Pioneer BDR-X13U-S USB 3.2 Gen1 2.0 External BD/DVD/CD Writer

A High-Performance Model Offering Excellent Reliability and Stability, USB 3.2 Gen1 / 2.0 External BD/DVD/CD Writer. Equipped with PureRead 4+ and RealTime PureRead, Supports BDXL™ and M-DISC™ Format
Up to 16x1 maximum write speed on BD-R media
The latest version of PureRead 4+ and RealTime PureRead
Compatible with USB 3.2 Gen1 / 2.0 for high-speed data transfer and stable power supply
Simple matte body and elegant front appearance
Up to 6x writing on M-DISC(BD) SL and M-DISC(DVD)
CyberLink PowerDirector® 19 for video editing and BD/DVD authoring (available for download free of charge)
Windows® 11 / macOS Monterey® 12 Compatible

BDR-X13U-S is a high-performance external model offering excellent reliability and stability. Ideal for recording and playback of audio & video content. BDR-X13U-S is read and write compatible with BDXL² discs including BD-R Triple Layer (TL) 100GB media, BD-R Quadruple Layer (QL) 128GB media, and BD-RE Triple Layer (TL) 100GB media, as well as conventional Blu-ray discs (Single Layer (SL) 25GB media and Dual Layer (DL) 50GB media). Up to 16x1 maximum write speed on BD-R media, up to 14x maximum write speed on BD-R DL media, up to 8x maximum write speed on BD-R TL media and up to 6x maximum write speed on BD-R QL media. This product is equipped with features for enjoying music on a PC, such as the latest and most powerful version, PureRead 4+. PureRead 4+ is a function that minimizes the occurrence of error data interpolation when importing (ripping) audio CDs. BDR-X13U-S also has performance features such as Custom Eco function using Pioneer BDR-X13U-S Drive Utility. Custom Eco helps reduce the device's power consumption. Pioneer's excellence in optical disc technology delivers quiet operation, high reliability and superior quality. As to software, CyberLink Media Suite 10 for Windows OS is available for download free of charge . PowerDirector 19 allows you to import, edit and author your home movies.

Industry-leading 16x1 (max) writing speed on BD-R (SL : 25GB)
This drive combines Pioneer reliability and high performance with high-speed writing, providing up to 16x1 maximum write speed on BD-R (SL : 25GB) and up to 14x writing speed on BD-R (DL : 50GB). It is compatible with BDXL² format discs (BD-R XL : 100GB TL / 128GB QL, BD-RE XL : 100GB TL) as well as BD discs. High-speed reading and writing are supported for both DVDs and CDs. DVD-R discs (Single Layer: 4.7GB) can be written at up to 16x, while music CDs can be read at up to 48x3 speed.

The latest version of PureRead 4+ featuring unique algorithms
When read errors caused by scratches or fingerprints occur when importing (ripping) audio CDs, using this function allows for automatic detection of the disc state, adjustment of the read method using an original algorithm, and then re-reading of the disc. This minimizes error data interpolation.
*Not all discs or all portions of discs may be playable if they are too damaged.

Realtime PureRead plays back audio CDs with their original sound data
This product features RealTime PureRead, which utilizes the PureRead 4+ algorithm to minimize the occurrence of error data interpolation when importing (ripping) audio CDs, and also during playback. This provides real-time reduction of the incidence of error data interpolation due to dirt and scratches on the surface of the disc, allowing playback of audio CDs with the original sound data.
*Not all discs or all portions of discs may be playable if they are too damaged.
* Drive Utility for macOS Catalina® 10.15 or later is Drive Utility Lite.
* PureRead Status Monitor function allows you to check for errors when reading audio CDs with PureRead.
* PureRead Status Monitor function is not available with Drive Utility Lite.

Displaying PureRead mode
With the device not operating, press and hold the eject 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.

Can be placed vertically on either side, and features ridged construction that offers high performance and a pleasing design
Comes with four insulators for use in a horizontal configuration and eight for use in a vertical configuration. In addition to the horizontal configuration, the drive can be placed vertically, allowing you to use it in a configuration that suits the layout of your workspace. With a simple matte body, the product features distinctive metallic lines and a blue light that stands out for an elegant front appearance. Grooves on the sides contribute to the attractive design and improve rigidity.

Compatible with high-speed M-DISC writing for long-term data archiving
This product is compatible with M-DISC optical media for archiving, developed by US-based Millenniata Inc. It now also supports 6x writing on M-DISC (BD) SL and M-DISC (DVD).

Further Improvement of Writing Quality
Beyond the high writing quality of its predecessors, BDR-X13U-S improves writing quality by correcting parameters during data writing.

AUTO power supply* function links with PC power to provide power savings
The drive power is turned on and off according to the power supply of the connected PC, keeping unnecessary power consumption down.
*Drive power is turned off when the USB is not connected or when the drive detects that the connected PC is off.

Custom Eco function reduces 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 Pioneer’s Optimal Write Strategy Prediction Algorithm, which provides stable writing even on discs without write strategy
The drive automatically predicts the optimal write strategy even on discs without write strategy, which is then used for writing. The function provides stable writing.

Easy Setting function with Drive Utility
Equipped with an Easy Setting function to allow you to set one of four modes according to the intended use.
・Entertainment Mode is suitable for enjoying movies and music. It enhances quietness and makes the tray open quietly when playing back BD/DVD or music CDs.
・High-performance Mode, which emphasizes reading and writing speed
・Quality Mode, which emphasizes reading and writing quality
・Eco Mode, which reduces maximum power consumption
*This function can be used if the Drive Utility is downloaded and installed.
*Easy Setting function is available only for Windows.

Peak Power Reducer
This power saving mode enables the drive to suppress power consumption at peak operation. It keeps stable operation in case of drop in power supply.

Optimized Write & Verify Mode Algorithm
BD drives generally have two modes: a method in which verification is performed as needed after writing is completed, and a write & verify mode in which writing and verification are performed alternately. In BDR-X13U-S, Pioneer has improved the write & verify mode and achieved higher speeds by optimizing various algorithms.

Shorten the startup time
The startup time from inserting a disc to reading is shortened by optimizing the routine that checks the disc. Furthermore, performance has been improved to recognize each disc in a shorter time by making the pick-up lighter and improving seek time by revising the algorithm.

High Speed Data Read Mode shortens data search and reading time
In addition to various modes that prioritize quietness and slow down the speed after a certain time, the BDR-X13U-S is equipped with High Speed Data Read Mode. In the High Speed Data Read Mode, once the disc rotation speed becomes high, even after the reading is completed, it continues to rotate at a high speed so that high-speed reading can be performed immediately when the next read command comes.
*This function can be used if the Drive Utility downloaded and installed.
* High Speed Data Read Mode is available only for Windows.

Equipped with a high-speed rotation compatible clamper
The BDR-X13U-S improves disc writing accuracy and quietness by reducing disc vibration and stabilizing disc rotation.
Uses a high-speed rotation compatible clamper
・Reduces disc vibration and stabilizes disc rotation
・Improved disc writing accuracy
・Improved noise reduction effect at high-speed rotation

High Speed Recording Mode and Write Quality Mode (standard mode) can be selected. The mode can be switched using the Drive Utility.
It is possible to optimize disc duplication where speed is prioritized, and for normal use where quietness and writing accuracy are emphasized.
*This function can be used if the Drive Utility is downloaded and installed.
* High Speed Recording Mode is available only for Windows.

Optimum Writing Speed Feature realizes optimum writing accuracy for each BD-R media
Optimum Writing Speed Feature is a function that automatically selects the best writing speed for each media by considering various parameters to improve the accuracy of the write quality to BD-R/DVD-R/+R media. This function is recommended when you want to emphasize writing accuracy.
*This function can be used if the Drive Utility is downloaded and installed.
* Optimum Writing Speed Feature is available only for Windows.

Disc Record Surface Quality Mode improves the appearance of BD-R media
The inserted BD-R disc’s write speed will be automatically adjusted to write speed to prioritize the disc record surface quality. This  function is useful for burning discs for distribution.
*This function can be used if the Drive Utility is downloaded and installed.
* Disc Record Surface Quality Mode is available only for Windows.

DVD-R CLV Fixed Writing Mode
When writing a DVD-R, the writing method is fixed to CLV (Constant Linear Velocity). This mode reduces the apparent color unevenness of the disc while maintaining writing accuracy. Recommended where discs are expected to be played on different types of DVD devices, for example sharing the video of a celebration with your guests.
*This function can be used if the Drive Utility is downloaded and installed.
* DVD-R CLV Fixed Writing Mode is available only for Windows.

Disc Resonance Stabilizer improves writing accuracy
Disc Resonance Stabilizer utilizes airflow from disc rotation to reduce disc vibration and increase writing accuracy. High speed disc rotation causes disc warping due to resonant vibration. This results in unstable writing quality, especially in the outer areas. The Disc Resonance Stabilizer, designed projection on the top chassis, reduces such errors. By narrowing the interspace between the disc and the top panel, the air flow caused by the high rotation presses and prevents the disc from warping, thereby reducing reading and writing errors. With this feature, stable operation is maintained by handling the three patterns of disc resonant vibration that occur during operation.

Equipped with high-performance pick-up developed, designed and manufactured in-house
The high-performance pick-up developed by Pioneer enhances reading and writing accuracy.

Discerning quiet and dust resisting design
The high-performance top plate structure enhances dust resistance and quiet performance.
・Advanced design minimizes dust and dirt entering the drive.
・Uses a high-performance honeycomb case
By dampening vibration and improving airtightness, unnecessary resonance at high-speed rotation is suppressed, leading to stable writing as well as improved quietness and dust resistance.

High-performance sound dampening, dust resisting, and heat dissipating mechanisms
This product is built with Pioneer’s own honeycomb pattern used in audio component products and the silence tray. Noise is reduced by controlling the air currents created by the spinning disc. This also controls local temperature increases in the pick-up and disc surface that occur during high-speed or extended disc rotation.
Furthermore, the position of the dust-resisting and sound-dampening pad has been adjusted to boost the air-tightness of the dedicated front bezel and help create a quiet product. Pioneer’s multifaceted noise-reduction design makes quiet and durable operation possible.

Improved belt for more stable tray loading operation
The belt used for the tray loading part has been improved to reduce the effect of dust and dirt on the tray loading operation. In our test, resistance to the impact of dust and dirt on tray loading is about 1.8 times that of the previous model.

The Advanced Quiet Drive firmware selects optimal drive speeds
The standard firmware intelligently adjusts disc rotation speed to what is most suitable for the media. For example, it maintains low speeds to for quiet operation while watching movies or listening to music, and speeds up while copying data to a hard disk to achieve high performance.

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

Windows Software CyberLink Media Suite 10*
Available for download free of charge. 
Download the application software from the website
Requires application download key (product key), provided with product purchase.
*Application Software for macOS® is not included.

Region codes
The default region code of this drive is “1”. The region code for the drive can be changed only four times, and the region code set with the fourth change will be locked as the final region code. Accordingly, take care when changing this code. DVD discs that do not have a region code set can be played on players with any region code setting.