Walkman: A História Ilustrada (1979–2004) A timeline of Sony’s cassette Walkman models from 1979 to 2004 - EP.7 - 1982: SONY WALKMAN WM-D6

 

Closing 1982, Sony released the WM-D6 as part of its Professional line. It earned a reputation

 as the era’s peak Walkman, nicknamed the “Daddy” by enthusiasts. A quartz-controlled motor

 delivered exact tape speed, a requirement for reliable recording work.

Walkman: A História Ilustrada (1979–2004) A timeline of Sony’s cassette Walkman models from 1979 to 2004 - EP.6 - 1982: SONY WALKMAN WM-7

 

Introduced later in 1982, the WM-7 replaced mechanical controls with electronic logic keys and

 added remote operation. It brought auto-reverse and Dolby B, while a polished metal

 mechanism with magnetic take-up clutches improved stability. An efficient DC-DC converter

 allowed long playback from two AA batteries.

Walkman: A História Ilustrada (1979–2004) A timeline of Sony’s cassette Walkman models from 1979 to 2004 - EP.5 - 1982: SONY WALKMAN WM-DD

 

Also released in 1982, the WM-DD merged the WM-2’s compact size with the WM-5’s metal body and added capstan servo control from the TC-D5. Its new Disc Drive mechanism cut wow and flutter, improving playback stability. Dolby was absent, but tape control was markedly tighter.

Walkman: A História Ilustrada (1979–2004) A timeline of Sony’s cassette Walkman models from 1979 to 2004 - EP.4 - 1982: SONY WALKMAN WM-F2

 

Later that year, Sony released the WM-F2, extending the WM-2 with added functions. It combined a stereo cassette player, FM radio, and recording. A built-in erase magnet handled recording and disengaged automatically during playback.

Walkman: A História Ilustrada (1979–2004) A timeline of Sony’s cassette Walkman models from 1979 to 2004 - EP.3 - 1982: SONY WALKMAN WM-5

 

Introduced in 1982, the WM-5 followed the WM-2 with nearly identical mechanics. Its pressed metal casing replaced plastic, making it smaller and more durable. The metal shell forced the volume control inside, with a small window added to show the setting.