SONY MZ-B3 User Manual

3-798-610-22 (1)

Portable
MiniDisc Recorder

Operating instructions

MZ-B3

1995 by Sony Corporation

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

WARNING

To prevent fire or
shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain
or moisture.
To avoid electrical
shock, do not open
the cabinet. Refer
servicing to qualified
personnel only.

•Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.

You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in
this manual could void your authority to
operate this equipment.

IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE
LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT,
INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF
ANY NATURE, OR LOSSES OR
EXPENSES RESULTING FROM
ANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT OR
THE USE OF ANY PRODUCT.

Caution

The use of optical instruments with
this product will increase eye hazard.

Information

For Customers in the USA

This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. This equipment
generates, used, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one more of the following
measures:

•Reorient or relocate the receiving
antenna.

•Increase the separation between the
equipment and the receiver.

•Connect the equipment into an outlet on
a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

2

Owner’s Record

The serial number is located inside the
battery compartment and the model
number is located at the bottom.
Record the serial number in the space
provided below. Refer to them
whenever you call upon your Sony
dealer regarding this product.
Model No. MZ-B3
Serial No.__________________________

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Welcome!

Welcome to the world of the MiniDisc!
Here are some of the capabilities and
features you'll discover with the new
MiniDisc (MD) Recorder.

• Long-time recording in monaural

sound – You can record for up to
148 minutes on a 74-minute MD by
using monaural recording. You can
record in stereo sound for up to 74
minutes.

• A microphone and a speaker built in

the recorder – You can record and
play back an MD anywhere you go.

• Digital VOR (Voice Operated

Recording) function – The recorder
starts and stops recording
automatically in response to the
sound. The recorder's memory
makes precise starting of recording
possible. With this function, you
can dictate easily.

• Fast playback function – You can

reduce the listening time. You can
play an MD either 1.6 or 2.2 times as
fast as the normal playback speed.

• Two kinds of track marks – You can

record two different kinds of track
marks: regular track marks and
special track marks. You can locate
the special track marks
independently of the regular ones.

• Position indicator – The display

shows you the current location on
the MD.

• Date and time stamp function – The

built-in clock allows you to record
the date and time whenever you
make a recording.

• Title function – You can see disc and

track titles in the display while you
are playing an MD that has been
electronically labeled.

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

3

Table of contents

Recording an MD right away! .................................6

Playing an MD right away! ......................................8

Various ways of recording .....................................10

Dictating (Digital VOR function) .........................................................10

Recording in stereo with an external microphone ............................11

Recording from other equipment.........................................................12

Track marking while recording............................................................13

Tips on recording....................................................................................15

To monitor the sound being recorded..........................................15

To know the recording condition..................................................15

To protect a recorded MD ..............................................................15

To know the remaining time, etc. .................................................16

Setting the clock to stamp the recorded time .....................................17

Various ways of playback ......................................19

Listening at a fast speed ........................................................................19

Playing tracks repeatedly ......................................................................19

Tips on playback.....................................................................................20

To know the time and track name ................................................20

To lock the controls (Hold function).............................................21

Listening with other equipment...........................................................22

Editing recorded tracks ..........................................23

Track marking a recording....................................................................23

Erasing a track mark ..............................................................................24

Erasing a track.........................................................................................25

Erasing a whole disc ..............................................................................26

4

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Power sources .........................................................27

Using on house current .........................................................................27

Using on a lithium ion rechargeable battery ......................................27

Additional information ..........................................29

Precautions ..............................................................................................29

Troubleshooting......................................................................................32

System limitations ..................................................................................34

Error messages ........................................................................................35

Specifications...........................................................................................37

What is the MD? .....................................................................................38

Looking at the controls ..........................................................................40

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

5

Recording an MD right away!

Record an MD through the built-in microphone. The recorded
sound is monaural, and you can record for up to 148 minutes on
a 74-minute MD or up to 120 minutes on a 60-minute MD.

1

Install three alkaline batteries.

(bottom)

2

Insert a recordable MD.

1 Slide OPEN and open

the lid.

6

Three size AA (LR6)
alkaline batteries

2 Insert a recordable MD with

the label side facing up, and
press the lid down to close.

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

3

Record an MD.

Microphone

Recording an MD right away!

Sound source

Press rREC.

"REC" and "MONO" appear in the
display, and recording starts from
the beginning of the disc. The level
of the recorded sound is adjusted
automatically.

To

Pause

Press

P*

Press P again to
resume
recording.

Record from the
end of the
previous
recording

Record over
partway through
the previous
recording

END SEARCH,
then press

rREC.

(, + or =

to find point to
start recording,
and press p to
stop. Then press
rREC.

Remove the MD

p and open the
lid.*

To stop recording, press p (stop).

"Toc Edit" flashes to store data of the
recording (the track’s start and end
points, etc.). Do not move or jog the
recorder or disconnect the power
source while the indication is flashing
in the display. When the recorder
completes storing the data, the r REC
button will be released.

If the recording does not start

•Make sure the recorder is not locked

(page 21).

•Make sure the MD is not record-

protected (page 15).

The alkaline batteries' life

You can record an MD with new alkaline
batteries for 3 hours.

Display window while
recording

Elapsed time of
the track being
recordedTrack number

REC

MONO

* Once you open the lid, the point to

start recording will change to the
beginning of the first track. When
recording on a recorded MD, check the
point to start recording on the display.

Position indicator
(shows the current
location on the MD)

7

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Playing an MD right away!

Play an MD you recorded on or a premastered MD. You can
hear the playback sound in monaural through the built-in
speaker. For stereo sound, play an MD recorded in stereo, and
use stereo headphones (not supplied).

1

Install three alkaline batteries.

(bottom)

2

Insert an MD.

1 Slide OPEN and open

the lid.

8

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Three size AA (LR6)
alkaline batteries

2 Insert an MD with the label

side facing up, and press the
lid down to close.

3

Play an MD.

Speaker (monaural)

Playing an MD right away!

2 (headphones)

(

(play)

1 Press (.

The recorder starts to play the
first track.
The recorder automatically
switches to play in stereo or
monaural according to the
recorded sound.

To

Pause

Find the
beginning of the
current track

Find the
beginning of the
next track

Go backwards
while playing*

Go forward
while playing*

Remove the MD

Press

P

Press P again to
resume play.

= once

+ once

keep pressing

=

keep pressing

+
p and open the

lid**

VOL (volume)

2 Turn VOL to adjust the

volume.

To stop play, press p(stop).

To listen in stereo sound

Connect stereo headphones (not
supplied) to the 2 jack.

If the play does not start

Make sure the recorder is not locked
(page 21).

The alkaline batteries' life

You can play an MD with new alkaline
batteries for 6 hours.

Display window while playing
back

Track number
or track name*

MONO

Elapsed time
of the track
being played

* To go backward or forward quickly

without listening, press P and keep
pressing = or +.

** Once you open the lid, the point to

start play will change to the beginning
of the first track.

Position indicator
(shows the current
location on the MD)

* Appears only with MDs that have been

electronically labeled.

9

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

zVarious ways of
recording

Dictating

(Digital VOR function)

You can dictate easily using the digital
VOR (Voice Operated Recording)
function. You do not have to press any
buttons to suspend recording while
dictating.

VOR
indicator

Microphone

VOR
ON/OFF

p (stop)

1 Insert a recordable MD and start

recording.
To record, see "Recording an MD
right away!" (page 6).

To stop dictating

Press p.
The recorder will switch back to normal
recording when you record next time.

Notes

•You cannot record with the built-in

microphone while an external
microphone is connected to the MIC
PLUG IN POWER jack.

•This recorder's VOR function is

designed for dictation, not for recording
interviews or conferences.

•As long as VOR is on, the batteries are

used even while nothing is being
recorded (the VOR indicator flashes).

2 Press VOR ON/OFF.

The VOR indicator lights up.

3 Speak into the microphone.

Hold the recorder and keep it
close to your mouth – around 4
inches (10 cm) from your mouth.
The VOR indicator lights up while
your voice is recorded, and flashes
while nothing is recorded.

To release the digital VOR function

Press VOR ON/OFF.
The VOR indicator goes off, and the
recorder switches to normal recording.

10

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Recording in stereo
with an external
microphone

You can record in stereo sound using
ECM-909A, ECM-727P, etc. (not
supplied).
You can record for up to 74 minutes on
74-minute MD or 60 minutes on 60­minute MD.

Stereo
microphone

to MIC PLUG
IN POWER

MONO (monaural)/
STEREO

To record in monaural for double
the normal recording time of an MD

Set MONO/STEREO to MONO. The
recording time will be double the normal.

To record with an external monaural
microphone

Use a monaural microphone ECM-T140,
ECM-T110, etc. (not supplied), and set
MONO/STEREO to MONO.

Notes

•The MONO/STEREO switch functions

only when an external microphone is
connected to the MIC PLUG IN POWER
jack.

•If you connect a stereo microphone and

set MONO/STEREO to MONO, the
mixed sound from both the right and
left channels will be recorded.

•If you connect a monaural microphone

and set MONO/STEREO to STEREO,
only the left channel sound of the source
will be recorded.

•The MDs recorded in monaural sound

can be played back only with an MD
player/recorder that has the monaural
playing function.

Various ways of recording

1 Connect the microphone to the

MIC PLUG IN POWER jack.

2 Set MONO/STEREO to STEREO.
3 Insert a recordable MD and start

recording.
To record, see "Recording an MD
right away!" (page 6).
While recording, "STEREO"
appears in the display.

To stop recording

Press p.

11

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Recording from other
equipment

Use a line cable (RK-G134 or RK-G128,
not supplied) to connect the recorder
to the source equipment.

Portable CD player,
portable MD player,
etc.

to 2 or
PHONES

Stereo-mini
plug

RK-G134
(not
supplied)

Cassette-corder,
CD player,
MD player, etc.

2 phono plugs

RK-G128
(not
supplied)

to MIC PLUG
IN POWER

MONO (monaural)/
STEREO

to LINE OUT
or REC OUT

L (white)R (red)

to MIC PLUG
IN POWER

1 Connect the MIC PLUG IN

POWER jack of the recorder to the
source equipment with a line
cable.

2 Set MONO/STEREO to STEREO.
3 Insert a recordable MD and start

recording.
To record, see "Recording an MD
right away!" (page 6).
While recording, "STEREO"
appears in the display.

4 Play the sound source.

To stop recording

Press p.

To record in monaural for double
the normal recording time of an MD

Set MONO/STEREO to MONO. The
recording time will be double the normal.

To record from a monaural player

Connect the RK-G135, RK-G64, etc. (not
supplied) to the earphone jack of the
source equipment, and set MONO/
STEREO to MONO.

Notes

•If you connect a monaural equipment

and set MONO/STEREO to STEREO,
only the left channel sound of the source
will be recorded.

•The MDs recorded in monaural sound

can be played back only with an MD
player/recorder that has the monaural
playing function.

12

MONO (monaural)/
STEREO

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Track marking while
recording

Track marking to divide a
recording

Track marking essentially adds tracks
while recording and enables you to
quickly find and play from the marked
position. The track marking feature is
useful particularly when recording a
discussion, an interview, etc.
You can add track marks with the
recorder or the remote controller. To
use the remote controller, connect it to
the TRACK MARK (REC)/PAUSE
jack.

Speaker
A n B n A n C……………

While recording, press TRACK MARK
on the recorder or the remote
controller.
A track mark is added and the track
number will increase by one. The
record indicator flashes and "MARK
ON" appears in the display.

Elapsed time
of the track
being playedTrack number

MONO

MONO

Various ways of recording

1234

444

Add track marks when
the speaker changes.

TRACK
MARK

to TRACK MARK
(REC)/PAUSE

TRACK MARK

To add track marks after recording

See “Track marking a recording” (page

23).

To erase track marks

See “Erasing a track mark” (page 24).

To find track marks

While playing, press = or + slightly.

Continue to next page m

13

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Track marking important
points

While you record a discussion or an
interview, you can add not only
regular track marks but special track
marks. Special track marks can be
found independently of the regular
track marks during playback.
You can add special track marks only
with the remote controller while
recording.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

444

¢¢¢

Special track marks cannot be added
after recording

You can add special track marks only
while recording.

To erase special track marks

See "Erasing a track mark" (page 24).

To find special track marks while
playing

While pressing VOR ON/OFF, press =
or + slightly.
The special track mark indication "TT"
appears following the track number.
Each time you press =, you can find
the previous special track mark. Each
time you press +, you can find the
succeeding track mark.

Regular
track marks

Special
track marks

While recording, press TRACK MARK
on the remote controller twice.
A special track mark is added and the
track number will increase by one.
The record indicator flashes and
"!MARK ON!" appears in the display.

Elapsed time
of the track

Track number

MONO

MONO

being played

Note

To add a special track mark, press
TRACK MARK twice within one second.
If you press the button secondly after
more than one second passes, two regular
track marks will be recorded.

Tips on track marks

Total number of track marks

You can record up to 254 track marks in
total of the two kinds – regular track
marks to divide a recording and special
track marks – on an MD.

Regular and special track marks are
recorded in the same way as the
track marks on music discs.

The two kinds of track marks recorded
with this recorder can be used for
playback operation in the same way as
the track marks recorded on the
beginning of each music track on a music
disc.

14

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Tips on recording

To monitor the sound being
recorded

Connect headphones (not supplied) to
the 2 jack and adjust the volume by
turning VOL. Sound levels are copied
onto the MD automatically and
independently of the volume for
monitoring.

To know the recording
condition

The record indicator flashes according
to the recording condition.

To protect a recorded MD

To record-protect an MD, slide open
the tab at the side of the MD. In this
position, the MD cannot be recorded.
To record again, slide the tab back so
the tab is visible.

Rear of an MD

Tab

Record-protect

Various ways of recording

Recording
condition

While recording

Recording
standby

Recording with
less than 3
minutes’
recording time
available

Record indicator

Flashes according
to the loudness of
the source (voice
mirror).

Flashes.

Slowly flashes.

Continue to next page m

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

15

To know the remaining time,
etc.

Display window

• While in stop mode

Press DISPLAY while the recorder is
in stop mode.
Each time you press the button, the
display changes as follows.

Track number

DISPLAY

• While recording

Press DISPLAY while recording.
Each time you press the button, the
display changes as follows.

Track number

REC

MONO

Elapsed time of the
track being recorded

.

Track number

REC

MONO

REC

REMAIN

Remaining time
for recording

.

Current date*

REC

MONO

DATE

AM

Current time*

*Appears only when the clock is set.

Elapsed time of the
track being recorded

.

Track number

MONO

REC

REMAIN

Remaining time after
the current location

.

Remaining number
of tracks*

REMAIN

Remaining time of
the recording

.

Current date**

DATE

AM

Current time**

* A disc name appears only with MDs

that have been electronically labeled.

** Appears only when the clock is set.

16

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Setting the clock to
stamp the recorded
time

To stamp the date and time on the MD
when you record, you first need to set
the clock. When you use the recorder
for the first time or after a long period
of disuse, charge the built-in battery
for the clock after setting the clock
(page 18).

=

+

CLOCK SET
(on the
bottom)

(

p

Battery
compartment
(on the
bottom)

1 Connect the power source.

Install three size AA (LR6)
batteries.

2 Press CLOCK SET on the bottom

of the recorder.
Use a pointed object.
The digits of the year flash.

Year, month, and date

DATE

AM

Current time

4 Press (.

The year is set and the digit of the
month flashes.

DATE

AM

5 Repeat steps 3 and 4 to enter the

current month, date, hour, and
minute.
When you press ( to set the
minute, the clock starts operating.

DATE

PM

DATE

PM

If you make a mistake while setting
the clock

Press p, and set the clock again from step

2. You can skip a step by pressing (.

On the clock display

•To display the current time

When the recorder is not operating or
while recording, press DISPLAY
repeatedly until the current time
appears in the display. The time
indication disappears after 10 seconds.

•To display the time in the 24-hour system

While setting the clock, press DISPLAY.
To display the time in the 12-hour
system, press DISPLAY again.

Continue to next page m

Various ways of recording

3 Enter the current year by pressing

= or +.
To change the digits rapidly, keep
pressing = or +.

17

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Charging the built-in battery
for the clock

After setting the clock, leave the
recorder with the dry batteries
installed for about 2 hours to charge
the built-in battery for the clock.
You can use the recorder while
charging. Once charged, the built-in
battery should last about a month
without connecting to any of the
power sources. The recorder will
automatically charge the built-in
battery while connected to dry
batteries, AC power, or a rechargeable
battery.

18

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

zVarious ways of

playback

Listening at a fast
speed

You can reduce the listening time by
using the fast playback function. The
playback speed can be set to 1.6 or 2.2
times as fast as the normal playback.

FAST PLAY

Press FAST PLAY.
"FAST" appears in the display, and fast
playback starts at a speed of 1.6 times
normal.
To change the speed to 2.2 times, press
FAST PLAY again.

MONO

FAST

Playing tracks
repeatedly

You can play tracks repeatedly in three
ways – all repeat, single repeat, and
shuffle repeat.

PLAY MODE

Press PLAY MODE while the recorder
is playing an MD.
Each time you press PLAY MODE, the
play mode indication changes as
shown in the next page.

Continue to next page m

Various ways of playback

Various ways of recording

Fast playback indication

To suspend fast playback

Press P.

To find track marks

Press = or + during fast playback.

To switch to normal playback

Press (.
To return to fast playback, press FAST
PLAY.

19

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Play mode
indication

Track number
or track name*

Tips on playback

MONO

SHUF

* Appears only with MDs that have been

electronically labeled.

”(none)” (normal play)

A whole disc (all the tracks) is
played once.

Z

.

”f” (all repeat)

A whole disc (all the tracks) is
played repeatedly.

.

”f1” (single repeat)

A single track is played
repeatedly.

.

”f

SHUF

All the tracks are played
repeatedly in random order.

” (shuffle repeat)

To know the time and track
name

You can see in the display window the
name, number, remaining time, and
recorded time of the track being
played.

Display
window

DISPLAY

Press DISPLAY while the recorder is
playing an MD.
Each time you press DISPLAY, the
display changes as shown on the next
page.

20

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Track number or name*

MONO

Elapsed time of the
track being played

.

Track number or name*

MONO

REMAIN

To lock the controls (Hold
function)

To prevent the buttons from being
accidentally operated while carrying
the recorder, use this function.

Various ways of playback

Remaining time of
the current track

.

Remaining number
of tracks

MONO

REMAIN

Remaining time of
the recording

.

Recorded date**

MONO

REC DATE

AM

Recorded time**

* Appears only with MDs that have been

electronically labeled.

** The indications show the date and

time when you started recording or
added the track mark.
If you record without setting the clock
or play an MD that has no recorded
date, "- - y - - m - - d" and "- - : - -"
appear.

HOLD

Slide HOLD in the direction of the
c.
The controls on the recorder are
locked.

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

21

Listening with other
equipment

Connect the 2 jack of the recorder to a
tape player or an amplifier with a line
cable (RK-G134, or RK-G129, not
supplied).
You can listen to an MD with your
stereo system or record on a cassette
tape, etc.

Stereo tape recorder,
portable MD recorder,
etc.

to MIC

Stereo­mini plug

Stereo system,
cassette-corder, etc.

2 phono plugs

R (red)

RK-G129
(not
supplied)

to LINE IN

L (white)

to 2
(headphones)

22

RK-G134
(not
supplied)

to 2
(headphones)

Adjust the volume
around "6".

Adjust the volume
around "6".

To listen with a monaural player

Connect the RK-G135 line cable (not
supplied) to the MIC jack of the source
equipment.

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

zEditing recorded

tracks

You can edit your recordings by
adding or erasing track marks, or
erasing tracks.
Premastered MDs cannot be edited.

Track marking a
recording

You can add track marks so that you
can quickly find and play from the
marked position.
The track numbers will increase as
follows.

1234

12345

4

Track marking

.

Track numbers increase

While the recorder is playing an MD,
press TRACK MARK on the recorder
at the point you want to mark.
A track mark is added and the track
number will increase by one.

Elapsed time
of the track

Track number

MONO

MONO

Note

TRACK MARK on the remote controller
does not function during playback.

To add track marks while recording

See "Track marking while recording"
(page 13).

To erase track marks

See "Erasing a track mark" (page 24).

being played

Various ways of playback

Editing recorded tracks

Editing recorded tracks

TRACK MARK

Notes

•When you press p after adding track

marks, "Toc Edit" flashes and the
recorder starts writing the new data to
the MD. Do not move or jog the
recorder while "Toc Edit" is flashing in
the display.

•You cannot add track marks on an MD

that is record-protected. Before adding
track marks, close the tab on the side of
the MD.

23

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-373-22(1)

Erasing a track mark

You can erase a track mark to combine
the tracks before and after the track
mark. You can erase regular track
marks and special track marks in the
same way.
The track numbers will change as
follows.

3 Press TRACK MARK on the

recorder to erase the mark.
The track mark is erased and the
two tracks are combined.

MONO

1234

.

123

Track numbers decrease

4

Erase a track mark

TRACK MARK

=/+

P (pause)

1 While the recorder is playing an

MD, press P to pause.

2 Find the track mark you want to

erase by pressing = or +
slightly.
The track number and "MARK"
appear in the display.
For example, to erase the third
track mark, find the beginning of
the third track.

Appears for about 2 seconds

MONO

To erase other track marks

Repeat steps 2 and 3.

Notes

•When you press p after erasing track

marks, "Toc Edit" flashes and the
recorder starts writing the new data to
the MD. Do not move or jog the
recorder while "Toc Edit" is flashing in
the display.

•You cannot ease track marks on an MD

that is record-protected. Before erasing
track marks, close the tab on the side of
the MD.

24

MONO

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Erasing a track

Note that once a recording has been
erased, you cannot retrieve it. Check
the track number before erasing.

ERASE

p(stop)

((play)

1 Play the track you want to erase.
2 Press ERASE while playing the

track.
"Erase OK?" and "PushErase"
appear in the display alternately,
and the recorder plays the selected
track repeatedly.
To cancel erasing, press p.

3 Check the track number in the

display and press ERASE again.
The track is erased from the MD
and the remaining tracks are
renumbered. The recorder then
starts to play the succeeding track.
If you have erased the last track of
the MD, the recorder pauses at the
end of the preceding track.

To erase a part of a track

Add track marks at the beginning and
the end of the part you want to erase,
then erase the part.

Notes

•When you press p after erasing a track,

"Toc Edit" flashes and the recorder starts
writing the new data to the MD. Do not
move or jog the recorder while "Toc
Edit" is flashing in the display.

•You cannot erase a track on an MD that

is record-protected. Before erasing a
track, close the tab on the side of the
MD.

Editing recorded tracks

To erase other tracks

Repeat steps 1 to 3.

25

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-373-22(1)

Erasing a whole disc

You can quickly erase all the tracks
and data of the MD at a time. Note
that once a recording has been erased,
you cannot retrieve it.

ERASE

p(stop)

rREC

1 Play the MD you want to erase.

Check the contents of the disc.

2 Press p to stop.
3 While pressing ERASE, press

rREC.
"AllErase?" and "PushErase"
appear in the display alternately.
To cancel erasing, press p.

4 Press ERASE again.

"Toc Edit" flashes in the display.
When erasing finishes,
"BLANKDISC" appears.

Notes

•Do not move or jog the recorder while
"Toc Edit" is flashing in the display.

•You cannot erase recordings on an MD
that is record-protected. Before erasing,
close the tab on the side of the MD.

26

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

zPower sources

You can use the recorder on dry
batteries, house current, or a lithium
ion rechargeable battery.

Using on a lithium ion
rechargeable battery

Using on house current

It is preferable to use the recorder on
house current when recording for a
long time.

Connect the DC IN 4.5V jack of the
recorder to a wall outlet with the AC­E45HG AC power adaptor (not
supplied).

to wall outlet

AC-E45HG AC
power adaptor
(not supplied)

to DC IN 4.5V

Before using the LIP-12 lithium ion
rechargeable battery (not supplied) for
the first time, charge it with the
ACP-MZ60A battery charger (not
supplied).

1 Attach the battery case (supplied).

2 Insert the charged battery LIP-12

(not supplied) into the battery
case.

Rechargeable

Editing recorded tracks

Power sources

Power sources

Note

You cannot charge the battery while it is
in the recorder.

Continue to next page m

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

27

When to charge or replace the
batteries

You can check the battery condition with
the battery indication displayed while
using the recorder.

∫ Used batteries

v

b Weak batteries.

Charge the rechargeable battery,
or replace all the dry batteries.

v

n The batteries have gone out.

"LOW BATT" flashes in the
display, and the power goes off.

Battery life

Batteries

Size AA (LR6)
alkaline

a)

Record-

b)

ing

Approx.
3 hours

Playback

Approx.
6 hours

batteries
Lithium ion

rechargeable

Approx.
2 hours

Approx.

3 hours
battery
(LIP-12)

Size AA (LR6)
alkaline

Approx.
6 hours

Approx.

10 hours
batteries and
a lithium ion
rechargeable
battery
(LIP-12)

Notes on a rechargeable battery

• When you use the battery for the first

time or after a long period of disuse, the
battery life may be shorter. In this case,
charge and discharge the battery several
times. The battery life will be restored.

• If the rechargeable battery capacity

becomes half the normal life, replace it
with a new one.

Notes on dry batteries

Incorrect battery usage may lead to
leakage of battery fluid or bursting
batteries. To prevent such accidents,
observe the following precautions:

• Install the + and – poles of the batteries

correctly.

• Do not install new and used batteries or

different kinds of batteries together.

• Do not try to recharge the batteries.

c)

• When the recorder is not to be used for

a long time, be sure to remove the
batteries.

• If a battery leak should develop,

carefully and thoroughly wipe away
battery fluid from the battery
compartment before inserting new ones.

a)

The battery life may be shorter due to
operating conditions and the
temperature of the location.

b)

When you record, use new dry
batteries or a fully charged
rechargeable battery.

c)

When played using the built-in
speaker

28

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

z

Additional information

Precautions

On safety

Do not put any foreign objects in the
DC IN 4.5 V jack.

While carrying the recorder

Keep personal credit cards using
magnetic coding or spring-wound
watches, etc., away from the recorder
to prevent possible damage from the
magnet used for the speaker.

On power sources

• Use three size AA (LR6) batteries,

the house current, or a lithium ion
rechargeable battery.

• For use in your house: Use the AC-

E45HG AC power adaptor (not
supplied). Do not use any other AC
power adaptor since it may cause
the recorder to malfunction.

Polarity of
the plug

• The recorder is not disconnected

from the AC power source (mains)
as long as it is connected to the wall
outlet, even if the recorder itself has
been turned off.

• If you are not going to use this

recorder for a long time, be sure to
disconnect the power supply (dry
batteries, AC power adaptor, or a
rechargeable battery). To remove
the AC power adaptor from the wall
outlet, grasp the adaptor plug itself;
never pull the cord.

On heat build-up

Heat may build up in the recorder if it
is used for an extended period of time.
In this case, leave the recorder to cool
down.

On installation

• Never use the recorder where it will

be subjected to extremes of light,
temperature, moisture or vibration.

• Never wrap the recorder in

anything when it is being used with
the AC power adaptor. Heat build­up in the recorder may cause
malfunction or injury.

On the headphones

Road safety

Do not use headphones while driving,
cycling, or operating any motorized
vehicle. It may create a traffic hazard
and is illegal in many areas. It can also
be potentially dangerous to play your
recorder at high volume while
walking, especially at pedestrian
crossings. You should exercise
extreme caution or discontinue use in
potentially hazardous situations.

Preventing hearing damage

Avoid using headphones at high
volume. Hearing experts advise
against continuous, loud and extended
play. If you experience a ringing in
your ears, reduce the volume or
discontinue use.

Caring for others

Keep the volume at a moderate level.
This will allow you to hear outside
sounds and to be considerate of the
people around you.

On the MiniDisc cartridge

• Do not break open the shutter.

• Do not place the cartridge where it

will be subject to light, temperature,
moisture or dust.

On cleaning

• Clean the recorder casing with a soft

cloth slightly moistened with water
or a mild detergent solution.
Do not use any type of abrasive pad,
scouring powder or solvent such as
alcohol or benzene as it may mar the
finish of the casing.

• Wipe the disc cartridge with a dry

cloth to remove dirt.

Continue to next page m

Power sources

Additional information

29

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

• Dust on the lens may prevent the

unit from operating properly. Be
sure to close the disc compartment
lid after inserting and ejecting an
MD.

For Customers in the USA

DISPOSAL OF MANGANESE
DIOXIDE LITHIUM BATTERY AND
LITHIUM ION BATTERY.

Note on mechanical noise

The recorder gives out mechanical
noise while operating, which is caused
by the power-saving system of the
recorder and it is not a trouble.

Notes on recording

Mechanical shock or vibration

Do not subject the recorder to strong
mechanical shock or continuous
vibration while recording. The sound
may be skipped or recording may stop.
After you stop recording, "Toc Edit"
flashes while the data of the recording
is being stored. Do not move or jog the
recorder while the indication is
flashing in the display.

Noise while recording

When you record with the built-in
microphone or an external
microphone, the sound is sent as an
analog signal, converted to a digital
signal, and recorded on an MD.
During these processes, noise may be
recorded. And when you record with
the built-in microphone in a quiet
place, mechanical noise of the recorder
may be recorded. These are not
problems.

You cannot record using a timer.

If you press the rREC button with the
power off or not connected, the button
will stay pressed down. But as soon as
the power is turned on, the button will
be released automatically. For this
reason, you cannot record using a
timer.

MANGANESE DIOXIDE LITHIUM
BATTERY AND LITHIUM ION
BATTERY.
DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.

You can return your unwanted
manganese dioxide lithium
batteries and lithium ion batteries
to your nearest Sony Service
Center.
Note: In some areas the disposal of
lithium ion batteries and
manganese dioxide lithium
batteries in household or business
trash may be prohibited.

For the Sony Service Center nearest
you call 1-800-222-SONY (United
States only)

Caution: Do not handle damaged
or leaking lithium ion battery and
manganese dioxide lithium battery.

To remove the manganese
dioxide lithium battery

On disposal of this product, remove
the manganese dioxide lithium battery
in the battery compartment and treat it
as mentioned above.

Remove the
black sheet with
a pointed object.

Remove the
battery.

30

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Do not remove the black sheet unless
you are disposing of this product, or it
may not work properly.

If you have any questions or problems
concerning your recorder, please
consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Additional information

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

31

Troubleshooting

Should any problem persist after you have made these checks, consult your nearest
Sony dealer.

Symptom

The recorder does not
work or works poorly.

No sound comes
through the speaker.

An MD is not played
from the first track.

Cause/Solution

•Moisture has condensed inside the recorder.

b

Take the MD out and leave the recorder in a warm
place for several hours until the moisture
evaporates.

•The dry batteries or rechargeble battery are weak
(b "LOW BATT" flashes).

b

Replace the dry batteries or recharge the battery
(page 6 or 27).

•The dry batteries have been installed incorrectly.

b

Install the batteries correctly (page 6).

•You pressed a button while the disc indication was

rotating quickly.

b

Wait until the indication rotates slowly.

•The AC adaptor was unplugged during recording or a

power outage occurred.

•Audio sources may not be securely connected.

b

Disconnect the audio sources once and connect
them again (pages 12, 22).

•While operating, the recorder received a mechanical

shock, too much static, abnormal power voltage
caused by lightning, etc.

b

Restart the operation as follows:

1 Disconnect all the power sources.
2 Leave the recorder for about 30 seconds.
3 Connect the power source.

•Volume is too low.

b

Adjust the volume by turning VOL.

•Disc playing stopped before it came to the last track.

b

Press = repeatedly or open and close the lid
once to go back to the beginning of the disc, and
restart playing after checking the track number in
the display.

Playback sound skips.

32

•The recorder is placed where it receives continuous

vibration.

b

Put the recorder on stable place.

•A very short track may cause sound to skip.

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Symptom

Sound has a lot of
static.

The REC button stays
pressed down.

Cannot erase the track
marks.

The clock loses time or
the display flashes.

The recording date was
not stamped onto the
disc.

Cannot record for
the maximum
recording time of a
disc.

Cause/Solution

•Strong magnetism from a television or such device is
interfering with operation.

b

Move away from the source of strong magnetism.

•You pressed the REC button while the recorder was
not connected to the power source.

b

Install dry batteries or a rechargeable battery. Or
connect to house current with the AC power
adaptor (page 6 or 27).

•You tried to erase the track marks after pressing =
or + and pressing P.

b

Press P before pressing = or +, then erase
the track marks.

•The built-in battery for a clock is weak.

b

Connect the power source to charge the built-in
battery. After charging, set the clock again. Note
that the clock normally loses about 2 minutes per
month (page 18).

•The time indication flashes.

b

Set the clock again (page 17).

•When a lot of short tracks are recorded on a disc, the
total recording time may be shorter than the
maximum recording capacity.

•You recorded over a previous recording repeatedly
(page 33).

b

Erase all the tracks of the disc, then start recording
(page 26).

Additional information

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

33

System limitations

The recording system in your MiniDisc recorder is radically different from those used
in cassette and DAT decks and is characterized by the limitations described below.
Note, however, that these limitations are due to the inherent nature of the MD
recording system itself and not to mechanical causes.

Symptom

"TR FULL" appears even before
the disc has reached the
maximum recording time (120
or 148 minutes in monaural, 60
or 74 minutes in stereo).

"TR FULL" appears even before
the disc has reached the
maximum track number or
recording time.

Track marks cannot be erased.

The remaining recording time
does not increase even after
erasing numerous short tracks.

The total recorded time and the
remaining time on the disc may
not total the maximum
recording time (120 or 148
minutes in monaural, 60 or 74
minutes in stereo).

The edited tracks may exhibit
sound dropout during search
operations.

Cause

When 254 tracks have been recorded on the
disc, "TR FULL" appears regardless of the total
recorded time. More than 254 tracks cannot be
recorded on the disc.
To continue recording, erase unnecessary
tracks.

Repeating recording and erasing may cause
fragmentation and scattering of data.
Although those scattered data can be read,
each fragment is counted as a track. In this
case, the number of tracks may reach 254 and
further recording is not possible.
To continue recording, erase unnecessary
tracks.

When the data of a track is fragmented, the
track mark of a fragment under 12 seconds
long cannot be erased.

Tracks of under 24 seconds in monaural (12
seconds in stereo) in length are not counted
and so erasing them may not lead to an
increase in the recording time.

Recording is done in minimum units of 4
seconds (2 seconds in stereo) each, no matter
how short the material. Even if the last unit of
recording is less than 4 seconds, it is counted as
a unit of 4 seconds. Then 4 seconds’ space is
put before recording starts again to prevent the
last unit of the previous track from being
erased.
The contents recorded may thus be shorter
than the maximum recording capacity.

The fragmentation of data may cause sound
dropout while searching because the tracks are
played at higher speed than normal playback.

34

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Error messages

If the following error messages flash in the display window, check the chart below.

Error message

BLANKDISC

BUSY

CANNOT

DISC ERR

DISC FULL

Hi DC in

HOLD

LOW BATT

NO DISC

PB DISC

PROTECTED

Meaning/Remedy

•An MD with no recording on it is inserted.

b

Insert a recorded MD.

•You tried to operate the recorder while it was accessing the
recorded data.

b

Wait until the message goes out (in rare cases, it may take
2–3 minutes).

•You tried to erase a track mark while playing the MD or at the
beginning of the first track.

•You tried to erase a track mark to combine tracks the recorder
cannot combine. (This is caused by system limitation.)

•The recorder cannot read the disc (it's scratched or dirty).

b

Reinsert or replace the disc.

•There is no more space on the disc (less than 24 seconds
available in monaural).

b

Replace the disc.

•Power supply is too high (The recommended AC power
adaptor is not used).

b

Use the recommended AC power adaptor.

•The recorder is locked.

b

Slide HOLD against the allow to unlock the recorder
(page 21).

•Batteries are weak.

b

Replace the dry batteries or charge the rechargeable
battery (page 6 or 27).

•You tried to play or record with no disc in the recorder.

b

Insert an MD.

•You tried to record or edit on a premastered MD (PB means
playback.)

b

Insert a recordable MD.

•You tried to record or edit on a MD with the tab in the record­protect position.

b

Slide the tab back (page 15).

Additional information

Continue to next page m

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

35

Error message

TEMP OVER

TR FULL

TRprotect

Meaning/Remedy

•Heat has built up in the recorder.

b

Leave the recorder to cool down.

•There is no more space for new data when you are editing the

MD.

b

Erase unneccessary track numbers or tracks (page 24 or 25).

•You tried to record or edit on a track that is protected from

erasing.

b

Record or edit on other tracks.

36

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Specifications

System

Audio playing system

MiniDisc digital audio system

Laser diode properties

Material: GaAlAs
Wavelength: l = 780 nm
Emission duration: continuous
Laser output: less than 44.6 µW
(This output is the value measured at a
distance of 200 mm from the lens surface
on the optical pick-up block.)

Recording and playback time

Maximum 148 minutes (MDW-74,
monaural recording)
Maximum 74 minutes (MDW-74, stereo
recording)

Revolutions

400 rpm to 900 rpm (CLV)

Error correction

Advanced Cross Interleave Reed
Solomon Code (ACIRC)

Sampling frequency

44.1 kHz

Coding

Adaptive TRansform Acoustic Coding
(ATRAC)

Modulation system

EFM (Eight to Fourteen Modulation)

Number of channels

2 stereo channels
1 monaural channel

Frequency response

20 to 20,000 Hz ± 3 dB

Outputs

Headphones: stereo mini-jack, maximum
output level 5 mW + 5 mW, load
impedance 16 ohm

Power output

DC operation
Speaker 220 mW (at 10% harmonic
distortion)

General

Power requirements

Three size AA (LR6) alkaline batteries
(not supplied)
Sony AC Power Adaptor AC-E45HG (not
supplied) connected at the DC IN 4.5 V
jack
120 V AC, 60 Hz
Lithium ion rechargeable battery LIP-12
(not supplied)

Battery operation time

See “Using on a lithium ion rechargeable
batteries” (page 28).

Dimensions

Approx. 135.3 × 30 × 80.5 mm (w/h/d)

3

/8 × 1 3/16 × 3 1/4 in.)

(5

Mass

Approx. 305 g (10.8 oz) the recorder only
Approx. 405 g (14.3 oz) incl. a recordable
MD, remote controller, and three size AA
(LR6) batteries

Supplied accessories

Remote controller (1)
Battery case (1, for LIP-12 Lithium ion
Battery)
Recordable MD (1)
Carrying case (1)

Continue to next page m

Additional information

Wow and Flutter

Below measurable limit

Inputs

Microphone: stereo mini-jack, minimum
input level 0.44 mV
Remote controller: mini mini-jack

37

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Optional accessories

AC-E45HG AC power adaptor
LIP-12 Lithium ion rechargeable battery
ACP-MZ60A* AC Power adaptor/
Battery charger
ECM-909A, ECM-727P, ECM-717 Stereo
microphones
ECM-T140, ECM-T110 Monaural
microphones
MDR-E747, MDR-E535 Stereo dynamic
earphones
MDR-D55, MDR-D33 Stereo headphones
RK-G134, RK-G128 Line cables
MDW-74/74A, MDW-74L/74R/74Y,
MDW-60/60A Recordable MDs
CK-MD4 MiniDisc carrying case
CK-MD10 MiniDisc filing box

* ACP-MZ60A can only be used as a

battery charger. It cannot be used as an
AC power adaptor with this recorder.

Your dealer may not handle some of the
above listed accessories. Please ask the
dealer for detailed information about the
accessories in your country.

US and foreign patents licensed from
Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation.

Design and specifications are subject to
change without notice.

What is the MD?

How MiniDiscs work

MiniDiscs (MD) come in two types:
premastered (prerecorded) and
recordable (blank). Premastered MDs,
recorded at music studios, can be
played back almost endlessly.
However, they can't be recorded on or
over like cassette tapes. To record, you
must use a "recordable MD".

Premastered MDs

Premastered MDs are played like
regular CDs. A laser beam focuses on
the pits in the surface of the MD and
reflects the information back to the
lens in the recorder. The recorder then
decodes the signals and plays them
back as music.

Recordable MDs

Recordable MDs, which use magneto­optical (MO) technology, can be
recorded again and again. The laser
inside the recorder applies heat to the
MD, demagnetizing the magnetic layer
of the MD. The recorder then applies a
magnetic field to the layer. This
magnetic field corresponds exactly to
the audio signals generated by the
connected source. (The north and
south polarities equate to digital "1"
and "0".) The demagnetized MD
adopts the polarity of the magnetic
field, resulting in a recorded MD.

38

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

How the MiniDisc got so small

The 2.5-inch MiniDisc, encased in a
plastic cartridge that looks like a 3.5­inch diskette, uses a new digital audio
compression technology called
ATRAC (Adaptive TRansform
Acoustic Coding). To store more
sound in less space, ATRAC extracts
and encodes only those frequency
components actually audible to the
human ear.

Quick Random Access

Like CDs, MDs offer instantaneous
random access to the beginning of any
music track. Premastered MDs are
recorded with location addresses
corresponding to each music selection.
Recordable MDs are manufactured
with a "User TOC Area" to contain the
order of the music. The TOC system is
similar to the "directory management
system" of floppy disks. In other
words, starting and ending addresses
for all music tracks recorded on the
disc are stored in this area. This lets
you randomly access the beginning of
any track as soon as you enter the track
number (AMS), as well as label the
location with a track name as you
would file on a diskette.

Shock-Resistant Memory

One major drawback of optical read
systems is that they can skip or mute
when subjected to vibration. The MD
system resolves this problem by using
a buffer memory that stores audio
data.
This feature allows you to enjoy
playback while carrying the recorder,
record while holding the recorder, and
so on.

Additional information

User TOC
Area

Music Data
(recorded data)

Contains the order and
start/end points of the
tracks.

39

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Looking at the controls

See pages in ( ) for more details.

The recorder

1 END SEARCH button (7)
2 DISPLAY button (16, 20)
3 TRACK MARK (REC)/PAUSE (for

the remote controller) jack (13)

4 Display window (7, 9, 16, 21)
5 DC IN 4.5 V jack (27)
6 OPEN button (6)
7 CLOCK SET button (on the bottom)

(17)

8 FAST PLAY button (19)
9 = (search/AMS) button (7, 9)
0 ( (play) button (9)
!¡ + (search /AMS) button (7, 9)
!™ p (stop) button (7, 9)
!£ HOLD switch (21)

40

!¢ TRACK MARK button (13, 24)
!∞ Record indicator (15)
!§ ERASE button (25, 26)
!¶ Speaker (9)
!• PLAY MODE button (19)
!ª 2 (headphones) jack (9, 22)
@º VOL (volume) control (9)
@¡ Microphone (7)
@™ Battery compartment (on the

bottom) (6, 8)

@£ MIC PLUG IN POWER jack (11, 12)
@¢ MONO (monaural)/STEREO

switch (11, 12)

@∞ VOR indicator (10)
@§ r REC (record) button (7)
@¶ VOR (Voice Operated Recording)

ON/OFF button (10)

@• P (pause) button (7, 9)

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

The display window

REC

STEREO
MONO

1

SHUF

FAST

REC DATE

REMAIN

AM
PM

1 STEREO indication (11, 12)
2 REC indication (7)

Lights up while recording. When
flashing, the recorder is in record
standby mode.

3 MONO (monaural) indication (7)
4 Play mode indication (20)

Shows the play mode of the MD.

5 Battery indication (28)

Shows battery condition.

6 Level meter

Shows the volume of the MD being
played or recorded.

7 FAST playback indication (19)

Lights up while playing at a fast
speed.

8 Character information display

Displays the disc and track names,
date, error messages, track
numbers, etc.

9 REC DATE (recorded/current

date) indication (16, 17, 21)
Lights up along with the date and
time the MD was recorded. When
only "DATE" lights up, the current
date and time are displayed.

0 AM/PM indication (17)

Lights up along with the time
indication in the 12-hour system.

!¡ Time display (16, 17, 21)

Shows the recorded time, current
time, elapsed time of the track or
MD being recorded or played.

!™ Position indicator (7, 9)

Shows the current location on the
MD. The point under recording or
playing flashes. The recorded
portion lights up.

Current location

0% 50% 100%

Recorded portion
Disc length

!£ REMAIN (remaining time/tracks)

indication (16, 21)
Lights up along with the remaining
time of the track, the remaining
time of the MD, or the remaining
number of tracks.

!¢ Disc indication

Shows that the disc is rotating for
recording, playing or editing.

Continue to next page m

Additional information

41

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Remote controller

1 TRACK MARK button (13, 14)

Used to add track marks while
recording. Adds a regular track
mark when pressed once. Adds a
special track mark when pressed
twice.

Carrying case

2 P (pause) button (7, 9)

42

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Additional information

43

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

Sony Corporation Printed in Japan

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)