5. Double-click [SoundOrganizer_V2001] (or [SoundOrganizer_V2001.exe]).
   Follow the computer's on-screen instructions.
6. When the [Welcome to Sound Organizer 2 Installer] window appears, click [Next].
7. Make sure that you accept the terms of the license agreement, select [I accept the terms in the license agreement], and then click [Next].
8. When the [Setup Type] window appears, select [Standard] or [Custom], and then click [Next].
   Follow the instructions on the screen and set the installation settings when you select [Custom].
9. When the [Ready to Install the Program] window appears, click [Install].
   The installation starts.
10. When the [Sound Organizer 2 has been installed successfully.] window appears, check [Launch Sound Organizer 2 Now], and then click [Finish].
    Note
    You may need to restart your computer after installing Sound Organizer 2.

Precautions

On power

DC 3.7V: the built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
DC 5.0V: when charged using USB
Rated current consumption: 500mA

On safety

Do not operate the unit while driving, cycling or operating any motorized vehicle.

On handling

• When using your linear PCM recorder, remember to follow the precautions below in order to avoid warping the cabinet or causing the linear PCM recorder to malfunction.
• Be careful not to allow water to splash on the unit. The unit is not waterproof. In particular, be careful in the following situations.
  • When you have the unit in your pocket and go to the bathroom, etc.
    When you bend down, the unit may drop into the water and may get wet.
• You may feel pain in your ears if you use the headphones when the ambient air is very dry.
  This is not because of a malfunction of the headphones, but because of static electricity accumulated in your body. You can reduce static electricity by wearing non-synthetic clothes that prevent the emergence of static electricity.

On noise

On maintenance

To clean the exterior, use a soft cloth slightly moistened in water. Then use a soft dry cloth to wipe the exterior. Do not use alcohol, benzine or thinner.

If you have any questions or problems concerning your unit, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Notes on the Bluetooth function

• Because Bluetooth and wireless LAN (IEEE802.11b/g) devices use the same frequency (2.4 GHz), signal interference may occur, resulting in communication speed decrease, noise, or inability to connect, if Bluetooth communications are used near a wireless LAN device. In such cases, take the following measures.
• Radio waves emitted from a Bluetooth device may affect the operation of equipment such as electronic medical devices. Turn off your linear PCM recorder and other Bluetooth devices in the following locations as failure to do so may cause an accident.

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type.

Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits set out in the EMC regulation using a connection cable shorter than 3 meters.

Notice for users

All rights reserved. This manual or the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated or reduced to any machine readable form without prior written approval from Sony Corporation.

What you record is for personal enjoyment and use only. Copyright laws prohibit other forms of use without the permission of the copyright holders.

Specifications

Capacity (User available capacity*¹*²)
16 GB (approx. 12.80 GB = 13,743,895,347 Byte)

Maximum recording time*³ (Built-in memory)
The maximum recording time of all the folders is as follows.

LPCM 96 kHz/24 bit (STEREO)	6 hours 35 minutes
LPCM 48 kHz/24 bit (STEREO)	13 hours 15 minutes
LPCM 48 kHz/16 bit (STEREO)	19 hours 50 minutes
LPCM 44.1 kHz/24 bit (STEREO)	14 hours 25 minutes
LPCM 44.1 kHz/16 bit (STEREO)	21 hours 35 minutes
MP3 320 kbps (STEREO)	95 hours 25 minutes
MP3 192 kbps (STEREO)	159 hours
MP3 128 kbps (STEREO)	238 hours
MP3 48 kbps (MONO)	636 hours

Battery Life (a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery)*⁴
The battery life spans provided here are all approximate periods of time. For the battery life of the linear PCM recorder in any other mode, refer to the Help Guide.

REC Mode	Recording	Playback with the built-in speaker	Playback with the headphones	Recording with REC Remote	Playback via the Bluetooth connection
LPCM 96 kHz/24 bit	15 hours	9 hours	18 hours	10 hours	14 hours
LPCM 44.1 kHz/16 bit	20 hours	9 hours	22 hours	12 hours	18 hours
MP3 192 kbps	22 hours	10 hours	25 hours	12 hours	18 hours
Music file (LPCM 192 kHz/24 bit)	-	7 hours	13 hours	-	10 hours

Dimensions (w/h/d) (not incl. projecting parts and controls)
Approx. 39.2 mm × 109.5 mm × 16.0 mm

Mass
Approx. 82 g

Temperature/Humidity

Operating temperature	5°C - 35°C
Operating humidity	25% - 75%
Storage temperature	-10°C - +45°C
Storage humidity	25% - 75%

Compatible memory cards

*¹ A small amount of the built-in memory is used for file management and therefore not available for user storage.

*² When the built-in memory is formatted with the linear PCM recorder.

*³ Default settings for the recording scenes.

*⁴ Measured values acquired under our measurement conditions. These values may decrease depending on the usage conditions.