Sony MZ-B3 - MD Walkman MiniDisc Recorder User manual

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
3-798-610-22 (1)
MZ-B3
1995 by Sony Corporation
Portable
MiniDisc Recorder
Operating instructions

2
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
•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.
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.__________________________
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.
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.

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

4
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
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

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
5
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

6
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
1Slide OPEN and open
the lid. 2Insert a recordable MD with
the label side facing up, and
press the lid down to close.
(bottom)
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.
Install three alkaline batteries.
Insert a recordable MD.
1
2
Three size AA (LR6)
alkaline batteries

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
7
Recording an MD right away!
To
Pause
Record from the
end of the
previous
recording
Record over
partway through
the previous
recording
Remove 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.
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
Record an MD.
3
Press
P*
Press Pagain to
resume
recording.
END SEARCH,
then press
rREC.
(, +or =
to find point to
start recording,
and press pto
stop. Then press
rREC.
pand open the
lid.*
Elapsed time of
the track being
recordedTrack number
REC
MONO
Position indicator
(shows the current
location on the MD)
Sound source
Microphone
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 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 rREC
button will be released.

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
8
1Slide OPEN and open
the lid. 2Insert an MD with the label
side facing up, and press the
lid down to close.
(bottom)
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).
Install three alkaline batteries.
Insert an MD.
1
2
Three size AA (LR6)
alkaline batteries

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Playing an MD right away!
9
VOL (volume)
2(headphones)
Speaker (monaural)
2Turn VOL to adjust the
volume.
1Press (.
The recorder starts to play the
first track.
The recorder automatically
switches to play in stereo or
monaural according to the
recorded sound.
To stop play, press p(stop).
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 Pagain to
resume play.
=once
+once
keep pressing
=
keep pressing
+
pand open the
lid**
*To go backward or forward quickly
without listening, press Pand keep
pressing =or +.
** Once you open the lid, the point to
start play will change to the beginning
of the first track.
Elapsed time
of the track
being played
Track number
or track name*
To listen in stereo sound
Connect stereo headphones (not
supplied) to the 2jack.
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
*Appears only with MDs that have been
electronically labeled.
MONO
Position indicator
(shows the current
location on the MD)
Play an MD.
3
( (play)

10
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
zVarious ways of
recording 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).
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.
1Insert a recordable MD and start
recording.
To record, see "Recording an MD
right away!" (page 6).
2Press VOR ON/OFF.
The VOR indicator lights up.
3Speak 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.
Microphone
VOR
ON/OFF
p(stop)
VOR
indicator

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Various ways of recording
11
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.
Stereo
microphone
to MIC PLUG
IN POWER
MONO (monaural)/
STEREO
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 60-
minute MD.
1Connect the microphone to the
MIC PLUG IN POWER jack.
2Set MONO/STEREO to STEREO.
3Insert 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.

12
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.
1Connect the MIC PLUG IN
POWER jack of the recorder to the
source equipment with a line
cable.
2Set MONO/STEREO to STEREO.
3Insert a recordable MD and start
recording.
To record, see "Recording an MD
right away!" (page 6).
While recording, "STEREO"
appears in the display.
4Play 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.
to MIC PLUG
IN POWER
Portable CD player,
portable MD player,
etc.
to 2or
PHONES
Stereo-mini
plug
RK-G134
(not
supplied)
MONO (monaural)/
STEREO
Cassette-corder,
CD player,
MD player, etc.
to LINE OUT
or REC OUT
L (white)R (red)
2 phono plugs
RK-G128
(not
supplied) to MIC PLUG
IN POWER
MONO (monaural)/
STEREO

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Various ways of recording
13
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
AnBnAnC……………
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.
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.
444
1234
Add track marks when
the speaker changes.
MONO
MONO
Elapsed time
of the track
being playedTrack number
Continue to next page m
TRACK MARK
TRACK
MARK
to TRACK MARK
(REC)/PAUSE

14
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
444
¢¢¢
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Track number
Elapsed time
of the track
being played
MONO
MONO
Special
track marks
Regular
track marks

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Various ways of recording
15
Tips on recording
To monitor the sound being
recorded
Connect headphones (not supplied) to
the 2jack 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
Record-protect
Tab
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

16
SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
To know the remaining time,
etc.
•While recording
Press DISPLAY while recording.
Each time you press the button, the
display changes as follows.
•While in stop mode
Press DISPLAY while the recorder is
in stop mode.
Each time you press the button, the
display changes as follows.
DISPLAY
Display window
Track number
Track number
Remaining time
for recording
Current date*
Current time*
*Appears only when the clock is set.
Track number
Track number
Remaining time of
the recording
Current date**
Current time**
*A disc name appears only with MDs
that have been electronically labeled.
** Appears only when the clock is set.
.
.
.
REC
MONO
REC
MONO
REC
REMAIN
REC
MONO
DATE AM
.
Elapsed time of the
track being recorded
Elapsed time of the
track being recorded
.
Remaining number
of tracks*
Remaining time after
the current location
DATE AM
MONO
REC
REMAIN
REMAIN

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Various ways of recording
17
4Press (.
The year is set and the digit of the
month flashes.
5Repeat steps 3 and 4 to enter the
current month, date, hour, and
minute.
When you press (to set the
minute, the clock starts operating.
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.
DATE
PM
DATE
PM
Continue to next page m
DATE AM
=
+
CLOCK SET
(on the
bottom)
(pBattery
compartment
(on the
bottom)
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).
1Connect the power source.
Install three size AA (LR6)
batteries.
2Press CLOCK SET on the bottom
of the recorder.
Use a pointed object.
The digits of the year flash.
3Enter the current year by pressing
=or +.
To change the digits rapidly, keep
pressing =or +.
Year, month, and date
Current time
DATE AM

18
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.

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
Various ways of playback
19
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.
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.
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.
Playing tracks
repeatedly
You can play tracks repeatedly in three
ways – all repeat, single repeat, and
shuffle repeat.
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.
PLAY MODE
zVarious ways of
playback
FAST PLAY
Continue to next page m
Various ways of recording
MONO
FAST
Fast playback indication

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)
20
Tips on playback
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.
Press DISPLAY while the recorder is
playing an MD.
Each time you press DISPLAY, the
display changes as shown on the next
page.
Display
window
DISPLAY
Play mode
indication Track number
or track name*
*Appears only with MDs that have been
electronically labeled.
”(none)” (normal play)
A whole disc (all the tracks) is
played once.
.
”f” (all repeat)
A whole disc (all the tracks) is
played repeatedly.
.
”f 1 ” (single repeat)
A single track is played
repeatedly.
.
”f SHUF ” (shuffle repeat)
All the tracks are played
repeatedly in random order.
Z
MONO
SHUF