3-798-610-22 (1)
Po rt a b le
Min iDisc Re co rd e r
Operating instructions
MZ-B3
1995 by Sony Corporation
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
We lco m e !
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.
3
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Table of contents
Recording an MD right aw ay! .................................6
Playing an MD right aw ay! ......................................8
Various w ays 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 w ays 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)
Pow er 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
5
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
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.
Three size AA (LR6)
alkaline batteries
(bottom)
2
Insert a recordable MD.
1 Slide OPEN and open
2 Insert a recordable MD with
the label side facing up, and
press the lid down to close.
the lid.
6
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
3
Record an MD.
Sound source
Microphone
Press rREC.
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.
"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.
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).
Press
To
P*
Pause
Press P again to
resume
recording.
The alkaline batteries' life
You can record an MD with new alkaline
batteries for 3 hours.
Record from the
end of the
previous
END SEARCH,
then press
rREC.
recording
Disp la y w in d o w w h ile
re co rd in g
Record over
partway through
the previous
recording
(, + or =
to find point to
start recording,
and press p to
stop. Then press
rREC.
Elapsed time of
the track being
Track number recorded
REC
Remove the MD
p and open the
lid.*
MONO
Position indicator
(show s the current
location on the MD)
*
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.
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.
Three size AA (LR6)
alkaline batteries
(bottom)
2
Insert an MD.
1 Slide OPEN and open
2 Insert an MD with the label
side facing up, and press the
lid down to close.
the lid.
8
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
3
Play an MD.
Speaker (monaural)
2 (headphones)
VOL (volume)
(
(play)
1 Press (.
2 Turn VOL to adjust the
The recorder starts to play the
first track.
volume.
The recorder automatically
switches to play in stereo or
monaural according to the
recorded sound.
To stop play, press p(stop).
To listen in stereo sound
Connect stereo headphones (not
supplied) to the 2 jack.
To
Press
Pause
P
Press P again to
resume play.
If the play does not start
Make sure the recorder is not locked
(page 21).
Find the
beginning of the
current track
= once
The alkaline batteries' life
You can play an MD with new alkaline
batteries for 6 hours.
Find the
beginning of the
+ once
next track
Disp la y w in d o w w h ile p la yin g
b a ck
Go backwards
while playing*
keep pressing
=
Elapsed time
Track number
or track name*
of the track
being played
Go forward
while playing*
keep pressing
+
Remove the MD
p and open the
lid**
MONO
* 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
(show s 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)
zVa rio u s w a ys o f
To stop dictating
Press p.
re co rd in g
The recorder will switch back to normal
recording when you record next time.
Dict a t in g
(Dig it a l VOR fu n ct io n )
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.
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.
• As long as VOR is on, the batteries are
used even while nothing is being
recorded (the VOR indicator flashes).
Microphone
VOR
indicator
VOR
ON/OFF
p (stop)
1
Insert a recordable MD and start
recording.
To record, see "Recording an MD
right away!" (page 6).
2
3
Press VOR ON/ OFF.
The VOR indicator lights up.
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)
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.
Re co rd in g in st e re o
w it h a n e xt e rn a l
m icro p h o n e
To record w ith an external monaural
microphone
Use a monaural microphone ECM-T140,
ECM-T110, etc. (not supplied), and set
MONO/ STEREO to MONO.
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 60-
minute MD.
Notes
• The MONO/ STEREO switch functions
only when an external microphone is
connected to the MIC PLUG IN POWER
jack.
Stereo
microphone
• 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.
to MIC PLUG
IN POWER
MONO (monaural)/
STEREO
1
Connect the microphone to the
MIC PLUG IN POWER jack.
2
3
Set MONO/ STEREO to STEREO.
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)
1
Connect the MIC PLUG IN
POWER jack of the recorder to the
source equipment with a line
cable.
Re co rd in g fro m o t h e r
e q u ip m e n t
Use a line cable (RK-G134 or RK-G128,
not supplied) to connect the recorder
to the source equipment.
2
3
Set MONO/ STEREO to STEREO.
Insert a recordable MD and start
recording.
To record, see "Recording an MD
right away!" (page 6).
Portable CD player,
portable MD player,
etc.
to 2 or
PHONES
While recording, "STEREO"
appears in the display.
Stereo-mini
plug
4
Play the sound source.
RK-G134
(not
supplied)
to MIC PLUG
IN POWER
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.
MONO (monaural)/
STEREO
Notes
Cassette-corder,
CD player,
MD player, etc.
• 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.
to LINE OUT
or REC OUT
2 phono plugs
R (red)
L (w hite)
RK-G128
(not
supplied)
to MIC PLUG
IN POWER
MONO (monaural)/
STEREO
12
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
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.
Tra ck m a rkin g w h ile
re co rd in g
Tra ck m a rkin g t o d ivid e a
re co rd in g
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.
Elapsed time
of the track
Track number being played
MONO
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.
MONO
Speaker
A n
B
n
A
n
C……………
1
2
3
4
To add track marks after recording
See “Track marking a recording” (page
23).
4
4
4
To erase track marks
See “Erasing a track mark” (page 24).
Add track marks w hen
the speaker changes.
To find track marks
While playing, press = or + slightly.
Co n t in u e t o n e xt p a g e m
TRACK
MARK
to TRACK MARK
(REC)/PAUSE
TRACK MARK
13
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Special track marks cannot be added
after recording
Tra ck m a rkin g im p o rt a n t
p o in t s
You can add special track marks only
while recording.
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.
To erase special track marks
See "Erasing a track mark" (page 24).
To find special track marks w hile
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.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
4
4
4
¢
¢
¢
Regular
Special
Tip s o n t ra ck m a rks
track marks 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.
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 w ay 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.
Elapsed time
of the track
being played
Track number
MONO
MONO
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.
14
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
To p ro t e ct a re co rd e d 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.
Tip s o n re co rd in g
To m o n it o r t h e so u n d b e in g
re co rd e d
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.
Rear of an MD
Tab
To kn o w t h e re co rd in g
co n d it io n
The record indicator flashes according
to the recording condition.
Record-protect
Record indicator
Recording
condition
Flashes according
to the loudness of
the source (voice
mirror).
While recording
Co n t in u e t o n e xt p a g e m
Flashes.
Recording
standby
Slowly flashes.
Recording with
less than 3
minutes’
recording time
available
15
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
• While in stop mode
Press DISPLAY while the recorder is
in stop mode.
To kn o w t h e re m a in in g t im e ,
e t c.
Each time you press the button, the
display changes as follows.
Display w indow
Track number
Elapsed time of the
track being recorded
DISPLAY
.
• While recording
Track number
Press DISPLAY while recording.
Each time you press the button, the
display changes as follows.
MONO
REC
REMAIN
Track number
Remaining time after
the current location
.
REC
MONO
Remaining number
of tracks*
Elapsed time of the
track being recorded
.
REMAIN
Track number
Remaining time of
the recording
REC
MONO
REC
REMAIN
.
Current date**
Remaining time
for recording
.
DATE AM
Current date*
Current time**
REC
MONO
DATE AM
*
A disc name appears only with MDs
that have been electronically labeled.
Current time*
** Appears only when the clock is set.
*Appears only when the clock is set.
16
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
4
5
Press (.
The year is set and the digit of the
month flashes.
Se t t in g t h e clo ck t o
st a m p t h e re co rd e d
t im e
DATE AM
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).
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
p
CLOCK SET
(on the
bottom)
(
Battery
compartment
(on the
If you make a mistake w hile setting
the clock
bottom)
Press p, and set the clock again from step
2. You can skip a step by pressing (.
1
2
Connect the power source.
Install three size AA (LR6)
batteries.
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.
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
Co n t in u e t o n e xt p a g e m
Current time
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)
Ch a rg in g t h e b u ilt -in b a t t e ry
fo r t h e clo ck
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)
zVa rio u s w a ys o f
p la yb a ck
Pla yin g t ra cks
re p e a t e d ly
List e n in g a t a fa st
sp e e d
You can play tracks repeatedly in three
ways – all repeat, single repeat, and
shuffle repeat.
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.
PLAY MODE
FAST PLAY
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.
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.
Co n t in u e t o n e xt p a g e m
MONO
FAST
Fast playback indication
To suspend fast playback
Press P.
To find track marks
Press = or + during fast playback.
To sw itch to normal playback
Press (.
To return to fast playback, press FAST
PLAY.
19
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Track number
or track name*
Play mode
indication
Tip s o n p la yb a ck
To kn o w t h e t im e a n d t ra ck
n a m e
MONO
SHUF
You can see in the display window the
name, number, remaining time, and
recorded time of the track being
played.
*
Appears only with MDs that have been
electronically labeled.
Display
w indow
”(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.
DISPLAY
.
Press DISPLAY while the recorder is
playing an MD.
Each time you press DISPLAY, the
display changes as shown on the next
page.
”fSHUF” (shuffle repeat)
All the tracks are played
repeatedly in random order.
20
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Track number or name*
To lo ck t h e co n t ro ls (Ho ld
fu n ct io n )
To prevent the buttons from being
accidentally operated while carrying
the recorder, use this function.
MONO
Elapsed time of the
track being played
.
Track number or name*
MONO
REMAIN
Remaining time of
the current track
HOLD
.
Remaining number
of tracks
Slide HOLD in the direction of the
c.
The controls on the recorder are
locked.
MONO
REMAIN
Remaining time of
the recording
.
Recorded date**
MONO
AM
REC DATE
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.
21
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Stereo system,
cassette-corder, etc.
List e n in g w it h o t h e r
e q u ip m e n t
to LINE IN
L (w hite)
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).
2 phono plugs
R (red)
You can listen to an MD with your
stereo system or record on a cassette
tape, etc.
RK-G129
(not
supplied)
to 2
(headphones)
Stereo tape recorder,
portable MD recorder,
etc.
to MIC
Stereo-
mini plug
Adjust the volume
around "6".
RK-G134
(not
supplied)
To listen w ith a monaural player
Connect the RK-G135 line cable (not
supplied) to the MIC jack of the source
equipment.
to 2
(headphones)
Adjust the volume
around "6".
22
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
zEd it in g re co rd e d
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.
t ra cks
You can edit your recordings by
adding or erasing track marks, or
erasing tracks.
Premastered MDs cannot be edited.
Elapsed time
of the track
being played
Tra ck m a rkin g a
re co rd in g
Track number
MONO
You can add track marks so that you
can quickly find and play from the
marked position.
The track numbers will increase as
follows.
MONO
1
1
2
4
3
4
Track marking
.
Note
TRACK MARK on the remote controller
does not function during playback.
2
3
4
5
Track numbers increase
To add track marks w hile recording
See "Track marking while recording"
(page 13).
To erase track marks
See "Erasing a track mark" (page 24).
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.
TRACK MARK
• 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)
3
Press TRACK MARK on the
recorder to erase the mark.
The track mark is erased and the
two tracks are combined.
Era sin g a t ra ck m a rk
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.
MONO
The track numbers will change as
follows.
MONO
1
2
3
4
4
Erase a track mark
.
To erase other track marks
Repeat steps 2 and 3.
1
2
3
Track numbers decrease
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.
TRACK MARK
• 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.
P (pause)
=/+
1
2
While the recorder is playing an
MD, press P to pause.
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
24
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
To e ra se a p a rt o f a t ra ck
Add track marks at the beginning and
the end of the part you want to erase,
then erase the part.
Era sin g a t ra ck
Note that once a recording has been
erased, you cannot retrieve it. Check
the track number before erasing.
Notes
ERASE
• 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.
p(stop)
((play)
1
2
Play the track you want to erase.
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 other tracks
Repeat steps 1 to 3.
25
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-373-22(1)
Era sin g a w h o le d isc
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
rREC
p(stop)
1
Play the MD you want to erase.
Check the contents of the disc.
2
3
Press p to stop.
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)
zPo w e r so u rce s
You can use the recorder on dry
batteries, house current, or a lithium
ion rechargeable battery.
Usin g o n a lit h iu m io n
re ch a rg e a b le b a t t e ry
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).
Usin g on h o u se cu rre n t
It is preferable to use the recorder on
house current when recording for a
long time.
1
Attach the battery case (supplied).
Connect the DC IN 4.5V jack of the
recorder to a wall outlet with the AC-
E45HG AC power adaptor (not
supplied).
to w all outlet
AC-E45HG AC
pow er adaptor
(not supplied)
2
Insert the charged battery LIP-12
(not supplied) into the battery
case.
to DC IN 4.5V
Rechargeable
Note
You cannot charge the battery while it is
in the recorder.
Co n t in u e t o n e xt p a g e m
27
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
When to charge or replace the
batteries
You can check the battery condition with
the battery indication displayed while
using the recorder.
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.
∫
v
Used batteries
b
Weak batteries.
Charge the rechargeable battery,
or replace all the dry batteries.
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.
v
n
The batteries have gone out.
"LOW BATT" flashes in the
display, and the power goes off.
• Do not install new and used batteries or
different kinds of batteries together.
• Do not try to recharge the batteries.
• 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
Battery lifea)
Record-
ingb)
Playbackc)
Batteries
Size AA (LR6)
alkaline
batteries
Approx.
3 hours
Approx.
6 hours
compartment before inserting new ones.
Approx.
2 hours
Approx.
3 hours
Lithium ion
rechargeable
battery
(LIP-12)
Approx.
6 hours
Approx.
10 hours
Size AA (LR6)
alkaline
batteries and
a lithium ion
rechargeable
battery
(LIP-12)
a)
The battery life may be shorter due to
operating conditions and the
temperature of the location.
When you record, use new dry
batteries or a fully charged
rechargeable battery.
b)
c)
When played using the built-in
speaker
28
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
z
Ad d it io n a l in fo rm a t io n
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.
Pre ca u t io n s
On sa fe t y
Do not put any foreign objects in the
DC IN 4.5 V jack.
On t h e h e a d p h o n e s
Road safety
On p o w e r so u rce s
•
Use three size AA (LR6) batteries,
the house current, or a lithium ion
rechargeable battery.
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.
•
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
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.
•
•
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.
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 t h e Min iDisc ca rt rid g e
On h e a t b u ild -u p
•
Do not break open the shutter.
Do not place the cartridge where it
will be subject to light, temperature,
moisture or dust.
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 cle a n in g
On in st a lla t io n
•
Clean the recorder casing with a soft
cloth slightly moistened with water
or a mild detergent solution.
•
Never use the recorder where it will
be subjected to extremes of light,
temperature, moisture or vibration.
Never wrap the recorder in
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.
•
anything when it is being used with
the AC power adaptor. Heat build-
up in the recorder may cause
malfunction or injury.
•
Wipe the disc cartridge with a dry
cloth to remove dirt.
Co n t in u e t o n e xt p a g e m
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.
Fo r Cu st o m e rs in t h e USA
DISPOSAL OF MANGANESE
DIOXIDE LITHIUM BATTERY AND
LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
No t e o n m e ch a n ica l n o ise
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.
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.
No t e s o n re co rd in g
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.
For the Sony Service Center nearest
you call 1-800-222-SONY (United
States only)
Noise w hile recording
When you record with the built-in
microphone or an external
Caution: Do not handle damaged
or leaking lithium ion battery and
manganese dioxide lithium battery.
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.
To re m o ve t h e m a n g a n e se
d io xid e lit h iu m b a t t e ry
On disposal of this product, remove
the manganese dioxide lithium battery
in the battery compartment and treat it
as mentioned above.
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.
Remove the
black sheet w ith
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.
31
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Tro u b le sh o o t in g
Should any problem persist after you have made these checks, consult your nearest
Sony dealer.
Symptom
Cause/Solution
The recorder does not
work or works poorly.
• 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).
Replace the dry batteries or recharge the battery
(page 6 or 27).
b
• The dry batteries have been installed incorrectly.
Install the batteries correctly (page 6).
b
• 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.
Adjust the volume by turning VOL.
No sound comes
through the speaker.
b
• Disc playing stopped before it came to the last track.
An MD is not played
from the first 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.
• The recorder is placed where it receives continuous
vibration.
Playback sound skips.
b
Put the recorder on stable place.
• A very short track may cause sound to skip.
32
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Symptom
Cause/Solution
Sound has a lot of
static.
• Strong magnetism from a television or such device is
interfering with operation.
b
Move away from the source of strong magnetism.
The REC button stays
pressed down.
• 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).
Cannot erase the track
marks.
• 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 clock loses time or
the display flashes.
• 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 recording date was
not stamped onto the
disc.
• The time indication flashes.
Set the clock again (page 17).
b
Cannot record for
the maximum
recording time of a
disc.
• 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).
33
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Syst e m lim it a t io n s
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
Cause
"TR FULL" appears even before When 254 tracks have been recorded on the
the disc has reached the
maximum recording time (120
disc, "TR FULL" appears regardless of the total
recorded time. More than 254 tracks cannot be
or 148 minutes in monaural, 60 recorded on the disc.
or 74 minutes in stereo). To continue recording, erase unnecessary
tracks.
"TR FULL" appears even before Repeating recording and erasing may cause
the disc has reached the
maximum track number or
recording time.
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.
Track marks cannot be erased.
When the data of a track is fragmented, the
track mark of a fragment under 12 seconds
long cannot be erased.
The remaining recording time
does not increase even after
Tracks of under 24 seconds in monaural (12
seconds in stereo) in length are not counted
erasing numerous short tracks. and so erasing them may not lead to an
increase in the recording time.
The total recorded time and the Recording is done in minimum units of 4
remaining time on the disc may seconds (2 seconds in stereo) each, no matter
not total the maximum
recording time (120 or 148
minutes in monaural, 60 or 74
minutes in stereo).
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 edited tracks may exhibit
sound dropout during search
operations.
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)
Erro r m e ssa g e s
If the following error messages flash in the display window, check the chart below.
Meaning/Remedy
Error message
• An MD with no recording on it is inserted.
BLANKDISC
b
Insert a recorded MD.
• You tried to operate the recorder while it was accessing the
recorded data.
BUSY
b
Wait until the message goes out (in rare cases, it may take
2–3 minutes).
CANNOT
• 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.)
DISC ERR
• The recorder cannot read the disc (it's scratched or dirty).
b
Reinsert or replace the disc.
DISC FULL
• There is no more space on the disc (less than 24 seconds
available in monaural).
b
Replace the disc.
Hi DC in
HOLD
• 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).
LOW BATT
• Batteries are weak.
b
Replace the dry batteries or charge the rechargeable
battery (page 6 or 27).
NO DISC
PB DISC
• You tried to play or record with no disc in the recorder.
Insert an MD.
b
• You tried to record or edit on a premastered MD (PB means
playback.)
b
Insert a recordable MD.
PROTECTED
• You tried to record or edit on a MD with the tab in the record-
protect position.
b
Slide the tab back (page 15).
Co n t in u e t o n e xt p a g e m
35
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Error message
Meaning/Remedy
TEMP OVER
• Heat has built up in the recorder.
b
Leave the recorder to cool down.
TR FULL
TRprotect
• 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)
Outputs
Headphones: stereo mini-jack, maximum
output level 5 mW + 5 mW, load
impedance 16 ohm
Sp e cifica t io n s
Syst e m
Audio playing system
MiniDisc digital audio system
Pow er output
DC operation
Speaker 220 mW (at 10% harmonic
distortion)
Laser diode properties
Material: GaAlAs
Wavelength: l = 780 nm
Ge n e ra l
Pow er 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)
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)
Battery operation time
See “Using on a lithium ion rechargeable
batteries” (page 28).
Revolutions
400 rpm to 900 rpm (CLV)
Dimensions
Error correction
Advanced Cross Interleave Reed
Solomon Code (ACIRC)
Approx. 135.3 × 30 × 80.5 mm (w/ h/ d)
(5 3/ 8 × 1 3/ 16 × 3 1/ 4 in.)
Mass
Sampling frequency
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
44.1 kHz
Coding
Adaptive TRansform Acoustic Coding
(ATRAC)
Supplied accessories
Remote controller (1)
Battery case (1, for LIP-12 Lithium ion
Battery)
Modulation system
EFM (Eight to Fourteen Modulation)
Recordable MD (1)
Carrying case (1)
Number of channels
2 stereo channels
1 monaural channel
Co n t in u e t o n e xt p a g e m
Frequency response
20 to 20,000 Hz ± 3 dB
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)
Op t io n a l a cce sso rie s
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
Wh a t is t h e MD?
Ho w Min iDiscs w o rk
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".
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
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.
* 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.
Recordable MDs
Recordable MDs, which use magneto-
optical (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.
Design and specifications are subject to
change without notice.
38
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Ho w t h e Min iDisc g o t so sm a ll
The 2.5-inch MiniDisc, encased in a
plastic cartridge that looks like a 3.5-
inch 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.
Sh o ck-Re sist a n t Me m o ry
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.
Qu ick Ra n d o m Acce ss
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.
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)
Lo o kin g a t t h e co n t ro ls
See pages in ( ) for more details.
Th e re co rd e r
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)
!¢ 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)
!£ HOLD switch (21)
@§ r REC (record) button (7)
@¶ VOR (Voice Operated Recording)
ON/ OFF button (10)
@• P (pause) button (7, 9)
40
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Th e d isp la y w in d o w
REC STEREO
MONO
1
SHUF
FAST
REC DATE AM
REMAIN
PM
1 STEREO indication (11, 12)
2 REC indication (7)
!¡ 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)
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 the current location on the
MD. The point under recording or
playing flashes. The recorded
portion lights up.
Shows battery condition.
6 Level meter
Current location
Shows the volume of the MD being
played or recorded.
0%
50%
100%
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.
Recorded portion
Disc length
!£ REMAIN (remaining time/ tracks)
indication (16, 21)
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.
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.
Co n t in u e t o n e xt p a g e m
41
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Re m o t e co n t ro lle r
2 P (pause) button (7, 9)
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.
Ca rryin g ca se
42
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Sony Corporation Printed in Japan
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
|