BDR-X13UBK

A Standard-Setting Model That Utilizes Proprietary Pioneer Technology to Achieve Both High Reliability and 16x BD-R Writing Speed USB 3.2 Gen1 / 2.0 External BD/DVD/CD Writer Supports BDXL™ and M-DISC™ Format

  • Up to 16x1 maximum write speed on BD-R media
  • PureRead 3+
  • Compatible with the USB 3.2 Gen1 / 2.0 for high-speed data transfer and stable power supply
  • Simple matte body
  • Up to 6x writing on M-DISC(BD) SL and M-DISC(DVD)
  • Windows® 11 / macOS Monterey® 12 / macOS Ventura® 13 Compatible
  • Windows Software, CyberLink Media Suite 10 is included (available for download free of charge)
  • Important notice: Pioneer optical drives are not recognized by macOS Ventura 13.2, released by Apple on January 23, 2023.
    This can be resolved by updating to macOS Ventura 13.2.1, released on February 13, or a newer version.
  • The included CyberLink Media Suite 10 may not be able to be installed on Windows 11 version 2022 Update (version 22H2). Please refer to the following page from CyberLink for details. Customer Support - Using CyberLink products with Windows 11 2022 Update (version 22H2) | CyberLink

Price$160 Buy Online

BDR-X13UBK has achieved further evolution of fundamental performance in addition to improving writing speed and accuracy, dust resistance and quiet performance by maximizing Pioneer’s BD drive technology and know-how. Ideal for recording and playback of audio & video content. BDR-X13UBK 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 PureRead 3+. PureRead 3+ is a function that minimizes the occurrence of error data interpolation when importing (ripping) audio CDs. BDR-X13UBK also has performance features such as Custom Eco function using Pioneer BDR-X13UBK 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.

Features

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.

A better music experience with PureRead 3+ 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.

pure read logo 3

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.

drive utility screen

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 workplace.

verticle layout

Simple matte body. Grooves on the sides contribute to the attractive design and improve rigidity.

drive utility screen

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-X13UBK 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.

drive utility screen
*This function can be used if the Drive Utility is downloaded and installed.
*Custom Eco settings can only be changed in Windows. After changing the settings in Windows, the device can be used with a Mac®.

PowerRead™ allows smooth playback of dirty or scratched BD/DVD discs

Scratches, fingerprints and other abnormalities on the surface of a disc can sometimes cause Blu-ray and DVD movie playback to stop. When a PowerRead enabled drive is unable to read through obstructed areas of a disc, it will attempt to move forward quickly to the next available data point, resulting in smoother Blu-ray and DVD movie playback.
*PowerRead is not guaranteed to work all disc conditions or under all PC environments.
*PowerRead function requires compatible BD/DVD player software (i.e. PowerDVD).

Other functions

Equipped with Pioneer’s Optimal Write Strategy Prediction Algorithm, which provides stable writing even on discs for which the drive does not have a set write strategy

The drive automatically predicts the optimal write strategy even on discs for which the drive does not have a set write strategy. The function provides more stable writing.

drive utility screen
*XL media (TL / QL) is not supported. Additionally, for some discs it may not be possible to obtain satisfactory writing quality.
*A write strategy is a set of parameters that enables an optical disc drive to write on a specific type of blank media according to its optimum specifications.

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 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.

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.

drive utility screen

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-X13UBK, 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.

sleek design

Equipped with a high-speed rotation compatible clamper

The BDR-X13UBK 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

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.

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.

drive utility screen

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.

disc stablizer

Included Accessories

・Owner’s manual (including application product key and warranty information)
・USB cable (USB Type-A → USB Type-B) (1 m (3 ft. 3 in.))
・AC adapter (1.2 m (3 ft. 11 in.))
・Power cord (0.5 m (1 ft. 8 in.))
・Insulators for horizontal placement × 4
・Insulators for vertical placement × 8

Windows Software CyberLink Media Suite 10*

Available for download free of charge.

Download the application software from the website at https://jpn.pioneer/ja/pcperipherals/bdd/eula/cyberlink_media_suite/en.php 

Requires application download key (product key), provided with product purchase.

windows software
*These are bundled software versions. The specifications, functions and version numbers differ for the software when offered on a stand-alone basis. *Regarding bundled software, direct inquiries to the following software manufacturers.

CyberLink Support Center https://www.cyberlink.com/support/index.html

The included CyberLink Media Suite 10 may not be able to be installed on Windows 11 version 2022 Update (version 22H2).
Please refer to the following page from CyberLink for details. Customer Support - Using CyberLink products with Windows 11 2022 Update (version 22H2) | CyberLink

 

drive function logo
Please download the Drive Utility from the Pioneer website. https://pioneer.jp/device_e/product-e/ibs/device_e/dev00001r_e.html#DriveUtility
* Drive Utility for macOS Catalina® 10.15 or later is Drive Utility Lite.

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.

Key Features
  • Yes
  • PureRead 3+
  • Yes
  • Yes
  • Yes
  • Yes
  • Yes
  • Yes
  • Yes
  • Yes
  • Yes
Minimum System Requirements - write/read BD/DVD/CD
  • Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, OS X El Capitan® 10.11, macOS Sierra® 10.12, macOS High Sierra® 10.13, macOS Mojave® 10.14, macOS Catalina 10.15, macOS Big Sur® 11, macOS Monterey 12, macOS Ventura 13 (*We have confirmed that our optical drives are not recognized by macOS Ventura 13.2 released by Apple on January 23, 2023. We are currently investigating this symptom. We would like to ask our customers who are using our optical drives to refrain from updating to macOS Ventura 13.2.)
  • Intel Core® 2 Duo E6750 (2.66MHz), AMD® Phenom 9450 (2.1GHz) or faster
  • Intel® G45, NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600GT, AMD Radeon® HD2600 or faster
  • HDCP⁴ compliant display required for Blu-ray playback, 1024 x 768 minimum display resolution
  • 2GB RAM required for Blu-ray playback, 3GB RAM or greater recommended for editing HD video
  • 5GB available space minimum, 128GB or more available space required for creating Quadruple Layer (QL) Blu-ray Discs
Write Support
  • BD-R、BD-R DL、BD-R TL、BD-R QL、BD-RE、BD-RE DL、BD-RE TL、BD-R LTH、M-DISC(BD)SL、M-DISC(BD)DL、M-DISC(BD)TL
  • DVD-R⁵、DVD-R DL、DVD-RW、DVD+R、DVD+R DL、DVD+RW、HighSpeed DVD+RW、DVD-RAM⁶、M-DISC(DVD)
  • CD-R、UltraSpeed+CD-RW、UltraSpeed CD-RW、HighSpeed CD-RW、CD-RW
Read Support
  • BD-ROM、BD-ROM DL、BD-R、BD-R DL、BD-R TL、BD-R QL、BD-RE、BD-RE DL、BD-RE TL、BD-R LTH、M-DISC(BD)SL、M-DISC(BD)DL、M-DISC(BD)TL
  • DVD-ROM、DVD-ROM DL、DVD-Video、DVD-R、DVD-R DL、DVD-RW、DVD+R、DVD+R DL、DVD+RW、DVD-RAM⁶、M-DISC(DVD)
  • CD-ROM、CD-ROM XA、Photo CD、Video CD、CD-DA⁷、CD-Extra、CD-Text、CD-R、CD-RW
Interface
  • USB 3.2 Gen1/2.0
Maximum Write Speed (BD)
  • 16x
  • 14x
  • 8x
  • 6x
  • 8x
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • 6x
  • 8x
  • 6x
Maximum Write Speed (DVD)
  • 16x
  • 8x
  • 6x
  • 16x
  • 8x
  • 8x
  • 5x
  • 6x
Maximum Write Speed (CD)
  • 48x
  • 24x
Maximum Read Speed (BD)
  • 12x
  • 8x
  • 12x
  • 8x
  • 6x
  • 8x
  • 10x
  • 6x
  • 4x
  • 12x
  • 8x
  • 6x
Maximum Read Speed (DVD)
  • 16x
  • 12x
  • 16x
  • 12x
  • 12x
  • 16x
  • 12x
  • 12x
  • 5x
  • 16x
Maximum Read Speed (CD)
  • 48x
  • 48x
  • 40x
Other Specifications
  • 4 MB
  • Horizontal or Vertical⁸
  • AC 120V, 60Hz⁹
Dimensions
  • 160 mm(W)×50 mm(H)×220 mm(D), 6-19/64 in.(W)×1-61/64 in.(H)×8-21/32 in.(D)
  • 1.1kg (2.4 lbs)