CD Recording Tests

- CD-R Format

The FX-50 supported writing speeds are as follows:

• 8X and 16X CLV
• 24X Z-CLV, 24X P-CAV
• 32X Z-CLV, 32X P-CAV
• 40X Z-CLV, 40X CAV
• 48X Z-CLV, 48X CAV

Although it's uncommon for a drive manufacturer to support both Z-CLV and P-CAV/CAV writing strategies for the same writing speeds, such behavior was expected since the drive uses the same writing strategies as the ND-3500A. Depending on the media manufacturer, the drive adjusts accordingly to produce the best possible results.

According to Nero CDSpeed, the drive clocked in an average speed of 36.27X. The test started at 21.46X and finished at 47.97X (CAV).

- CD-R Recording Times

We created an 80min data compilation with Nero Burning Rom and recorded it on a 700MB disc. The writing performance varies according to the inserted media. Below is a chart depicting all recording times with various media.

You will notice that not all media could be recorded at 48X. For example, Waitec 52X media could be recorded at 24X (4:09mins) and SKC 52X media could be recorded only at 32X (3:31mins). The drive reduces its writing speed to improve quality, but it was strange that not even high quality media like TY, could be recorded at high speed. Best time came with MMore 52X media. The drive needed only 2:59mins to burn this disc.

- Other features

The Freecom FX-50 supports overburning up to 90mins at full speed and can both read and write CD-Text.

Unfortunately, the drive cannot overburn more that 90mins, and gives the following error message.

- CD-RW Format

The FX-50 supports 4X, 10X, 16X (CLV) and 24X (Z-CLV) rewriting speeds, with Ultra Speed Rewritable Media (US-RW).

Below you can see the Nero CD-DVD Speed writing simulation test with blank 24x US-RW media from Mitsubishi Chemicals.

- CD-RW Mount Rainier

Unfortunately, the Freecom FX-50 burner does not support the Mount Rainier feature.