Review - Sony MiniDisc Recorder MZ-N510

Sony NetMD Walkman MZ-N510
by Sir68k

MZ-N510 Trio Image

The Sony MZ-N510, introduced in 2003, is an entry-level NetMD MiniDisc recorder that mixes classic MiniDisc functionality along with NetMD transfer capabilities. While it does not boast the advanced features of higher-end models such as the N710 or N910, it is a reliable and solid recorder that will not let you down. 

The recorder, together its direct sibling MZ-N520 (which is for all intents and purpouses is the same device, just with an updated name), it is a very attractive device in 2025 as it belongs to the second generation of NetMD devices, which have extensive homebrew support in modern NetMD software such as Web MiniDisc Pro. More on this later; let’s first explore what the main features are that the N510 offers.

Key Features

  • NetMD Support: Support for digital music transfers from a PC via USB using Sony’s SonicStage software, or modern software such as Web MiniDisc Pro, PlatinumMD, or NetMD Wizard. As is the case with other NetMD recorders from this era, the devices don’t officially support uploading recordings back to the computer. However, these limitations are a thing from the past, as Web MiniDisc Pro allows MD to PC transfers with the MZ-N510, making the device suitable for archiving discs.
  • ATRAC Type-S Codec: The MZ-N510 has support for ‘Type-S’ encoding/decoding. Concretely, this means that device can encode and decode audio with the highest quality possible for the ATRAC1 (SP), and ATRAC3 (LP2 and LP4) modes that the MiniDisc format support.
  • Recording Inputs: The device features a 3.5mm line-in that doubles as an optical digital input. It sadly lacks a microphone input, which limits voice recording options.
  • Battery Life: The N510 operates on a single AA battery. When using a high-capacity alkaline battery, it offers a playback time up to 42 hours for SP tracks, 48 hours for LP2, and 56 hours for LP4. When recording, it can last up to 10 hours for SP, 14 hours for LP2, and 18.5 hours for LP4.
  • Build and Design: Compact and lightweight at around 150g with a battery inserted. It is available in red, silver, and blue finishes colours as shown in the front picture.
MZ-N510 Side View Image

Using the N510 in 2025

Unlike higher-end players, the N510 can be powered by common AA batteries, and its energy effiency allows it to last a long time. This makes it an easy device for daily use as no special batteries are needed. While the device lacks many features that come with higher-end devices, many missing features can be enabled through EEPROM modifications or and NetMD capabilities can be extended through homebrew exploits in modern software. As EEPROM modifications (to enable futures such as a timer, more advanced playback features) are already described in various forms over the internet, I will instead explore the new homebrew capabilities that Web MiniDisc Pro offers for the MZ-N510.

Homebrew exploits are firmware extensions made by the MiniDisc community that enable new features on certain MiniDisc NetMD devices that weren’t possible before. They are only a very recent addition to NetMD software, as the firmware of NetMD devices was only first extracted in 2022 (by yours truly). Web MiniDisc Pro has the most advanced homebrew feature set, and applies firmware modifications in such as way that they are not permanent – restarting a NetMD device will clear any extension from memory, restorting it to its normal state. This ensures that these extensions do not permanently alter devices and can be used in a safe manner.

The main new features introduced by homebrew extensions are the following:

  • Disc archival: Web MiniDisc Pro allows you to extract raw audio data from MiniDiscs at 4x speed with the MZ-N510. This makes the device suitable for archiving old collections.
  • SP recording speedup: The MZ-N510 normally only allows SP recordings at 2x speeds. This however is due to an artificial limitation that Sony added to distinguish the player from higher-end players. With Web MiniDisc Pro it is possible to bypass this limitation, and record SP tracks at 4x speeds, greatly improving device efficiency. It is recommended though to ensure that the sled of the device is properly lubricated, as recording at high speeds with a non-maintained device can introduce recording artifacts.
  • Uploading for raw ATRAC1 (SP) audio tracks: by default NetMD does not allow you to record ATRAC1 directly to disc. With the homebrew mode this is now possible, allowing you to restore archived recordings directly to MD by bypassing the normal encoding path for SP tracks.
  • TOC rewriting: it is now possible to manually modify the TOC of a MiniDisc. This, for example, allows you to recover discs with a corrupted TOC, or to recover deleted tracks that have not yet been overwritten.

These new capabilities solve major limitations in NetMD, and make the MZ-N510 a very attractive device for users in 2025. Additionally, the hardware is robust and easy to maintain. The device is compatible with most optical pickups from older generation devices, and as such it is easy to find spare parts for repairs.

Conclusion

The Sony MZ-N510 is a well-designed, entry-level device that remains highly relevant even decades after its release. Thanks to its rugged build, simple AA battery power, and new homebrew software, it now offers capabilities that make it highly attractive.
While it lacks a few features like microphone input or PGM support, modern firmware extensions make up for the experience by unlocking disc archival, faster transfers, and advanced editing tools.

For anyone looking to enjoy or preserve their MiniDisc collection in 2025, the MZ-N510 stands out as one of the best budget-friendly and future-proof options available.

Pros:

  • Very long battery life (standard AA battery).
  • Solid, lightweight, and durable construction.
  • Easy maintenance and widely available spare parts.
  • Now supports MD-to-PC transfers and SP uploads with homebrew.
  • Safe, non-permanent homebrew enhancements via Web MiniDisc Pro.

Cons:

  • No microphone input for direct voice recordings.
  • Originally limited without homebrew tweaks.
  • Slightly bulkier than premium models (like MZ-N910).