PORTABLE MINIDISC RECORDER
Thank you for purchasing this SHARP product. For the best performance, read this manual carefully. It will guide you in operating your SHARP product.

MD-MT290H

OPERATION MANUAL

PL U PO G W IN ER

If you require any advice or assistance regarding your Sharp product, please visit our web-site www.sharp.co.uk/customersupport. Customers without Internet access may telephone during office hours (or (01) if telephoning from Ireland).

TINSE0504AWZZ 02M N AO 1

Accessories
-Accessories/Optional Accessories-

Remote Control x 1

Earphones x 1

Important Introduction

AC Adaptor (RADPA8058AWZZ) x 1
Rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride battery (ADN70BT) x 1
Battery Carrying Case x 1
Connection Cable (for digital recording) x 1
Connection Cable (for analogue recording) x 1
Connection Cable (for PC analogue recording) x 1

Carrying Bag x 1

Notes: ! Parts and equipment mentioned in this operation manual other than those detailed above are not included. ! The AC adaptor may be different from the one in the drawing.

Optional Accessories

! Car adaptor (AD-CA20X) ! Cassette adaptor (AD-CT14) ! Connection cable (for digital recording) (AD-M2DC)

02/12/18

MD_MT290H_UK_1.fm

Contents

" Important Introduction

" Useful Features

Special Notes. 4 - 5 Names of Controls and Indicators. 6 - 7 Precautions.8

" Power Source

Using with the Rechargeable Battery. 9 - 10 Using with the AC Adaptor.10 Using with the Alkaline Battery.11

" Advanced Features

Titling a MiniDisc. 34 - 37 Editing a Recorded MiniDisc. 38 - 40 Listening through Another System. 41
Inserting a MiniDisc.11 Connections. 12 - 13 Hold Function.14 Before Recording.15

" References

Other Features and Caution. 42 MiniDisc System Limitations. 43 Error Messages. 44 - 45 Troubleshooting. 46 - 47 Maintenance. 47 Specifications. 48 - 49 TERMS OF GUARANTEE.Back cover

" Basic Operation

Recording. 16 - 17 Playback. 18 - 19

-Contents-

" Preparation
Advanced Playback. 20 - 21 Advanced Recording. 22 - 27 Recording from a Microphone. 28 - 30 Changing Default Settings. 31 Checking Displays. 32 - 33

Special Notes

" Warnings
NOTES FOR USERS IN THE U.K. AND IRELAND

-Special Notes-

SERVICE INFORMATION In the unlikely event of your equipment requiring repair, please use the supplied postage paid label to send your unit to the Sharp repair centre or contact the dealer or supplier from whom it was purchased. Where this is not possible, please visit our web-site www.sharp.co.uk/customersupport. Customers without internet access may telephone during office hours (or (01) if telephoning from Ireland). Please note; all calls will be charged at local rate. Certain replacement parts and accessories may be obtained from our main parts distributor. WILLOW VALE ELECTRONICS LTD. 5414 In the unlikely event of this equipment requiring repair during the guarantee period, you will need to provide proof of the date of purchase to the repairing company. Please keep your invoice or receipt, which is supplied at the time of purchase.
! The supplied AC adaptor contains no user serviceable parts. Never remove covers unless qualified to do so. It contains dangerous voltages, always remove the mains plug from the main outlet socket before any service operation or when not in use for a long period. ! The AC adaptor supplied with the MD-MT290H must not be used with other equipment. ! To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to dripping or splashing liquids. No objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus. ! Never use an AC adaptor other than the one specified. Otherwise, problems or serious hazards may be created.

" Caution

! When recording important selections, make a preliminary test to ensure that the desired material is properly recorded. ! SHARP is not liable for damage or loss of your recording arising from malfunction of this unit.
Laser Diode Properties ! Material: GaAIAs ! Wavelength: 785 nm ! Pulse time: Read mode: 0.8 mW Continuous Write mode: max 10 mW 0.5S min cycle 1.5S Repetition
! At full volume, prolonged listening to a personal stereo may damage the user's hearing. This model complies with the law if used with the correct earphones (model number RPHOH0011AWZZ). If the earphones are damaged in any way, please order using the model number given above. ! This product is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT. ! Use the Portable MiniDisc Recorder only in accordance with the instructions given in this manual and do not attempt to interfere with the interlock switch or make any other adjustment as this may result in exposure to hazardous radiation.

" Notes

! Recording and playback of any material may require consent, which SHARP is unable to give. Please refer particularly to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1956, the Dramatic and Musical Performers Protection Act 1958, the Performers Protection Acts 1963 and 1972 and to any subsequent statutory enactments and orders. ! This equipment complies with the requirements of Directives 89/336/EEC and 73/23/EEC as amended by 93/68/EEC. ! US and foreign patents licensed from Dolby Laboratories. ! The letters in brackets contained in the model number indicate the colour of the product only. Operation and specifications are unaffected.
Names of Controls and Indicators

" Main unit

Reference page 1. Open Lever. 11 2. Battery Cover. 9 3. Menu/Enter/Charge Button. 9, 17, 21, 34 4. Stop/Power Off/Hold Button. 14, 17, 18 5. Play/Pause Button. 17, 18, 25 6. Volume/Cursor Buttons. 18, 35 7. Remote Control/Earphones/ Line Output Socket. 18, 41 8. Microphone Input Socket. 28 9. Optical/Line Input Socket. 12 10. Record/Track Mark Button. 16, 24, 26 11. 5 V DC Input Socket. 9, 41 12. Fast Forward/Fast Reverse/ Recording Level/Menu Select/ Name Select Buttons. 16, 20, 34 Note: When the battery cover comes off, attach the cover back as shown below.
-Names of Controls and Indicators-

" Display panel

" Remote control unit
Reference page 1. Earphones Socket. 18, 41 2. Bass/Delete/Track Mark Button. 19, 26, 35 3. Volume/Cursor Buttons. 18, 35 4. Hold Switch. 14 5. Play/Pause Button. 17, 18, 25 6. Fast Forward/Fast Reverse/ Recording Level/Menu Select/ Name Select Buttons. 16, 20, 34 7. Stop/Power Off Button. 17, 18
1. Level Meter 2. Random Indicator 3. Repeat Indicator 4. Long-Play/Recording Mode Indicator 5. Monaural Mode Indicator 6. Battery Indicator 7. Play Indicator 8. Pause Indicator 9. Disc Name Indicator 10. Record Indicator 11. Synchro Recording Indicator 12. Character/Time Information Indicator 13. TOC Indicator 14. Track Number Indicator

To turn off the power

Press the :OFF/HOLD button whilst in the stop mode.
To the REMOTE /PHONES socket
! Reduce the volume before starting to play. MiniDiscs, compared to ordinary cassette tapes, have very little noise. If the volume is adjusted according to your usual expectations of noise, high volume may damage your hearing. ! The sound escaping from your earphones may annoy people around you. In particularly crowded places (such as on trains or buses), reduce the volume.
Insert the earphones plug firmly into the earphones socket on the remote control unit. Plug the remote control into the REMOTE/ PHONES socket on the unit. Insert a MiniDisc (page 11).

" Volume control

Press the VOL + button to increase the volume and the VOL - button to decrease the volume. Volume (0 - 30)

" Bass control

Each time the BASS button on the remote control is pressed, the bass response will be switched as follows. BASS 1 BASS 2 BASS 3 BASS OFF Emphasised slightly. Emphasised more. Emphasised fully. Cancelled. (Default setting)
During playback, press the MENU/ENTER button. Press the or button repeatedly to select "SOUND ADJ" and then press the MENU/ENTER button.
" To customise low and high levels
You can set 3 types of bass settings (BASS 1 - BASS 3) by adjusting low (Lo) and high (Hi) boost for each setting. Emphasising low (Lo) and high (Hi) sound of BASS 3.

Sound level

Hi3 Default

BASS 3

After selecting "Lo" or "Hi" with the or button, press the VOL + or VOL - button to adjust the low or high sound setting. Press the MENU/ENTER button.
Repeat steps 1 - 5 to change the other bass setting.
Press the or button repeatedly to select bass setting, and the VOL + or VOL - button to select "B3".
Lo Lo5 BASS 3 Sound level

Frequency Hi5

Frequency
Notes: ! If you set the volume to 23 or more, the bass boost will be adjusted automatically. ! When you make the setting of "To customise low and high levels" with the volume level set to 23 or more, the volume level will be reduced to 22 automatically.

02/12/24

Advanced Playback
! To locate the desired portion ! To locate the beginning of a track
To move to the beginning of the next track: Press the button during playback.
To restart the track being played: Press the button during playback.

Useful Features

To locate the next track:

-Advanced Playback-

button whilst the unit is stopped.
To locate the previous track: For audible fast forward: Press and hold down the For audible fast reverse: Press and hold down the button during playback. button during playback. Press the button whilst the unit is stopped.

" Normal playback will resume when the or button is released. " When the end of the last track is reached during fast forward, the unit will enter the pause mode. When the beginning of the first track is reached during fast reverse, the unit will enter the playback mode.
" To skip a number of tracks at one time, press the or button repeatedly until the desired track number is shown. " When you press the button, playback starts from the beginning of the track.

MD_MT290H_UK_4.fm

! Random play or repeat play
Press the or button repeatedly to select the desired playback mode.
RANDOM : Random play RANDOM REP :Repeat play of tracks in random order ALL REPEAT : Repeat play of all of the tracks 1Tr REPEAT : Repeat play of a single track NORMAL : Normal playback The mode will be set automatically after 7 seconds even if the MENU/ENTER button is not pressed.
During playback, press the MENU/ENTER button. Press the or button repeatedly to select "PLAY MODE". Press the MENU/ENTER button.
Notes: " Complete the operation within 7 seconds whilst selecting the menus. " If the playback mode is selected whilst stopped, press the button to start playback. " When "TOC" is displayed, random play or repeat play is impossible. " In random play, the unit will select and play tracks automatically. (You cannot select the order of the tracks.) After all of the tracks are played once in random order, the unit will stop automatically. " During random, random repeat, or single track repeat play, you can forward or reverse the MiniDisc only within the track being played. " During random play, the unit cannot find the beginning of any track which has been played. " Repeat play lasts until you stop the unit.

Advanced Recording

! Long-play recording
2 times and 4 times long recording Double or quadruple time of stereo recording is possible. Monaural recording In monaural, you can record twice as long as the stereo recording.
Press the or button repeatedly to select the desired recording mode.
Stereo recording (SP) 2 times long recording (LP2)

-Advanced Recording-

Monaural recording (MONO)

" "SYNC" will flash. " To cancel the operation, press the :OFF/HOLD button. " The mode will be set automatically after 7 seconds even if the MENU/ENTER button is not pressed. Recording will begin automatically. To interrupt recording " When the stereo system is stopped, the unit will enter the synchro recording pause mode. When playback is resumed, recording will also resume. " If a silence lasts for 3 seconds or more, recording will be paused (pause function does not work for approximately 10 seconds after recording starts). When the unit receives sound again, recording automatically starts. " A new track number is created when recording resumes.
Press the REC button. Begin playback on the stereo system connected to this portable MD. Press the or button to adjust the recording level (see page 16). Press the PAUSE button on the stereo system to enter the playback pause mode.
Select the starting point for your recording and press the PAUSE button.
12Begin playback on the stereo system.
Press the MENU/ENTER button. Press the or button repeatedly to select "REC MODE".
! To start recording from the middle of a track
You can erase a portion of a track and make a new recording. All of the tracks that follow the newly recorded track will be erased.
During playback, press the button at the point where you want to begin recording. Press the REC button.
To cancel the operation, press the :OFF/HOLD button. All of the tracks and track names will be erased, following the point where the playback is paused.
Press the MENU/ENTER button again. Press the or button repeatedly to select "REC MODE". Press the MENU/ENTER button. Press the or button repeatedly to select the recording mode (step 4, page 22). Press the button.

Recording will start.

Notes: " Complete the operation within 7 seconds whilst selecting the menus. " To keep a track after the point you want to make a new recording, move the track and then make recording after that point. (See "Editing a Recorded MiniDisc", page 40.)
! To create your own track numbers
You can create your own track numbers at any point. Whilst recording, press the REC button at the point where you want to create track numbers. The track number will be increased by one. " One track number will be added every time the REC button is pressed. " The BASS button on the remote control can also be used to add track numbers. Numbering restriction If you try to number more than 10 tracks in certain amount of time, "SORRY" will be displayed and the operation will be disabled. In that case, wait until the next operation can be resumed. In stereo recording In 2 times long recording In 4 times long recording In monaural recording Within 40 seconds Within 80 seconds Within 160 seconds Within 80 seconds

! Recording tracks as a single track
You can record several pieces of music as a single track by disabling the auto marker function. When recording is paused or whilst recording.
Press the MENU/ENTER button. Press the or button repeatedly to select "MARK". Press the MENU/ENTER button. Press the OFF". or button to select "MARK
Notes: " Complete the operation within 7 seconds whilst selecting the menus. " When making digital recordings using a CD player or an MiniDisc player, track numbers will be created automatically regardless of the setting of the auto marker function.

! About track numbers

1. Track numbers are created automatically during recording via the analogue connection when a silence of 1 second or more is detected (auto marker function). A series of tracks can be recorded as one by disabling the auto marker function (see page 26).
" When recording, if a programmed playback is performed by the source or playback is performed by selecting tracks manually, the MiniDisc track numbers may not be the same as on the source. " Track numbers may not be created properly, depending on the connected stereo system.

First track

Second track
! Note for digital recording
2. When recording from a CD or a MiniDisc using the digital connection, track numbers will be created at the same points as on the CD or MiniDisc (synchro marker function). You cannot copy a MiniDisc that you recorded from digital inputs to another MiniDisc or DAT. It is prevented by the SCMS (Serial Copy Management System). Recording from analogue inputs is not affected.
Digital signals Digitally recorded MiniDisc Cannot record
Playback side Recording side
First track Track A First track Track A
Second track Third track Track B Track C Second track Third track Track C Track B

About 1 second Silence

! About sampling rate converter
This portable MD incorporates a sampling rate converter so that it can record from digital radios or DAT tape recorders.
" Track numbers may not be created in proper places, depending on the source to be recorded from, such as signals with noise. " The track numbers on the playback side may not match the track numbers recorded on the MiniDisc.
CD player, MiniDisc player, etc.

Digital connection

Recording from a Microphone
Press the REC button. Press the REC LEVEL or adjust the recording level.

Adjust the recording level so that the maximum sound volume from the source makes the reading swing somewhere between -4 dB and 0 dB.

L: 0 - 20 H: 21 - 30

button to
-Recording from a Microphone-
Select the recording mode (steps 5 - 9, page 17). Press the button.
To the MIC IN PLUG IN POWER socket
Stereo microphone (commercially available)
Recording will start. To interrupt recording Press the button whilst recording. To resume recording, press the button. The track number will be increased by one each time you interrupt recording. To stop recording Press the :OFF/HOLD button. To write recorded contents on the MiniDisc Press the :OFF/HOLD button whilst in the stop mode.
Connect a stereo microphone to the MIC IN socket. Insert a recordable MiniDisc (page 11).
! Sound-actuated recording (Mic Synchronised recording)

About pause function

The unit automatically pauses when the microphone does not pick up any sound for 3 seconds or more. (Pause function does not work for approximately 10 seconds after a recording starts.) When the microphone picks up sound again, recording starts automatically.
Press the REC button. Press the REC LEVEL or button to adjust the recording level. Select the recording mode (steps 5 - 9, page 17). Press the MENU/ENTER button. Press the or button repeatedly to select "SYNC ON". Press the MENU/ENTER button. Press the or button to select the recording start level.
MIC SYNC H :Recording starts when the unit detects - 24 dB or more (the unit can start recording from quiet sounds). MIC SYNC L : Recording starts when the unit detects - 12 dB or more.
- When a plug-in-power type microphone is plugged in, the portable MD will provide power for the microphone's operation. - If a different type of microphone is plugged in, it may not operate properly or it may cause the unit to malfunction. " Insert the plug firmly. If you don't, the recording will not be made properly. " Use a microphone with a 3.5 mm (1/8") diameter stereo mini plug. " If the unit starts recording too often from low unwanted noises, set the microphone input to "MIC SYNC L". " Recording sensitivity can be changed whilst recording.

Whilst in the stop mode.

! Beep sound
You can eliminate the confirmation sound that beeps when you press a button.
With a MiniDisc inserted, press the MENU/ ENTER button for 2 seconds or more. "SET UP" will appear.
When you release the button, "BEEP" will flash.

! Auto play

You can make the unit not play automatically when you insert a playback-only MiniDisc or an accidental erasure protected MiniDisc. When the unit is used in a place exposed to much vibration, sound skipping can be decreased by cancelling the auto power save function. (Battery will drain faster.)
button to select the menu.
What is auto power save function?
During playback, maximum 40 seconds (in stereo) of musical information is stored. Auto power save function automatically adjusts the storage time between 5 and 40 seconds to reduce the power consumption. If this function is cancelled, the storage time cannot be adjusted. " If this unit is used with the AC adaptor, the storage time will be 40 seconds regardless of the settings. " The storage time varies depending on the recording mode.
BEEP (Confirmation sound) AUTO PLAY (Auto play) POWER SAVE (Auto power save) D-LEVEL (Digital recording level)

SETTING ITEM

BEEP ON* BEEP OFF A-PLAY ON* A-PLAY OFF Beep Silent Set. Cancelled.

! Auto power save

-Changing Default Settings-
Press the MENU/ENTER button to display the setting item. Press the or button to select the setting items. Press the MENU/ENTER button.
AUTO Psave* Set. Psave OFF D.L MODE 1* D.L MODE 2 Cancelled. Setting retained. Cancelled.
! Digital recording level
"D.L MODE 1" The digital recording level you set will be kept even after cancelling recording. "D.L MODE 2" Every time you cancel recording, the level will return to [D.L 0dB].
(*) indicates default setting.

Checking Displays

! To check the elapsed time and remaining time of the track
! To check the remaining recording time and the total playing time

-Checking Displays-

During playback, press the MENU/ENTER button. Press the or button repeatedly to select "DISPLAY". Press the MENU/ENTER button. Press the or button.

Titling a MiniDisc
! Creating disc and track names
Load a MiniDisc to be named. A playback only or recording prevented MiniDisc cannot be edited.
Press the button repeatedly to select the type of characters.

Advanced Features

<Disc name> Whilst in the stop mode, press the MENU/ ENTER button.
<Track name> Whilst in the pause mode, press the MENU/ ENTER button.
(Capital letters) (Lower-case letters) (Numbers and symbols)

-Titling a MiniDisc-

Press the or button repeatedly to select "EDIT". Press the MENU/ENTER button.
<Disc name> Press the or button repeatedly to select "DISC NAME". <Track name> Press the or button repeatedly to select "TRACK NAME".
The first 3 characters in the group of the selected characters will be displayed for about 1 second.
Press the or lect the letter.

button repeatedly to se-

Press the MENU/ENTER button to enter it.
Position where the next letter will be entered Note: Complete the operation within 7 seconds whilst selecting the menus.
Cursor " The unit will enter the character input mode. " To cancel the operation, press the :OFF/HOLD button.

MD_MT290H_UK_5.fm

9 To enter more letters, repeat steps 6 - 8. 10When the name is completely entered,
press and hold down the MENU/ENTER button for 2 seconds or more.

! To erase a character

Press the VOL + or VOL - button to move the cursor to the character you want to erase, and then press the BASS button on the remote control. You can also erase a character by selecting "DL" and pressing the MENU/ENTER button.

! Characters (symbols)

Capital letters
Space Notes: " One disc name and up to 255 track names can be created per disc (a maximum of 100 characters for the disc and each track name and a total of about 1,700 characters can be entered). " If you enter "LP:" at the beginning of a name, "LP:" may not be displayed.
" "TOC" will be displayed. To write the updated contents to the MiniDisc, press the :OFF/HOLD button. " You cannot remove the MiniDisc whilst "TOC" is displayed. "TOC" will not disappear until the recorded contents have been updated.
Press the VOL+ button to move the cursor to the right.

! To enter a space

A B C D E F G H ,

J / j /

K L M N O P Q R

S T U V W X Y Z.

Lower-case letters

f y 6 /

h i z. , 7 :

Numbers and symbols

0 ; < =
! " # $ % & > ? @ _ `
(Delete) : erases a character. (Space) : indicates a space.
Titling a MiniDisc (continued)

Press the tion.

button to select the direc-
The track will be moved, and the unit will be paused at the beginning of the track.
Listening through Another System
! Listening through a stereo system
To the LINE INPUT sockets White: to the left Red: to the right
! Listening through a car stereo
Separately available cassette adaptor (AD-CT14)
Separately available car adaptor (AD-CA20X)
-Listening through Another System-
Notes: " It is recommended that the volume level of the MiniDisc unit be set to maximum when listening through a stereo system. " When recording with a stereo system, eliminate the confirmation sound (page 31). Otherwise, it will also be recorded. " The recording will be made in the analogue mode. " Character information will not be recorded.
Notes: " Adjust the volume of both this portable MD and a car stereo. " Do not operate this portable MD whilst you drive a car. It may distract your attention and cause a traffic accident. " Do not use any car adaptor except for the separately available AD-CA20X. " Remove the battery when you power the unit from the car battery.
Other Features and Caution

Resuming auto play

When you stop and then restart playback without removing the disc, playback will resume from the point at which the disc was stopped.
First track Stopping Stopped track Playing

Rechargeable battery

A rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery is the only kind that can be used. Even if the battery is not used, you should charge it at least once every three months because of the special quality of this battery. The rechargeable battery can be charged approximately 300 times. When the operating time is reduced to about half the normal amount of time, even after a full charge is performed, replace the battery with a new one (ADN70BT). When the battery is charged for the first time or is charged after not being used for a long period, the operating time may be shorter than normal. The battery life will recover with normal use i.e. charging and discharging. To avoid shortening the service life of the battery only recharge the battery after it has been completely discharged. If the rechargeable battery is used in a cold environment, the operating time will be reduced. Do not carry the battery in your pocket or a bag together with metal objects (keys, coins, jewelry, etc.). The battery may short out and generate significant amounts of heat. Do not short-circuit the terminals as they will become very hot and will damage the battery. Do not drop or subject the battery to shock. Do not insert objects (metal etc.) into the battery compartment of this product.

-Troubleshooting-

Maintenance

If trouble occurs

When this product is subjected to strong external interference (mechanical shock, excessive static electricity, abnormal supply voltage due to lightning, etc.) or if it is operated incorrectly, it may malfunction. If such a problem occurs, do the following: 1. Unplug the AC adaptor from the wall socket. 2. Remove the battery. 3. Leave the unit completely unpowered for approximately 30 seconds. 4. Plug the AC adaptor back into the wall socket and reoperate the unit.

Cleaning

When the unit becomes dirty Clean it with a soft cloth. When the unit is excessively dirty, use a soft cloth dampened in water (external surfaces only).

Moisture condensation

When the unit has condensation inside, the disc signals cannot be read, and the unit may not function properly. In the following cases, condensation may form inside the unit. Shortly after turning on a heater. When the unit is placed in a room where there is excessive steam or moisture. When the unit is moved from a cool place to a warm place.
Caution: Do not use chemicals for cleaning (petrol, paint thinner, etc.). It may damage the cabinet finish. Do not apply oil to the inside of the unit. It may cause malfunctions.
-Troubleshooting/Maintenance-
Clean the plugs and the connecting sockets. If the plugs or sockets are dirty, noise may be heard. Cleaning will prevent noise.

To remove condensation:

Remove the MiniDisc and leave the unit for approximately 1 hour. The condensation should evaporate and the unit will work properly.

Specifications

As a part of our policy of continuous improvement, SHARP reserves the right to make design and specification changes for product improvement without prior notice. The performance specification figures indicated are nominal values of production units. There may be some deviations from these values in individual units. Power source: DC 1.2 V: DC 5 V: DC 1.5 V: DC 4.5 V: Rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery (AD-N70BT) x 1 AC adaptor (AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz) Commercially available, "AA" size (LR6), alkaline battery x 1 Optional car adaptor, AD-CA20X (for cars with a 12 - 24 V DC negative earth electrical system)

Power consumption: Output power:
Charging time: Dimensions: Weight: Input socket: Output socket: Type: Signal readout: Audio channels: Frequency response: Rotation speed: Error correction: Coding: Recording method: Sampling frequency: Wow and flutter:
7 W (AC adaptor) RMS: 20 mW (10 mW + 10 mW) (0.2 % T.H.D.) Approx. 3.5 hours (90 %) Approx. 5.5 hours (fully charged)(When using the AC adaptor included with the unit) Width: 83 mm (3-9/32") Height: 28 mm (1-1/8") Depth: 77 mm (3-1/32") 134 g (0.30 lbs.) with rechargeable battery Line/optical digital, microphone (powered by the main unit) Earphones (impedance: 32 ohms)/remote control unit Portable MiniDisc recorder Non-contact, 3-beam semiconductor laser pickup Stereo 2 channels/monaural 1 channel 20 - 20,000 Hz ( 3 dB) Approx. 400 - 1,800 rpm CLV ACIRC (Advanced Cross Interleave Reed-Solomon Code) ATRAC/ATRAC3 (Adaptive TRansform Acoustic Coding), 24-bit computed type Magnetic modulation overwrite method 44.1 kHz (32 kHz and 48 kHz signals are converted to 44.1 kHz, and then recorded.) Unmeasurable (less than 0.001 % W. peak)

-Specifications-

Battery life: Stereo When using the rechargeable Continuous battery (fully charged) includ- recording: ed with the unit Approx. 10 hours When using a commercially Continuous available, high capacity, "AA" recording: size (LR6), alkaline battery Approx. 8 hours Input sensitivity: Reference input level MIC H MIC L LINE 0.25 mV 2.5 mV 100 mV Input impedance 10 k ohms 10 k ohms 20 k ohms Earphones LINE Continuous play: Approx. 25 hours Continuous play: Approx. 33 hours 2 times long Continuous recording: Approx. 13 hours Continuous recording: Approx. 11 hours Output level: Specified output 250 mV (-12 dB) Maximum output level 10 mW + 10 mW Load impedance 32 ohms 10 k ohms Continuous play: Approx. 29 hours Continuous play: Approx. 44 hours 4 times long Continuous recording: Approx. 17 hours Continuous recording: Approx. 16 hours Continuous play: Approx. 34 hours Continuous play: Approx. 52 hours
The continuous recording time is for analogue inputs when the volume level is set to "VOL 0". The continuous play time shows the value when the volume level is set to "VOL 15". The above values are the standard values when the unit is used at an ambient temperature of 25C (77F). The operating time when using an alkaline battery may be different, depending on the type and manufacturer of the battery, and on the operating temperature.

TERMS OF GUARANTEE

Subject to the terms listed below, Sharp Electronics (U.K.) Ltd. (hereinafter called the Company) guarantee to provide for the repair of, or at its option replace this Sharp Equipment, or any component thereof, (other than batteries), which is faulty or below standard, as a result of inferior workmanship or materials. The conditions of this guarantee are: 1. The guarantee shall only apply to defects which occur within one year from the date of purchase, provided that this equipment is sent to the repair address within this period. 2. This guarantee covers equipment intended for private domestic use only. This guarantee does not apply to equipment used in the course of a business, trade or profession. 3. The guarantee does not cover MiniDiscs or batteries. 4. This guarantee does not cover any faults or defects caused by accident, misuse, fair wear and tear, neglect, tampering with the equipment, or any attempt at adjustment or repair other than by a Service Facility appointed by Sharp. 5. In the unlikely event of a defect occuring, the product must be returned to the Companys repair centre with proof of purchase. A postage paid label and a fault report form are supplied with the product for this purpose. It is your responsibility to ensure that the packaging is adequate, and to obtain proof of posting. Further details of the repair service, which is available after the guarantee period on a chargeable basis, and additional report forms and labels can be obtained by telephoning 0000. 6. No person has any authority to vary the terms or conditions of this guarantee. 7. This guarantee is offered as an additional benefit to the consumers statutory rights and does not affect these rights in any way.
SHARP ELECTRONICS (U.K.) LTD.
Sharp House, Thorp Road, Newton Heath, Manchester, M40 5BE

SHARP CORPORATION

TINSE0504AWZZ 02M R AO 1

American Journal of Scientific Research ISSN 1450-223X Issue 17 (2011), pp.6-13 EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2011 http://www.eurojournals.com/ajsr.htm
Pakistani Accent of English
Tariq Saeed Assistant Professor, Department of English, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan E-mail: tariqsaeed@bzu.edu.pk Sadia Malik Lecturers, Department of English, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan Abida Noreen Lecturers, Department of English, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan Snobra Rizwan Lecturers, Department of English, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan Sana Ghafoor Lecturers, Department of English, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan Abstract This paper reports a field study carried out to analyse the speech of speakers of a non-native accent of English (Pakistani Accent) to identify features that distinguish it from RP English and the phonological constraints on the occurrence of those features. Ten informants with a Pakistani accent of English were recorded for this purpose. Two recordings were done for each speakera word list adapted from Wells (1982) and Foulkes & Docherty (1999), and an extended discourse where the speakers were asked to speak on any topic for about two minutes. The pronunciation of the wordlist was transcribed in broad phonetic transcription, and compared with the RP pronunciation. Features that were found distinct were further looked at in the recordings of the extended discourse of the speakers.
Keywords: World Englishes, Accents of English, Pakistani English

1. Data

The data comprises of recordings of ten informants with a Pakistani accent of English. The informants recorded are acquaintancesPakistanis who are either postgraduate students or have finished their post-graduation and are working professionals now. All are males aged between 20-30 years. They were born and brought up in Pakistan. Six informants have Punjabi as their first languagea language spoken by the majority in Pakistan; whereas, four informants have Seraiki as their first language. Other languages that these participants speak include Urdu and English. Two recordings have been made for each informantfirstly, they were asked to read out a word list adapted from Wells (1982), and Foulkes & Docherty (1999), and secondly an extended discourse, where the speakers were asked to speak on any topic for about two minutes, was recorded. The informants have given their consent for
the recordings, and they have no objection to the recordings being used for academic and research purposes.

2. Procedure

The recordings were done in a quiet room at the researchers workplace. A minidisk recorder (SHARP MD-MT290H) with a desktop condenser type microphone (SOMIC SM-01) attached to it was used for recording. In order to avoid the background noise, the microphone input was set to a low level. A distance of about 20-30cm from the mouth of the speaker was maintained. Each informant was asked to have a good look at the wordlist and pronounce each word twice at a normal rate of delivery like in a formal speech. After the wordlist, he was asked to talk about anything for about 2 minutes. The recordings were then transferred to a PC and SpeechStation2 software was used for listening and for analysing the data. The wordlist recordings were transcribed and compared with the RP speakers pronunciation from the Cambridge Learners Dictionary (2nd Edition) CD-Rom.
3. Analysis of Accent Features
The analysis of the recordings revealed the following distinct and interesting features. 3.1. Word List 3.1.1. Variable Rhoticity One of the most prominent features observed is rhoticity, as the speakers pronounce /r/ in all the contexts with few exceptions. The phoneme /r/ is realized by a range of allophones such as [ ] e.g. in dress, trap, nurse (mostly in onsets and word final positions); [3 ] e.g. in neurone; trill [q ] mostly in syllable codas e.g. in words like north, force etc; and in some instances (esp. after/@9/) it was not realized [ ] by some of the speakers e.g. in car, and garden. We can say that for Pakistani speakers /r/ = [3++ q+ \+and that the feature of rhoticity seems to be dependent on the height of the

preceding vowel.

3.1.2. TH-Stopping Another quite distinct feature is the use of dental plosives (slightly aspirated) in places where an RP speaker would use dental fricatives [S,C] e.g. in the pronunciation of the word bath where the RP speaker uses [S] an unvoiced dental fricative (Fig: 1.2), PEng speakers use [ s] ] an unvoiced dental plosive (Fig:1.1); and in leather, [C] is replaced by [c]], a voiced dental fricative, in PEng. The spectrograms in Figures 2.1 and 2.2 clearly illustrate this in the form of acoustic evidence that fricatives are replaced by stop sounds. This happens in all the contexts where dental fricatives occur. This shows that there are no dental fricatives in the consonant system of this accent. 3.1.3. CLEAR /l/ Wherever /l/ occurs its realized in PEng accent as [l] even in contexts such as syllable codas where an RP speaker employs a dark L[4] e.g. in pool, and fatal. (Figs 3.1 & 3.2: Illustrate the difference in the realization of /l/.)

Tariq Saeed, Sadia Malik, Abida Noreen, Snobra Rizwan and Sana Ghafoor

Figure 1.1: (PEng)

Hold Release

Figure 1.2: (RP)

Aperiodic

Figure 2.1: (PEng)

Figure 2.2: (RP)

Figure 3.1: (PEng)

9 burst/aspirated release

Figure 3.2: (RP)

3.1.4. Unaspirated Voiceless Plosives The unvoiced plosives [p, t, k] occurring in the onsets of stressed syllables are not aspirated. This is unlike RP speakers where unvoiced plosives are aspirated in the onset of a stressed syllable. For example, in words like pool, kit, trap etc. PEng speakers employed unaspirated plosives. This contrast is quite evident in the spectrograms in figures 3.1[o=] and 3.2 [o], and in the measured values of VOT the acoustic correlate of aspiration. Another noticeable difference is the duration of these plosives. The duration of the Voice Onset Time in unvoiced plosives is much shorter in PEng speech than in the speech of the RP speakers-- The VOT values for both the accents differ quite significantly. For example, the mean VOT in PEng speakers pronunciation of the word kit is o.o49s; whereas, the VOT value for the same word in the RP speakers pronunciation is 0.07s (Figs: 4.1 &4.2). Another distinct feature, in the use of the unaspirated plosives, is that there is no audible release in most of the cases when these plosives occur at the word final position (esp. after front vowels) e.g. in kit, and trap; or there is delayed slight release( esp. after rounded back vowels) e.g. in lot, and goat (Figs: 4.1 & 4.2).
Figure 4.1: (PEng) No audible release

Figure 4.2: (RP)

release
3.1.5. V/W Distinction The PEng speakers maintain a distinction between /v/ as realized in view and /w/ as realized in which, but the distinction is a subtle one. The /v/ in PEng speech is not a clear sounding fricative as it is in the speech of the RP speakers. It sounds more like a labiodental approximant [O].
Figure 5.1: (PEng) Figure 5.2: (RP)

No friction

friction
3.1.6. G-Retention The phoneme /M/ is realized as [Mf] e.g. in running. 3.1.7. Face Monophtong In all the possible occurrences of the face diphthong /e/ that were analysed, the PEng speakers used the monophthong vowel [e:] with average F1 & F2 values 434 & 2115 respectively. No exceptions in this case were observed. The spectrogram in Fig: 6.1(PEng) shows that there is no change in the vowel quality in PEng speaker. On the other hand, the vowel quality changes as a result of the glide in the RP speaker Fig. 6.2. 3.1.8. Goat Monophthong The PEng informants replaced the [?T] diphthong with a monophthong [O:] in the word goat. The average F1 & F2 of the [O:] sound (434, 868), from the PEng speakers data, were then compared with the Urdu [O:] vowel, and it was found that the [O:] monophthong used by PEng speakers was quite close to the Urdu /O:/ (427, 849)Source Fatima & Aden (2003). Hence, the evidence suggests that it is a clear instance of monophthongization under the influence of the PEng speakers native language. 3.1.9. Square Monophthong The square diphthong is replaced by a relatively prolonged [D].

Figure 6.1:

No change in quality

change in quality

e: (PEng)

eI (RP)

3.1.10. Price Mouth Raising In the production of price and mouth diphthongs the tongue starts from a relatively raised and from almost central position, somewhat like [UH], and [UT]. 3.1.11. Happy Tensing The /H/ at the end of the words is pronounced as [i] though not that prolonged e.g. in happy. 3.1.12. [?]/[U] Distinction In PEng pronunciation /?/ and /U/ distinction is not very clear. 3.1.13. Avoidance of Weak Forms Full vowels are used in places where an RP speaker would use a weak form like [?]. For example in the word potato, a full vowel like [o:] is used. 3.1.14. Use of Epenthetic Vowels There is hardly any evidence of vowel insertion or addition to break large consonant clusters except one instance (garden) where two of the speakers have used an epenthetic vowel. 3.2. Narrative The analysis of the narrative confirmed all the accent features identified in the analysis of the wordlist. Rhoticity is confirmed; as, like the wordlist, r is pronounced in almost all the contexts. For example, it is pronounced in here, and course etc, but not pronounced in start. The voiceless plosives are not aspirated in the onset position of stressed syllables e.g. in course, and in most of the instances there is no audible release when used at the word final position e.g. in difficult, last, and hope. Clear L is used in all the contexts e.g. feeling. TH-stopping is also confirmed as in all the contexts /7/ and /C/ are realized as [ t] ] and [ d] ] respectively e.g. in the, and in thing. G-retention is also observed in the narrative as /M/ is realized as [Mf] in most of the instances observed. Monophthongs [e:], and [o:] are used to replace /dH/, and /?T/ diphthongs e.g. in facing, and home. Happy tensing is also found
as the /H/ at the word final position is realized as /i/. Another significant feature further verified by the analysis of the narratives is the use of strong forms in contexts where RP speakers use weak forms e.g. of, and, will, and has been etc. This is probably caused by L1 interference as the native languages of the speakers are syllable-timed as compared to the stress-timed rhythm of English. There is not enough material published on Pakistani accent of English. The features observed in this study are, generally, in conformity with J. C. Wells (1982) discussion of the Indian English in general though there are not many instances of the use of epenthetic vowels, and approximant deletion or addition found in this data as pointed out by Wells that some speakers do in the sub-continent. It also confirms the use/ presence of features of syllable-timed rhythm such as the use of normal forms rather than weak forms in unstressed syllables etc. as pointed out by Melchers & Shaw (2003).

References

[1] [2] [3] [4] Fatima, N. & Aden, R. (2003). Vowel Structure of Urdu. In Akhbar-e-Urdu 19:6 Islam Abad: National Language Authority, Pakistan. Foulkes, P. & Docherty, G.J. (eds.) (1999) Urban Voices: Accent Studies in the British Isles. London: Arnold. Melchers, G. & Shaw, P. (2003) World Englishes. London: Arnold Publishers Wells, J. C. (1982) Accents of English Vol.3 Cambridge: CUP