Pioneer apart from the big-sized internal/external recorders, also develops slim-line (USB-powered) Blu-Ray recorders for users who wish to get portability and performance. Their latest proposal comes with the codename BDR-XD08UMB-S and supports up to 8X Blu-Ray recording.

The BDR-XD08UMB-S is the pinnacle of the XD08 Series with a Matte-Black Body that has further evolved. Ideal for recording and playback audio & video content. Developed, designed, and manufactured in-house by Pioneer, BDR-XD08UMB-S delivers a comprehensive range of features. This product is equipped with features for enjoying music on a PC, such as the latest and most powerful version, Pure Read 4+. Pure Read 4+ is a function that minimizes the occurrence of error data interpolation when importing (ripping) audio CDs.

In addition, the latest high-grade rubber coating results in a refined appearance and luxury feel, which also provides some of the best resistance against scratching and peeling in the industry. The XD08 Series is based on the concept of ease of use, with a clamshell-type body that makes it easy to take out discs even on a desk where space is limited, and a compact, lightweight body about the size of a CD case. This product also includes a Type-C conversion cable, which provides easy connection to PCs equipped with Type-C connectors, and an L-shaped USB cable that allows you to connect to the drive in either direction. BDR-XD08UMB-S also has performance features such as the Custom Eco function available through the Pioneer BDR-XD08UMB-S Drive Utility. Custom Eco helps reduce the device's power consumption.

As to software, CyberLink Media Suite 10 for Windows OS is available for download free of charge. It is a drive that you always want to keep close to you and feel the satisfaction and comfort of owning it.

- Features

Latest high-grade rubber coating
Features the latest high-grade rubber coating from Japanese coating manufacturer Musashi Paint Co., Ltd. This provides some of the best resistance against scratching and peeling in the industry. We have dedicated a great amount of care to the way the product feels when picked up, giving it a luxury feel.

Equipped with best-in-class PureRead 4+ for accurate reading of CDs
PureRead adjusts the reading method and reads data again as necessary to minimize the occurrence of errors in data interpolation caused when scratches, fingerprints, or disc manufacturing defects prevent audio data from being read correctly during CD audio playback. This product features the latest and most powerful version, PureRead 4+, with significantly improved audio data read performance.

Displaying PureRead mode
With no disc inserted, press and hold the open button for at least two seconds. The busy indicator flashes and the current PureRead mode setting is displayed. You can check the mode in advance without launching the Drive Utility on your PC.

Compact, ultra-lightweight body
The clamshell-type body enables the easy insertion and removal of a disc in a narrow space. An ultra-lightweight body of 230gr (0.51 lb) about the size of a CD case.

Uses a reversible L-shaped USB cable
Uses a reversible L-shaped USB cable that allows you to place the drive to the left or right of the PC with ease.
*The L-shaped USB cable can connect to the drive in either direction, but when plugged in with the cord extending to the right, the cable blocks the AC Adapter Connector. To avoid damage if using an optional AC adapter, plug in the USB cable so the cord extends to the left.

Easy connection to PCs equipped with Type-C connectors
Type-C conversion cable included in the box. Easy connection to PCs equipped with Type-C connectors.

Includes a Forced Open Lever
Forced Open Lever allows you to open the lid and remove the disc manually when you forget to eject it, without using any special tools or turning the power on.

The Custom Eco function helps reduce the drive's power consumption
If the drive does not receive any commands (instructions for operation) from the PC for a specified period, this function will reduce the drive’s power consumption, such as by stopping the disc from rotating or reducing the disc rotation speed. Shortening this specified period will make the drive enter the power-saving mode earlier.

Equipped with Advanced Quiet Drive Feature to reduce drive noise
When listening to an audio CD or watching a movie on BD or DVD, this function reduces the rotation speed of the disc appropriately so that the sound of reading the disc is not distracting.
・ Quiet Mode (default setting) reduces rotational speed to avoid operational and fan noise but may increase speed during high-quality video playback
・Persistent Quiet Mode reduces the rotational speed at all times
・Performance Mode prioritizes recording and reading speed over sound dampening, but may slow rotational speed when watching movie titles or playing audio CDs
You can choose the mode according to your purposes.

Compatible with large-capacity BDXL™ / Compatible with M-DISC for long-term data archiving
BDXL format supports BDXL Blu-ray media (including BD-R 128GB Quadruple Layer (QL), BD-R 100GB Triple Layer (TL), and BD-RE 100GB Triple Layer (TL) Blu-ray Disc™). BDR-XD08UMB-S is compatible with all BDXL Blu-ray media. Up to 4x writing on BD-R Triple Layer(TL) discs and Quadruple Layer(QL) discs.

This product is also compatible with M-DISC optical media for archiving, developed by US-based Millenniata Inc. M-DISC format supports M-DISC DVD/BD media (including 25GB Single Layer (SL), 50GB Dual Layer (DL) and 100GB Triple Layer (TL)).

Thoughtful design
Smaller packaging than the XD05 series for less waste. Also equipped with a new Custom Eco function for reduced PC battery consumption when operating on USB bus power.

Separately sold AC adapter (DCA-003)
This product operates using power supplied via the USB connector (bus power). However, you may need to power the device by connecting an optional AC adapter (DCA-003) in the following cases:
• When the device does not operate properly, such as when power is not supplied or when discs are not recognized.
• When using together with other USB devices.
• When using a USB hub.

Ultra HD Blu-ray compatible, with playback software included (only for Windows)
Ultra HD Blu-ray offers 4K resolution as well as richer color tones, for more realistic images.
*Playback of Ultra HD Blu-ray requires a CPU that supports Intel® Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) technology. Intel SGX has been removed from Intel 11th generation and newer CPUs, and support for SGX may be removed on new versions of Intel drivers or utility programs such as Intel SGX and Intel Management Engine drivers and firmware in the future. Such changes could cause these platforms to lose support for Ultra HD Blu-ray movie disc playback. For information on other PC environment requirements, download the Ultra HD Blu-ray Advisor Tool to your PC,

Included Accessories
・Owner's manual (including application product key and warranty information)
・L-shaped USB cable (Type-A)
・USB exchange cable (Type-A → Type-C)

Windows Software CyberLink Media Suite 10 only for Windows OS.
Available for download free of charge and requires application download key (product key), provided with product purchase.

- Retail Package

The BDR-XD08UMB-S can be found for around $140 as we checked various Internet stores. For our test, we received the Japanese version (BDR-XD08MB-S) which is essentially the same drive but with a different ID and software support. The drive has only one color (black). The retail box includes all the needed logos and information for users. We got a sample review unit, retail package may include further stickers in the box.

Inside you will find:

• The external drive
• Owner's manual (including application product key and warranty information)
• A L-shaped USB cable (Type-A)
• A USB exchange cable (Type-A → Type-C)

The drive has a USB3.2 Type C connection interface and has 133 mm wide x 133 mm deep dimensions with only 230gr weight. The top surface is made out of a high-grade rubber coating from Japanese coating manufacturer Musashi Paint Co., Ltd that according to Pioneer provides increased resistance against scratching and peeling. For sure the feeling is very nice to hold and touch it. We didn't notice any weird fingerprints as well, another good point here. There is also the "open/eject" button for the top lid.

At the bottom, you will find the product ID label and the quick-release latch in case you need it (the drive lid won't open without power).

At the back, users will find the TypeC connection port as well as Power In.

Users can check the below quick links for downloading several important information/software for the drive.

• CyberLink Software
• Firmware Updates
• Drive Utility
• Supported Media List
• CyberLink UHD BD Advisor Tool 

The Pioneer BD Drive Utility also works with the BDR-XD08UMB-S and you can set various elements/features of the drive.

The second tab doesn't have any use for this model.

At the Setting2 tab, users can find the PureRead4+ features and the Quiet Drive features

At the status tab, users again have limited information

while at the Utility Tab, you can set the "ECO" build-in function of the external drive.

Lastly, the CD Check function doesn't work with this drive and its disabled.