The Sony CDR-W66 was a high-performance professional CD recorder designed to meet the demanding needs of recording studios, broadcast environments, and mastering facilities. Released in the early 2000s, this robust unit combined precision engineering with advanced digital processing, making it a sought-after choice for high-fidelity audio recording and production.
Equipped with 24-bit A/D and D/A converters, the Sony CDR-W66 ensured superior sound quality, further enhanced by Sony’s proprietary Super Bit Mapping (SBM) technology, which provided the sonic equivalent of 20-bit recordings when capturing from analogue or AES/EBU digital sources. This feature made the unit an ideal tool for mastering and archival purposes, where pristine audio quality was essential.
One of its standout features was its broad sample rate compatibility, ranging from 32kHz to 96kHz, allowing seamless recording from high-resolution sources without the need for external converters. The built-in sample rate converter ensured that signals were correctly processed, maintaining the highest possible fidelity.
For professional integration, the Sony CDR-W66 offered a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including balanced XLR analogue inputs, AES/EBU digital I/O, coaxial and optical digital connections, and a Word Clock input for precise synchronisation in digital audio environments. Additionally, its flexible digital I/O configuration allowed seamless interfacing with other professional audio equipment.
The CDR-W66 featured a digital limiter and a 3-band parametric equaliser, providing real-time control over input signals. These DSP functions allowed engineers to optimise recordings before committing to CD, offering both peak-level management and tonal shaping for a refined final product.
With its CD-TEXT functionality, users could embed track and disc information directly onto recordings, using either the supplied remote control or an optional PS/2 keyboard. This feature made it an excellent choice for archiving and distribution, ensuring detailed metadata was preserved alongside the audio.
Another highlight was its high-speed duplication capability. Two Sony CDR-W66 units could be linked via the Duplicate I/O connector, enabling disc copying at twice the normal speed—an invaluable feature for production houses requiring efficient workflow solutions.
Housed in a standard 19-inch rack-mountable chassis, the Sony CDR-W66 was built for durability and ease of installation in professional setups. Its intuitive front-panel controls, along with a supplied wired/IR remote, made operation straightforward, whether in a studio, a broadcast facility, or a live recording environment.
The Sony CDR-W66 remains a testament to Sony’s commitment to high-quality digital audio recording. Though CD recorders have largely been replaced by modern digital formats, the CDR-W66 is still regarded as a reliable and capable unit for those who appreciate the nuances of physical media and professional-grade audio recording.
Features
- 24-bit A/D and D/A conversion for high-quality audio reproduction
- Super Bit Mapping (SBM) for enhanced 20-bit-equivalent sound quality
- Wide sample rate support (32kHz–96kHz) with built-in sample rate converter
- AES/EBU, coaxial, and optical digital I/Os for professional connectivity
- Analogue XLR and phono inputs and outputs for flexible signal routing
- Digital limiter with adjustable ratio up to 100% (+6 dB gain)
- 3-band parametric equalizer with ±6 dB adjustment for tonal shaping
- CD-TEXT support for disc and track title entry via remote or keyboard
- 2x-speed duplication for efficient CD copying
- Record level adjustment on both digital and analogue inputs
- Auto track marking, music sync, and fade in/out recording for enhanced usability
- Word Clock input for professional digital synchronisation
- PC keyboard support for remote control and text entry
- Wired and IR remote control (RM-CW1) included
- Rack-mountable (19-inch EIA standard) for studio and broadcast installations
